Tuesday, September 30, 2014

SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - OCTOBER 1, 2014

                                               When asked to speak for a group that has
had little experience hiring a speaker,
you need to offer them as much help as
you can to make the event a success.

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - OCTOBER 1, 2014


Every talk with an editor will not guarantee an immediate sale—
but each time you connect, it will help bring you to a
place where such a sale can happen.

WRITER'S COCOON


Royalty Pub Logo   
 
Presents...
The Writer's Cocoon 2014
 
 
How badly do you want it?
Don't make excuses...Register HERE!
 

 
 
 
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Royalty Publications | Phenix City, AL | Phenix City | AL | 36870

BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE

I didn't want you to miss this great opportunity
to learn how you can build a website by yourself!

My colleague Christina Hills will be holding a
FREE webinar on Tuesday on building a website
by yourself, using WordPress.

Christina teaches non-techie people how to build
their websites without a webmaster.

If you are interested in building a website by yourself
(and update it whenever you want), you sure don't want
to miss this call!

Join Christina Hills, a WordPress expert, as she
demonstrates using WordPress to create your website.

---------- Webinar Info ----------
Event: Easily Create Your Own Websites this Fall
Date: Tuesday , September 30, 2014
Time: 3:00pm Eastern /12:00pm noon Pacific
Duration: 90 minutes
(You can listen by phone or computer)
To get registered for the webinar, go here:
http://websitecreationworkshop.com/a/?af=1428390&p=create
----------------------------------------

Christina has taught hundreds of non-techie people
how to easily build their websites themselves in the Website
Creation workshop.

You can build virtually any kind of website you
want with WordPress.

Here are some examples of the kinds of websites
that people can build:

• Coaching Websites
• Consultants Websites
• Speaker Websites
• Author/Book Websites
• Mind, Body, Spirit Websites
• Personal Passion Websites
• Business Websites
• Sales Letter Websites
• Squeeze Page Websites
• Membership Websites
• Hybrid Blog + Static Page Websites

This call will have visuals with lots of pictures
for you to follow along during the call.

http://websitecreationworkshop.com/a/?af=1428390&p=create

Christina's calls are always filled with gems and
inspirations. I think you'll love this one, too.

p.s. Go here now to get all the details:

http://websitecreationworkshop.com/a/?af=1428390&p=create

______________________________
W. Terry Whalin
Whalin & Associates
9457 S University Blvd, Suite 621
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126-4976
720-708-4953
www.terrywhalin.com

BOOST CHRISTMAS BOOK SALES

 
 
 
 
Christmas is a great time to promote your book, but you are competing with a lot of savvy advertisers so you need to put on your A-Game. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity.
 
1. Wrap it in a pretty bow and take a photo. Add it to your Facebook posts, to Pinterest, and on your website. Your book "makes a nice gift."
 
2. Offer to autograph it and personalize it from the "author" to their friend or loved one.
 
3. Are they giving a Kindle this Christmas? Offer to give them a "coupon" they can include with the new e-reader for a "free download." Who wants to give a Kindle without a book to read?
 
4. Bundle it. If you have more than one book, offer a Christmas Special. Again, take a picture of the books stacked and wrapped in a ribbon. Who can resist a package deal?
 
5. Add a trinket. Is there a small item you can add to the book to make it a sweet gift? For my Bible studies, I tie a package of Bible markers to the book. A friend tied a measuring spoon to her fictional book about a chef. My first book about discernment had an apple on the cover so I found an apple charm and made a ribbon bookmark. Scour the dollar stores and Oriental Trading magazine for ideas.
 
6. Work with a charity and offer to make a donation in their friend's name with the purchase of every book (create a nice certificate to make the donation part of the gift). This is especially good if your book has a logical connection to a cause.
 
7. Run a give-away contest. It can be silly and fun such as "post a picture of my book in a Christmas store display" and be entered into the drawing for my next book. Or it can be challenging such as "do a random act of kindness and then tell us about it here to be entered into the drawing."
 
8. Finally, don't wait till December. Start your marketing now because most people purchase their gifts before the end of November. Offer a deeper discount for those who make their purchase
 
From Cheri Cowell

FROM ARTICLES TO CHAPTERS

Q – I'm currently writing articles, but hope to make them chapters in a book eventually. What do I need to do to be sure I can make that happen?

 
A -. It all comes down to keeping control of your rights. If you sell only first rights or one-time rights to the articles, you're free to use the material in a book in the future. Even if you've sold all rights to some of the articles, you can contact those publishers and ask if they will release the rights so you can use them in your book. Most will.

NY TIMES CHRISTIAN BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF 10/5

AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard Books) is #1 in E-Book Nonfiction; #4 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction.
  • HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 in Religion, Spirituality and Faith; #6 in Paperback Nonfiction.
  • THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 in Relationships; #7 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous.
  • RISE OF ISIS by Jay Sekulow with Jordan Sekulow and others. (Howard Books) is #3 in E-Book Nonfiction; #8 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction.
  • LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #3 in Relationships.
  • THE MYSTERY OF THE SHEMITAH by Jonathan Cahn (Frontline/Charisma House) is #4 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous.
  • JESUS > RELIGION by Jefferson Bethke (Thomas Nelson) is #4 in Religion, Spirituality and Faith.
  • I'VE NEVER BEEN TO VEGAS, BUT MY LUGGAGE HAS by Mandy Hale (Thomas Nelson) is #4 in Relationships.
  • THE BEST YES by Lysa TerKeurst (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson) is #6 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous.
  • I DARED TO CALL HIM FATHER by Bilquis Sheikh with Richard H. Schneider (Chosen Books) is #7 in Religion, Spirituality and Faith.
  • THE LOVE DARE by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing Group) is #7 in Relationships.
  • WAKING UP IN HEAVEN by Crystal McVea (Howard) is #8 in Religion, Spirituality and Faith.
  • UNPHILTERED by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach. (Howard Books) is #10 in Hardcover Nonfiction.
  • A YEAR OF BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD by Rachel Held Evans (Thomas Nelson) is #10 in Religion, Spirituality and Faith.
  • THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES OF CHILDREN by Gary D. Chapman and Ross Campbell (Moody) is #11 in Family.
  • GOOD CALL by Jase Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #12 in Religion, Spirituality and Faith.
  • BE THE MESSAGE by Kerry & Chris Shook (WaterBrook) is #12 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous.
  • INSTINCT by T. D. Jakes (FaithWords) is #13 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous.
  • LOVE AND RESPECT by Emerson Eggerichs (Thomas Nelson) is #13 in Relationships.

  • Monday, September 29, 2014

    SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 30, 2014


    When invited to speak, you are there to serve
    the needs of the meeting planners and audience—
    not to be treated like a celebrity.

    WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 30, 2014


    Never take a rejection slip personally.
    All it may means is that they simply
    can't use your offering right now.

    CLASS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

     
                           

    It's Not Too Late!

     

    CLASS Christian Writers Conference
    October 23-25, 2014
    Albuquerque, NM
    First Baptist Church

     

     

    Still want to follow your dream of being a writer? There is still room for you at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Now is the time to invest in your writing. You have the opportunity for excellent instruction, one-on-one instruction, publication in Come As You Are, the 2014 conference book, meeting with editors and professionals, and so much more. Don't miss this opportunity. Join us now! Registration and more information is at www.classeminars.org.

    Keynote Speaker
    Dr. Dennis Hensley

    Learn from one of the most prolific and knowledgable writers in the industry. Hear information-packed keynotes, attend his classes, and meet with him for encouragement and personal advice about your writing.

    Teen Track

     Growing into a Successful Writer

    What teen wouldn't love to spend a few days with Jesse Florea, editor at Focus on the Family. Jesse will take teens on a journey as they learn the basics of writing while exploring ways they can be successful in the writing world.
     

    Dozens of Workshops

    Don't miss out on time with the experts! Workshops will be led by Dennis Hensley, Andy Scheer, Larry Leech, Cynthia Ruchti, Susan King, Susan Titus Osborn, Gloria Penwell, Karen Porter, Vikki Kestell, Edna Ellison, Beth Patch, and Linda Gilden. Topics include Communicating with Secular Audiences, Using Fiction Techniques in Your Nonfiction, An Overview of ePublishing, Devotional Writing, Writing Bible Studies, Fiction Topics, and more.
    For more information visit www.classeminars.org. Click on training and then writing!
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    BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN NOVELIST RETREAT

    October 19, 2014 - October 22, 2014

    Retreat for beginning and published novelist
    Theme: Hope in the middle of faith and love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13
    October is the peak season for leaf color in the mountains of Western North Carolina and the perfect time for novelists to gather for inspiration, encouragement, improving skills and practicing creativity. We suggest that you have a novel in progress or an idea in mind.
    TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
    We will provide you with a forest of information.
    Enrollment limited. Please register early. - Ridgecrest: 800.588.7222
    yvonnelehman3@gmail.com
    LOCATION
    Ridgecrest/LifeWay Conference Center, Ridgecrest, NC
    (twenty minutes east of Asheville—home of the famous Biltmore House and Gardens)
    All sleeping rooms and classes for the Novel Retreat are in Mountain Laurel Hotel

    Ridgecrest Novelist Pricing:
    Retreat Program Fee: On campus - $325, off campus $325
    Mountain Laurel Lodging (per room. per night):
     Single $69, Double  $69, Triple $79, Quad $89
    Meal Package - $96 per person (Sunday dinner- Wednesday lunch)

    To register, call Ridgecrest at 800.588.7222 or online here and contact Director Yvonne Lehman for additional information: yvonnelehman3@gmail.com
    CRITIQUES:$35 each - deadline: September 30, 2014
    Cover page - name, address, contact information, title, proposed word count
    One to two page synopsis - single spaced
    First three chapters - double spaced - not to exceed 40 pages
    Contact faculty member for place to send check
    You may send your material to be critiqued to one of the following faculty members:
    Yvonne Lehman - yvonnelehman3@gmail.com
    Ann Tatlock - anntatlock@yahoo.com 

    CONTESTS:deadline: September 30, 2014
    Prizes and judge comments awarded for:
    BEST TITLE  - Entry fee $5.00 -
    BEST FIRST SENTENCE - Entry fee $5.00
    BEST OPENING PARAGRAPH - Entry fee $5.00
    BEST FIRST PAGE - Entry fee $10
    (include title and first page on all entries but state which contest you’re entering and the novel category (romance, suspense, SciFi, fantasy, YA, mystery, etc.  - your name)

    BEST PROPOSAL: Synopsis and first three chapters by unpublished novelist
        Entry fee $25.00
        Award, free critique
        
    BEST FINISHED UNPUBLISHED NOVEL by 2014 Novel Retreat conferee
        Entry fee $30.00
        Free critique of proposal  

    GOLDEN LEAF AWARD - DIRECTOR’S CHOICE -  best novel published in the previous year (2013) - any novelist - book may be traditional, ebook or self-published) - do not have to attend to win - Entry fee: $35.00
    Blue Ridge Christian Novelist Retreat Flyer
    Submit all contest entries to: yvonnelehman3@gmail.com

    Sunday, September 28, 2014

    SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 29, 2014


    If you are following other speakers,
    be there to hear what they have to say
    and make connections to their points
    when possible.

    WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

    Don't write with the expectation of getting rich—that rarely happens.
    Write because you love it.

    AND THE AUTHOR SAID . . .

    “I have advice for people who want to write. I don’t care whether they’re 5 or 500. There are three things that are important: First, if you want to write, you need to keep an honest, unpublishable journal that nobody reads, nobody but you. Where you just put down what you think about life, what you think about things, what you think is fair and what you think is unfair. And second, you need to read. You can’t be a writer if you’re not a reader. It’s the great writers who teach us how to write. The third thing is to write. Just write a little bit every day. Even if it’s for only half an hour — write, write, write.” ― Madeleine L’Engle

    HOW TO BALANCE WRITING AND FAMILY

    Never expect your family to respect what you do. Don’t even expect them to read what you have written or had published. They may only start noticing when you make enough money to impact their lives.
    1. Share with them both your acceptances and rejections. At least they will know what you’ve been up to. Celebrate the successes with your spouse and/or children. If possible, involve them in stuffing envelopes, licking stamps, etc.
    2. Maintain an established routine and schedule for your writing, and work at sticking to it. Indicate writing times right on your calendar. If you don’t honor that schedule they won’t either.
    3. Make attending writers conferences/events a regular part of your annual routine so they will recognize their importance to your writing career. Share some of the highlights of your trip when you get back.
    4. Don’t let guilt take the joy out of those trips away for speaking engagements or conferences. Getting along without you for short periods of time is good for your spouse or children. (They will learn to appreciate you more.) Keep in mind that they will survive intact and will not starve. You’re the one who will likely have to deal with the aftermath when you get home—so enjoy the time that will immeasurably benefit your writing career.
    5. Although it’s important to keep your family first, you can do that by scheduling family events and writing events so they don’t overlap. Don’t let them talk you into changing your writing schedule or upcoming event at the last minute because they want to do something different. They will only honor your writing time as much as you do.
    6. And, finally, don’t fall into the trap of putting off your writing by waiting for the ideal circumstances. I’ve watched very accomplished writers who have decided to wait to write until the kids are in school or out of school, until the kids all leave home, until they can get away by themselves for uninterrupted blocks of time, or for whatever other reason they can come up to delay the writing. As I remind writers regularly—if you keep waiting for the perfect writing scenario, you’ll end up being a waiter—not a writer.

    Saturday, September 27, 2014

    SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 28, 2014


    When you are hired to speak,
    you need to be available for the entire event—
    not just for the few minutes you are on stage.

    WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 28, 2014


                                                         If you want to write—write.
    Don't wait for an ideal time or the best circumstances.

    UNAGENTED CONTRACTS

    Q – Is there a way to tell—without an agent—if a book publisher is making a fair offer?
    A – Book contracts can be scarey, but fortunately there are seasoned writers out there you can hire to evaluate a contract for you. I do that regularly, and you will find a number of others listed in the market guide under “Editorial Services.” I just encourage you to read the contract yourself and look for wording or terms that you don't understand or are concerned about and ask the evaluator to address them specifically. I go clause-by-clause and explain what each one means, good and bad, and what changes you need to ask for.

    ENCOURAGING QUOTE . . .

    Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

    TIME TO WRITE

    Now that fall is here in all its glory, it’s time to shake off the lazy days of summer and the back to school rush to make time for your writing once again. Notice that I said “make time” not “find time.” If you have been writing for some time you know that finding time rarely if ever happens. Being successful as a writer requires careful planning and a determination to carve out those precious hours—or even minutes—when you can invest time in your writing career.

    I suggest you sit down now, or sometime soon, and determine where you might find those blocks of time when you can actually write. Then make appointments with yourself to do just that—and write them on your calendar. If you honor those appointments like you do those with the doctor or dentist, you will see some writing projects come to completion.

    And enjoy the frost on the pumpkin.


    Friday, September 26, 2014

    SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 27, 2014


    Any time you are given the opportunity,
    speak with a few members of the audience
    to get a feel for who they are and what they
    want from you--before getting up to speak.

    WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

    Writers: Working FOR God is not the same as working WITH God.

    AND THE AUTHOR SAID . . .

    “Writing a book is a bit like surfing . . . Most of the time you’re waiting. And it’s quite pleasant, sitting in the water waiting. But you are expecting that the result of a storm over the horizon, in another time zone, usually, days old, will radiate out in the form of waves. And eventually, when they show up, you turn around and ride that energy to the shore. It’s a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you’re lucky, it’s also about grace. As a writer, you roll up to the desk every day, and then you sit there, waiting, in the hope that something will come over the horizon. And then you turn around and ride it, in the form of a story.” ― Tim Winton

    WHEN TO ASK PERMISSION

    Q. What if I want to quote from a regular book and it is not in public domain? Do I need to get permission?

    A. It depends on the length and nature of the quote. If it is a short quote that simply expands on or backs up a point you wish to make, you probably don't need to ask permission. But give credit as to the person quoted and the source of the quote. If the quote is more substantial—such as one of the major premises in that author's book—t hen you will want to ask permission.

    It is important to maintain a balance concerning quotes. Don't ask for permission when not needed and don't fail to ask when you should. .

    Thursday, September 25, 2014

    SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

     Start praying for your audience while preparing your speech,
    and you will feel a connection to them when you take the podium.

    WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 26, 2014


    You need to answer:
    “What am I uniquely gifted to do as a writer?
    What are my strengths?
    What is my life message?"

    ABOUT REPRINT RIGHTS

    Q. If you offer a reprint to a magazine and they ask to hold it for two years before publishing it, can you market reprint rights to other publications while it's being held?

    A. Since you are offering all the publications only reprint rights, you can technically offer it to as many publications as you wish, either one at a time or simultaneously. That is one of the advantages to selling reprint rights, there is no obligation to wait until one publisher publishes it before resubmitting it. The publisher holding it for two years understands this.

    Wednesday, September 24, 2014

    SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 25, 2014


    Each time you get up to speak, you are speaking
    to one person at a time—not the whole group.
    Think about the person in the audience you are
    having that conversation with.

    WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

                                                Writers should give serious thought to writing a
                                                 mission statement, then weighing each writing
                                                   project against that statement to confirm that
                                                                 they are staying on track.

    PUBLICISTS--YOUR EXPERIENCE?

    If you've ever hired an independent publicist to promote your book, Lin Johnson could use your input. Here are the details:

    Lin Johnson, editor of Christian Communicator, assigned an article on working with independent publicists to promote their books. The writer needs quotes/experiences (good and bad) from authors who have done this. If you're willing to tell about your experience, even anonymously, please contact Laura Koenig, Laura_Koenig@Taylor.edu, in the next week. 

    CHRISTIAN NOVEL CONTEST

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Athanatos Christian Ministries has been hosting Christian novel contests for more than five years as part of their mission to use the arts to defend the Christian faith. The 2014 grand prize winner is Paul Bennett, who won with his story, "A Fall of Sparrows." Second place went to Luke Ainsworth for his story, "Everything that Rises."

    ACM's director, Dr. Anthony Horvath says, "Paul Bennett's book is a good example of what ACM likes to see succeed. Set in the Civil War, the characters struggle with intangibles such as personal integrity, courage, and the value of every human being, slave or free, but without beating people over the head with the Bible. Instead what we have is a Confederate soldier, who happens to be a Christian, seeking to reconcile his Biblical values with his loyalty to the state of Georgia and slavery. The book does not preach, but rather prompts the reader to consider whether or not they also have conflicting principles and just how one ultimately decides among them."

    ACM has since extended an offer to publish the manuscript to Bennett, who accepted. "A Fall of Sparrows" will be released in early 2015.

    The contest's second place winner highlights the international prestige of ACM's novel contest. Harkening from Australia, Luke Ainsworth's winning entry exhibits humor and wit as the characters in the story evaluate various worldviews. This is not the first time someone from outside the United States has won a prize in ACM's contest. The grand prize winner of ACM's very first novel contest, Shirley Tucker, hailed from South Africa. Her book, "Diamonds in the Dust" focused on the sex trafficking trade endemic to parts of Africa.

    The deadline for entering ACM's fifth annual novel contest is October 6th, 2014.

    First prize in the contest receives $1,500 and second prize receives $1,000. ACM has extended offers to publish both winners and non-winners of their contest.

    "ACM's contests help promote our view that Christians should be influencing the culture instead of only being influenced by it," Horvath says. "Our annual online apologetics conferences have a similar goal. Nancy Pearcey is this year's keynote speaker."

    To learn more and enter a novel in this year's contest, visit www.christianwritingcontest.com.

    Anthony Horvath and winning author Paul Bennett are available for interviews and can be reached at director@athanatosministries.org or 202-697-4623.

    HOW TO GET BOOK REVIEWS

    Have you registered yet for Sandra Beckwith’s
    teleseminar on “How to Get Honest Book Reviews in
    3 Easy Steps” taking place later today?

    Here’s why you can’t afford not to:

    • Reviews influence readers trying to decide if
    they should buy your book. In fact, 90 percent of
    those surveyed in 2013 about online reviews said
    that positive reviews influenced their buying
    decisions.

    • Reviews impact where your book shows up in
    Amazon search results. What’s more, you need 20 to
    25 reviews on Amazon to get your book included in
    the important “also bought” and “you might like
    this” lists that readers pay attention to. 

    • Certain “daily deal” promotion opportunities are
    available only to authors of books with a minimum
    number of reader reviews on Amazon.com or BN.com.

    During the training this at 7 p.m. Eastern today
    (please calculate for your time zone!), Sandra
    will explain how to get reader reviews, reviews on
    popular and influential online review sites, and
    literary reviews from prominent media outlets that
    reach and influence your readers. (I know you will
    love the information on Amazon reviewers!)

    http://www.buildbookbuzz.com/cmd.php?Clk=5325256

    You’ll have two opportunities during the training
    to ask questions.

    Register now for “How to Get Honest Book Reviews
    in 3 Easy Steps” tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern. You’ll
    learn what’s working and what isn’t, what’s new
    and cutting edge, and what you need to do now to
    get honest reviews for your book quickly and
    easily.

    And don’t worry about a schedule conflict! It’s
    being recorded and you’ll receive a link where you
    can listen in later, at your convenience.

    Go here to discover all that you’ll learn:

    http://www.buildbookbuzz.com/cmd.php?Clk=5325256

    Sandra’s teleseminars are always packed with
    information, so I know you won’t be disappointed.
    Note that I’m one of Sandra’s compensated
    affiliates, but I wouldn’t recommend this program
    to you if I wasn’t confident that it will be
    excellent.

    P.S.  Everyone who registers will be entered in a
    drawing to win a package of five honest Amazon
    reviews from KindleBookReview valued at $90!
    Register now at

    http://www.buildbookbuzz.com/cmd.php?Clk=5325256
    ______________________________
    W. Terry Whalin
    Whalin & Associates
    9457 S University Blvd, Suite 621
    Highlands Ranch, CO 80126-4976
    ph: 720-708-4953
    www.terrywhalin.com

    Tuesday, September 23, 2014

    SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 24, 2014


    If you are overly nervous before a speech,
    it is likely because you are focusing too much on yourself,
    instead of on the needs of your audience.

     
     
     

    WRITING TIP OF THE DAY - SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

    If a publisher wants a query first—send that.
    If a manuscript first—send that.
    If they accept either—you choose.

    ENCOURAGING QUOTE


    The key to greatness before God is not being remembered by history as one who moved a mountain. But it is important to dream as great a dream as possible. It is to our discredit that we only ask God for something to accomplish in His name. Perhaps it would be better to ask Him for the greatest possible achievement we are able to bear in His name. We preach long and loud that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13), and then really only do what we can comfortably attend to in life without divine participation.” - Calvin Miller


    QUOTING FROM BIBLES

    Q. I know that copyrights on writing run out after awhile—that is, if you use an old enough song book, you don't have to get written permission to use the songs. Likewise, if you use an old enough version of the Bible, you don't have to get written permission to quote the verses. My question is: (1) What is that length of time? and (2) Is it possible to get permission to quote from versions like the New International or New American Standard or other translations as long as you give credit?

    A. These are important questions and you are wise to seek answers to be sure you are functioning within the guidelines of the copyright law.

    Copyright length is currently the author's lifetime plus 70 years. This time period applies to books, as well as music. Even if it's in public domain and can be used without permission, you still have to give credit. Note that this length changes when there are co-authors. For exceptions to this rule, go to www.copyright.gov for specifics.

    If you are not familiar with the term public domain, it means that the written material either was never copyrighted, or that the copyright has expired; and you are free to use it without permission as long as you give credit.

    The only translation of the Bible that is already in public domain is the King James Version. You can quote from it without having to worry whether or not you need to ask permission. Be sure you always identify the version with a Bible reference, such as John 3:16 KJV.

    As far as other versions of the Bible are concerned, they are all protected much the same as any other published book. However, guidelines for quoting are somewhat different. Most versions have a blanket agreement with book publishers that they can quote up to 250 or 500 verses without having to ask permission, as long as the quoted portion does not include a certain number of consecutive verses or a complete book of the Bible. Periodicals have a similar agreement.

    In all cases it is critical that the quote is rendered exactly as written in that version, and proper credit is given. Houses that publish Bibles provide more specific guidelines on their Websites for using quotes.