Dear Christian Fiction Publisher,

Library Journal will be previewing fall/winter/spring Christian fiction titles in our November 15 issue. The focus is on first novels, notable series debuts, and stand-alone titles to be published between November 2017 and June 2018.

The article will also explore the state of the inspirational fiction genre and some upcoming trends. I would love your insights on any of the following questions, as they relate to your upcoming releases.

• How is the genre changing to fit new demands and interests from an evolving readership? Are writers tackling sensitive topics and issues that challenge Cf’s traditional norms? Do you see an increased interest in international issues and settings? How are you targeting a new generation of social media-savvy readers?
• In light of the We Need Diverse Books campaign, are a larger proportion of minorities being represented in the genre or is this an area the CBA still needs to develop? What titles do you have forthcoming to appeal to an ethnically diverse readership?
• In regards to historical fiction, are there any particular eras that are driving the market and what is their attraction for readers?
• What other subgenres are generating buzz in the Cf world? Are romantic suspense and Amish fiction still popular? Who are the rising stars?
• Print versus ebooks. Apparently there has been a shifting of the balance in favor of print again. Are you seeing a resurgence in print sales?
• Are audiobooks a growing part of your company’s offerings? Do certain genres tend to sell well in the audio format?
• With the recent closure of Family Christian Stores, how has the decline in the Christian retail bookstore market affected you? Are you increasing your library marketing efforts?
• What is your strategy for building discoverability in a crowded market? Despite the popularity of self-publishing, what advantages do you feel traditional publishing offers in a changing industry?

Please email the following information: author, title, ISBN, page count, price, publication date, marketing plans, formats available (print, audio, ebook), and a brief description—catalog copy will suffice—to Julia Reffner at julesreffner@gmail.com, and be sure to cc Wilda Williams at wwilliams@mediasourceinc.com. Julia will also be contacting you shortly. Please make sure she speaks with the appropriate publicist/editor/or publisher.

The deadline is August 18, 2017.

Thank you so much for your help and participation.

Sincerely,

Wilda Williams
Fiction Editor
Library Journal
123 William St., Suite 802
New York, NY 10038