15 Minute Appointments (In-Person Only)
In-person attendees have the opportunity to meet with an editor, agent, established author, or other industry professional for 15-minutes.
This time can be used to pitch a project idea or book proposal to a publisher rep or agent, get feedback on a manuscript in progress, brainstorm with an author mentor, or just ask questions.
The professionals are experts in their field and they are at the conference because they want to help you. All of our professionals are available to you. If you are not quite ready to meet with a publishing expert, you may want to consider one of the added value appointments.
One month out from the conference, you will receive an email asking for your top choices.
2022 Professional and Ministry Mentors
Publishing Houses:
Cindy Lambert – Executive Editor-at-Large – Baker Publishing Group
Cindy Lambert is looking for nonfiction books of any genre for Revell that will inspire and equip readers offering hope and help for daily life, and for Baker Books that will build up the body of Christ through messages that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. Cindy will also critique proposals and suggest ways to strengthen them.
Visit Baker Publishing Group
Visit Cindy's Bio
Bold Vision Books — Karen & George Porter, Founders
A Traditional Publishing Company
Bold Vision Books is an independent Christian publisher looking for non-fiction and fiction with a compelling Christian message. Bold Vision offers high quality personal publishing & distribution through the nation’s best distribution companies. Bold Vision Books has two imprints: Nuts ‘n Bolts and Optasia Books. Other services offered through our coaching company, kae Creative Solutions, we also offer content analysis, book development, editing, and ghost writing. We can help you design a powerful marketing plan, write your tag line, build your brand, produce promotional items, and create your pitch.
Visit Bold Vision Books
Visit Karen's Bio
Visit George's Bio
Questions about publishing? Shawn Kuhn is the man you want to meet. He brings experience and insights about the world of authorship, retail book sales, and how to take your message from concept to a printed product that people will want to buy. Brookstone’s team of experts have their fingers on the pulse of change and opportunities. Find out what it takes to make your writing dreams reality.
Visit Brookstone Publishing Group
Visit Shawn's Bio
Our purpose is to celebrate what is good and true through the products we create. Our unique line of gift books offer countless ways to affirm a friendship, encourage a loved one, congratulate a success, love a neighbor or remind someone of their faith.
Visit Rob's Bio - Vice President of Publishing
EABooks Partnership Publshing – Cheri Cowell, Owner & Publisher
Looking for a publishing option that blends the creative control of self-publishing with a focus on quality from seasoned professionals or simply not sure how to navigate self-publishing? Partnership Publishing is the answer! Partnership Publishing is a fairly new model combining the positives from the pay-to-publish approach, such as greater author control, keeping 100% of your profits, and shorter production time, along with the expertise of seasoned professionals to guide you through the publishing process.
Visit EABooks
Visit Cheri's Bio
Expect to gain a solid understanding of your author career trajectory—what's currently working, what needs to be improved, and how to reach your ultimate goal of impacting lives through the written or spoken word. But mostly expect to be encouraged, to smile, and to laugh. Because we have all been invited into some of the most amazing Kingdom work in the world!
Visit Caleb's bio
Visit Speak it to Book
Iron Stream Media imprints are currently looking for:
NONFICTION: Bible Studies, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Men’s Books, Men’s Bible Study, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests
FICTION: Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Helpful Tips: We only accept agented submittals unless we meet authors at a writer's conference. Please be prepared with a one sheet and writing samples or a book proposal with sample writings. First time authors need to have a complete manuscript. We provide a proposal template on our Iron Stream Media and Brookstone Creative Group websites.
Brookstone Publishing Group is looking for books from all genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, YA, Children’s, Bible Studies, Devotionals, and more.
Brookstone Creative Group offers various services including coaching, publishing, marketing, and distribution.
Visit Suzanne's Bio
Kregel Publications acquires broadly in nonfiction and fiction. We’re especially interested in nonfiction titles that tackle contemporary issues using a single biblical story or book. We’re also looking for manuscripts that deal with issues surrounding mental health, adults with special needs, social justice, as well as new takes on perennial topics like women’s issues, marriage, and parenting. First-time authors welcome.
When we meet, I'll review your one-sheet while you recite the elevator pitch for your manuscript. I'll use this information to ascertain where you are in your writing journey and give you guidance for moving forward. I might provide feedback on your pitch or manuscript, offer material organization tips, or maybe even request a proposal. If you're not yet ready to present, we can have a "getting started" conversation.
Visit Sarah's Bio
Visit Kregel Publications
Kirkdale Press is the trade publishing arm of Lexham Press and operates under the parent company Faithlife LLC, the creators of Logos Bible Software. This offers us the freedom to develop groundbreaking digital and print Christian books uniting publishing and technology to equip the church to grow in the light of the Bible. We can provide content extension opportunities for our authors into digital platforms, video, audio, while marketing directly to consumers and church leadership.
Kirkdale Press produces thoughtful Christian content providing a roadmap through Scripture that lights the path of kingdom living. We are looking for new ideas, and new and diverse voices in Christian trade categories of Christian living, spiritual growth and transformation, church leadership, discipleship, and practical theology. We welcome your proposal, or one sheet with sample chapters, for book ideas that encourage readers in their walk in Christ and are visionary, relevant, and faithful. We look forward to talking with you about your writing ideas and why they are a good fit for Kirkdale.
Visit Deb's Bio
Visit Kim's Bio
The vision of Moody Publishers is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and a biblical worldview. Our mission is to educate and edify the Christian and to evangelize the non-Christian. Judy acquires non-fiction books for the women’s line of books at Moody. She is looking to acquire more books and Bible studies that focus on discipling women and inspiring them to go deeper in their walk with Him. She’d love to see proposals with themes related to growing a deep prayer life and a greater love for the Word, a passion for revival, and God redemption stories. Her target reader is typically between the ages of 30-55, but she also loves seeing proposals geared to millennials. She also welcomes proposals focused on marriage or parenting.
Visit Moody Publishers
Visit Judy's Bio
Bringing 30 years of industry expertise to an author-centric publishing model, Redemption Press is the “best of both worlds.” All the benefits of self-publishing, along with the support and representation of a traditional publisher. One thing I know. If you’re going to self-publish, the last thing you want to do is LOOK like you did it yourself. Your book should look and read at the same level of excellence as the largest traditional publishers, and available in all the same channels. We take the time to develop custom publishing and promotion strategies specifically for you and your message. No one size fits all at Redemption Press. We are a full service, turn key, custom publishing option providing as much or as little support as you need.
I’d love to meet with you to see if we’re a good fit for each other!
Visit Redemption Press
Visit Athena's Bio
For the optimal 15-minute appointment experience, a completed book proposal and a 30-second elevator pitch to kickstart our conversation is your best bet. Let me know right away what the hook of your book idea is and who your target audience is, and let’s explore from there. I’m currently looking for adult fiction for Revell and nonfiction in the family/relationships category, humor category, and self-help/personal growth category. Please note that Revell takes very little in the autobio/memoir category and no children’s or middle grade books at this time.
Visit Revell
Visit Cindy's Bio
Self-Publishing School believes there is a difference between “best selling book” and “best written book” but we strive to help you be both. Self-Publishing School is an online education company that combines the coaching authors deserve to go from blank page to a bestseller with the resources authors need to launch and market their book to 10,000 copies sold.
Self Publishing School is an INC 5000 company the last 2 years in a row as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the US (2018: #2,699 and in 2019: #1,483). We were also recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in California and ranked at #172.
Meet with Matt to discover how to set your self published book up for long-term success. He will share what he as learned talking to 9,988 aspiring authors.
Visit Matt's bio
Author Mentors:
Author/Mentor Sandi Banks – Sandi is an author whose works include Anchors of Hope: Finding Peace Amidst the Storms of Life and dozens of stories for Readers Digest and Guidepost, and numerous others. As author, conference host, and international traveler and speaker, Sandi feels honored to use pen and voice to help people find direction and renewed hope.
Visit Sandi's Bio
With over 20 years of ministry experience, Cindy would love to serve you by sharing the lessons she’s learned—whether as a passionate women’s speaker, author, Bible teacher, communications coach, and/or Executive Director of GEMS, a non-profit ministry serving 25,000+ girls globally. Meet with Cindy so she can come alongside you in practical, prayerful, and encouraging ways to help you enhance the effectiveness and impact of your ministry.
Visit Cindy's Bio
On a shoestring budget and no platform to speak of, Vincent has managed to turn a few novels into a full-time career. Vincent can help you understand the fundamentals of Amazon marketing, give you strategies to grow your reach and discoverability, and show you how to build your platform from the ground up. As an Amazon International best-selling author and core team member with Brookstone Creative Group and Brookstone Publishing Group, Vincent brings his professional expertise and experiential knowledge. Don’t miss this opportunity to discuss publishing, marketing solutions, and Amazon strategies with Vincent.
Visit Vincent's Bio
Kim de Blecourt is an author and speaker who loves to encourage new talent. Kim will help you shape your one sheet or book proposal so that you are ready for your meeting with editors or agents. Feel free to sign up for a 15-minute meeting with Kim and be prepared to put your best foot forward at Speak Up.
Visit Kim's Bio
Are you struggling with the publishing journey—rejections, deadlines, balancing life, the next step? As a Women’s Ministry Director, author, and Bible teacher, Crickett has had to learn how to deal with all of those areas (and still learning). She’d love to hear what’s on your heart and encourage you on your journey. Crickett’s passion is to encourage women to wholeheartedly pursue Jesus Christ and live out their purpose.
Visit Crickett's Bio
Bruce is an established writer, speaker, counselor, and author of Desperate For Hope. He'll be taking one-to-one appointments with aspiring writers and speakers who want to take the next step in their ministry. He specializes in helping people find their voice, pick a lane to serve in, and love others well. He's also available if you just need a little encouragement and prayer!
Visit Bruce's Bio
SPEAKER/AUTHOR/MENTOR
Lucinda Secrest McDowell has been both a published writer and professional speaker her entire adult life. Her greatest joy is encouraging YOU on your journey in one or both of these areas. She loves to help discover your passion and break that big vision down into proactive steps. You have a unique story and style that -- combined with good choices and God's plan -- will touch a hurting world!
Visit Lucinda's Bio
Shannon would love to encourage you, pray with you, and brainstorm ideas on how to keep in step with the Spirit's guidance for your writing and speaking journey. She would also love to offer input on the publishing process (traditional or self-published), growing your speaking ministry, or building a platform that elevates Jesus.
Visit Shannon's Bio
As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives, by helping them give birth to their purpose and projects. Whether that is growing your speaking ministry, finding a unique angle for your book idea, starting a podcast, networking effectively, or fresh ideas for branding and marketing your message, Katie looks forward to helping you take the next step in your God-given purpose.
Visit Katie's Bio
Jill has been writing and speaking for over twenty years and she loves teaching others how to hone their communication skills. As the Founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that produced professional conferences for moms for 24 years, she’s been on all sides of the speaking, writing, non-profit, and more recently, entrepreneurship world. She is taking one-on-one appointments with those who want to grow their platform and influence. She specializes in helping people identify the next right step they need to take in their relationships and ministry journey.
Visit Jill's Bio
Do you have a passion in your heart to teach God’s Word and share it with others? Erica can help you create simple outlines to either write about or verbally present a passage of Scripture. Discovering your teaching style helps narrow down your strengths and area of focus streamlining your lesson toward a single action step. For maximum benefit, please bring a written sample. Book proposal guidelines can also be addressed.
Visit Erica's Bio
Publishing Experts:
To thrive in today’s publishing world, you need the right set of skills, knowledge of how the industry is changing, and strong market awareness.
Lambert Editorial can help you gain those things. My commitment with every author I work with is that I'll make sure you're a better writer at the end of the process than you were at the beginning, and that you'll become even better on every book I edit for you. And although the publishing world has changed greatly in the past decade, that doesn't worry me--the Internet and social media offer two new opportunities for every one we've lost in our constantly changing publishing world. Let's talk about where you are in your writing career and how to get from here to where you want to be.
Visit Dave's Bio
Online AP:
GEMS is a global ministry dedicated to helping girls grow strong, secure, and confident in Christ. We are looking for writers who are interested in helping create curriculum, activity box content, and other girl-friendly, Truth-filled resources for today’s girls. Plus, we’re looking for individuals to write short quizzes, devos, and more for our brand-new app for middle school girls. Are you passionate about reaching today’s girls around the world? GEMS wants to connect with YOU!
Visit Danielle's Bio
Agents:
Debbie acquires Christian nonfiction and is available to meet with anyone who is looking for feedback on their current ideas, book proposal or who would like information about representation.
Visit Debbie's bio
Karen is currently acquiring nonfiction only, with particular interest in Christian living and spiritual growth, as well as women’s/family and current issues.
View Karen's Bio
Blythe is available to meet with published and unpublished writers who want feedback on a book idea or want to ask questions about the publishing process and their trajectory as a writer. Attendees may also ask what she is looking for and how agents work with authors and publishers.
Visit The Blythe Daniel Agency
Visit Blythe's Bio
I am looking for authors of nonfiction for adults but will consider non-fiction for younger groups once in a while. I will also expand to consider compelling content for children. I do not represent authors of fiction. In a 15 minute meeting, I would like to hear a one minute summary of a book, why the author feels they need to write it and the audience they envision for the book. I'd also like to hear other ideas you have, since any agent is looking to establish an ongoing professional relationship with an author.See more at: http://www.stevelaube.com
Visit Dan Balow's bio
Branding & Platform:
You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet Suzanne Kuhn, whose personal and professional mission is, "To advance the Kingdom of God through the written and spoken word." Her branding and marketing expertise has helped countless authors, speakers, leaders, and other creatives to strengthen their platforms and expand their message reach. You'll be amazed at how much you'll take away from a short 15-minute session.
Visit Brookstone Creative
Visit Suzanne's Bio
Jill has been writing and speaking for over twenty years and she loves teaching others how to hone their communication skills. As the Founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that produced professional conferences for moms for 24 years, she’s been on all sides of the speaking, writing, non-profit, and more recently, entrepreneurship world. She is taking one-on-one appointments with those who want to grow their platform and influence. She specializes in helping people identify the next right step they need to take in their relationships and ministry journey.
Visit Jill's Website
Visit Jill's Bio
Social Media:
To make the best use of your appointment, let me know how I can best help with regards to marketing strategy, social media or email marketing questions, or if you want me to review a proposal. I’m an award-winning marketer and have my master’s degree in communications, where I focused on marketing and PR. I do not acquire for any publishers or agents.
Visit Bethany's Bio
Lee Nienhuis is an author, Bible teacher, and serves as the podcast host and National Speaking team member for Moms in Prayer International. As an international teacher and communications specialist, Lee is accepting 15-minute appointments to help speakers plan retreat packages, multi lesson talks, or help them hone standalone messages. She’s also willing to talk shop with those who would like to podcast or are in the preliminary stages of launching their podcast. It would be her pleasure to lace all of this in prayer.
Visit Lee's Bio
As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives, by helping them give birth to their purpose and projects. Whether that is growing your speaking ministry, finding a unique angle for your book idea, starting a podcast, networking effectively, or fresh ideas for branding and marketing your message, Katie looks forward to helping you take the next step in your God-given purpose.
Visit Katie's Bio
Are you looking for a fresh explosion of spice and inspiration in your writing and speaking? Stephanie Rousselle, founder of Gospel Spice Ministries, podcaster and international speaker, will help you hone your communication skills, enhance your content, or simply identify your next step. She can also help you highlight compelling elements of your story before you meet with an agent or publisher. Submit a short sample before your appointment.
Visit Stephanie's bio
Speaking Mentors:
With over 20 years of ministry experience, Cindy would love to serve you by sharing the lessons she’s learned—whether as a passionate women’s speaker, author, Bible teacher, communications coach, and/or Executive Director of GEMS, a non-profit ministry serving 25,000+ girls globally. Meet with Cindy so she can come alongside you in practical, prayerful, and encouraging ways to help you enhance the effectiveness and impact of your ministry.
Visit Cindy's Bio
Need to know where to find places to speak? Confused about how to organize or illustrate your story or teaching? Wondering how much you should charge or how long you should talk? Book a one-to-one appointment with Robyn to get the exact tools you need to expand your speaking opportunities and proclaim Jesus and teach his Word.
Visit Robyn's Bio
Bruce is an established writer, speaker, counselor, and author of Desperate For Hope. He'll be taking one-to-one appointments with aspiring writers and speakers who want to take the next step in their ministry. He specializes in helping people find their voice, pick a lane to serve in, and love others well. He's also available if you just need a little encouragement and prayer!
Visit Bruce's Website
Visit Bruce's Bio
SPEAKER/AUTHOR/MENTOR
Lucinda Secrest McDowell has been both a published writer and professional speaker her entire adult life. Her greatest joy is encouraging YOU on your journey in one or both of these areas. She loves to help discover your passion and break that big vision down into proactive steps. You have a unique story and style that -- combined with good choices and God's plan -- will touch a hurting world!
Visit Lucinda's Bio
Lee Nienhuis is an author, Bible teacher, and serves as the podcast host and National Speaking team member for Moms in Prayer International. As an international teacher and communications specialist, Lee is accepting 15-minute appointments to help speakers plan retreat packages, multi lesson talks, or help them hone standalone messages. She’s also willing to talk shop with those who would like to podcast or are in the preliminary stages of launching their podcast. It would be her pleasure to lace all of this in prayer.
Visit Lee's Bio
Shannon would love to encourage you, pray with you, and brainstorm ideas on how to keep in step with the Spirit's guidance for your writing and speaking journey. She would also love to offer input on the publishing process (traditional or self-published), growing your speaking ministry, or building a platform that elevates Jesus.
Visit Shannon's Bio
As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives, by helping them give birth to their purpose and projects. Whether that is growing your speaking ministry, finding a unique angle for your book idea, starting a podcast, networking effectively, or fresh ideas for branding and marketing your message, Katie looks forward to helping you take the next step in your God-given purpose.
Visit Katie's Bio
Are you looking for a fresh explosion of spice and inspiration in your writing and speaking? Stephanie Rousselle, founder of Gospel Spice Ministries, podcaster and international speaker, will help you hone your communication skills, enhance your content, or simply identify your next step. She can also help you highlight compelling elements of your story before you meet with an agent or publisher. Submit a short sample before your appointment. srousselle.us@gmail.com
Visit Stephanie's Bio
Jill has been writing and speaking for over twenty years and she loves teaching others how to hone their communication skills. As the Founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that produced professional conferences for moms for 24 years, she’s been on all sides of the speaking, writing, non-profit, and more recently, entrepreneurship world. She is taking one-on-one appointments with those who want to grow their platform and influence. She specializes in helping people identify the next right step they need to take in their relationships and ministry journey.
Visit Jill's Website
Visit Jill's Bio
Are you looking for speaking strategies to launch to the next level? Tammy is a full-time speaker and the co-director of the Christian Communicators Conference. She runs guest writers on her Facebook page @TammyWhitehurstSpeaker and you could be one of them. She is a collaborator, not a competitor and no question is off-limits. She will pray with you, laugh with you, and most of all encourage you! TammyWhitehurst.com
Visit Tammy's Bio
Life Coaching & Counseling:
Coach Darlene Larson - What’s on your heart?
Connect with Life Purpose Coach® Darlene Larson and sample life purpose coaching, encouragement, and/or be taught a Biblical principle that will bring clarity and awareness into your life. Coach Darlene grasps to the core of her being that your life purpose is engraved within your heart. I guarantee you will leave her presence with an action step to apply and or one Biblical Truth to plant into your heart! Take your first step forward today.
Visit Darlene's Bio
Kathe Wunnenberg – Professional Consulting & Encouragement
• Are you longing to fulfill a dream but feel stuck?
• Are you overwhelmed with opportunities or obstacles?
• Do you need to brainstorm topic ideas or promotional strategies, prayer covering or practical resources?
Visit Kathe's Bio
Come experience an energizing time with Kathe Wunnenberg and leave this session with fresh hope to press on.
More Help:
Shellie loves helping other writers explore and follow God’s calling for their writing and speaking. She will be happy to help you refine your heart message and ministry vision, or review your book proposal or first chapter. She especially enjoys helping writers and speakers identify their strengths and weaknesses, capitalize on their strengths, and overcome their weaknesses. Shellie has a special place in her heart for those who—like her—were wounded in their area of gifting. If your gift or message has been ridiculed or belittled, or the enemy has been strategic with his lies to stop you from following God’s calling, talk with Shellie to find encouragement and create a strategy to move forward in your writing and speaking.
Visit Shellie's Bio
Megan is accepting 15-minute appointments to discuss strategies for gospel centered writing, teaching, and speaking. Attendees can expect to learn more about grasping and comprehending practical ways to communicate God's story of redemption through Jesus. By employing better Bible study techniques and engaging in spiritual disciplines, writers and speakers can fully invest themselves in the ultimate purpose of platform building: to engage wholly and fully in the mission and purpose of Jesus- The Great Commission.
Visit Megan's Bio
Susan is accepting 15-minute appointments to discuss time management hacks to make your vision a reality and she’ll be sharing ways that you can use your hard story to encourage others. If you’re overwhelmed by the size of the dream God’s given you, Susan can help you sort out your next steps and create a plan to make it happen.
Visit Susan's Bio
Website, blog or both? Let me help you decide! In this free 15-minute consult, I’ll help you decide what the best online platform would be to share your message with the world. You have a passion – let’s get it to the world! Websites and blogs are essential to making your message known – and globally, too! Let’s talk about how simple it can be!
Visit Amy's Bio
First Place For Health is successful due to its biblical approach to weight loss and overall health management, which puts Christ first and improves every area of your life. This Christian weight-loss and healthy living program has guided hundreds of thousands of people to a healthy lifestyle and a closer walk with the Lord. In your fifteen-minute consultation with Vicki, she will help you develop a personal wellness plan that will work for you!
View Vicki's bio
Jeri Howe – How Can I Help You?
Jeri is a speaker and writer who has written Bible studies and self-published a short novel. She also produced and hosted a round table discussion radio program. She loves meeting with people to fan dreams into flame and work through obstacles. She would love the honor of spending 15 minutes with you:
- Preparing for a great radio interview (or answering your radio show hosting and producing questions!)
• Creating your Bio with you in 12 easy steps.
• Talking with you about Bible Study development.
• Praying with you!
Visit Jeri's Bio
Carol Kent's husband, Gene, has had twenty years of merch sales at Carol’s speaking events and he’d be happy to talk to you about “back of the room” sales. It’s possible to double the amount you receive from an honorarium when your product table is run well. Gene will answer your questions about what works and what doesn't. From product setup, to handling volunteers at the product table, to payment options, to shipping product ahead of time, to taxes, and even to negotiating the placement of your merchandise table. He would also welcome appointments on including your spouse in ministry. Are you anticipating being in partnership with your spouse, or are you totally “on your own” when it comes to ministry? Whose “gifting” should be used where? Feel free to have your spouse join you for this Zoom connection with Gene.
Visit Gene's bio
Do you feel a passion inside to share the painful parts of your life where God has breathed in hope? Is there a stirring inside of you to help others take off their mask so they no longer feel the pressure to hide and fit a certain mold? Are you wanting to help others go after their purpose for such a time as this? Meet with Caris to talk about the power of sharing your story to the world around you. She will listen to your questions and give you encouragement and action steps on how to move forward in faith and no longer be paralyzed in fear.
Visit Caris's Bio
Are you looking for speaking strategies to launch to the next level? Tammy is a full-time speaker and the co-director of the Christian Communicators Conference. She runs guest writers on her Facebook page @TammyWhitehurstSpeaker and you could be one of them. She is a collaborator, not a competitor and no question is off-limits. She will pray with you, laugh with you, and most of all encourage you! TammyWhitehurst.com
Visit Tammy's Bio