|
Authors create what we read. But
how do they learn the craft? Most authors start by joining critique
groups and then branching out to contests for feedback and the
opportunity of getting their manuscripts in front of an agent or
editor. American Christian Fiction Writers offers excellent
participation in both critiques and contests.
Each month an announcement is
sent to the main e-loop (e-mail communication to all members signed
into the private main loop). The announcement gives instructions on how
to join a monthly critique class. Basic critique etiquette is taught
before the author is placed in the general critique group to either
maintain a presence there or find a critique partner.
Once authors feel their work is
ready to enter contests, the annual Genesis contest sponsored by the
American Christian Fiction Writers is the perfect place to start.
Esteemed in the inspirational market, feedback from peers in the first
round and then finals with agents and editors, the Genesis contest is
credited with a long list of new careers.
Once you are published, The Book
of the Year Contest might be your next step. In this contest, judges
search for the very best in Christian fiction. This award is a high
honor and provides an excellent reading list for authors wanting to
study the craft or to simply enjoy great work in a variety of genres!
How does an author enter these
contests?
Book
of the Year is open to published members of ACFW. Categories
include Contemporary Novella, Debut Author, General Fiction, Historical
Novella, Lits (chick-lit, mom-lit, lady-lit, lad-lit, etc.), Long
Contemporary, Long Contemporary Romance, Long Historical, Mystery,
Short Contemporary, Short Contemporary Suspense, Short Historical,
Speculative, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Women’s Fiction, and Young
Adult.
March 31, 2010—All
entries must be received (not postmarked) by the
contest coordinator. Entries must have an official entry form, entry
fee, and three copies (or six if entering in the Debut Author category)
of the entered book.
September 2010—Winners
are announced at the ACFW Conference Indianapolis, Indiana.
Genesis
is open to members of ACFW who are unpublished in adult or young adult
fiction in the last seven years. The contest provides a multitude of
categories/genres to enter, the opportunity for unbiased feedback on
writers’ work by published authors and experienced judges, and the
chance for the Category Finalists to have their work read by Christian
publishing house editors and literary agents. ACFW has been pleased to
see previous winners and finalists advance in their writing careers.
Entries must be received by March 31, 2010.
Guidelines, entry information,
and FAQ’s for both the Book of the Year and the Genesis contests are
at: www.acfw.com.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To promote Christian
Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in
the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry.
ACFW has many options available
to help you find the books you want to read. The exciting Website
developed for libraries, bookstores, and readers helps find the book
you want by title, genre, author, and more. If you’re a reader, writer,
or publisher of inspirational fiction (mystery, suspense, romance,
women’s fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, historicals, chick lit, etc.), this
Website is designed as an easy-access resource where you can find the
latest in Christian fiction or that book you read fifteen years ago and
would like to find again.
Through our advanced search, you
can search for books based on issue, setting, and levels of suspense,
romance, and so much more. Use this site to find novels that appeal to
you. If you like what you see, register for free. Then the site
can remember your settings to make return visits simple.
Visit the www.acfw.com
Website and find the Reader section. From the home page, this link
takes you to a comprehensive set of lists: Author (alphabetical),
Genre, and Social Issues. Each author sends a request to the publicity
officer at pr
[at] acfw [dot] com with their
Christian fiction books, publishers, date published, genre, author bio,
and their Website links. This is also a great place to find out how to
connect with your favorite authors on social networks like Facebook,
Shoutlife, Twitter, and others.
Come and enjoy all that ACFW has
to offer!
|
