"How do we know what the trends are in Christian publishing?"
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the publishing panels I am part of at writers conferences. Many of the answers to this question have a lot to do with following key information sources, reading that genre widely, and watching the Christian books best-seller lists. The other editors and I often spout of a list of websites, trade magazines, newsletters, and blogs to give some direction, but I doubt that even the most dutiful and skilled listener in those sessions could take down all of that. So guess what? I am listing it all here for you to peruse at your leisure. Aren't I nice? A one-stop Christian Publishing trends spot. :)
Ready? Here we go!
1. Barna.org
Barna Group is a visionary research and resource company located in Ventura, California. The firm is widely considered to be a leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture. The Barna Group offers a range of customized research, resources and training to serve churches, nonprofits, businesses, and leaders.
CBA (formerly called Christian Booksellers Association) is the trade association for approximately 1,700 Christian stores, including independents, regional and national chains, church-owned stores, franchises, and marketing groups, plus more than 500 book publishers, record companies, gift companies and other product suppliers.
Charisma is the flagship magazine of Charisma Media. For more than thirty years, it has been a trusted source of news, teaching, and inspiration to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Literary Agent Chip MacGregor has a comprehensive knowledge of the industry—from book development to writing, acquisition to production, marketing to sales. He has secured more than 1,000 book deals for authors with all of the major publishers in both ABA and CBA.
5. ChristianFictionOnlineMagazine.com
Christian Fiction Online is affiliated with the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. It exists to proclaim the glory of Christ in all genres of Christian fiction by broadening the CBA presence in the world through blogging/promoting on the Internet.
Christian Retailing covers the latest industry news and information in each of its print issues. The magazine includes respected editorial content on the critical issues affecting the Christian retail industry, supplemented by advertising that specifically targets Christian bookstore owners and buyers.
Christianity Today is a leading, nonprofit media ministry for the evangelical church with 6 print publications, several digital-only publications, and practical web and mobile resources that together reach over 2.5 million people every month.
8. Cnnw.com
Christian News Northwest is a monthly tabloid-size newspaper serving the evangelical Christian community in Portland and Salem, Ore., Vancouver, Wash., and dozens of surrounding communities throughout western and central Oregon and southwest Washington.
9. Crosswalk.com/news/ReligionToday
Crosswalk.com share Christian news headlines from around the world, conservative commentary, persecution headlines, Religion Today, and breaking Christian news.
10. ECPA.org
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content.
Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. Through radio broadcasts, websites, simulcasts, conferences, interactive forums, magazines, books, counseling and much more, Focus on the Family equips parents, children and spouses to thrive in an ever-changing, ever-more-complicated world.
12. ReligionNews.com
The Religion News Service aims to be the largest single source of news about religion, spirituality and ideas. We strive to inform, illuminate, and inspire public discourse on matters relating to belief and convictions.
13. SteveLaube.com
The Steve Laube Agency is committed to providing top quality guidance to authors and speakers. Our years of experience and success bring a unique service to our clients. We focus primarily in the Christian marketplace and have put together an outstanding gallery of authors and speakers whose books continue to make an impact throughout the world.
14. WorldMag.com
World covers all aspects of the news: national, international, and cultural; politics and business; medicine, science, technology, and sports. They have feisty columns and religious reflections. They even have cartoons and a page with funny or strange stories. But what matters the most is this: They believe in a God who tells the truth and wants us to do the same.
15. Publishers WeeklyReligion Book News
Publishers Weekly leading trade publication for the entire publishing industry. The religion book news channel gives information from across the industry about books on a range religious topics.
Please share this valuable information with your writer friends. Also if you know of other valuable websites that offer solid information about the trends in Christian publishing, add them to the comments below and I will periodically update this list.