Availability is limited and appointments will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is highly encouraged for the best selection of appointments.

Attendees will have the opportunity to schedule one agent/editor and one mentor/resource appointment as part of their conference registration.

Within 24 hours after successful completion of the registration process, registrants will receive an email confirmation containing the link to the SignUpGenius form listing available appointment slots.

Please note: our goal is to send these emails between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST each evening to those participants who registered that day. Registrations after 5 p.m. EST may not receive confirmation until the following evening.

Appointments will close at 6:00 p.m. EST on Monday, October 30, 2023. At that time, the email address you list on the SignUpGenius form will be given to the appropriate faculty member who will contact you directly to arrange your appointment.

*Resource appointments are a great opportunity for business and technical discussions. Be sure to check those out!

Agent Appointments

Pre-published authors must have a complete manuscript; established authors do not need to.

LYNETTE EASON is an award-winning, best-selling author of more than 60 novels. Those books have sold over 3,000,000 copies. She is a beloved mentor and coach, spending countless hours helping others on their writing journeys and giving selflessly to the writing community. You can visit her author website at lynetteeason.com. Lynette has been agenting with the Steve Laube agency since May 2023. She and her husband, Jack, have two children and live in South Carolina.

Pre-published authors must have a complete manuscript; established authors do not need to.

LINDA GLAZ spent thirteen years as an agent and author with Hartline Literary Agency, and after their closing, she went out on her own at Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency. She’s an agent and understands authors because she is one! She handles nonfiction and fiction in both the Christian and general markets. No spec or children’s, however!

Tamela Hancock Murray

TAMELA HANCOCK MURRAY has been a literary agent since 2001 and was awarded the title Agent of the Year by ACFW. She is a bestselling author of over thirty Christian novels, novellas, and nonfiction books, and won an RWA Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Tamela currently confines her public writing to blog posts for The Steve Laube Agency. Because of her experience as a multi-published author, Tamela brings the perspective of a working writer to her role as a literary agent. She gratefully approaches her career as a literary agent as an opportunity to serve. She represents many top authors and continues to develop new talent. She enjoys living in Northern Virginia with her own knight in shining armor. They are the parents of two lovely, all-grown-up princesses.

NOTE: Tamela welcomes unsolicited proposals if you’re unable to secure an appointment, but please be sure to review the agency’s submission guidelines before submitting.

CYNTHIA RUCHTI is a senior literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. Her experience working in leadership with American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and as the author of more than 40 traditionally published books (fiction and nonfiction) contributes to her role as a literary agent with a heart for shepherding clients and their projects.

Come with questions or ready for a conversation about your project.

Editor Appointments

LINDA FULKERSON is an author, publisher, former newspaper editor, RVer, missionary with Sojourners, author, USMC veteran, wife, and doxie mom. She and her husband Don are blessed with five adult children (ten counting their spouses) and eleven grandchildren. When she and Don aren’t traveling, they reside on a quiet 10-acre plot in central Arkansas.

Scrivenings Press website: https://scriveningspress.com/submissions/

DEB HAGGERTY is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Elk Lake Publishing Inc., a traditional, royalty-paying Christian company that works with you in a non-traditional way and “Publishes the Positive.” Accepting all genres of fiction except horror for readers who are middle-graders and up. Do not accept children’s picture books, either fiction or nonfiction. Nonfiction inquiries should be for Christian Living books. No devotional, Bible studies, or memoirs.
 
Pre-published authors must have a complete manuscript; established authors do not need to.

DENISE WEIMER writes historical and contemporary romance from her home in North Georgia and also serves as a freelance editor and the Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books. A wife and mother of two daughters, she always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses. https://www.deniseweimerbooks.com
 
Wild Heart Books publishes only Christian historical romance novels in series. We look for deep POV split fairly evenly between hero and heroine only. I can offer some general advice on basics of some other genres such as historical fiction, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction, but I can only take pitches for Christian historical romance.

ROSEANNA M. WHITE is a bestselling, award-winning novelist and founder/creative director of the WhiteFire Publishing Group. When not doing all things writing and publishing, she’s homeschooling, reading, and pretending her house will clean itself.

Roseanna is looking to acquire titles for the various imprints of WhiteFire Publishing. See submission link for more information. Guidelines can be found at whitefire-publishing.com/submissions/.

Also taking Author Mentor  & Resource appointments.

Author Mentor Appointments

BARBARA M. BRITTON lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction from Bible Times to present day USA. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. Her novel “Christmas at Whispering Creek,” is a compelling, yet fun story, shining a light on breast cancer. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website www.barbarambritton.com

I am willing to discuss manuscript questions, publishing questions, and marketing questions.

CRYSTAL CAUDILL is an award winning author of Historical Romantic Suspense with a heart for mentoring authors in their writing journey. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray, has an engaged newsletter subscriber list, and teaches writing craft workshops on a regular basis.

Also taking Resource Appointments.

MICHELLE GRIEP is an award-winning author known for her captivating historical romances. With a keen eye for detail, she pens tales that transport readers to the past where they’ll experience romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters.

An award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense, SARAH HAMAKER loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children, a first-grader foster child and three cats.
 
Also taking Resource Appointments.
 
JULIE KLASSEN is a former editor and an award-winning author of eighteen historical romances, which have sold over a million copies. She and her husband live in St. Paul, Minnesota.
JOY K. MASSENBURGE is a multi-published author. When she is not writing, she is speaking at women’s retreats, conferences, and facilitating team building workshops for various companies. As the CEO of Joy K. Massenburge & Associates, she leads a team of mindset accountability coaches who help purpose-driven women declutter their lives by co-authoring a daily schedule that generates clarity. She resides near Tyler, Texas. You can find her curled up on her swing reading a book to her grandchildren, caretaking for a donkey, a hen, and a dog, or filling her five-acre country home with fifty-plus people for a Blue Bell ice cream party.
 
Also taking Resource Appointments.
EDIE MELSON is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers experiencing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking about faith, writing, or social media, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” Her reputation as an online expert is well-deserved. Her blog reaches thousands and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017. In her role as social media coach she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has been updated, expanded and re-released with co-author DiAnn Mills as Social Media for Today’s Writer. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and author of numerous books. She’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Visit her online at www.EdieMelson.com
 
I’m happy to help with all aspects of the life of a writer, from organization, to encouragement to specific questions related to craft and genres.
 
Also taking Resource Appointments.

DIANN MILLS is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. 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, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. Connect with DiAnn on her various social media platforms here: diannmills.com

Open to all questions about fiction writing and publishing.

TONI SHILOH is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. A native of Texas, she now lives in northern Virginia. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.

BETSY ST. AMANT is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. She has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or baby-talking her dog, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She also offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.

These mentor sessions can be customized based on what you need! We can discuss writing craft you’re confused about, pros and cons of indie vs. trad publishing, next steps toward getting an agent, and etc.

SARAH SUNDIN is an ECPA-bestselling author of World War II novels, including The Sound of Light and Embers in the London Sky (coming February 2024). Her novels have received the Christy Award and the Carol Award. Sarah lives in Southern California, where she loves walking her rescue dogs. She serves as co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference. www.sarahsundin.com.

JANYRE TROMP is an award-winning and best-selling author with a deep love for all of history. If she isn’t editing or reading, most of the time you’ll find her writing mid-twentieth century historical novels with a healthy dose of suspense. But she’s also a mom, wife, award-winning editor, and wrangler of all things, who hunts for beauty even when it isn’t pretty. Her books include Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, O Little Town, It’s a Wonderful Christmas, and Darkness Calls the Tiger. You can find her all over social media (@JanyreTromp) or on her website www.JanyreTromp.com. If you’re interested in hiring her as a coach or editor, you can find her on www.editinginsiders.com.

DARLENE L. TURNER is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
 
Also taking Resource Appointments.

SARA TURNQUIST is a coffee lovin’, word slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose superpower is converting caffeine into novels. She is a hybrid author, having been traditionally published and indie published. Her favorite writing software is Scrivener, about which she teaches several workshops. Her books feature a wide range of time periods and locations. Please find out more at https://saraturnquist.com/

I am happy to share about character and plot development, take Scrivener questions, and share about writing resources.

Best-selling, award-winning author ERICA VETSCH loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspirationalregencyreaders where she spends way too much time!

ROSEANNA M. WHITE is a bestselling, award-winning novelist and founder/creative director of the WhiteFire Publishing Group. When not doing all things writing and publishing, she’s homeschooling, reading, and pretending her house will clean itself.

Also taking Editing & Resource appointments.

CANDICE PEDRAZA YAMNITZ is a homeschooling mom, author, and teacher. She taught in an elementary dual-language classroom for seven years before having her three spirited children. She’s served as vice-president and president of her local ACFW chapter and has placed in various writing contests. She continues to create fantastical worlds for teens and children.

Also taking Resource appointments.

Resource Appointments

BECKY BERESFORD is an author, speaker and collaboration coach with a Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Moody Theological Seminary. She has a passion for helping women embrace Christ-centered empowerment through gospel truth, and she loves helping creatives collaborate in fun and fruitful ways. Her first book with Moody Publishers releases in March 2024. She is also the host of the popular Brave Women Series where different women share about their journeys toward courage with Jesus. Connect more with her online at www.beckyberesford.com and sign up to become a part of her empowered email tribe to receive the BRAVE WOMAN MANIFESTO: 5 Things to Tell Yourself When Life Gets Hard for FREE.

Taking Appointments For: These appointments can be used as 15 min consultations for collaboration ideas including running fruitful giveaways, hosting a blog series, partnering with other creatives to build your platform, learning how to connect with your email list/ readers, generating successful lead magnets, coming up with fun and fruitful ways to partner with fellow authors and more. We can also talk about the traditional publishing process, nonfiction writing, and the journey of being a writer as well.

CRYSTAL CAUDILL is an award winning author of Historical Romantic Suspense with a heart for mentoring authors in their writing journey. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray, has an engaged newsletter subscriber list, and teaches writing craft workshops on a regular basis.

Resource Appointments: Newsletters – What to include, setting up your welcome sequence.

Also taking Author Mentor Appointments.

RHONDA DRAGOMIR is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky. She has published works in several anthologies and periodicals, and her first novel is under contract with Barbour Publishing for release in March 2024. Rhonda formed The Dragomir Group to offer design services to writers, including websites. She is a frequent guest in writers’ conferences, teaching multiple subjects focused on the use of technology.
 

Website design, logos, and branding.

My name is KAYLA GODFREY and I am a Marketing Specialist & Virtual Assistant! I have a passion for helping those in the publishing industry connect with their audience through expert marketing strategies, social media management, and creative outlets to maximize their potential business outreach.

My resource appointments will primarily focus on growing your online presence through social media, newsletters, and email marketing. However, I am happy to answer any marketing, social media, or blogging questions that individuals may have.

An award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense, SARAH HAMAKER loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children, a first-grader foster child and three cats.
 

Resource Appointments: As a traditional and indie author, I can offer advice on marketing ideas and indie publishing. 

Also taking Author Mentor Appointments.

JOY K. MASSENBURGE is a multi-published author. When she is not writing, she is speaking at women’s retreats, conferences, and facilitating team building workshops for various companies. As the CEO of Joy K. Massenburge & Associates, she leads a team of mindset accountability coaches who help purpose-driven women declutter their lives by co-authoring a daily schedule that generates clarity. She resides near Tyler, Texas. You can find her curled up on her swing reading a book to her grandchildren, caretaking for a donkey, a hen, and a dog, or filling her five-acre country home with fifty-plus people for a Blue Bell ice cream party.
 

Resource Appointments: Mindset Accountability Coaching to help the focus-driven woman master her calendar, overcome bad habits, so she starts as well as finishes strong.

Also taking Author Mentor Appointments.

Once appointment is set, my company will email the author the link to complete our assessment. The Advanced Insights Assessment must be completed 24 hrs prior to the set appointment.

EDIE MELSON is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers experiencing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking about faith, writing, or social media, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” Her reputation as an online expert is well-deserved. Her blog reaches thousands and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017. In her role as social media coach she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has been updated, expanded and re-released with co-author DiAnn Mills as Social Media for Today’s Writer. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and author of numerous books. She’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Visit her online at www.EdieMelson.com
 
I’m happy to provide assessments for online platform related questions, such as social media, blogging, etc
 
Also taking Author Mentor Appointments.

JULIE TAYLOR: I have been with The Spun Yarn since 2017, the year of its inception. I started off as a Beta Reader, became the Reader Coordinator in 2019 and now am the COO. I work daily with authors, answering any questions and concerns they may have, I hire readers and match them to author manuscripts, work with the editor on the manuscript reports and the other day to day things involved in a beta reading company.

 

I will discuss why beta reading is a helpful next step in the writing process, explaining what our business does, what the author can expect from our manuscript report how it can benefit the author and answer any questions they might have.

DARLENE L. TURNER is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
 
Resource Appointments: LI/LIS Focused
 
Also taking Auathor Mentor Appointments.

Award-winning romantic suspense author HOPE WELBORN is co-owner and editor of Spark Flash Fiction and a member of the Suspense Squad. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut releases Oct. 4 as part of the Holiday Menace romantic suspense novella collection.

I can talk to authors about writing flash fiction, getting published by Spark Flash Fiction, and other topics, such as plotting/outlining, or marketing/branding.

ROSEANNA M. WHITE is a bestselling, award-winning novelist and founder/creative director of the WhiteFire Publishing Group. When not doing all things writing and publishing, she’s homeschooling, reading, and pretending her house will clean itself.

Also taking Editing & Author Mentor appointments.

KYLEE WOODLEY: As the creator and cohost of the Historical Bookworm Show, she’s connected with authors from Baker, Tyndale, and Harper Collins (among other publishers) to promote their historical novels and bring history lovers together. Authors Karen Barnett, Joanna Davidson Politano, Kimberly Woodhouse, Michelle Griep, and Amanda Cox have kindly offered to endorse her debut novel.

 

I’m happy to discuss podcasting and historical research

CANDICE PEDRAZA YAMNITZ is a homeschooling mom, author, and teacher. She taught in an elementary dual-language classroom for seven years before having her three spirited children. She’s served as vice-president and president of her local ACFW chapter and has placed in various writing contests. She continues to create fantastical worlds for teens and children.

Instagram for authors; pitch practice; feedback.

Also taking Author Mentor appointments.

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I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8