Workshops in Communication

Writing and Publishing a Religious Non-Fiction Book:
From Concept to Crafting to Contract

Quentin J. Schultze, Ph.D.

July 9 (7 p.m.) to July 11(lunch), 2008

This workshop will help you write a non-fiction trade book and get it published with a significant Christian house. The non-fiction Christian trade book business is changing quickly because of the growth of new distribution and retail outlets (from traditional Christian bookstores to Amazon, Target, and large bookstore chains like Barnes and Noble), the rise of mainstream publishing giants with religious and even evangelical lines, the emergence of increasingly influential literary agents in Christian publishing, self-publishing, vanity-press publishing, and the growth of religious self-help and spiritual fiction. Moreover, most of the major Christian publishers no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts, and many agents will represent only published authors. New non-fiction writers need to know how to navigate the Christian publishing waters in order to be successfully published. Cost: $250 includes excellent meals and snacks. Half-price scholarships are available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students. This workshop will be limited to 12 participants in order to maximize personal attention to each one's ideas, proposals, and writing samples.

Why attend this workshop? You will:

  • Receive practical advice for developing a non-fiction book concept that will serve readers.

  • Gain the research skills and knowledge necessary for determining the likely markets for your book.

  • Learn how to write a book proposal that will gain the attention and generate the interest of an agent or publishing house.

  • Discover effective ways of organizing your thoughts, notes, and files for productive writing and revision.

  • Know how to establish a writing tone and style fitting for a manuscript.

  • Find out how to solicit solid feedback on your manuscript, improve your manuscript while writing it, and increase its marketability.

  • Increase your confidence in getting published by learning how the non-fiction religious book publishing business really works.

To register, please download the Microsoft Word registration form, fill it out on your computer, and mail it — with a check for $250 made out to "Calvin College" — to the address on the form. Because of the limited number of spots in this workshop, the Gainey Institute will not be able to refund registrants who do not attend. Simply put, our cost is greater than the registration fee. You may send a substitute writer to attend if you are unable to do so. Workshop is full! Sign up for our private email list to find out about upcoming workshops before they fill up. Contact us to find out how this workshop can be offered in your area.

Quentin Schultze Quentin J. Schultze has written over a dozen trade books and won four book awards. His most recent book is An Essential Guide to Public Speaking: Serving Your Audience with Faith, Skill, and Virtue (Baker). He has helped many writers get published. He serves as the Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair in Faith and Communication, the Executive Director of the Gainey Institute for Faith and Communication, and a Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences—all at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.