ADDITIONAL FACULTY PROFILES

BETH ADAMS Guidepost Books, Editor, New York, NY

Beth is an editor at Guideposts Books who works primarily with fiction. She has degrees from Princeton and New York University, and worked at

Random House before coming to Guideposts in 2006.

STACY HAWKINS ADAMS Freelancer, Richmond, VA

Stacy Hawkins Adams is the author of five Christian novels: Speak To My Heart, Nothing But the Right Thing, Watercolored Pearls, The Someday List and Worth a Thousand Words. Through her writing she uses the lens of faith to explore the true-to-life struggles of women from all walks of life. Dreams That Won’t Let Go, published by Revell Books/Baker Publishing Group, is slated

for release January 2010. Her first nonfiction book – Who Speaks to Your Heart? Tuning in to God’s Whispers – will be published by Zondervan in Spring 2010.

JACQUE ALBERTA Acquisitions Editor, YA fiction/Non-fiction, Zonder kidz, Grand Rapids, MI

Jacque Alberta is the acquisitions editor of young adult fiction and nonfiction at Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, and enjoys being surrounded by various manuscripts & fabulous books. You don’t want to see her office--seriously! She’s a HUGE fan of Suzanne Collins, and is

eagerly awaiting the August pub date of the last Hunger Games book. In fact, she loves literary/character-driven YA fiction, paranormal romance, historical fiction, sophisticated lit for

girls, and is looking for the next great book for the male audience, because they need some reading material too. She likes gnomes, although she’s not sure why. Jacque lives not far from a dairy farm

just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her fabulous kitty, Bailey.

KIM BANGS Regal Books, Author relations/Contract Manager, Ventura, CA

Kim Bangs has twenty years of experience in publishing. Currently, she is the Author Relations/Contract Manager for the Regal Books, as well as a member of the acquisitions team. She has had the privilege to work with Dennis and Barbara Rainey, Holly Wagner, Jim Burns, Gloria Gaither, Lisa Harper, Josh McDowell, Gary Smalley, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Karen O’Connor and many others. Kim enjoys working with authors to provide resources that

touch hearts, change lives, and open conversation with others.

JESSICA BARNES WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, Associate Editor , Colorado Springs, CO

Jessica Barnes has been with WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for five years. With a primary focus on fiction acquisitions, Jessica has a passion for teen and middle-grade

fiction, and thinks a novel’s voice is its most important element. She’s always on the lookout for books with surprising twists and characters that stay with her long after she’s turned

the final page.

PHILIS BOULTINGHOUSE Howard Books/Simon & Schuster, Senior Editor, Nashville, TN

Philis Boultinghouse has worked with Howard Books for over twenty years and currently serves as senior editor for the company, which is now a division of Simon and Schuster and is

newly relocated in Nashville. She is the author of several gift books, including Hugs for Sisters, Hugs for Nurses, and Prayers and Promises for Women. She occasionally speaks to women’s

groups across the country and has been married to Denny Boultinghouse for a wonderful 38 years. They have a daughter who is an attorney in Santa Monica and

a son who is now in the Lord’s care.

AUSTIN BOYD Freelance Novelist, Brownsboro, AL

Austin is an award-winning author who writes extensively about faith issues related to technology and business. The author of six novels, he is a Christy Gold Medal finalist (The Proof, 2007) and the

winner of the Mount Hermon “Pacesetter Award.” Austin currently writes for Zondervan and has previously written for the B&H Publishing Group of Nashville, TN, as well as NavPress, the

publishing arm of the Navigators in Colorado Springs, CO. He has several novels in process, a Christian layman’s guide to Islam, and the true story of the role of prayer in the recent combat

experiences of an Air Force war hero.

COLLEEN COBLE Freelance Novelist, Indiana

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 1 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives

with her husband Dave in Indiana and is a proud new grandma. When she’s not spoiling her granddaughter, she is teaching at a writers conference or researching a new book.

Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com

DALE CRAMER Freelance Novelist, McDonough, GA

Dale Cramer started writing in his early forties after he became a stay at home dad and needed something quiet to do during nap time. After publishing a few short stories he spent several years learning to craft a novel, then published his first book in 2003. Since then he has published three others, won two Christy Awards (Bad Ground, Levi’s Will), a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s

Best Books of 2004, and numerous other honors.

ANDREA DOERING Revell/Baker Publishing Group, Senior AcquisitionsEditor

Andrea is senior acquisition editor with Revell Books, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. She is the former editor-in-chief of Crossings Book Club. Her experiences also

include academic publishing, book packaging, and a stint in public affairs at Focus on the Family. She holds an M.A. in English/Creative Writing from the University of Maine,

and has published several children’s books and short stories.

SHARON ELLIOTT Freelancer, Inglewood, CA

Sharon Norris Elliott, author, speaker, and astute Bible teacher, delivers messages that touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of her audiences. Her encouragement to everyone

who will listen is to live a life that matters. Her published books include What? Teenagers in the Bible? and Living a Milk & Honey Life: Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back. Raising Boys to

be Like Jesus, and Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame release January 2011. She also has numerous published articles and devotions to her credit. She has enjoyed a 27 year career as a high school English and Journalism teacher. She and her husband James are enjoying

their southern California empty nest, left so by their blended family of five grown children, two of which have given them three grandchildren.

HOLLEY GERTH DaySpring Cards, Senior Editorial Director, Siloam Springs, AR

Holley Gerth is a writer and senior editorial director for DaySpring, the Christian subsidiary of Hallmark. She recently helped launch (in)courage, an innovative web site for women that had over 250,000 page views its first month. Holley also freelances and is the author of Rain on Me.

She has a Masters degree in counseling and is passionate about encouraging women. You’re invited to visit her online at Heart to Heart with Holley, http://holley.dayspring.com.

MARCUS GOODYEAR TheHighCalling.org., HighCallingBlogs.com,

Christianity Today’s FaithInTheWorkplace.com, Senior Editor; Poet, Kerrville, TX

Marcus Goodyear lives in Kerrville, TX with his wife and two children. He is Senior Editor for TheHighCalling.org, HighCallingBlogs.com, and Christianity Today’s FaithInTheWorkplace.com. You can read his poetry and his quirky Christian

zombie novel on his blog, GoodWordEditing.com.

JULIE GWINN B& H Publishing Group, Trade Book Marketing Manager, Nashville, TN

Julie Gwinn has been a professional in the public relations, advertising industry for more than 20 years for organizations such as The American Red Cross, the YWCA, and Dye, Van Mol

and Lawrence public relations and advertising agencies in Nashville. She joined B&H Publishing Group in January 2007 in the trade marketing and publicity department

and is responsible for marketing their fiction line.

NICK HARRISON Harvest House Publishers, Senior Editor for Fiction & Nonfiction, Eugene, OR

Nick Harrison is a senior editor of both fiction & non-fiction at Harvest House Publishers. He’s the author of several books including Magnificent Prayer, His Victorious Indwelling, and

365 WWJD: Daily Answers to “What Would Jesus Do?” Nick lives in Eugene, Oregon with his wife Beverly who works in the sales department at Harvest House. The Harrisons are the

parents of three grown daughters and grandparents to two grandsons and two granddaughters.

ROBERT IRVIN Standard Publishing, Acquisitions Editor, Cincinnati, OH

Bob acquires for Standard’s teen/young adult line, which includes materials for church leaders, teens, and ministry use. He splits his time, somewhat manically, between the worlds of acquiring

new product and editing that product. Bob’s been fortunate to work with such national youth ministry leaders as Walt Mueller, Wayne Rice, Kurt Johnston, and Rick Bundschuh. The Live Free book

line (written by Mount Hermon’s faculty member Jan Kern) has been critically acclaimed. Bob and wife Joan have three children, ranging from 21 to 5! That keeps life extremely interesting.

He loves playing and watching sports, spending time outdoors, and doing a lot of reading.

SUSAN KING The Upper Room, Assistant Editor, Nashville, TN

Assistant Editor of The Upper Room daily devotional guide, Susan King also teaches English at Lipscomb University and functions as a seminar facilitator in leadership and group dynamics.

Formerly she taught English and feature-writing classes at Biola University, served as book editor for The Institute of Scriptural Psychology, and wrote magazine features as a freelance writer.

DAN KLINE Consultant, Eugene, OR

Dan Kline was a co-founder, teacher, and coordinator of the Writing Certificate Program at Cal State University, Long Beach during the 1990’s. His writing credits include a book on

grammar and a CD-ROM on proofreading, a videotape on hiring and interviewing, four 6-hour seminars, and numerous booklets on various aspects of writing. He is also an internationally recognized speaking professional who, since 1990, has addressed over 200,000 in the US and

fourteen other countries combined. He draws his popular presentations from over thirty years of mixed and varied experience as a speaker, writer, retailer, and federal government manager.

GINGER KOLBABA Kryia.com, editor; Discipleship & Women’s Resources, manager,

Christianity Today International, Carol Stream, IL

Ginger Kolbaba is founding editor of Kyria.com (a women’s online resource and monthly digital magazine) and manager of discipleship and women’s resources for Christianity Today International. In Christian publishing for more than 14 years, she is former editor of Today’s Christian Women and Marriage Partnership—both award-winning magazines. An accomplished book author, Ginger has written or contributed to more than 16 books, including her most recent novel series, Secrets from

Lulu’s Café, which include Desperate Pastors’ Wives and Katt’s in the Cradle. Ginger also teaches and speaks across the country. She’s appeared on national venues such as CNN’s Nancy Grace and

Court TV’s Cather Crier Live, as well as Family Life Radio and Moody Radio’s Midday Connection. www.gingerkolbaba.com

RICHARD MABRY, MD Freelancer, Frisco, TX

Richard L. Mabry, MD is a retired physician and medical school professor. Abingdon Press has just released his debut novel of medical suspense, Code Blue, the first book of

the “Prescription For Trouble” series. Richard is also the author of The Tender Scar: Life After the Death of a Spouse (Kregel, 2006). His work has appeared in Upper Room, In Touch,

Christian Communicator, Grief Digest, and a number of web magazines.

DEAN NELSON Director, Journalism Program, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA

Dean Nelson started the journalism program for Point Loma Nazarene University in 1984 and has been its director ever since. For 15 years he wrote for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the San Jose Mercury News and other newspapers. More recently he has concentrated on writing for magazines such as Christianity Today, Sojourners, San Diego Magazine, Westways, Science

and Spirit. The Society of Professional Journalists in San Diego gave him it’s top award last year for Investigative Reporting. His latest book (his 14th) just came out and is titled

God Hides in Plain Sight: How to See the Sacred in a Chaotic World.

BONNIE PERRY Beacon Hill Press, Director, Kansas City, MO

Bonnie Perry is the director of Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, a mid-size Christian publishing company that specializes in books dealing with felt needs, spiritual formation and ministry resources.

Bonnie holds degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Missouri, where she concentrated her studies in magazine journalism and newswriting. She has worked as a professional

writer, ghostwriter, and editor for more than 20 years. One of her favorite pastimes is mentoring new, talented writers. Bonnie and her husband have four children, but live in an almost-empty nest in

Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

JUDI PERRY Beacon Hill Press, Acquisitions and Consumer Product Editor, Kansas City, MO

Judith Perry is a writer and editor who has edited and/or rewritten numerous books and articles over the past 15 years. She currently serves as the acquisitions and consumer product editor for Beacon

Hill Press of Kansas City. Judi attends several writers’ conferences each year where she enjoys meeting with tomorrow’s writers, critiquing their manuscripts, and teaching workshops. As a

midsized publisher, Beacon Hill has given many authors their starts in the industry, and Judi enjoys working with new writers as they week to develop their skills. She is the mother of three grown

daughters and lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Ken.

RACHAEL PHILLIPS Humor Freelancer, Upland, IN

Erma Bombeck Global winner Rachael Phillips (www.rachaelwrites.com) began her unplanned writing career when a church secretary seeking newsletter articles held her at gunpoint. A

newspaper columnist, she has written humor for Today’s Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership and others. Her novella, Ride with Me Into Christmas, will release September 2010. Rachael

has written four biographies: Frederick Douglass, Billy Sunday, St. Augustine and Well With My Soul.

DEB RANEY Freelance Novelist, Moundridge, KS

Deborah Raney is at work on her 19th novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award

finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Almost Forever, the first book in her new Hanover Falls Novel series, will release in May from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, artist Ken Raney, enjoy small town life in

Kansas. They are new inductees into the empty nest with four grown children and two precious grandsons—all of whom live much too far away.

MARLO SCHALESKY Power for Living, Representative, Freelancer, Salinas, CA

Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of several books, including her soon-to-be-released novel Shades of Morning, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist to create a new type of novel that she hopes will impact readers at the deepest levels. Marlo’s other books include the Christy Award winning novel Beyond the Night, and its sequel If Tomorrow Never Comes, as well as her only nonfiction Empty Womb, Aching Heart-Hope and Help for Those

Struggling with Infertility. She has over 600 articles published in various Christian magazines, including Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman, In Touch, and Decision. She has

contributed to Dr. Dobson’s Night Light Devotional for Couples. She is a speaker and regular columnist for Power for Living. Marlo lives with her husband and five young children in a

log home in central California.

BARBARA SCOTT Abingdon Press, Senior Acquisitions Editor for Fiction, Nashville, TN

Barbara Scott, Sr. Acquisitions Editor for Fiction at Abingdon Press in Nashville, TN, has more than 30 years experience in newspaper, magazine, and book publishing, including adult, youth, and children’s fiction. She also has coauthored with Carrie Younce two bestselling novels for Thomas

Nelson—Sedona Storm and Secrets of the Gathering Darkness—as well as numerous gift books and ghostwritten pieces. In fall 2009 Barbara was responsible for acquiring and launching a new fiction

line at Abingdon, which has garnered numerous accolades for literary excellence. Three of the first seven titles received starred review in either Publishers Weekly or Library Journal.

SHEILA SEIFERT Focus on the Family: Thriving Family, Colorado Springs, CO

Sheila Seifert is managing editor of Thriving Family, a marriage and parenting publication published by Focus on the Family (focusonthefamily.com/thriving). She has co-written

over 20 books, had over 1,000 freelance sales, and watched one of her scripts air on PBS. Shelia teaches writing, literature, and reading part-time at colleges and universities and

enjoys spending time with her husband and three teen boys.

NATASHA SPERLING

Bethany House Publishers, Senior Editor for Nonfiction, Minneapolis, MN

Natasha Sperling, a senior editor of nonfiction at Bethany House Publishers, has experience editing and/or acquiring nonfiction and fiction for children, teens, and adults. In her fourteen years

in Christian publishing, she has been privileged to work with such authors as Jim Burns, Susie Shellenberger, Lauraine Snelling, dcTalk, and dozens more. Natasha lives in the Twin Cities

metro area, where she volunteers with a group of seventy-plus kids in a weekly tutoring program she co-directs.

RICK STEELE AMG International, Manager of Product Development/Acquisitions, Ringgold, GA

Rick Steele is an accomplished writer/editor who has managed the workflow of well over 100 titles for AMG Publishers in Chattanooga, TN. Working with both fledgling and experienced authors over the years, Rick has been at the forefront in the production of AMG’s growing list of Bible study products. Under his direction, the publishing house has launched five different Bible study brands, including the Following God series (over 25 titles), the Coffee Cup Bible

Studies (6 titles), and most recently, the Contenders Bible Studies Series (4 titles). As of January 2009, Rick is now manager of acquisitions and product development at AMG.

He and his wife Susan and son, Allen, live near Ringgold, GA.

TONYA STONEMAN In Touch Magazine, Editor, Social Circle, GA

Tonya Stoneman is the editor of In Touch magazine, a publication that circulates to nearly one million readers. She has published more than 200 articles in a variety of mainstream Christian

magazines and written two books. She lives in Social Circle, Georgia with her husband Tim and her two sons, David and Christopher. When she is not writing, she spends her time restoring

an antebellum house.

B.J. TAYLOR Guidepost Magazine Representative, Freelancer, Huntington Beach, CA

B.J. Taylor is an award-winning writer who has been published numerous times in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, more than fifteen Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and many other anthologies,

magazines and newspapers. She enjoys talking about building your platform, writers groups (she’s a member of three) and writing stories that sell. B.J. is also working on a novel series

about dogs and the people who love them. She calls these books beach reads for dog lovers, or her shorthand term: “dog-lit.”

THOMAS UMSTATTD, JR. Speaker; Internet Guru, Belton, TX

Thomas Umstattd Jr. loves technology. He taught his first web design class at 16 years old and has been helping people use the web ever since. As an award winning speaker, Thomas’ friendly speaking style blends multimedia and audience participation. Thomas is the CEO of Umstattd Media, a company that helps authors use the web to sell books and win contracts.

He also runs AuthorTechTips.com a resource for authors timid about technology.

JAMES WATKINS Wesleyan Publishing House, acquisitions editor

ACW Press, editorial advisor, Marion, IN

Jim wears more hats than his Aunt Luella! He is an award-winning author of fifteen books and over two thousand articles, acquisitions editor for Wesleyan Publishing House, a conference

speaker throughout North America and overseas, editorial advisor for ACW Press, instructor at Taylor University and very grateful child of God—and proud grandpa of four!

CARLA WILLIAMS WinePress Publishing Group, Editorial/Publicity Director, Enumclaw, WA

Author, speaker, and mentor, Carla Williams has writing credits in curriculum, devotions, short stories, and articles. She has authored or co-authored over 24 books including As You Walk Along

the Way, My Bible Dress-Up Book, and Ears to Hear: Hearing the Voice of God. With having royalty and self published books, she understands the value and compatibility of both venues.

Carla enjoys working with writers and editors through her position as Editorial Director, helping raise the standard in self-publishing. As Publicity Director, she provides authors with viable ways

to build their promotional platforms and marketing plans. Carla@winepressgroup.com

Agents

SANDRA BISHOP MacGregor Literary, Agent, Portland, OR

Sandra is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary, an agency of two which is consistently listed in the top five dealmakers on Publisher Marketplace. MacGregor Literary is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR). Sandra is currently taking new clients, but only

open to unpublished authors she meets at conferences or referrals from published authors. Prior to agenting, Sandra worked in the marketing department of a major CBA publishing

company, and made a living as a freelance writer. She and her husband Glenn have one son.

JANET KOBOBEL GRANT Books & Such Literary Agency, President, Agent, Santa Rose, CA

Literary agent Janet Kobobel Grant founded the Books & Such Literary Agency in 1996 and represents several best-selling authors and winners of the Gold Medallion, Christy Award, and RITA. Previously she was a book editor for more than 12 years, an imprint

editor at Zondervan, managing book editor at Focus on the Family, collaborator on 17 books and writer of two books. As a result, Janet knows the publishing world from the perspective

of writer, editor, and agent.

STEVE LAUBE The Steve Laube Agency, President & Founder, Phoenix, AZ

Steve Laube, a literary agent and president of The Steve Laube Agency, has been in the book industry for over 29 years, as bookstore manager, book buyer, and Editorial Director/Adult Nonfiction for

Bethany House Publishers. In 2002 Steve was named Editor of the Year by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Since becoming an agent he has negotiated nearly 300 contracts representing over 500 new books and was named Agent of the Year by The American Christian Fiction Writers in

2009. In addition, Steve has taught at writer’s conference in more than 60 cities. His office is in Phoenix, AZ. www.stevelaube.com

RUSTY WRIGHT Amy Foundation, Representative, Mount Hermon, CA

Rusty Wright is an award-winning author, journalist, syndicated columnist and lecturer who has spoken on six continents. His columns have appeared in mainstream newspapers across the US. He is a frequent presenter at Evangelical Press Association conventions and his writing credits

include many EPA magazines such as Christianity Today, Decision, Worldwide Challenge, Plain Truth, Physician and Pentecostal Evangel. He holds a Bachelor of Science (psychology) and

Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively. Rusty is a winner of numerous Amy Writing Awards.

WENDY LAWTON Books & Such Literary Agency, Agent, Santa Rose, CA

Wendy Lawton is an agent with the much-respected literary agency, Books & Such. She represents some of the finest writers in the industry including many bestselling authors. Wendy

relishes all aspects of the work—especially helping her clients develop their ideas and chart their careers. She’s served on the faculty of several major writers conferences, won the infamous Bulwer-Lytton competition and authored thirteen books. Unfortunately, she’s not yet mastered

leaping tall buildings in a single bound.

LES STOBBE Leslie H. Stobbe Agency, President & Agent, Tryon, NC

Currently an active Literary Agent and Editor-in-Chief of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, Les Stobbe mentors apprentices in What’s Your Story course of the Christian

Writers Guild and serves as director of International Christian Writers. He has been denominational editor, newsletter editor, book editor, curriculum editor, and president of

a publishing house.

RACHEL ZURAKOWSKI Books & Such Literary Agency, Associate Agent, Santa Rosa, CA

Rachel Zurakowski is an associate agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. She has more than four years of agency experience and training working closely with agents Janet Kobobel Grant,

Wendy Lawton, and Etta Wilson. Rachel specializes in working with authors who are writing fiction and nonfiction for teens, twentysomethings, and thirtysomethings. Her goal is to develop

strong relationships with her clients and to help them develop lasting relationships with their editors and publishers.

Publishers Represented ACW Press: Jim Watkins Abingdon Press: Barbara Scott Baker Publishing Group/Div. of Revell: Andrea Doering Beacon Hill Press: Bonnie Perry, Judi Perry Bethany House Publishers: Natasha Sperling B&H Publishing Group Fiction : Karen Ball Marketing: Julie Gwinn DaySpring Cards: Holley Gerth Guidepost Books: Beth Adams Harvest House Publishers: Nick Harrison Random House: WaterBrook Press: Jessica Barnes Regal Books: Kim Bangs Simon & Schuster: Philis Boultinghouse Standard Publishing: Bob Irvin Wesleyan Publishing House: James Watkins WinePress Publishing Group: Carla Williams Zondervan/Zonderkidz: Jacque Alberta Publicist & Marketing Glass Road Public Relations: Rebeca Seitz Publications Represented Advanced Christian Writer: Sally Stuart Christian Communicator: Sally Stuart Guideposts: B. J. Taylor, Rep In Touch: Tonya Stoneman Light and Life: Doug & Margie Newton Marriage Partnership: Ginger Kolbaba Power for Living: Marlo Schalesky, Rep Thriving Family Magazine: Focus On The Family: Sheila Seifert The Saturday Evening Post: Holly G. Miller The Upper Room: Susan King Vista: Jim Watkins

Critique Team Jim Bell Joseph Bentz Brandilyn Collins Joy Gage Marcus Goodyear Ethel Herr Mona Hodgson Kathy Ide Randy Ingermanson Karen O'Connor Gayle Roper, Chairman Christine Tangvald

Staff Myrtlemay Crane (Bookstore Associate) Jeanette Hanscome (Buddy System Coordinator) Joy Harrison (Bookstore Chairman) Walt Herr (Transportation Assistant) Bob Hodgson (Transportation Assistant) Jan Kern (Manuscript Retrieval Chairman) Margie Newton (Manuscript Retrieval Assoc.) Gay Lewis (Hospitality Chairman) Tom Lewis (Hospitality Associate) Simon Presland (Assistant to the Conference Host) Chuck Roper (Transportation Chairman) John Vonhof (Manuscript Retrieval Associate)