2026 Faculty
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Michelle Medlock Adams
Author
Michelle Medlock Adams is an inspirational speaker, a best-selling author, and an award-winning journalist, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Hoosier State Press Association to name a few.
Author of over 100 books with more than 3 million books sold, Michelle is also a New York Times Bestselling ghostwriter and has won more than 90 industry awards for her own journalistic endeavors, including the prestigious 2023 ECPA Gold Medallion Book of the Year for her children’s book, “Our God is Bigger Than That!”
Since graduating with a journalism degree from Indiana University, Michelle has written more than 1,700 articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites; acted as a stringer for the Associated Press; written for a worldwide ministry; hosted “Joy In Our Town” for the Trinity Broadcasting Network; blogged twice weekly for Guideposts; founded and served as president of Platinum Literary Services; and served as an adjunct professor at Taylor University. Most recently, she has developed and overseen her very own children’s book imprint “Wren & Bear Books”—a division of End Game Press. She is also a much sought-after speaker at professional writing conferences and women’s retreats all over the United States.
Michelle is celebrating her recent releases: The Dachshund Dash, Dachshund Through the Snow, The Christmas Devotional, and Grandma's Blessing.
She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two daughters, two sons-in-law, four granddaughters and two grandsons. She and Jeff share their home in Southern Indiana with three miniature dachshunds and two spoiled kitties. When not writing or teaching, Michelle enjoys bass fishing, cheering on Indiana University sports teams, watching Doris Day movies, and all things leopard print.
http://www.michellemedlockadams.com/
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Stephanie Alton
Agent
Stephanie Alton is a literary agent and marketer with The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. and represents adult non-fiction and select fiction works. She has been with BDA for over 10 years splitting her time between the agency’s The Book Pod Interview & Review Network offering books for review, authors for interviews, and launch team management. Along with publicity campaigns, helping authors develop their message, and securing book deals with traditional publishers. Stephanie lives on the Texas Gulf Coast with her husband and two teens. She loves sunset cruising the bayou to the bay.
Looking for:
Fiction: women’s contemporary, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and romantic comedy. Non-fiction: Devotionals, leadership, lifestyle, family, mental health, and women’s issues. -
Kate Angelo
Author
Bestselling author Kate Angelo once sold a lion to a circus. After aging out of foster care, she broke into tech during the dot-com era before her writing career took off. Now a Publishers Weekly bestseller and Selah Award winner, Kate combines her hard-won wisdom about healing with her inner computer nerd. She is passionate about teaching writers how to use AI as a creative partner to automate the boring stuff, deepen their craft, and get back to the joy of writing, all while keeping their unique voice front and center.
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Joel Armstrong
Publisher
Joel Armstrong is content editor and product developer for Our Daily Bread Publishing. He enjoys both developmental editing, when he gets to come alongside authors early in the process to shape their manuscripts, and line editing, when he gets to contemplate the joys of a well-placed semicolon. He actively acquires for ODBP, meeting with agents and reviewing incoming proposals, and he checks all pre-press proofs as one of the last pairs of eyes to see every book ODBP produces. Previously Joel was an editor at Kregel Publications and worked on a range of Christian nonfiction, fiction, and children’s books.
Joel lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife (a birth photographer) and their two daughters. He enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, and getting to the beaches of Lake Michigan as often as possible.
Looking for:
Our Daily Bread Publishing produces books that foster growth and godliness in the lives of God’s people. We provide materials that focus on Scripture, show reverence for God and His Word, demonstrate the relevance of vibrant faith, and equip and encourage readers in everyday life. We publish nonfiction titles in a broad variety of categories, from devotionals and giftbooks to Bible studies and Christian living books. Our VOICES imprint serves and amplifies content creators of African descent. -
Twila Belk
Author
Also known as the “Gotta Tell Somebody” Gal, Twila Belk is a writer, speaker, encourager, editor, consultant, and champion for writers. She has authored nine books, contributed to several others, worked behind the scenes on numerous projects, and written a wide variety of articles and promotional materials.
Since 2007, Twila has worked closely with veteran author Cecil Murphey as his executive assistant, gaining valuable industry knowledge, connections, and experience. A former bookstore owner and writers conference director, she has taught and spoken at dozens of conferences across the nation. Twila enjoys brainstorming with writers and encouraging them on their next steps. www.gottatellsomebody.com
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David Bennett
Managing Editor, LifeWay
David Bennett is managing editor of HomeLife, the flagship magazine of Lifeway Christian Resources, and Open Windows, Lifeway’s longest running devotional. Prior to his work with HomeLife, David was responsible for the ideation, design, and production of student ministry resources and programs. He is author of Critical Decisions: Clarity in the Journey (Serendipity House), co-author of Share Jesus Without Fear (LifeWay Press), for 14 years was a contributor for The Athlete’s Bible (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and for 11 years was a curriculum writer for Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Camps for Boys. He has created camp and mentoring curriculum for the nonprofit, For the Children. David has also written scripts for stage and video as well as devotionals.
David edited the first Beth Moore student resource, co-hosted the Experiencing God Youth Video Series with Henry Blackaby, and coordinated the First Place youth health program. David also led out in the production of youth Vacation Bible School resources, the Positive Impact Teen Violence Intervention Campaign, and new Christian assimilation. He has led conferences and keynoted at the Write-to-Publish Conference, Southern Christian Writers Conference, Mid-Winter Writers Conference, and others around the country. David is a people person and has enjoyed his interviews with personalities including Chrissy Metz, Roma Downey, Jim Caviezel, Patricia Heaton, Scott Hamilton, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, and other interesting people.
David has also served as camp pastor for CentriKid Camps, taught creative dramatics, Bible, and mixed woodwinds. He has served church staffs in Tennessee and South Carolina. He has also directed regional and national student events.
He attended Clemson University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
David will never forget meeting his wife, Kimberly, at 2:10pm CT on his fifth day in Nashville. He and his wife have three daughters: Mary Claire, Caroline, and Sarah Kate, and a granddaughter, London Rose.
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Cherrilyn Bisbano
Author
Cherrilynn is an award-winning writer in both fiction and non-fiction. She aspires to encourage, equip, and educate writers. As the BRMCWC Prayer Warrior leader, you will find her praying with other believers.
Cherrilynn provides coaching, editing, and ghostwriting services. Her expertise are book proposals and memoirs.
She contributes monthly to the Blue Ridge Conference blog and Arise Daily.
Cherrilynn teaches non-fiction writing at Christian Leaders Institute and holds an associate's degree in communications. She is certified as a Christian Spiritual Coach and has obtained her Chaplain certification.
Cherrilynn proudly served in the military for twenty years, where she earned the John Levitow Military Leadership Award. She resides in Monroe, NC, with her husband of 27 years, Michael Sr. She is approachable and will pray with you on the spot.
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Lynn Blackburn
Author
Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing swoon-worthy Southern stories—from nail-biting romantic suspense to butterfly-inducing contemporary romance—because her childhood dream of becoming a spy crashed into the reality that she'd probably dive behind the nearest potted plant at the first sign of actual danger. The truth is, she was likely more interested in those dashing fictional spies than in the actual spying anyway. It's definitely safer for everyone for her to live vicariously through her characters!
Lynn writes her novels in Scrivener and loves it so much that she teaches other authors how to master the program. When she's not crafting her next page-turner (without an outline, thank you very much), Lynn is a frequent conference speaker and has managed to write all her novels while homeschooling her kids and parenting a child with special needs. This probably explains why she drinks too much coffee, eats too much chocolate, does too little CrossFit, and never leaves home without a book.
Lynn lives in South Carolina with her husband, children, and an overprotective goldendoodle. You can follow along with her real-life plot twists by signing up for her newsletter at LynnHBlackburn.com and connecting with her @LynnHBlackburn on social media.
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E. Stephen Burnett
Author/Publisher/Podcaster
E. Stephen Burnett explores fantastical stories for God’s glory as publisher of Lorehaven.com and its weekly Fantastical Truth podcast. He coauthored The Pop Culture Parent and creates other resources for fans and families, serving with his wife, Lacy, in their central Texas church. Stephen's first novel, the sci-fi adventure Above the Circle of Earth, launched in March 2025 from Enclave Publishing.
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Cynthia Cavanaugh
Author
Cynthia Cavanaugh knows what it’s like to walk through painful seasons, church hurt, and relationship struggles. Her story of brokenness has propelled her to write, speak, and help others heal through the pages of God’s Word. When the storms hit, God’s truth is what anchors her in the midst of adversity. She is the award-winning author of several books, a Bible teacher, and a leadership influencer. She holds an MA in Leadership from Trinity Western University and is on staff at her church, teaching and discipling team leaders. Cynthia is also a certified Life Coach and the host of the podcast The Soul Anchor. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and loves scavenging the beach for sea glass with the grands. She is a connoisseur of fine black tea and good dark chocolate.
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Christina Custodio
Photographer
Christina Custodio is a speaker, author, teacher, photographer, and encourager who has a gift for seeing God’s hand in every detail of life. Her journey took a profound turn in 2015 when her son nearly died, leading her into ministry and inspiring her book, When God Changed His Mind. Known for her humor, authenticity, and unwavering faith, Christina connects with audiences by sharing real-life struggles and victories with grace and joy. Whether speaking at conferences, mentoring women, or pouring love into her family, she reminds others that God is always present, even in the chaos. A devoted wife to Ozzy, mother of three young adults, and a new son-in-law, she navigates life’s ups and downs with wisdom, laughter, and a heart for serving others. Christina’s mission is to encourage people to embrace their purpose, live fully in God’s presence, and trust that He is always for them.
To see examples of her headshot photography, visit Agapeland Photography. To learn more about Christina, go to christinacustodio.com or connect with her on Facebook or Instagram.
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Vincent B. Davis II
Author
Vincent B. Davis II is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and soldier. His first novel “The Man with Two Names” was published in July 2017, and has since become an Amazon International Best Seller.
He is passionate about helping authors improve their brand and platform. He created Warrior Book Marketing Group in 2018 and now works with publishing companies and individual clients to help them sell more books in the modern publishing environment.
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Andrea Doering
Publisher - Baker Publishing Group
Andrea Doering serves as the Editorial Director of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. With more than 30 years of publishing experience, she has held positions in academic, children's and trade publishing, and has had the pleasure of working with authors such as Annie F. Downs, Lisa Bevere, Emily P. Freeman, Ted Dekker, Lynette Eason, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Susan May Warren, Jane Kirkpatrick, Laura Frantz, and Shelley Shepard Gray. Twice awarded ACFW’s Editor of the Year, Andrea holds a Master’s in English/Creative Writing from the University of Maine, and lives in New York.
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Lynette Eason
Co-Director/LiteraryAgent/Author
Lynette Eason is the co-director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty-five books. Many have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country, but when she's not plotting and writing her next story, she’s hard at work as an agent for the Steve Laube Agency.
For fun, Lynette enjoys hanging out with her family and putting her photography skills to good use. You can find more about Lynette at www.lynetteeason.com and www.stevelaubeagency.com
Looking for:
Lynette is looking to represent a wide variety of fiction including, but not limited to, romantic suspense, thrillers, mysteries, speculative fiction, historical, women’s contemporary, YA, and writers targeting the Love Inspired suspense lines. I’m also interested in YA non-fiction and may be interested in some adult non-fiction, depending on the topic. -
Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
Literary Agent/Author
From obscurity in Compton, CA, to preaching from sacred pulpits, to commanding main stages teaching others how understand the Bible or write their books, Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott encourages us to “Live significantly!” This inspiring message has driven Dr. Sharon to become an award-winning (and Amazon best-selling) author, editor, agent, engaging speaker, and licensed minister. She is a graduate of Biola University (BA in Liberal Studies, Minor in Bible), and HSBN International School of Ministry in association with Gateway International Bible Institute (Doctor of Theology, ThD). She is the author of 18 books, and a member of several prestigious organizations. Dr. Sharon serves as a board member of the WCCW (West Coast Christian Writers) conference and AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and she is a Christian broadcaster, hosting her Life That Matters show reaching the world on HSBN.tv. Having expertly reinvented herself after retiring from her beloved 35-year teaching career (most of that time having been spent teaching teenagers in English and Journalism classes), she is even busier now operating as founder/CEO of the successful AuthorizeMe® Literary Firm (www.AuthorizeMe.net) offering book development, personal consulting, coaching, writing masterclasses, and of course, the literary agency. She considers her clients to be a part of her AMLA (AuthorizeMe Literary Agency) family and encourages them to support each other as their books launch from a wide variety of traditional publishing houses. Dr. Sharon represents Christian and positive message titles (both fiction and nonfiction) for adults and children in many genres (no horror or X-rated material please). She lives in Southern California and serves on the pastoral staff at her home church, Christ Second Baptist Church of Long Beach. She enjoys traveling to visit her children and being “Nana” to her three amazing grandchildren.
Looking for:
Dr. Sharon represents Christian and positive message titles (both fiction and nonfiction) for adults and children in many genres (no horror or X-rated material please). -
Eva Marie Everson
Contest Director/Author
Eva Marie Everson is the bestselling and multiple award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction work. In 2022 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from AWSA and the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award from BRMCWC.
Eva Marie is the CEO of Word Weavers International (word-weavers.com) and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference. Eva Marie is a popular speaker at writers conferences across the United States and the Contest Director for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is a seminary graduate who has taught a Bible study for over 30 years. Either she’s really good and the folks can’t get enough … or she’s really bad and they’re still trying to learn something (the jury is out).
Eva Marie and her husband enjoy their three grown children and their most excellent better halves, and they are especially proud of their grandchildren. They are owned by a cat named Vanessa.
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Jesse Florea
Publisher/Author
Jesse Florea has worked at Focus on the Family for more than 32 years. For most of that time, he served as editor of Focus’ children’s magazines. Today, he’s the editor-in-chief of all Focus publications, including Clubhouse Jr. (ages 3-7), Clubhouse (for kids 8-12), Brio (for teen girls) and the flagship Focus on the Family magazine. He also co-hosts the NRB award-winning “Official Average Boy” podcast with Christian comedian Bob Smiley and the biweekly “Official Adventures in Odyssey” podcast. He has written or co-written more than 50 books, including three Bibles for teens and kids, the Defend Your Faith devotional, the Case for Christ Young Readers edition with Lee Strobel, Average Boy’s Above Average Year, and the Read Again and Again Old and New Testament Bible storybooks. Jesse earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from Wheaton College, Ill., while minoring in biblical studies. He lives with his wife, Stephanie, in Colorado Springs and enjoys hanging out with his three children and his grandchildren.
Looking for:
Focus on the Family publications, including Clubhouse Jr. (ages 3-7), Clubhouse (for kids 8-12), Brio (for teen girls) and the flagship Focus on the Family magazine. -
Alton L Gansky
Author
ALTON L. GANSKY is the author of 24 novels, 4 novellas, 1 screenplay, and 12 nonfiction
works, as well as principal writer of 9 novels and 2 nonfiction books. He has been a Christy
Award finalist (A Ship Possessed) and an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice) and
received the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel with
Jeffery Struecker. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and was granted a Litt.D. He lives
in central California with his wife and noisy little dog.www.altongansky.com
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Katrina Glover
Website Designer
In 2011, Katrina founded kikaDESIGN and began offering web design services to small businesses. It wasn't long before writing friends began reaching out for help. With experience in both web design and marketing as well as knowledge of the book industry, Katrina found herself in a unique position to understand what authors needed and what readers, agents, and publishers wanted. Using this background, Katrina has helped over authors all over the world establish their brands. She is also the proud developer a custom author system that allows authors to easily update their entire website within minutes.
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Linda Goldfarb
Author/Podcaster/Emcee
Energetic, captivating, and brimming with insight, Linda knows how to connect! Her speaking style is refreshingly genuine, striking a chord with audiences at retreats, conferences, or online. Linda's mission at every event is simple: treat your family like hers. With her sensitivity to her audiences, she ensures everyone feels valued and heard—just like true family should.
Linda openly shares her journey and her deep love for Christ. Growing up in a military family, she was the only girl among her two brothers, which shaped her into the strong individual she is today. Her travels among diverse cultures have equipped her with a rich perspective on the world, a gift she cherishes as a devoted servant and daughter of the King.
As the award-winning host of the "Your Best Writing Life" podcast, the captivating voice behind several audiobooks, and co-host of "Staying Real About Faith & Family," Linda is committed to empowering others. She serves as a clarity and mindset coach at The Biblical Nutritionist Academy, holds a board position with the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, emcees the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and co-founded the LINKED® Personality Assessment.
When she's not inspiring others, you'll find Linda reveling in life's simple pleasures—sipping frothy coffee on a cozy couch or capturing nature’s beauty from unique angles. Alongside her husband, Sam, she enjoys playing golf and hiking across the USA, all while cherishing time with her four beloved children, her amazing grandchildren, one adorable great-grandchild, and their playful country dogs. These moments are what truly complete her vibrant life!
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Heather Greer
Acquisitions Editor/Author
As an avid reader, author, and Acquisitions Editor for Scrivenings Press, Heather Greer loves good stories, especially ones pointing readers to God. Heather uses her God-given passion for stories to encourage and challenge readers in their faith and authors in their writing ministries. Her books, blog, and the Staying Real About Faith and Family podcast she co-hosts encourage others to live real, active, heart-changing faith in the everyday mess we call life.
Heather is a pastor’s wife from southern Illinois. When she isn’t reading or writing, Heather enjoys crafting, baking, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. -
Debb Hackett
Author
Debb Hackett is an award-winning writer, career broadcast journalist, and professional speaking coach. A military wife and mom to two teenage daughters, she resides just outside London, England. When not writing, she loves to read, bake and lead worship. Her heart is to help others draw closer to Jesus and she has a passion for equipping introverts use their voices to further the Kingdom. Debb is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
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Athena Dean Holtz
Publisher
Athena Dean Holtz has spent nearly 40 years in Christian publishing, tirelessly equipping and cheering on aspiring authors at writers’ conferences nationwide and through the Book Marketing Pro Academy community at Redemption Press. A former victim of spiritual abuse, Athena lost everything—her marriage, family, home, reputation, and career—during 13 years in a toxic cult. But God, rich in mercy, redeemed every loss and rebuilt her life from the ashes.
Now the founder and publisher of Redemption Press, Athena is a recognized leader in ministry-minded publishing, named Publisher of the Year (2022) by Soul Café Awards, Best Female Podcast Host (2021) by Spark Media, and Redemption Press has qualified as Best Christian Workplace 3 years in a row. Her latest book, PUBLISH: Your Message Matters, speaks to the warfare involved when we are obedient to God’s call to glorify Him through the written word.
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Kate Huff
Industry Professional
Kate Huff is a storyteller at heart and loves finding Gospel elements in all stories, especially fairytales. She believes fairytales that explain the Gospel in clear and captivating ways have the power to change the world, one person at a time. Her first manuscript is currently with an agent, and she’s working on her second novel along with a few non-fiction projects.
Kate works as a freelance content writer and newsletter specialist. She has over twenty years of experience crafting content, specifically newsletters, across diverse sectors, including non-profits, sales, and fundraising. She helps authors and entrepreneurs create compelling newsletters that connect with their audiences and offers tailored content creation services, as well as training on how to build newsletters and grow subscriber bases.
You can find her at www.kateoliviahuff.com or on most socials as @kateoliviahuff. Sign up for Newsletters Made Simple for Authors at https://rebrand.ly/Newsletters-Made-Simple for simple tips to take your newsletter from good to great!
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Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
Publisher/Author
Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is an author, editor, podcast host, and speaker. With experience in both traditional and indie publishing, she is the founder of Dressed in Love Press and a champion of marginalized voices in Christian publishing. Her books, Focus: 45 Devotionals to Keep Jesus in the Picture and A Fifth of the Story, took second and first place in the Indie Book Awards. As a former school principal, she brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity to the platform. Katherine is Christy finalist and is passionate about helping writers thrive spiritually and professionally by dressing in God’s love in both the spoken and written word.
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Heather Iseminger
Acquisitions Editor/Author
Heather Iseminger is a self-proclaimed hoarder of words and caffeine. She holds a BA in English Writing from FSU and an MA in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her Prince Charming, Mike, have been married for over 20 years and have two children, Ella and Caleb. After almost 25 years as an educator, Heather recently stepped out of the classroom and is now a consultant with Brookstone Creative Group where she works to equip authors as they pursue God’s call in publishing. As an award-winning freelance author with decades of writing experience, her deepest passion lies in teaching others biblical truths, so they understand how to pursue a radical, Jesus-loving life.
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Andrew (A.E.) Jackson
Author
A.E. Jackson writes uncanny speculative fiction for your enjoyment.
He believes there are malevolent forces, just below the surface, tugging us all down. He knows another force, more benevolent than we deserve, works to keep us buoyant.He reads Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Paulo Coelho, Richard Matheson, H.P. Lovecraft, and Richard Bach.
He lives in Delaware and is married with two children. -
Elizabeth Jackson
Publisher
Elizabeth Jackson is a senior acquisitions editor on the fiction team at Tyndale House Publishers where she is involved in many steps of the book development process and enjoys collaborating with novelists on their publishing journey. An avid reader who loves good fiction, Elizabeth greatly values the opportunity to meet with writers, talk with authors about their manuscripts, and have a part in bringing great stories into the world as published novels. When she’s not in the office, you might find her reading a novel from her expansive book collection (preferably in her favorite park on a sunny day!), heading out on her latest road trip, or maybe even watching a British television show.
Looking for:
Elizabeth is open to full-length novels with compelling hooks and great writing in the following categories: • Contemporary women’s fiction • Contemporary romance • Southern fiction (historical or contemporary) • Historical fiction (including dual-timeline and biblical fiction) • Historical romance • Mystery and suspense Please do not make an appointment to pitch Elizabeth YA fiction, children’s books, or memoir/nonfiction as she does not acquire in those categories. She is also not currently seeking sci-fi, fantasy, Amish fiction, or historical prairie romances. -
Steven James
Author/Podcaster
Steven James is a critically acclaimed author of twenty-one novels and numerous nonfiction books that have been translated into six languages and have won or been shortlisted for dozens of national and international awards. In addition, his stories and articles have appeared in more than eighty different publications, including the New York Times. He is also a popular keynote speaker and professional storyteller with a master’s degree in storytelling.
Since 1996, James has appeared more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe, presenting his stories and teaching the principles of storytelling to writers, speakers, teachers, and leaders.
He also hosts the weekly podcast The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed more than 200 of the world’s leading writers and storytellers.
In 2020, he was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame for excellence in fiction writing. Publishers Weekly has called him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.”
When he’s not writing or speaking, you may find him playing basketball or disc golf, or hiking near his home in the Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee. He may or may not watch too many science fiction movies while eating bottomless bowls of chips and salsa.
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Bethany Jett
Literary Agent
Bethany Jett is a literary agent with the MacGregor & Luedeke Collaborative as well as a multi-award-winning author and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR.
She was proud to be named the 2025 Military Spouse of the Year for the Florida National Guard and is now also a proud military mama. Life with her college sweetheart husband, their teen sons, and a not-spoiled-at-all Pomeranian is delightfully chaotic in the best way possible.
Looking for:
Bethany is open to adult fiction as well as nonfiction and select kidlit. For more information on what she’s looking for, check out her submissions guidelines page on her website, https://www.bethanyjett.com. -
Heather Kreke
Author
Heather Kreke is passionate about showing teens and young adults they can find hope in God’s plan for their lives—even through the darkest times. Her debut novel, Path of Totality, won first place in the 2023 Selah Awards in the First Novel category.
She is the Blog Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Coordinator for the Blue Ridge Readers Connection, and a writing coach. In her spare time, she teaches writing classes and writes numerous blogs. Married since 2004, Heather has three daughters.
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Rowena Kuo
Editor - Brimstone Fiction
Rowena Kuo is the CEO and Executive Editor for Brimstone Fiction, Brimstone Books and Media, and Brimstone Fire. With over 15 years of ministering to children, youth groups, young adults, women, and family groups, Rowena advocates for writers to build God-centered support systems consisting of people, perseverance, practice, and most of all, prayer. She has written for Christian Devotions, Written World Communications, Splickety, and the 168 Write of Passage. When not working on words or films, she is a full-time mom with secret aspirations for spaceflight.
When not working on words or films, she is a full-time mom with secret aspirations for spaceflight.
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Steve Laube
Literary Agent
Steve Laube, a literary agent and president of The Steve Laube Agency, has been in the book industry over four decades, first as a bookstore manager where he was awarded the National Store of the Year by CBA. He then spent many years with Bethany House Publishers where he was named Editor of the Year by AWSA. He formed the agency over 20 years ago and they have represented nearly 2,500 new books. Steve has twice been named Agent of the Year by ACFW.
He was also inducted into the Grand Canyon University Hall-of-Fame by their College of Theology.
In addition, he is the Publisher for Enclave Publishing and serves as president emeritus of The Christian Writers Institute. He is the author of the annual Christian Writers Market Guide, The Chosen Presents: A Blended Harmony of the Gospels, and Write Your First Novel.
His office is in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Julie Lavender
Author
Julie Lavender is a journalist, author, speaker, former teacher, former homeschooling mom, and wife to her high school and college sweetheart David, but her two most favorite hats are “mommy” and “grandmommy.” Julie loved being a military wife for twenty years while David served as a medical entomologist for the Navy, a wildlife biologist’s wife while David worked at a nearby Army installation, and now loves being the wife of a recent retiree. Julie is the author of Children’s Advent Stories for Bedtime, Children's Bible Stories for Bedtime, Jumbo Bible Word Search, Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles for Nurturing Boys of Faith and Character, Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers, 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories, and A Gingerbread House. She's also the coauthor with her husband of 34 kids' educational books for school libraries.
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Michelle S. Lazurek
Literary Agent/Author
Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a regular contributor for ibelieve.com and crosswalk.com and is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services. She also enjoys writing about how faith intersects with culture. 3-Minute Devotions for Preschoolers, which she co-authors with Crystal Bowman, are set to release with Tyndale Kids in 2027. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.
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Andy Lee
Acquisitions Editor/Author
Andy is an author, Bible teacher, and encourager. With almost fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry, she loves to mentor new writers as they build their platform, start a blog, or craft their projects. She is also a freelance editor, event creator, and writing coach. Andy is a member of Word Weavers International and AWSA and she recently joined the team at CrossRiver Media as their developmental editor.
Andy will be acquiring projects for CrossRiver.
Looking for:
Andy will be acquiring projects for CrossRiver. She is looking for adult fiction including historical, biblical, and romance. She's also looking for nonfiction: Bible study, Christian living, family and marriage. CrossRiver does not publish children’s books, speculative fiction or young adult manuscripts at this time. Connect with Andy on her website, www.wordsbyandylee.com or on Instagram @wordsbyandylee. Learn more about CrossRiver Media at www.crossrivermedia.com. -
Larry Leech
Acquisitions Editor/Author
Larry J. Leech II is a coach and editor of award-winning authors. After a 23-year journalism career that ended in 2004, Larry turned his focus to helping writers through editing, coaching, speaking, and ghostwriting. During that time, he has edited more than 500 manuscripts, ghostwritten 34 books, and his coaching clients have won more than 100 awards in the last 10 years. Larry also is a frequent speaker at general market and inspirational conferences all over the U.S., as well as Master Book Coach and Acquisitions Editor for Illumify Media. Larry spends his spare time hanging out with his wife, playing a tabletop Star Wars game, golfing, or reading a good book. If you want to know more about Larry, find him on Facebook or Instagram, or visit his website: larryleech.com.
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Zena Dell Lowe
Screenwriter/Producer
Zena Dell Lowe is a passionate storyteller and seasoned entertainment industry professional with over 25 years of experience as a screenwriter, producer, actress, and script consultant. She's the host of the weekly podcast, The Storyteller's Mission with Zena Dell Lowe, and is a popular speaker at writers conferences all across the nation.
Zena loves story and storytellers. As the founder of The Storyteller's Mission, she offers advanced, no-nonsense classes, critiques, and coaching to writers of all levels. If you’re looking to elevate your storytelling abilities, look no further! Zena provides the clarity, confidence, and skills you need to succeed.
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Lori Marett
Author/Screenwriter
Lori Marett‘s screenwriting career began almost three decades ago when she won or was finalist for many regional and national screenplay contests. Her adaptation of author (and Lori’s mother) Yvonne Lehman’s In Shady Groves received awards and acclaim which opened the door for her to adapt Hollywood producer Ken Wales’s novel, Sea of Glory, for the movie screen. Continuing to hone her craft as a screenwriter, her first feature film, Meant To Be, was released in December of 2012 by Pure Flix Entertainment. In 2019, her adaptation of Deborah Raney’s novel, Beneath a Southern Sky (co-written with Kay Mortimer) was optioned for production, but the option lapsed due to Covid. However, BaSS is still garnering interest from filmmakers as well as several other of Lori’s adaptations and original scripts.
Lori is also a highly sought out story consultant by best-selling novelists/successful screenwriters for her expertise in story construction. In 2021, after the passing of her mother, Lori partnered with author Cindy Sproles to continue the work Cindy and Yvonne did through WRAMS – Writing Right Author Mentoring Service, which addresses the needs and questions of novice writers. And in her spare time, Lori directs the Gideon Film Festival, an annual event held each October on the Johnny Cash Hideaway Farm in the greater Nashville area.
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Edie Melson
Conference Director/Author
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through her camera lens. She’s a writer who feels lost without that device & is an unexpected speaker who loves to encourage an audience. She also embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. She knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences & workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. Her blog, The Write Conversation is recognized as one of the top 101 industry resources. Find her on EdieMelson.com
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DiAnn Mills
Author/Former Director
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Nonfiction, Novelists, and Speakers with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She lives in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at dianmills.com.
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Jayce O'Neal
Author
Dr. Jayce O’Neal is the pastor of RED Church, a growing multiethnic church community in Virginia Beach dedicated to helping people fully realize redemption through Jesus. He is a bestselling author whose devotional One-Minute Devotions for Boys has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide. His other works include No Girls Allowed: Devotions for Boys, Crazy Circus World, and 100 Answers to 100 Questions Every Graduate Should Know.
Dr. Jayce taught at Regent University for over 15 years, instructing courses in public speaking, leadership, and communication. He has also developed courses for Regent’s master’s programs, demonstrating his ability to teach at an advanced level. He holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, two Master’s degrees (including one in Counseling), and a Bachelor of Science. He has published with Tyndale, Christian Art Gifts, Charisma, and Essence Publishing, and contributed devotionals, articles, and reviews to CBN.com. He has also contributed to three books edited by Yvonne Lehman: Merry Christmas Moments, Broken Moments, and Personal Titanic Moments.
Dr. Jayce is Co-Director of the Gideon Arts & Media Film Festival and Conference. Dr. Jayce helps shape and guide a creative space where faith and the arts intersect to inspire and equip Christian communicators. As an international speaker, he has the opportunity to influence believers, creatives, and ministry leaders around the world.
Dr. Jayce loves to teach and is uniquely equipped to guide writers on their creative journey, drawing from a rich blend of spiritual, psychological, and strategic experience. With his pastoral insight, counseling background, and leadership training, he empowers others to overcome spiritual barriers, clarify their message, manage time well, and move forward with purpose. He bridges spirituality, creativity, and real-world action—equipping others to grow in craft and calling.
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Edwina Perkins
Co-director/Managing Editor for Harambee Press/Author
Edwina Perkins is the co-director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Edwina is the managing editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she now serves as a member of the advisory board.
Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and a sensitivity/authenticity consultant and has been published in numerous publications. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry. She is also known as Nona to two precious grandchildren.
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Karen Porter
Author
Karen Porter is an international speaker, a professional coach, a successful businesswoman, an acquisitions editor, and the award-winning author of ten books including If You Give A Girl A Giant and Amplify!—which is a comprehensive speaking course.
She is the past president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, serves on several boards, and coaches aspiring writers and speakers around the globe. She and her husband, George, Bold Vision Books (accepting limited submissions), a traditional Christian publishing company, and Stone Oak Publishing, a hybrid publishing company, and kae Creative Solutions, a communication consulting firm.
She is excited to meet you and ready help you find the next steps in your writing or speaking journey.
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Deborah Raney
Author
DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Forty-plus books later, she is a three-time Christy Award finalist, and her novels have won the ACFW Carol Award, Selah Award, RITA® Award, Foreword Indie Gold, and many others. Deb teaches at writers conferences across the country and served on the executive board of the 2500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for almost 18 years. She was recently honored with ACFW's Lifetime Achievement Award. With her husband, Ken Raney, she is a transplant to Southeast Missouri from their native Kansas. They love road trips, e-biking, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Ken Raney
Graphic Designer
KEN RANEY is president of Raney Day Press and Raney Day Creative LLC, a producer of illustration and graphic design. Raney is the author/illustrator of two children's picture books and has nearly 50 years of experience in graphic design, illustration, advertising, and marketing. He and his wife, novelist Deborah Raney, make their home in Missouri. Find out more at www.kenraney.com.
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Na'Kedra Rodgers
Author
Na’Kedra Rodgers, is the powerhouse Christian Motivational Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur who brings a burst of sunshine wherever she goes! Famous for her boundless optimism and grit, she's on a mission to sprinkle biblically rooted encouragement across the globe, lighting the way for women wrestling with faith or on a quest for purpose.
Na’Kedra, who has multiple publications, writes in both nonfiction and children’s genres. Her first book, Kneeling Earnestly for Transformation 30 Day Devotional, has sold over 1,000 copies since August 2023. Na’Kedra is a recipient of the 2024 NCTRCA Outstanding WBE Award. She also was recognized as a 2025 Epsilon Tau Business Honoree.
Na’Kedra stirs up the courage in others to boldly flaunt their faith as she has facilitated workshops for Christian Speaker and Writers Conferences across the United States. Off-stage, she relishes family moments with her hubby Kelvin and their two lively daughters, Chloe and Harley.
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Lori Stanley Roeleveld
Author
Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a traditionally published author, speaker, and disturber of hobbits. Lori makes a living with words through a variety of methods including coaching, freelance, editing, and ghostwriting. She’s authored six award-winning, traditionally published books, contributed to fifteen+ more, and releases book seven in 2026. Through Take Heart! Coaching and Freelance, Lori has coached over 200 Christian writers toward their goals.
Lori’s books have received 1st place awards in the Selahs, Golden Scrolls, and Director’s Choice (BRMCWC), including Golden Scrolls Christian Book of the Year 2024. Lori writes online content for Salem Media websites and is also a Guideposts writer. Though she has degrees in psychology and biblical studies, Lori learned the most from studying her Bible in life’s trenches. From her Rhode Island home, she delivers humor and biblical truth at www.loriroeleveld.com, https://loriroeleveld.substack.com/ and manages her coaching/freelance business at www.takeheartcoachingandfreelance.com.
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Linda Evans Shepherd
Author
Linda Evans Shepherd is an award-winning author of over 40 books, a national speaker, media personality, and the founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). With a gift for storytelling and a heart for revival, Linda empowers communicators to move from performance to purpose—delivering messages fueled by the Holy Spirit, biblical truth, and life-tested wisdom. Whether she's helping speakers craft transformative talks or guiding audiences into deeper intimacy with God, Linda’s passion is clear: to raise up voices who carry oil in their lamps and truth in their hearts. She brings authenticity, humor, and the anointing to every stage.
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Cindy Sproles
Author/Editor
Cindy K. Sproles is a novelist, speaker, and conference director. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the executive editor for www.christiandevotions.us. Cindy teaches across the country at writers' and women's conferences, and she directs the Asheville Christian Writers Conference each February at The Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC. She is a writing coach and mentor with Writing Right Author Mentoring Service (WRAMS) and has authored ten books, both fiction and non-fiction. Cindy lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband and son.
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Samantha Evans Tschritter
Author
Author S. E. Tschritter (pronounced Shridder) specializes in articulating grief and loss, leading grievers toward hope and healing. Her book, Love Letters to Miscarriage Moms won the 2023 Golden Scroll “Christian Book of the Year” 2nd Place award and placed as a finalist in the 2023 International Book Awards. Her 20-plus years of ministry leadership experience and contributions to over 30 books enable her to serve others, speaking truth with transparency, humor, and love. Tschritter lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters, cats Pitter and Patter, and their husky, whom she lost the vote to name “Onomatopoeia.” To learn more about Sam’s current writing projects, to find her on social media, click Linktr.ee/LoveSamEvans.
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Darlene Turner
Author
Darlene L. Turner is a New York Times bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
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Terry Whalin
Publisher
W. Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk--as an editor and a writer. He worked as a magazine editor and his magazine work has appeared in more than 50 publications. A former literary agent, Terry is an Acquisitions Editor at Morgan James Publishing.
Terry has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers in a wide range of topics. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies.
Terry’s book, 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS, INSIGHT EVERY AUTHOR NEEDS TO SUCCEED (Morgan James Publishing) is packed with insight. Terry is a popular speaker and teacher at numerous writers’ conferences and an active member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Connect with Terry on Twitter. He lives in Orange County, California.
Looking for:
Morgan James Publishing, The Entrepreneurial Publisher™, provides entrepreneurs with the vital information, inspiration and guidance they need to be successful. Since its inception in 2003, Morgan James has grown from publishing six books per year to publishing over 180 front list titles each year. With a backlist of over 6,000 titles (+20 million sold books), Morgan James can support and advise entrepreneurs through any challenge their businesses face. Morgan James has had over 29 listings on The New York Times bestseller list and over 200 listings on the USA Today/ Wall Street Journal bestseller list. About 30% of the books are Christian in a Faith line also sold inside the Christian “brick and mortar” bookstores. Also about 30% of Morgan James authors have literary agents. Known for nonfiction books, Morgan James has a line of fiction in various genres (less than 80,000 words) as well as a limited number of picture books. -
Rebecca White
Author
Rebecca White is an author, wife, mother, and grandmother who love to preserve memories through scrapbooking. In addition to co-authoring with her mother Karen Whiting, Rebecca is the Operations Manager for the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, which means she designs social media campaigns, runs technology, teaches classes, and helps develop the calendar, as well as running the Golden Scroll and Christian Market Award book contests. Rebecca current book is The Super-Sized Book of Bible Craft Gifts and she has a set of devotionals on Wisdom for Tweens coming out from Christian Art Gifts in the fall.
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Amy (A.C.) Williams
Author
A.C. Williams (also known as Amy C. Williams) is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. Author of more than 20 books, she writes both fiction and non-fiction, and she currently works as a Fiction Instructor and Editor for the Author Conservatory, an online college alternative for writers. Whether you want a true story about her many adventures in the Guatemalan jungle or a fictional story about samurai superheroes, she’s got a book for you, and you won’t be able to put it down. If that’s your cup of tea (or coffee), join the fun at www.amycwilliams.com.
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Kennita Williams
Author
Kennita Williams is a visionary leadership coach, resilience expert, and founder of Clear Vision Consulting. She helps leaders and writers gain clarity, live intentionally, and lead with integrity and wholeness. Kennita is the author of *30 Days to Clear Vision: A Devotional Journey to Seeing, Being, and Leading Well* and the forthcoming *Power in the Pause: The P3 Method for Leading with Clarity and Courage*. She is also a monthly guest writer for The Write Conversation, inspiring Christian creatives to write with purpose and confidence.
