Periodical Editors
We are excited to have so many periodical editors with us this year.
Read their editorial needs below and choose to stretch your writing skills.
Take advantage of these excellent opportunities to build your list of published works!
Appointments with Periodical Editors
Guidelines to Follow
The first 30 to register for the conference are eligible for a 4th appointment. Their appointments will be scheduled in the order they registered. After that, appointments will be scheduled on a first come basis.
The deadline for requesting appointments is June 10.
See Our Appointment Process for important details.
Be prepared to email the following to
whaconferenceappointments@gmail.com
no later than June 12.
Send a 50-100 word summary of your article AND the first page
(double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman, 1" margins)
Submissions to periodical editors do not require a one sheet.
Everything is Eastern Time
Continuing Sessions
Thursday & Friday: 11:15 – 12:15 and 3:15 – 4:15
Saturday, 11:15 – 12:15
Michelle Adserias – Unable to be with us
Editor, Today’s Christian Living
Freelance Writer and Blogger
Michelle is the editor of Today’s Christian Living magazine, a bi-monthly publication focused on demonstrating how God is at work in the everyday lives of His people through true, inspirational stories. She is also a freelance writer who has been published in several Christian and secular magazines. Her 52-week devotional, Until Then, encourages believers to continue growing in Christ as they journey through this earthly life. Michelle and her husband, Peter, live on a small central Wisconsin farm.They have four grown children, one lovely daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, and one sassy old cat.
Workshop 5A – How to Interact with Publishers and Editors (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
Tips for successfully working toward getting published.
Editorial Needs – Today’s Christian Living
We focus on publishing inspirational stories. I would love to see more about men and their roles in church and family, from a man’s perspective.
I always appreciate true stories with a little non-offensive humor. I can’t fill our magazines with them, but one every couple of issues is a nice pick-me-up for our readers.
We’ve started a new column called “Family News” that focuses on what’s happening in the global church, everything from persecution to praise for the wondrous things God is doing, so I am looking for articles for that column.
We do not print tributes to people who have passed away, devotionals, poetry, or articles focused on teaching biblical principles.
Guidelines for Writers – todayschristianliving.org/writers-guidelines
David Bennett
Managing Editor, HomeLife
Open Windows
Author
David is managing editor of HomeLife, the flagship magazine of Lifeway Christian Resources, and Open Windows, Lifeway’s longest running devotional. Prior to his work with HomeLife, David was responsible for the ideation, design, and production of student ministry resources and programs. He is the author of Critical Decisions: Clarity in the Journey (Serendipity House) and co-author of Share Jesus Without Fear (Lifeway Press). For 14 years he was a contributor to The Athlete’s Bible (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and for the past 11 years has written the curriculum for Chic-fil-A’s WinShape Camps for Boys. He has also written scripts for stage and video as well as devotionals.
David edited the first Beth Moore student resource, co-hosted the Experiencing God Youth Video Series with Henry Blackaby, and coordinated the First Place youth health program. David also led out in the production of youth Vacation Bible School resources, the Positive Impact Teen Violence Intervention Campaign, and new Christian assimilation.
David is a people person and has enjoyed his interviews with personalities including Chrissy Metz, Roma Downey, Jim Caviezel, Patricia Heaton, Scott Hamilton, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, and other interesting people.
David has also served as camp pastor for CentriKid Camps, taught creative dramatics, Bible, and mixed woodwinds. He has served church staffs in Tennessee and South Carolina. He has also directed regional and national student events. He recently created new curriculum for the nonprofit, For the Children.
David will never forget meeting his wife, Kimberly, at 2:10 pm CT on his fifth day in Nashville. He and his wife have three daughters: Mary Claire, Caroline, and Sarah Kate—and one granddaughter, London.
Workshop 1F – Inspired Writing That Inspires (Thursday, 2:00 – 2:50)
Both magazines and devotionals provide life-changing opportunities to inspire others and to be inspired in the process! Whether 300 words or 2,000 words, God can use you to lead others to His Word. This workshop will give you some tools to write inspirationally.
Workshop 2G – How to Pitch to a Magazine Editor (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
You’ll be ready to hit a home run after touching the “bases” of writing for a magazine. Focus on building a relationship with your coach (editor) and set your sights on the big leagues.
Round Table – Wednesday, 6:30 – 6:55
Critique Group – Thursday, 4:30 – 5:10 – Parenting articles
Editorial Needs – HomeLife
Faith-based family articles focused on parenting kids (birth-12) and teens (13-19).
Steve Bootsma
Executive Director
Calvinist Cadets Corps
Executive Director
Editor, Cadet Quest Magazine
Steve is the executive director of the Calvinist Cadet Corps, a Christian non-profit boys' club organization with clubs in over 450 North American churches, as well as in Kenya, Uganda, Ukraine, South Sudan, New Zealand, and Australia. From being a Cadet in his hometown church as a child in the 70s, to leading the entire organization, Steve is passionate about helping boys grow more Christlike in all areas of life.
In this role, he is the editor of Cadet Quest magazine, created for boys ages 9-14, published seven times a year. Fiction, nonfiction, illustrations, puzzles, and games are all desired by Steve, and he enjoys receiving submissions from new authors.
Workshop 1E – Writing for Youth Magazines (Thursday, 2:00 – 2:50)
The entire story needs to fit onto two-three pages. What’s important to add, what needs to stay, what can go? How do I make sure the Christian message comes through? Now that your story is ready to submit, what will improve or hinder the chances of it being published?
Critique Group - Thursday, 4:30 – 5:10 – Short stories and articles for 9-12-year-old youth
Round Table – Friday, 12:30 – 12:55
Editorial Needs – Calvinist Cadets
Nonfiction: for 9-13 year old boys
Fiction: for 9-13 year old boys
Greatest Areas of Interest: Children’s & YA: Articles about remarkable kids, middle grade fiction / non-fiction, ages 9-12 fiction / nonfiction, puzzles, illustrations (contract basis only)
Sweet spot: 900-1500 words
Note: each issue has a theme. Yearly lists are available online.
Overworked Topics: Stories of “I invited my enemy to Sunday school and everyone lived happily ever after” with cliché endings
Guidelines for Writers: calvinistcadets.org/cadet-quest-magazine
Annette M. Griffin
Acquisitions Editor
StarLight Magazine
Author
Annette is an award-winning author, speaker, and teacher who writes timeless pieces to help readers find home. She is a columnist and acquisitions editor for StarLight Magazine and has written hundreds of articles for kids and adults throughout her writing career.
Annette is the grateful recipient of over 70 writing awards, including the American Writing Award for her debut children’s book, What is a Family? Her newest children’s book, The God Hunter, will release through Dressed in Love Press in August 2026, followed by her new book for pregnant mamas, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, which will release through Christian Art Gifts next year.
When Annette isn’t working on writerly things, she enjoys making memories with her brilliant husband, five adult children, and three adorable grands.
Learning Lab – Broaden Your Online Audience by Using SEO, AEO, & GEO to Take Truth to the World (Wednesday, 3:45 – 6:00)
Millions of people are searching for solid answers to life’s deepest questions. But instead of looking to the church or the Bible for spiritual guidance, today’s go-to source of enlightenment is Google and AI. This lab will cover five proven tips to ensure your online content ranks high in searches and reaches the world with God’s truth. You’ll also learn how writing high-ranking online content can grow your platform, get the attention of editors and agents, and become a stepping-stone for publishing contracts.
Workshop 2D – How to Write for Middle-Grade Readers without Sounding Cheesy or Preachy (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
If you’ve explored the middle-grade readers’ section of a library or bookstore lately, you know that the genre is inundated with dark, mystical literature. Now more than ever, Christian writers need to be the Light for young readers. But no one wants to read a book that’s cringe worthy—especially tweens. This workshop will explore 5 keys to reaching the heart of a middle-grade audience with relatable stories that contain the truth, the way, and the life.
Round Table - Friday, 12:30 – 12:55
Critique Group - Friday, 4:30 – 5:10 – Kidlit, picture book, middle-grade articles
Editorial Needs – StarLight Magazine
Children & YA: Nonfiction Ages 6-8, Nonfiction Ages 9-12, Short Stories Ages 5-7, Short Stories Ages 8-10, Poems, Creation-centered Nonfiction for Ages 5-10
Greatest needs: Short fiction for kids 5-7 and 8-10 and Bible story retellings that feature women in the Bible. (Guidelines on the website.)
Overworked topics: Stories about kids who are afraid of something and find courage through prayer.
Helpful tips: We LOVE getting bullet points for our “Creature Feature” and “The Heavens Declare” segments, but be sure to include your sources.
Subscribing to our free magazine is the best way to keep track of the topics we have already covered.
Debbie Hardy
Representing Christian Devotions
Author
Debbie Hardy, the Queen of Resilience, didn’t start writing until age fifty-seven. Since then, she has published three books; written devotions, blogs, and magazine articles; contributed to anthologies; and been interviewed on radio and TV over 200 times. A Colorado resident and accomplished pianist, Debbie is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and several writers’ groups where she mentors aspiring authors. After writing for only four years, she was asked to teach at writers’ conferences and has been invited back again and again. She speaks at women’s meetings, retreats, and conferences, sharing ideas on how to get published and how to live your best life.
Critique Group – Thursday, 4:30 – 5:10 – Inspirational articles
Round Table – Thursday, 6:30 – 6:55
Critique Group – Friday, 4:30 – 5:10 – Devotionals
Editorial Needs – Christian Devotions
Devotions of 300-400 words. Click here for guidelines.
Sherri Langton
Associate Editor
Bible Advocate
Now What? e-zine
Freelance Writer
Sherri has worked over 35 years in Christian publishing. FShe is the associate editor of Bible Advocate magazine and Now What? e-zine. Sherri is an award-winning freelance writer whose work has appeared in Focus on the Family, In Touch, Upper Room, Today’s Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Discipleship Journal, Decision, LIVE, and other publications. She writes on assignment for AG News, Standard, and The Quiet Hour. Sherri also has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes, My Turn to Care, Teatime Stories for Women, Becoming a Godly Man, Faces of Faith, Hurray God!, and Understanding Depression and Suicide: Hope in the Darkness. In addition, she teaches workshops at several Christian writers' conferences. Sherri lives in Denver, Colorado, and plays drums and percussion at her church.
Editorial Needs – The Bible Advocate
The Bible Advocate (baonline.org) is geared to help Christians understand and obey God’s Word, with articles on Bible doctrine, current social and religious issues, Christian living, Bible topics, prophecy, and personal experience/testimonies. We also print fillers (sidebars) and poetry (traditional, free, and blank verse). Articles that fit our themes (click here) have better chances of acceptance.
Editorial Needs – Now What?
Now What? is a monthly e-zine aimed at the unchurched that addresses the “felt needs” of people. Stories show an individual’s struggle that either led them to faith in Christ or deepened their walk with God.
Now What? has covered homosexuality, grief, depression, mental illness, infertility, eating disorders, and a host of other topics. We’re always open to hearing new ideas and even new approaches to previously posted subjects. Overworked topics: dealing with personal illness and dealing with a family’s dementia/Alzheimer’s.
We buy first and one-time rights. We also accept reprints and simultaneous submission (please tell where you’ve submitted). Both The Bible Advocate and Now What? are good markets for beginners and for reprints from more established writers.
Jeanette Gardner Littleton
Editor, Standard and Intertribal Life
Managing Editor, EABooks
Author
Jeanette has written several books and thousands of articles. As an editor, she has worked with award-winning publications and edited over 10,000 articles and dozens of books for royalty publishers such as Guideposts and Bethany House. She is currently editor of Standard for the Church of the Nazarene and Intertribal Life newspaper. Jeanette is also managing editor of EABooks and keeps her fingers in other editing pies.
Round Table – Friday 6:30 – 6:55
Editorial Needs
Standard is a part of the WordAction curriculum family. It is distributed weekly at churches and is designed to back up the precepts of the curriculum being taught in the class. Standard is primarily looking for authors of the Wesley-Arminian background who can write personal experience articles on a theme. Standard pays $50 for 900-word articles. To be considered writing for Standard, authors should send samples of personal experience pieces to Jeanette Littleton at standard.foundry@gmail.com.
Intertribal Life is a bimonthly newspaper produced by Intertribal Life Ministries (IntertribalLifeMinistries.org). This newspaper has a subscription base and is also distributed for free in prisons and reservations across the US and Canada. The purpose of Intertribal Life newspaper is to focus on positive news that affects Indigenous North Americans, as well as inspirational and testimony pieces that strengthen the Native American, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit readers. Intertribal Life is open to articles about Indigenous people and materials from Indigenous writers. We do not use stories about non-Indigenous people ministering to tribes or reserves; however, we do use stories about Indigenous people ministering to others. If you have an idea, feel free to query Jeanette Littleton at Indianlife.editor@gmail.com.
Carolyn Mandarano
Senior Managing Editor
Guideposts magazine, Angels on Earth, Mysterious Ways
Carolyn has been with Guideposts for 7 years. Her roles have included managing editor, acquiring editor, book editor, and project manager. Guideposts is a Christian ministry, sharing stories and experiences that inspire your walk with God and spread His comfort to others. Our mission is for every person to know God’s love during life’s challenges and joys. Guideposts content supports that mission with products that empower people to find strength within themselves, their communities, and their faith.
Round Table – Wednesday, 6:30 – 6:55
Critique Group – Thursday, 4:30 – 5:10 – Nonfiction
Editorial Needs – Guideposts Magazines
Angels on Earth: Submit true, 1500-word stories, with cover letter and all contact info, sent to submissions@angelsonearth.org.
Guideposts magazine: Writers can send inspiring true stories of personal change (1500 words or less) with contact info (including phone number and address) to submissions@guideposts.org.
Mysterious Ways: We’re seeking “more than coincidence” stories that show God’s hand at work; either a detailed pitch or a full story (about 400 words) can be sent to Nikki Notare at mw@guideposts.org.
Overworked topics: Memoirs, poetry, humor, scholarly works, sermon collections
Rhonda Robinson
Manager, Focus on the Family
Marriage and Parenting Web Content
Focus on the Family
Award-winning Author, Speaker
Rhonda is an award-winning author, speaker, and managing editor for Focus on the Family’s Parenting and Marriage web content. Known for combining conviction with clarity, she has written hundreds of articles on the social, political, and parenting issues shaping our culture.
Though a career highlight was hearing the late Rush Limbaugh read her commentary live on air, Rhonda’s true legacy is closer to home. She and her high school sweetheart, Mike, have raised nine children and are now blessed with 39 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Together, they have been recently commissioned as Colson Fellows.
Keynote – Called to Write: Restoring Truth in a Confused Culture (Wednesday, 7:00 pm)
The ideas that shape politics and culture are rarely advanced by argument alone. More often, they are carried by the stories that capture imaginations and shape what people believe is possible. As we stand on the edge of a new era of AI, Christian writers have a vital role to play.
This keynote will inspire writers of both fiction and nonfiction to see their craft as a calling to illuminate truth and awaken hope in a confused culture.
Continuing Session – Called to Clarity: Writing Biblical Truth for a Confused Culture
Thurs 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 1
Thurs 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 2
Fri 11:15 - 12:15 CS -Part 3
Fri 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 4
Sat 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 5
Session 1 – Discern the Moment: Seeing the Cultural Lie Beneath the Issue
Before we can answer today’s issues with biblical truth, we must learn to recognize the worldview beneath the conversation. This workshop will help writers identify the cultural lies, human longings, and biblical truths at the heart of the issues they feel called to address.
Session 2 – Anchor the Truth: Building a Biblical Foundation for Your Message
A message rooted in biblical truth needs more than a verse attached to an opinion. This workshop will help writers discern the spiritual battle behind the issue, define the truth at the center of your message, and guide the reader to restoration.
Session 3 – Shape the Message: Writing with Courage, Clarity, and Compassion
Become audience aware. Biblical truth must be handled with both conviction and care. This workshop will equip writers to shape messages that are clear, courageous, and compassionate.
Session 4 – Reach the Reader: Writing for Influence Without Losing Integrity
Writers who want to impact culture must understand how readers think, search, skim, question, and respond. This workshop will help writers craft strong titles, thought-provoking openings, structure, and takeaways that leave the reader pondering truth.
Session 5 – Called to Restoration: Writing That Calls Readers to Courageous Action
As Christian writers, we are called to do more than point out what is broken. We are called to help readers see what is true, pursue what is good, and join in God’s work of restoration. This session will equip writers to move from commentary on issues to discovering their part in God’s redemption story.
Impact Culture Panel – Thursday, 8:30 – 9:30
Round Table – Saturday, 12:30 – 12:55
AI Panel - Saturday, 1:15 – 1:55
Editorial Needs – Focus on the Family (Marriage & Parenting Web Content)
Articles on parenting that fall under the umbrella of Mental Health, Spiritual Growth, Everyday Parenting, Sexuality, Tech. All articles must come from personal experience and/or expertise and from a Christian perspective. Email Rhonda.Robinson@fotf.org for guidelines.
Linda Evans Shepherd
Publisher Leading Hearts Magazine
Arise Daily e-devotional
Founder, Advanced Writers & Speakers Association
Founder, Arise Esther Movement
Author; Blog, GotToPray.com
Advanced Writers and Speakers Association founder Linda Evans Shepherd is an award-winning author of more than 40 books, including Praying the Word and Praying Through Hard Times. She is the publisher of Leading Hearts magazine and Arise Daily devotionals, and a sought-after speaker and screenwriter who inspires writers to create hope-filled messages that touch hearts and change lives. AWSA.com
Continuing Session – Speaking Masterclass
Thurs 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 1
Thurs 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 2
Fri 11:15 - 12:15 CS -Part 3
Fri 3:15 - 4:15 CS - Part 4
Sat 11:15 - 12:15 CS - Part 5
Are you called to speak but unsure how to begin—or how to strengthen your message? In this multi-session masterclass and practicum, you'll gain the confidence, clarity, and spiritual grounding to step into your calling with purpose. We’ll explore:
• The Call to Speak — hearing and confirming God’s invitation
• Message Development — finding your topic and the core message God gave you
• Presentation Structure — outlining for clarity and flow
• Storytelling with Impact — using personal stories to connect and inspire
• Serving Your Audience — balancing truth, inspiration, and takeaway
Each participant will create and deliver a 5-minute talk in a warm, encouraging setting. Whether you’re a beginner or growing communicator, this masterclass will equip you to speak with both power and purpose—for the One who called you.
Workshop 1A – Writing That Heals (Thursday, 2:00 – 2:50)
Many writers carry deep personal stories—stories shaped by loss, disappointment, grief, or hardship. But how do you know when you’re ready to write about painful experiences? And how can your writing bring healing instead of reopening wounds?
In this compassionate and Spirit-led session, Linda Evans Shepherd guides writers through the process of turning pain into purpose without rushing the healing journey. This workshop explores how God redeems our hardest experiences and how, in His timing, those stories can become sources of hope, encouragement, and ministry to others.
Participants will learn the difference between writing from open wounds versus healed scars, how to discern what to share and what to protect, and how to shape personal experiences into messages that point readers toward God’s faithfulness rather than simply recounting pain. Linda will also address healthy boundaries, wisdom in storytelling, and the importance of prayer and discernment when writing about sensitive experiences.
This is not a class about oversharing or emotional exposure. It is about healing, perspective, and purpose—trusting God to lead both the process and the outcome.
Whether your story is meant for publication, a small audience, or simply personal healing, this workshop will help you write with clarity, compassion, and hope—allowing God to use your story in ways that bring life, not harm.
Round Table – Saturday, 12:30 – 12:55 – AWSA, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, is dedicated to supporting authors at every stage of their journey. We’d love for you to join today so you can take advantage of our wealth of resources.
Editorial Needs – Leading Hearts Magazine and Arise Daily e-devotional
Nonfiction: Christian living/ministry/evangelism, church growth/life/renewal, discipleship/personal growth, marriage/family/parenting, women’s interests
Overworked Topics: No poetry
Helpful Tips: Please take a look at our electronic magazine for style and flavor: www.LeadingHearts.com. I will be impressed if you sign up for a free subscription.
Guidelines for Writers: leadinghearts.com/writers-guidelines
Dr. Mel Tavares
Arise Daily e-devotional
Writing Coach/Mentor, Author
Dr. Mel is an award-winning author of books, articles, devotionals, and short stories. She is the Acquisitions and Managing Editor of Arise Daily, a digital daily devotional and 2025 recipient of the Award of Excellence given by the Evangelical Press Association (EPA). Mel is also the recipient of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) 2025 National Member of the Year award.
Mel holds a Doctor of Ministry and has 35 years of experience working with families in education, rehabilitation, and ministry. She is a frequent event speaker and media guest.
Her latest book release, Make Families Great Again, is being used as a tool to sound the trumpet across America, alerting parents and grandparents to the truths of today’s youth culture. The book was awarded first place at the 2026 Christian Indie Awards, held in Alabama.
Aligning her messages with America’s 250th birthday, Mel welcomes opportunities to speak and help parents and grandparents decode today’s youth culture and develop action steps to protect their families.
Mel and her husband live in Middletown, Connecticut. They have seven adult children and eleven grandchildren.
Workshop 4I– Write Your Wisdom for the Next Gen of Youth and Families (Friday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Transform your life experience, faith journeys, and hard-earned wisdom into impactful content that speaks to today’s youth and modern families. Whether writing devotionals, nonfiction, children’s stories, or family-centered resources, participants will learn how to craft relevant and meaningful messages that bridge generational gaps, strengthen families, and leave a lasting legacy through words.
Round Table – Saturday, 12:30 – 12:55
Editorial Needs – Arise Daily
Currently accepting devotions 500-550 words in length. Because it is a global digital devotional platform, we try to steer clear of USA specific holiday topics. We do not publish anything with a political bent or social topics that may be specific to one country. AriseDaily.com is a ministry of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), which is a female-only organization. Therefore, I can only accept devotions from female writers. I will provide guidelines to all who come to an appointment or reach out to me through email (drmeltavares@gmail.com).
For more information on editorial needs, be sure to check The Christian Writers Market Guide 2026 available in paperback and as an eBook. We recommend a yearly subscription to the eBook because it is updated throughout the year.
Available through Christian Writers Institute