Upcoming Omega Online Retreat 2025 by Carolyn Tonkin

 

The Buzz about Writing Groups

I was buzzing!

The year was 2014 and I’d just returned from my first writers conference full of ideas about writing, and publishing, and editing, and marketing, and creating a website, and learning how to pitch my project, and, and… to be honest, I was a tad overwhelmed. But I didn’t give up. My eyes had been opened, and I couldn’t close them. I took a deep breathe and begun my journey of learning.

I read books about the craft of writing, I joined groups of other Christian writers to ask questions and share my journey, I read outside my genre and I entered competitions that provided feedback.

Fast forward ten years later and as I’ve applied what I learnt I’ve seen a few of my stories published in anthologies, my first full-length fiction book was picked up by a small Australian Christian publisher, and I found myself volunteering to be on the organising committee of Omega Christian Writers. Why volunteer? Was I not busy enough? Didn’t I want to spend more time furthering my own writing?

Yes, but as followers of Jesus, we are wired for service, so I felt compelled to ‘give back’ to the groups that had helped develop me as a writer, and I would trust God for the rest … because one thing was clear — trusting Him to direct my paths has never failed me.

Not Just Face-to-Face

2020 saw Covid hit our shores, and the growth of many online platforms where people found they could meet and conduct all kinds of business. Many of us discovered Teams, FaceTime and Zoom, as a way of keeping in touch ‘face-to-face’ rather than using email or phone, and it was in the Zoom space that the Omega Christian Writers online retreat was birthed. It’s interesting to note that in 2025, more people than ever are using this cost-effective avenue to meet, listen and learn.

 

If you’ve never joined an online writing group, can I encourage you to consider it?

The Omega Christian Writers Online Retreat 2025

The Omega Christian Writers online retreat is a great way to start. 

The retreat, held bi-annually since 2021 is on 10-11 October this year. It opens on the Friday night and continues all day Saturday. 

The keynote speaker this year is Lori Roeleveld, an international award-winning author with degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies. Lori is gifted in helping people face difficult challenges, locate the hidden gold buried in their lives, and then teach them how best to apply it. She will bring a session rooted in the book of Nehemiah that will appeal to both fiction and non-fiction writers, and which fits perfectly with this year’s theme: Transformation: Renewing our Minds, Sharpening our Skills, Writing with Purpose.

The retreat will host numerous sessions and workshops covering:

• Publishing models
• The pros and cons of AI
• A great session on advertising and marketing

plus 

• Opportunities to gather in your genre groups to workshop your craft, and
• The Caleb Award presentations, hosted by Dr Pete Court. 

Being online means you can choose to sit by yourself in the comfort of your own home or organise a small group to spend the time together. I’m doing a little bit of both! Either way, I guarantee you won’t regret investing your time into your writing, I believe you’ll leave inspired and with some new tools in your author toolbox.

You may even leave the retreat buzzing!

Registrations are Open!

Registrations are now open. You can find out more and register at the following link. If you are a financial member of Omega Writers, be sure to go into the members' area first for the discount code.

https://omegawriters.com.au/2025-online-retreat/

See you there!

Author Bio

Carolyn Tonkin is the current President of Omega Christian Writers.

She has been writing across a variety of genres since she was a teenager but found God spoke to her about the purpose of her writing after attending her first writer’s conference in 2014.

Carolyn is currently working on the second instalment of her trilogy in inspirational fiction. Her first novel, Nellie’s Child was published in 2021.

Author website: https://www.carolyntonkin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyntonkin.author/

Photo Sources

Featured photo from Omega conference 2024 by Nola Passmore; Author pic from Carolyn Tonkin; online graphic by ZedH on Pixabay.

Why it took 18 years to publish my book

By Susan Barnes

On 19 June 2007, I posted a blog post (here). The post contained five statements about Jesus. These five statements became ten, and eventually became the ten chapters in my book, 10 Blessings of God. (The book was originally called 10 Things I Love About God.) I probably finished the first draft of the book later that year, that is in 2007, 18 years ago. 

Why did it take me so long to publish? 

1st Reason – I actually didn’t want to write a book

Most authors write the types of books they would like to read. When I came to faith as a teenager, I knew very little about being a Christian as I didn’t come from a churched home. I began reading Christian Living books. I’m an avid reader, so I read lots and lots of them. 

After a while, I realised that 99% of these books were written by American males who were university graduates. Often, they pastored large churches and were well-known. 

Given that I was none of these things and never likely to be, I felt writing and publishing a book wasn’t a viable option for me. I also realised that many of these authors were involved in their own marketing and doing a lot of public speaking, which wasn’t appealing either.

Two years before the blog post, that is, in 2005, we had moved to Gisborne. We were going on long service leave in a couple of months, so there was no point in me looking for a job or getting overly involved in our new church. Our older children had already left home, and our youngest was 18 and didn’t move with us. I had recently finished a Diploma in Library and Information Services, and I wasn’t planning to do any more study. I literally had nothing to do. 

So I prayed about what God wanted me to do and the idea of writing a book came to mind but I kept dismissing it. After a while, I thought perhaps this idea was from God. So I proceeded to tell God why it was a very bad idea! “I’m an Australian female. I’m unknown. The Australian Christian publishing industry is tiny.” I also told God that I didn’t have anything to write about.

Suddenly, I was reminded that over the previous ten years, I had written fortnightly and sometimes weekly devotions. I knew that I wrote on particular themes, like love, grace, peace, hope. So I printed off my devotions and put them into piles according to their topic. From these ideas, I wrote a chapter about each topic. Three months later, I had a book-length manuscript. Something I had thought impossible.

After this process, I had so many devotions left over that two years later, I wrote a second book, which became 10 Blessings of God. I still have the original manuscript on my computer, and maybe I’ll publish that next year.

Once I had a manuscript, I started looking at publishing options. 

2nd Reason – I discovered I wasn’t a good writer

Perhaps this should have been obvious to me as I was only an average English student. Generally, my essays scored Cs. I was actually much better at Maths.

I began showing my book to editors. I remember one editor saying to me, about what I thought was a particularly clever sentence, “That’s the most awkward sentence I’ve ever read!” 

About this time. a literary agent did show some interest but told me my book required too much editing.

However, the most disturbing thing I was told about my writing was that I was quoting too many other people. I was hiding behind other people’s experiences instead of sharing my own. 

In retrospect, I wonder why I kept writing. But it was partly because I knew that people had been blessed by the devotions I had written. And also, because I discovered I liked hanging around the Christian authors I met at the Omega Writers events. I found like-minded people and I felt a bond with them. 

I heard a conference speaker once say, you can learn to be a better writer, but if your content isn’t very good, that’s a much harder problem to solve, so there was hope.

It took a lot of time and work to improve my writing. It wasn’t easy because there aren’t courses or workshops you can take for learning how to write a Christian Living book. 

The other issue of being able to write about my own experiences, instead of borrowing from other people's, also took a lot of time and energy. I had to work through some emotional issues to get to that place.

3rd Reason – I really didn’t want to self-publish 

I was around when self-publishing became a ‘thing’, and it wasn’t good. A lot of poor-quality books flooded the market, and I didn’t want to be part of that. So I persisted for over a decade to get traditionally published. 

During this time, through a series of unexpected events, I went back to study and completed a bachelor's degree in Christian ministry. Later, I completed a Graduate Certificate in Writing through Tabor College. 

Also, during this time, there was a five-year period where I was an interim pastor at three different churches. I preached my way through, 10 Blessings of God, a couple of times. So I felt it was worthwhile writing it, even if it never got published. 

I continued attending conferences, meeting agents, editors and publishers. I wrote book proposals and cover letters. Mostly, I was writing to Americans, so I had my book edited into US English, which makes me feel like a bit of a traitor! However, since 2005, when I started a blog, I’ve always had a lot more visits from Americans than Australians. 

In 2020, at an Omega Christian Writers Conference, my book, won the prize for the best unpublished manuscript, but it wasn’t enough to convince me that my book was good enough to self-publish.

In 2022, I spoke to an acquisition editor from England at another Omega Writers Conference who was genuinely interested in publishing my book. We corresponded for the next couple of months, but in the end, the editorial board decided my book wasn’t financially viable. 

Nevertheless, the fact that a completely objective, unbiased person wanted to publish my book made me realise that my book was, at long last, good enough to be published.

However, by now, we had moved back to Bendigo, and I had been fortunate to pick up a school librarian position. And while it was a good job and I felt blessed to have it, the position was taxing, both physically and mentally. I quickly realised that I would have to wait until I retired to publish my book. 

In February of this year, I retired, and now, finally, I have a published book. It’s published under my business name, Reams of Grace. 

Author Bio

Susan Barnes has thirty years of experience in pastoral ministry, serving in various roles at different churches where her husband, Ross, was the pastor. Since earning a degree in Christian ministry, Susan has served as a chaplain and an interim pastor at rural churches in Vic and NSW. Books have always been an important part of her life, and she worked for many years in public and school libraries. 

Susan has published hundreds of devotional articles where she shares her experiences of trusting God. She lives with her husband in central Victoria, Australia. 

 www.susanbarneswriter.com

Writing goals when you’re nearly 80

by Barbara McKay

My story

Since my husband died from metastatic cancer in 2014, learning to write creatively has been therapeutic.


‘Don’t you think I’m too old to be writing?’ I was speaking with a lovely author, Anne Hamilton at a Writer’s weekend in Brisbane early this year. She answered me ‘No’ she said,

‘You are showing cognitive plasticity’. I could have jumped for joy at those words, but I couldn’t because I’d broken my leg


My creative writing journey began when I saw an ad ‘Write your Memoir’ course by Cecily Anne Patterson. In 2018, I was 73, and a widow coping with grief and loss. I contacted
Cecily, and slowly worked through every session. Lots of new terminology, and eventually, I wrote my first chapter, getting to about 80,000 words.


In 2022, Vanessa Vankcom said ‘Why don’t you send 10,000 words into Omega Writers for the CALEB Unpublished Adult Nonfiction section? I did. I received an email to say ‘You are a finalist’. I cried all day. What was God saying to me?


I was 77. I faced my fears, and decided to go to the conference at Kingscliff. I met Cecily, and many other amazing authors. They weren’t scary, but normal human beings, fun and developing their writing to bless others.


After that weekend, Nola Passmore, the encourager who specialises in nagging us to write, invited me to join the Toowoomba Omega Writers – again, a scary experience but exciting. I told the group ‘I’m in Year 3 doing a subject titled ‘Creative Writing’. Some of them told me off. ‘No, you cannot say that. You are on a creative learning curve, just like all of us.’ Mazzy even said that with my life’s experience, I’d have plenty to write about from a mature perspective.’ She’s a great encourager.

Some Writing Tips

Tips for organising your writing goals when you’re nearly 80, when you feel you’ve left it too late. Why did I ask that question?


Firstly, the ageing process does bring deficits with chronic illness, hospitalization, loneliness, and discouragement. Those of you who have older members in your families see their decline.

Secondly, our lives do have an expiry date. I do feel a sense of urgency with my writing because none of us know when that time will come. What creative work is a priority? What do I leave undone? What stories do I tell? I am in the final season of my life. I’m in my 80th year – unbelievable. To think that I’m learning at this age is surely a gift from my loving Heavenly Father. I do lose heart and that’s why I love it when the apostle Paul says ‘Do not lose heart. Though outwardly, we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.’ 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

Thirdly, the gift of encouragement. Why is it that many of us become discouraged and long for words of affirmation? How do I finish my life with few regrets?

What makes me a feisty nearly 80-year-old who feasts on life?  Many of your comments bring the sparks that light up my life.

1. Meredith said ‘my mother finished her memoirs at the end of last year. She was 85. She passed away four months after she finished writing them. ‘What a wonderful story, and no doubt Meredith gave her loads of encouragement. We need to get a rough draft down, even if it isn’t published.

2. Nola mentioned a lady who died at the age of 96. ‘She was writing a monthly column into her 90’s. She turned in her last column on the day she died.’

3. Sue Jeffrey is the one who said ‘you inspire me’ and called me ‘feisty’

4. Christine O’Malley said ‘build yourself a group of praying supporters who will laugh with you, cry with you…and keep on asking how the writing is going to make sure you don’t give up.’ Let’s do it. That’s not easy for some of us who live in rural places, but it is do-able. We have ‘zoom’ and a ‘mobile’.

5. One young author, Stephanie said ‘I want to keep on encouraging others. The gift of encouragement is such a kind, generous gift.

6. Anusha mentioned ‘I make writing goals each year’.

7. Recently, I read a letter from my aunt, Hilda North. She was writing to me to give instructions on organising her 90 th birthday’. God nudged me. ‘Look at that aunty of yours – cognitively, as sharp as a tack. She lived until she was 101.

8. I have learnt not to compare myself with others. The more I learn about creative writing, the more I realise there is so much that I do not understand. People have said to me ‘you have to start somewhere’.

Finally 

This year, I suffered, I broke my left leg badly – hospitalised for 77 days, moon boot for 11 weeks, and transition care for 12 weeks. ‘What was God trying to tell me?' 

Again, God placed wonderful people on my radar, surprising me with heavenly hugs. I wrote two stories about my suffering, and I’m pleased they are being published in Stories of Life - His love to me during the tough times.


Now I want to hear from you, stories about those who persevere when tempted to give up – stories from those who are in their 70’s and 80’s. What legacy are you leaving?

Brought to you by Barbara McKay 

The 2024 Omega Writers Conference is taking shape!

Omega Writers is excited to see the 2024 Omega Writers conference taking shape.

Held in Sydney from 20-22 September 2024, this opportunity to connect in person with so many Christian Writers from across the country only comes around once every two years!

It’s a great opportunity to hear author, publisher and teacher Susan May Warren talk about the joys, responsibility and craft of being a Christian writer. Susan May Warren is an in-demand speaker and teacher. You don’t want to miss your chance to be in the room for her talks.

The price of the conference is all-inclusive, which means accommodation, meals and teaching are all included in the price (Hub appointments are extra). But we have a day rego option that brings the price down for people who have local accommodation.

Sydneysiders take note! Our last conference was in Kingscliff and our next conference may very well be in another state so make the most of this opportunity by registering now. Day rego is a great option for Sydney locals who can enjoy the fun, fellowship and learning while staying in their own comfy beds. 

This national conference, the only one drawing Christians from across the country, is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other creatives wanting to serve their Creator with excellence. It doesn’t matter where you are on the writing journey, the Omega conference will leave you inspired, equipped and spurred on along your writing journey.

Don’t miss out! Register now!

Caleb Award Update

Are you judging the 2024 Caleb Award? Don’t forget your score sheets are due back on 20 June.

Editors and how to find one!

Have you ever wondered about the different types of editing, but been too afraid to ask? This blog from editor Iola Goulton gives a clear explanation of the different types of editor a writer needs. You’ll be able to connect with editors of all types at our in-person conference as part of our hub.

The Hub offers 2024 Omega Writers Conference delegates the chance to book appointments with agents, publishers, editors and industry experts. You can discuss a work in progress, or to pitch a manuscript ready for submission to an agent. This is an invaluable opportunity for writers to gather feedback, suggestions, and guidance as well as to increase their understanding of the publishing process. Appointments are 30 minutes long and will either occur in person or online, depending on the location of the agent/publisher/expert.

Bookings for The Hub are now open. These appointments are only available to conference attendees. Appointments will be allocated on a first in first served basis and will be capped once the editor/publisher/expert’s booking limit has been reached. Actual appointment times will be confirmed closer to the time of conference. Some flexibility may be required to cater for time zone differences etc. Bookings close on 9 August.

Costs: $50 for members, $70 for non-members.

Book here

Merry Christmas from Australia’s Christian Writers Network

 A message from Meredith Resce, Acting President of Omega Writers

Omega Writers: Australia’s Christian Writers Network has had a wonderful year––full of activities, successes and a few challenges. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Omega Writers management team who have worked tirelessly around their own day jobs and family responsibilities to make the year a success.

Please pray for our team as we continue to plan for activities for next year, including our bi-annual face-to-face conference, planned for September 20-22^rd 2024. Lots of work still to do for that. If you are keen to help, please let us know where your talents lie, and we’d be pleased to include you in our team of helpers.

We have begun to plan for another round of masterclasses next year. Our first will be with indie author Christine Dillion looking at “What to focus on at the different stages of your author career”. You can book your spot on this masterclass here.

After a hectic year, the committee are stepping away from their Omega Writers’ desks and taking a well-earned break. You won’t hear much from us until the new year when we start to tell you all the exciting things we have planned for the conference!

On behalf of the management committee, may I take the opportunity to send you Christmas greetings and many blessings as you and your family welcome a new year. Have a restful holiday and we look forward to resuming our activities in February.

Omega Writers | Introducing the 2023 Online Retreat

 It’s that time of year!

Spring has sprung. The trees are blossoming, the bees are busy, it’s time to plant tomatoes, the agricultural shows are popping up all around the countryside AND Omega Writers’ Zoom Retreat is happening.

I read a lament – or maybe just an observation – that many people prefer face-to-face. It’s true. There’s nothing like getting away from the grind of daily routine, settling into an accommodation with writing friends, sharing meals together, and generally enjoying not only the input and teaching, but also the fellowship.

Omega Writers management committee had been considering cutting our conferences to bi-annual because of the enormous cost in terms of human resource (which is mostly volunteer), and also the cost of flying interstate (and for some, internationally). We felt if we had a rest year for the organisational committee that would give delegates time to save up over the two-year period.

While these talks were still in the pipeline, the pandemic hit, and we had to cancel the face-to-face conference scheduled for that year. Most everyone was barricaded in their homes from compulsory lockdowns and were going a little stir-crazy. In South Australia and Toowoomba we had opportunity to move about within our own communities, so it wasn’t quite as bad, but we couldn’t travel interstate. So COVID-19 and the rapid changes in technology offered, dare I say it, an opportunity.

Our president that year, Penny Reeve, decided to push forward with a Zoom Retreat instead. Those of us in Adelaide and Toowoomba met together in our chapter groups and dropped into the zoom together. It was cost effective and successful, and so it fit well with our plans of having the face-to-face only every other year. In line with this bi-annual pattern, it was decided that the CALEB award would split in two: Published work entered on the year we hold face-to-face, and unpublished on the year we hold Zoom Retreat. This also helped with the human resource situation where we need to find judges for the CALEB award.

And so, here we are in 2023, gearing up for the online retreat, and excited about the things we have lined up. You can make it true to the tag line:

Here we are, TOGETHER, by joining with your chapter groups and organising for locals to meet together. (To find your nearest chapter group click https://omegawriters.com.au/resources/)

Please make sure that you register for the Saturday (cost of $50 members/$70 non-members). You can also register for the Friday evening AGM and social session, and the Saturday evening CALEB awards. Different zoom links will be emailed to you from these registrations. There is no cost for the Friday or Saturday evening sessions.

Our keynote speaker is Roseanna White – author, publisher, graphic designer. She will be zooming in from the US (another benefit of having an online retreat), and will be speaking on the following topic:

WRITE DEEPLY, READ DEEPLY, LIVE DEEPLY – We all want to write stories that leap off the page and into the readers’ hearts, but how do we dig deep enough? Join author Roseanna White as she shares the secrets of writing that resonates… by starting the process long before you sit down to write.

While we are on the topic of in-person conferences, we have a conference committee already at work and well underway planning next year’s event. Conference 2024 – Emerge – Connect, Equip, Inspire - will be held in NSW this time, so all of us from out of state will know to save our pennies for flights.

One last thing that should be mentioned: Omega Writers – Australia’s Christian Writers Network, has been focused on growth this last year.

We have gone through the process of rebranding and launching a new website; adding regular masterclasses which can be accessed from home; and increasing our online presence through social media.

I’m sure it is obvious that none of these new things, or any of the old things facilitated by Omega Writers, happens by magic. There are no fairies who pop in to do all the work necessary. Yes, there is a solid team of volunteers, people who don’t get paid and who take very little credit.

If you have a heart for the writing network that is Omega Writers, and have skills you think might be useful to us – particularly administration or IT - please let us know.

Don’t forget to book in for our Zoom Retreat and get ready to be blessed.

Click here for more information and to book. 

Have you found your writing community?

By Tamara Wenham

Writing can be a solitary business, with long hours spent alone at a keyboard. That’s just the nature of the beast. While there’s no other way to get a book written than to sit down and slog it out, when you come up for air you need a strong writing community around you. Such a community can support you in your writing goals and provide valuable learning opportunities to deepen your knowledge about the writing craft.

Omega Writers: Australia’s Christian Writers Network aims to provide a supportive writing community for Christian writers to encourage, educate and equip them to be the very best writers they can be. 

Here are a few of the ways we do that:

Online masterclasses

Throughout the year Omega Writers runs online Masterclasses for writers to help them develop their writing craft and marketing skills. These masterclasses offer expert advice at an accessible price and are open to everyone. Omega members usually receive a further discount.

Our next masterclass is Hunting for History: Tracking Down Sources in Original Sources.

In this masterclass, you will learn about when and how to use archives or libraries for different research purposes. You will gain some tips and tricks for digging up archival gold from a range of collections, as well as how to tap into communities of fellow history hunters in Australia and abroad. The class will be led by professional archivist Tamara Wenham. 

Book now for Monday 7 August at 7.30pm AEST: https://www.trybooking.com/CJTHF

Chapter group events

Omega Writers is an Australia-wide network for Christian writers. We have chapter groups all over the country who hold regular meetings to support Christian writers in every stage of the creative journey. Our active Brisbane group is a great example of the benefits of a strong writer’s community. In fact, our Brisbane chapter contains many original members of Omega Writers!

In August, they are holding the Brisbane Omega Showcase. This is an opportunity for writers —both established and aspiring—to showcase their work in a supportive environment. The weekend will feature presentations from a range of writers and publishers as well as prize draws that offer practical assistance in the form of editing, proofreading and book vouchers.

Book now for 11-12 August 

Friday and Saturday: https://www.trybooking.com/CIDBQ 

Friday only: https://www.trybooking.com/CHZPW 

Saturday only: https://www.trybooking.com/CIDBC

Online Community

Communities these days aren’t just in person! Writers can benefit from a range of online writing communities that help them at all stages of their journey. If you are looking for a supportive online community, our Omega Writers Facebook Group is the place to ask all your questions about writing craft and Christian publishing. 

Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196006267212092.

Writing Prizes

Omega Writers also runs the CALEB Award. Each year we alternate between awards for published and unpublished writers. Our 2023 (Unpublished) finalists were recently announced on our Facebook page while our website is down for maintenance. Congratulations to all the finalists!

June News from Omega Writers: Australia’s Christian Writers Network

Save the Date: Omega Writers online retreat program shapes up!

In the years between in-person conferences, Omega Writers hosts online retreats, featuring guest speakers, breakout rooms and closing with the CALEB Awards ceremony for our unpublished competition.

We are so excited with how our 2023 program is shaping up!

We are thrilled to reveal that this year’s program will feature Roseanna White as a keynote speaker. Roseanna is a best-selling, award-winning author of over thirty novels, as well as an editor, cover designer and publisher! She is also an authoritative and compelling teacher on writing craft and marketing principles. 

Roseanna will help kick off a reflective program that will include collaborative sessions about how we represent the marginalised in Christian writing, and how to handle discouragement and setbacks. Our online retreat is designed to allow you to meet with others in small chapter groups, watch the content together then fellowship over break-out sessions and meals.

Save the dates:

• Friday 6th October from 7pm
• Saturday 7th October from 9am to late.

Have you nominated someone yet for the Barnabas or Encouragement Award?

In May we let you know about the Barnabas Award and the Encouragement Award. 

Have you nominated someone yet? Time is running out. 

 The Barnabas Award is a cash prize award that recognises the input Christian writers make into the lives and work of other writers. It’s about celebrating and giving credit to Christian writers who support their colleagues by mentoring, encouraging, cheering on, supporting, praying for, and spurring on others in their writing journey. 

 The Encouragement Award is a sponsored award to encourage emerging writers. In line with Omega’s mission to encourage and equip Christian writers across the country, we look for writers who are working hard to hone their craft. 

Winners of this award may not have a full-length manuscript ready to enter in the CALEB award, but Omega Writers members want to encourage them to keep going!

If you know someone who fits this bill, please enter them by 31 July 2023.

Email iolagoultonauthor [at] gmail [dot] com up to 200 words explaining why you believe this writer should receive this prize. Be sure to include YOUR email and address details as well as the mail/website address of the author you’d like to nominate. 

 Recipients will be announced at the Omega Writers Zoom Retreat in October.

Masterclass Program

Our Masterclass series continues to deliver professional development to Christian writers across the country. Attendees have been raving about our latest classes on Author PR, taught by Katrina Roe and Writing Amazing Blurbs, taught by Laura Tharion.

“Book promotion and media has always felt daunting to me, but this class helped me feel more equipped to tackle it.” (Misha Del Favero on Author PR)

The next masterclass is coming up in August. Professional archivist Tamara Wenham will teach Hunting for History: Tracking down stories in original sources. 

 In October, Jen Richards will give a marketing and copywriting masterclass called “Do you know your USP?… and other marketing questions all writers should ask themselves”. Don’t know what a USP is? 

 Keep an eye on the Omega Writers Facebook Page for more details.

A new website is coming!

The Omega Committee has been working SO HARD on a brand-new website for several months now.

The old one was on its last legs and we are SO CLOSE to launching the new one we can almost smell it! Thank you for your patience during the last few months as we have experienced difficulties with the site. 

We can't wait to show you the new one! In the meantime, you can get updates from us on the Omega Writers Facebook Page or join the Omega Writers Facebook Group (don’t forget to answer the joining questions!).

Omega Writers | Call for 2023 CALEB Award Judges

It is almost time for the 2023 CALEB Awards from Omega Writers.

CALEB stands for Christian Authors Lifting Each other's Books.

The CALEB Award:

• Supports excellence in Australasian Christian books by encouraging and educating writers, regardless of genre.
• Encourages excellence in Australasian Christian books by recognising and rewarding our best writers across a range of genres.

The CALEB Award will open for entries on 1 April 2023, so if you’re an unpublished Christian writer from Australia or New Zealand, it’s time to polish your manuscript!

The categories for the 2023 CALEB Award are:

• Unpublished Adult Fiction
• Unpublished Young Adult Fiction
• Unpublished Adult Nonfiction

In order to run the CALEB Awards, we need judges.

Who can judge?

Anyone! Well, almost anyone.

• We’re looking for writers and/or keen readers who can read and judge the first fifty pages of between four and ten entries between 1 May and 18 June.
• This is a contest for Christian writers, so ask that judges agree with the Omega Writers Statement of Faith.
• Entries are provided as Word files, so you will need to read on your computer, tablet, smartphone, or Kindle device.

All we ask is that you judge each entry fairly, according to the judging criteria.

You can judge any category you haven't entered (so if you enter Adult Fiction, we'd love to have you as a judge for Young Adult Fiction or Nonfiction).

Can I volunteer to judge if I’m entering the CALEB Awards?

Yes! Judging is a great way of giving back to the Australasian Christian writing community.

• If you’re entering the Nonfiction award but also read fiction, then we’d love to have you judge Young Adult or Adult Fiction.
• If you're entering a fiction category (Adult or Young Adult Fiction), then we'd love to have you judge Nonfiction or the other fiction category.
• If you’re not entering the CALEB, then we’d love to have you judge whatever category you like!

What do judges have to do?

First-round judges will have approximately two months to judge between three and ten entries in the category and genre of their choice (so if you hate reading young adult romance, we’ll do our best to ensure you don’t get any romance entries. If you can only judge three entries, we’ll send you three. If you can judge more, we’ll send you more). 

The Unpublished contest is the first 10,000 words of the manuscript, plus a 1,000-word synopsis. Depending on how fast you read, judging should take between 30 and 60 minutes per entry. 

 Those judging the Unpublished contest will be asked to provide written feedback to support their scores, and this feedback will be given to the entrants. 

Feedback is one of the main reasons to enter an Unpublished contest, so we do ask that judges give fair, considered, and prayerful feedback. 

Final-round judges will have approximately two months to pick a winner from three finalists. They will be asked to read the full manuscript (entries are capped at 120,000 words).

Interested? Click here to volunteer!

Happy New Year from Omega Writers!

Welcome to 2023!

Omega Writers has lots planned for 2023 ... with more ideas in the pipeline. Make sure you don't miss out on any important information by signing up as a member of Omega Writers. Click here to find out more.

The 2023 CALEB Award

The 2023 CALEB Awards will be for unpublished writers in the following categories:

• Unpublished Adult Fiction
• Unpublished Young Adult Fiction
• Unpublished Nonfiction

The contest is open to Australian and New Zealand Christian writers with a completed manuscript. Note that the 2023 contest is for unpublished writers. However, published fiction authors will be permitted to enter the nonfiction category, and published nonfiction authors may enter one of the fiction categories.

Entries will open on 1 April and close on 30 April, so now is the time to finish your manuscript to ensure you're ready to enter.

Conference

Omega Writers won't be running an in-person conference this year, but there will be an online conference in October. Dates, speakers, and cost will be available later in the year.

As always, members of Omega Writers will be able to register for a discounted rate.

Chapter Groups

Local Omega groups and special interest groups will continue. Omega currently has several groups who meet in person on a regular basis. These are based in:

• Sydney
• Wollongong
• Brisbane
• Toowoomba
• Melbourne
• Geelong
• Adelaide
• Tasmania

There are also two Zoom groups:

• Tasmania
• Fantasy/Science Fiction

Click here to check the Omega website for further details.

Omega Writers | Conference Packing Tips

 

Bookings for the 2022 Omega Writers Conference are now closed.

Which means it's almost time to start packing ...

I've done a lot of travelling over the years, both alone (for writer's conferences or business) or with my family. Here are my top tips for packing for a writing conference:

1. Plan Ahead

You don't want to get to the airport and discover your passport has expired (yes, I've seen that) or that you got your flight time wrong and it’s leaving as you approach the check-in desk (guilty). Planning ahead can help avoid these little "issues". I use lists.

Travel List

Travel documents and sundries, including:

• Tickets (I always carry the paper printout even if it’s also on my phone)
• Passport (if required)
• Booking confirmations (e.g. transport, rental car, hotel/s, conference)
• Travel Insurance information

Note the flight time and the check-in time, and remember to factor in travel time to the airport (plus extra time for delays and parking).

If you're flying into Gold Coast Airport, remember the airport is on Queensland time but the conference venue is in New South Wales. Check your departure and arrival times.

Conference registration opens at 2:30pm New South Wales time.

Packing List

My basic packing list includes:

• Toilet bag
• A basic first aid/medicine kit (I never need it unless I forget it)
• Kindle and phone, and the respective chargers
• PC and charger (optional)
• Any non-clothing items I need to remember (like books!)

I try and focus on the things I either won't be able to buy at my destination, or things that will be overpriced. Forget shampoo? No problem. You’re going to a writer’s conference. First, no one will care if you don’t wash your hair. Second, there are dozens of other women around. Someone will be able to loan you some shampoo.

Forget your underwear? That could be a problem.

One thing to remember: Deodorant. Please.

One thing to leave at home: Perfume.

The Omega Conference isn’t designated perfume-free, although many conferences are, for the benefit of people with allergies.

Travel Light

This is the advice "everyone" always gives, but they don't necessarily tell you how to achieve it (I have a couple of suggestions that work for me below). There are two reasons to pack light:

1. It's easier to carry (or drag).
2. It gives you room to buy books. Yes, there is a bookstall at the conference, and you will want to buy books.

A lot of travel advice says not to check luggage if you don't have to. This is an option if you can travel light, although it does depend on what the airlines will allow through security, and what had to go in checked luggage. There was a time when this seemed to change every week …

My top tips for travelling light are:

Save the sample sizes

You know how when you buy makeup or skincare there is sometimes a gift-with-purchase? I save those product samples and put them in my holiday toilet bag. Then I don't need to carry full-sized bottles. It also means my toilet bag is pretty much ready to go.

Watch the Shoes

Shoes are bulky. More to the point, they take a lot of space in your luggage. Sure, you can stuff things inside them, but it’s better to take fewer pairs. The conference is only two nights, so you probably need one or two pairs … and you’ll be wearing one of them as you travel.

When I go on holiday, I take as few pairs of shoes as possible, in the same colour, or coordinating colours.

Choose comfortable, flat shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of standing (and chatting), and a little walking (between your room and the conference rooms).

You may also want a pair of shoes to match your outfit if you plan to dress up for the CALEB Awards on Saturday night.

If you’re flying, make sure your travel shoes are easy to slip on and off, in case security needs to put them through the scanner.

Plan Coordinating Outfits

This goes along with the shoes. I have two basic colour "themes" in my wardrobe: black and navy. When I go on holiday, I take one theme, and I make sure that I have at least two tops to go with every bottom (skirt or trousers), and at least two bottoms I can wear with every top. It adds variety, and helps me not get too bored with limited wardrobe choices on a long holiday.

But this is just a weekend, which is much easier. I’ll pack:

• Something comfortable to travel in. That’s usually jeans, because I tend to get cold on planes. But I’ll have something lighter to change when I arrive, if the weather is warm.
• Something smart but comfortable for Saturday (you want to make a good impression if you’re meeting with publishers or editors).
• Layers (because the weather forecast can be wrong).

I know some people who can wear the same pair of jeans all weekend. I am not that person: if I only had one pair of jeans, you can guarantee I’d spill coffee on them before I even arrived at the venue. I always take one extra top for the same reason. Otherwise, I’m doomed to spend the conference with an obvious stain in an inappropriate place (like my friend who sat on a pumpkin pie. Yes, it looked exactly like you think it looked).

What Else Do I Need?

Pen and paper (or a device) for taking notes. You know you want a new notebook ...

Your Steven James books. You'll want him to autograph them, right?

Something nice for Saturday night (the CALEB Award ceremony). The theme is:

"Going Troppo"

Think florals or Hawai'ian prints (please, no coconut bikinis or budgie smugglers. Actually, let's keep all swimwear in the pool area ...).

Yes, there is a swimming pool, so you might want to bring your togs, cossie, swimwear ... whatever you swim in.

Bring cash or a credit card, for additional meals (e.g. Friday dinner, which isn't included) and for the bookstall. Yes, there is a bookstall.

You can also bring business cards if you have them (don’t worry if you don’t, as most people don’t), and a laptop if you plan on doing any writing (as if you'll have time!).

Finally, bring an open mind, a humble heart, and a teachable spirit.

I don't know what God has planned for this weekend, but I do know you'll get more out of conference if you come prepared to learn, share, and connect with your fellow Christian writers.

Okay, those are my tips for packing for a writing conference.

What tips do you have to share? And do you have any exciting travel plans?

Omega Writers Presents the 2022 CALEB Award Finalists

The books and manuscripts have been read, the score sheets completed, and the totals calculated.

That means it's time to announce our finalists!

I am delighted to announce the finalists in the 2022 CALEB Awards from Omega Writers: Christian Authors Lifting Each other’s Books.

Published Adult Fiction

The winner will receive a $300 cash prize and trophy.

• Dusk's Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller
• Fake Identity at Stake by Lisa Renee
• In Want of a Wife by Meredith Resce

Published Young Adult Fiction

The winner will receive a $300 cash prize and trophy.

• Finding Joy by Elaine Fraser
• Framing Fleur by Jenny Glazebrook
• Elite by Kristen Young

Published Nonfiction

The winner will receive a $300 cash prize and trophy.

• Skinny Girl by Susan Brown
• Two Sisters and Brain Tumor by Emily Maurits
• Surviving Childlessness by Steph Penny

Unpublished Adult Fiction

The winner will receive editing services from Iola Goulton at Christian Editing Services to the value of $400.

• Dienece Darling
• Samantha Oritz
• Suzie Pybus

Unpublished Nonfiction

The winner will receive a Manuscript Review and Feedback from Nicole Partridge to the value of $400.

• Susan Barnes
• Craig Chapman
• Barbara McKay
• Stephanie Walters

Judging for the Unpublished categories is anonymous, so we can't tell you the titles.

Congratulations to all our finalists!

It's great to see a combination of familiar and new names on the lists. The winners will be announced on the evening of Saturday 8 October as part of the Omega Writers Conference. Click here to find out more. The conference is not being streamed online, but we will try to livestream the awards ceremony (technology permitting!). If you haven't yet booked to attend the Omega Writers Conference, then I have good news: the committee have extended the earlybird rate. Sign up by 18 July to save $50. Omega members can save even more - you can find the discount code in the members area of the website.  

Introducing The 2022 Omega Writers Conference, and The Hub

Omega Writers is delighted to announce that bookings for the 2022 Omega Writers Conference are now open. The conference will take place at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff, New South Wales from 7 to 9 October 2022.  

Whether you are brand new Christian writer or an established author, a non-fiction writer or a creator of kids’ lit, the 2022 Omega Writers Conference is for you. This year’s line-up of speakers has been deliberately curated to encourage, resource and inspire you on your writing journey. With ample opportunities to network with other likeminded and supportive writers, you will leave with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed excitement for your writing project.

This is a not-to-miss conference for Christian writers!

The keynote speaker will be Steven James, author of Synapse and several books for writers. Others speakers include:

• Collett Smart will present a plenary session on Self-Compassion, Resilience, and Well-being for Writers, as well as a practical non-fiction workshop.
• Lystra Rose, winner of the Black&Write Writing Fellowship will present on The unspoken rules of Indigenous protocols every writer should know.
• Hands-On Workshop Streams for Writers of Fiction and Non-Fiction
• A Marketing Intensive with Lisa Renee
• Tips and Advice on writing for the US Market
• Writing for Children and YA

Click here to find out more, and book before 18 June to save $50.

We will also be offering participants the opportunity to book an appointment in The Hub.

What is The Hub?

The Hub is an opportunity for conference delegates to book appointments with agents, publishers, editors and industry experts to discuss their work in progress, or to pitch a manuscript ready for submission. Writers will gather valuable feedback, suggestions and guidance, as well as increase their understanding of the publishing process. This year, the Hub will include Zoom appointments for the first time. This will give delegates the opportunity to meet with agents and editors from the UK and USA, as well as around Australia.

Appointments are on a first-in, first-served basis and can be made on registration, and are $70 each, or $50 for Omega members.

If you’ve already booked to go to conference, you can book Hub appointments separately. The Omega discount code will be in the same email as your conference discount code. Alternatively, log in to the members section of the website to find the discount code.

Why Should I Book a Hub Appointment?

If you’re newer to the writing world, then an appointment with a Hub professional will give you valuable advice and tips on how to improve your writing. This can save you literally years of editing and revision, because they will give you advice based on current market trends and practices.

Should you meet with an agent, publisher, freelance editor, or publishing professional?

That will depend on what you want to get out of the appointment:

If you want to pitch a specific project, I suggest booking an appointment with an agent or publisher. If you want to be published with a major Christian publisher like Bethany House, book a meeting with one of the literary agents. If you’re looking for a smaller publisher, you could meet Donna Harris (UK), Rochelle Stephens (Australia) and Rowena Beresford (Australia). If you want general information on traditional vs. self-publishing, book an appointment with me or with an author like Meredith Resce or Lisa Renee who has self-published and worked with a small traditional publisher. If you want advice about your writing, marketing, or general publishing advice, then book an appointment with an editor or author offering that kind of advice. Click here to find the professionals you can meeting The Hub, and what they each offer. 

How do I Prepare for a Hub Appointment?

Some professionals will give you the opportunity to submit material ahead of time, so they can review your manuscript and consider their response. This could be a synopsis, your first few pages or chapters, or a one-sheet. Click here for tips on how to write a synopsis.  Click here for how to write a one-sheet. 

If the professional doesn’t require material ahead of time, then how you prepare will depend on the kind of information you’re seeking:

If you want editorial feedback on your writing, come prepared with a printed sample of your writing e.g. a one-page synopsis and your first chapter or two (I suggest one copy for each appointment, and at least one spare copy). If you want to pitch your manuscript to an agent or publisher, prepare your verbal elevator pitch (one to two sentences that give your hook and describe your manuscript). Again, take a paper synopsis and sample chapter for a novel or nonfiction work, or the full manuscript for a picture book. If you want marketing advice, do some advance research and consider exactly what you want to know. Then book an appointment with the expert who will be able to answer those questions. For example:

• I (Iola Goulton) can give you good advice on how to set up an author platform as an unpublished author.
• Cecily Paterson has some great tips on copywriting and blogging.
• Lisa Renee is the excerpt on author newsletters, paid advertising, and book launch strategies.

Our Hub participants are all professionals with years of experience, and we’d all love to share that experience with you. To get the most out of your Hub appointment, know what you want to find out, and ask as many questions as you want. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Leave a comment if you have any questions, and we’ll find the expert to answer you.

Omega Writers | Call for Judges for 2022 CALEB Award

 

 It Takes a Village to Publish a Novel

One of the many myths about writing and writers is that we work alone. We sit in our attic room, scratching away for weeks and months and years, and eventually produce a work of staggering genius that has the publishers beating a path to our door, each one waving a larger cheque (or check) than the one before.

If only.

Writing is a team effort. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team to write a novel. If you don’t believe me, check the acknowledgements page in the novel you’re currently reading and count how many people the author has thanked. For example:

• God
• Family
• Friends
• Critique partners
• Beta readers
• Specialists who’ve offered advice
• Agent
• Editors
• Cover designer
• Marketing team
• Prayer warriors

And those are only the people the author can name.

There are also dozens of unsung helpers who contributed to that novel—maybe hundreds. These might be:

• Fiction authors who’ve written helpful craft books.
• Non-fiction authors who’ve written useful technical books.
• Marketing experts who’ve written marketing books.
• Writers who’ve shared their knowledge for free on various blogs and websites.
• Speakers who’ve presented at national or local conferences.
• Reviewers who help spread the word about the author’s book.
• Contest judges who’ve provided useful feedback.
• Organisations which bring writers together to network and learn.

The list goes on.

Sure, some authors making writing all about them. But the best writers recognise the village who contributed to their success, and ensure they give back to the community which has given them so much.

But how can we give back … especially as unpublished writers?

One easy way to give back is by judging a writing contest.

I will admit: this isn’t entirely altruistic. I usually judge several contests each year, and I’ve learned a lot about writing and editing from judging writing contests. I covered some of these lessons in a recent blog post at Australasian Christian Writers.

And this post isn’t entirely altruistic either: I have a motive.

I am looking for volunteers to judge the 2022 CALEB Award from Omega Writers.

Omega Writers is a Christian writing organisation serving writers from across Australia and New Zealand. CALEB stands for Christian Authors Lifting Each other’s Books, and the award considers published books and unpublished manuscripts.

You don’t need to be a writer!

We’d love to have more readers volunteer to judge our published books. You can choose how many entries you’d like to judge, and in what categories and genres. The categories for the 2022 CALEB Award are:

• Adult Fiction (Published and Unpublished
• Young Adult Fiction (Published and Unpublished)
• Adult Nonfiction (Published and Unpublished)

If you’d like to find out more about why judging is a great idea, then check out this blog post: Introducing the CALEB Award.

And click here to volunteer as a judge.

The CALEB Award will open for entries next month, so if you’re an unpublished Christian writer from Australia or New Zealand, it's time to polish your manuscript!

Click here to check out how to join Omega Writers.

Have you ever judged a writing contest? What did you learn from judging?

Omega Writer | Why Enter a Writing Contest?

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas a restful New Year, and is now looking forward to the challenges 2022 will hold.

Challenges?

Writing challenges, of course!

Here’s a challenge for writers who have not yet published a book: enter a writing contest.

Why? I can think of several good reasons:

Honest Feedback

Writing contests are a great way to get honest feedback on your writing, and we all need honest feedback. Feedback is a gift which can show us what we’re doing well, and where we need to improve on.

Feedback from Writers

But it’s important to get feedback from the right people. We can ask family and friends for feedback. While they might give encouraging feedback (You’ve done a great job! Keep it up!), it might not be accurate. Family and friends will be proud of you for having written a book, and may be able to tell you what they enjoyed and why, but they probably can’t tell you what needs to be improved (unless they happen to be successful writers who know your genre).

In contrast, contest judges are fellow writers, usually people who write in the same genre. Some will be fellow unpublished authors, some will be published authors, some will have won awards. All are willing to give up their time to help other writers improve their craft.

Targeted Feedback

Because they are writers (or editors, or agents), they know what good writing looks like, and they will judge accordingly. Most contests use a score sheet which looks at different aspects of the writing, such as the opening, the characters, the plot, and use of point of view or showing vs telling. Entering a writing contest will show you if you have issues in some of these areas.

Finding out you’re not using point of view well may be painful, but it’s better to find out from an anonymous contest judge early in your writing career than to polish the manuscript for months (or years), submit to a publisher and be rejected because of your point of view. (And point of view isn’t your opinion on a subject. If you’re a fiction writer and don’t understand what I mean by point of view, you need to learn).

Anonymous Feedback

Judging in unpublished contests is blind, which means the judges don’t know whose entry they are reading and judging. Most contests for unpublished writing ask writers to say who has read the entry so the contest organiser can avoid assigning the entry to a judge who may be biased. In addition, judges are encouraged to notify the organiser if they have seen any entries before so they can be reassigned.

Blind judging means judges can give feedback without worrying about that feedback potentially affecting a relationship (as can happen if you ask family or friends to critique your writing).

Bragging Rights

Finalling in or winning a contest gives you bragging rights aka a line in your query or proposal to an agent or editor. Many well-known Christian writers credit contests with helping them land an agent and/or publishing deal.

Contests

But how do you find a contest to enter? Well, Omega Writers has the deal for you …

The 2022 CALEB Awards.

The CALEB Award is run by Omega Writers although books don’t have to be overtly Christian.

Some of our winners have been “defiantly Christian”. Others have been great books by Christian writers with underlying Christian themes like love, honesty, or the importance of family.

While we do accept entries that aren’t specifically aimed at the Christian market, we do ask that all entrants state their agreement with the Omega Writers Statement of Belief. We also remind entrants that we are judging books based on a Christian world view, so general market titles are unlikely to score well.

The 2022 CALEB Awards will include unpublished manuscripts in up to three categories (depending on the number of entries):

• Adult fiction (any genre)
• Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction (any genre)
• Nonfiction

Entries will open in March, so now is the time to start polishing your first fifty pages and writing a synopsis.

Click here to find out more about the CALEB Award.

ACFW Genesis Awards

If you write fiction and are seeking a traditional publisher, then I would also recommend entering the 2022 Genesis Awards run by American Christian Fiction Writers. this covers adult and young adult fiction across a range of genres, and many winners and finalist have gone on to be published by big-name Christian publishers such as Thomas Nelson and Bethany House.

To enter, you’ll need a one-page synopsis (single-spaced), and the first fifteen pages of your manuscript (double-spaced).

Click here to find out more.

Will you accept the challenge to enter a writing contest in 2022?

The End of Another Year: News from Omega Writers for December 2021

2021 has been a year.

Apart from the obvious, things have happened, especially here at Omega Writers.

• We celebrated the best of Christian writing from Australasian authors with the 2021 CALEB Awards. Click here to find out more.
• We hosted our first online writing retreat (after being forced to cancel the in-person retreat for the second year running). Click here for the highlights.
• We have an excellent monthly member newsletter sharing tall the news and newly released books from members. Join us to make sure you don't miss out!
• Our regional chapters have held a range of in-person and online meetings (and shout-out to Tasmania for inviting everyone).
• The 2021 Omega Writers Book Fair did go ahead as planned (the day a snap lockdown went into effect). This included announcing the winners of the Book Fair writing contest. Click here to find out more.

All things considered, it's been a great year.

So what's the plan for 2022?

Our plan is for more of the same:

• A monthly member newsletter
• The CALEB Awards (the 2022 Awards will focus on unpublished authors, so get writing and polishing those manuscripts!)
• More meetings - hopefully in-person (online is better than nothing, but in person is better).

We may even get our planned writing retreat at the beautiful Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliffe in northern New South Wales.

Those are our plans. They have been prayerfully considered, but they are still our plans.

God may well have different plans.

Our job is to be open to listening to Him and adjusting our plans accordingly. No matter what comes, we can have confidence that God is in control.

Meanwhile, on behalf of Omega Writers, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and healthy Christmas, and a restful summer with plenty of time to meditate on God's plans and our plans.

What plans do you have for 2022? How is God part of those plans?

Recommended Resources from the 2021 Omega Writer's Retreat

Omega Writers held a successful online writing retreat in October, with inspiring sessions from Edie Melson and Nicole Partridge, and informative panel discussions on publishing and marketing.

Today I’m sharing some of the resources discussed during the retreat, particularly during the marketing panel (which, unfortunately, did not record).

Recommended Resources

Podcasts

Here are some excellent writer podcasts to listen to:

• Joanna Penn at The Creative Penn
• The SPF podcast (Self-Publishing Formula) with Mark Dawson
• The Novel Marketing Podcast with Thomas Umstatt Jnr
• Write from the Deep with Karen Ball and Erin Taylor Young

I enjoy the Creative Penn and SPF podcasts because they’re both produced by authors who built their reputation and platform on selling genre fiction, and who still write and publish multiple books a year. Yes, they both have courses and nonfiction books, but their focus is their fiction.

Facebook Groups

There are many excellent Facebook groups for writers. The best groups allow little or no self-promotion, as their aim is to help writers (not become a spammy echo chamber).

• Australasian Christian Writers
• Christian Writers Downunder
• Christian Indie Authors
• Avid Readers of Christian Fiction
• Wide for the Win
• 20 Books to 50K

These last two groups are aimed at general market authors, so the language and subject matter can get spicy … but the information is excellent.

Other Recommended Resources

• Book Whispers (for cover design, publishing assistance)
• Novella Distribution (for hard copy book distribution within Australia)
• Impressum (for cover design, editing, and publishing assistance)
• The Collaborative Press (for cover design, editing, and publishing assistance)
• Mark Dawson’s Advertising for Authors (a paid course)
• Bryan Cohen’s 5-Day Amazon Ad Profit Challenge (a free course that leads into a paid course)

Author Platform

Authors need a website, but how do you build one if you’re not a web designer? An online course may help.

• Carolyn Miller recommended the Kick-Start Your Author Platform Marketing Challenge (a paid email course).
• Andrea Grigg recommended Crazy Easy Awesome Author Websites (a paid course from Lawson Writers Academy).

Q&A

There were also lots of great questions in the chat.

How much can an indie author expect to pay up front to publish?

The two main expenses in self-publishing are cover design and editing.

How much does an editor cost?

The cost of editing varies. The first book might cost $2,000 or more, because you’ll probably need two kinds of editors:

• A developmental editor (looking at genre, plot, structure, characterisation, point of view, and other major aspects of writing).
• A copyeditor (who looks at the writing at a sentence and paragraph level, making sure the writing is clear and error-free).

It’s worth paying for both sets of edits, especially for newer authors. These will often be two different people. Traditional publishers will use a line editor between the developmental edit and the copyedit. The line editor works on polishing sentences and paragraphs to make sure they say what the author means them to say and in the strongest way possible. A traditional publisher would complete at least two rounds of proofreading once the document has been copyedited by an editor and revised by the author:

• At least one proofread using the Word document, to catch any outstanding typographical errors. There may be more than one proofreader at this stage, and it would probably be a specialist proofreader i.e. not the line editor or copyeditor.
• A second proofread on the final page proofs (e.g. the PDF or InDesign file), and would focus more on the look of the test on the page e.g. no widows or orphans (a single line of text on a page), and no rivers (a line of spaces running down a page). At this stage, the proofread would only change the most obvious errors, as adding or deleting a word on page 12 might mean repaginating the entire manuscript.

Self-published authors have different processes depending on their budget. Some hire an editor or proofreader for the final read-through. Others work with a team of eagle-eyed beta readers to proofread. The actual cost of editing depends on word count, the quality of the writing and how many rounds of revision and editing the manuscript has already been through.

• Lisa Renee (from The Collaborative Press) USD 85 per 10,000 words.
• Meredith expects to pay around AUD 1,200 for 70,000 words for a main copyedit.
• Carolyn Miller suggested around AUD 1,000 for 90,000 words if the writing is very clean (which probably means it’s already been thoroughly edited by the author and one or more editors, or is from a multi-published author).

Any tips on cover design?

Genre is key when it comes to cover design, so it’s important to know your genre, know the books in your genre, and select a cover designer who knows what sells in your genre. Check out books in your genre. Authors will often credit their cover designer, so check out books in your genre. Suggestions from those at the retreat:

• Lankshear Design
• Upwork (but be sure to check the reviews before hiring anyone)

A full wrap paperback and ebook cover is around USD 250 (but a custom or illustrated cover can cost USD 1,000 or more). Premade covers are cheaper, and can start at USD 50. Premade covers are a good option for standalone books (not books in a series, because they should have consistent styling and branding and it’s going to be difficult to find premade covers with consistent branding).

What is acceptable content in Christian fiction?

The US Christian market is very conservative. They won’t drink beer or wine, but they’ll happily eat burgers and pizza for every meal. But the definition of “acceptable content” depends on your target market, and that’s going to be slightly different for everyone.

• Are you writing for a mainstream Christian audience, or are you writing for the general market and bringing in Christian themes or “grace notes”?
• Are you writing for the Australian market, the US market, or the UK market?

Each market is different. The best advice is to read a lot in the genre you’re interested in, and observe the trends and standards. Also, work out which publishers and imprints publish in your area, and because that will also help. This is a subject we’ve blogged about before: Acceptable Content in Christian Fiction

How can I get my books into Koorong?

Contact them. They have a form to fill out, and you’ll need to send them a copy of your book. Then they decide. Self-published books will need to be of the same standard as traditionally published books, and you’ll either need to have a solid author platform (e.g. website, email list, or established fan base), or have a unique book that meets a genuine need.

How can you get books in audio?

Those of us Down Under can’t use ACX (Amazon), but we can publish audio through Findaway Voices. Penny Reeve and Cecily Paterson got a grant to produce an audiobook from Create NSW.

Yes, we covered a lot in a short time!

Did you attend the retreat?

What top tips or resources would you like to share?

About Iola Goulton

Iola Goulton is a New Zealand-based book reviewer and editor specializing in adult and young adult Christian fiction. She won the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award (Novella), and copyedited Then There Was You by Kara Isaac, which won a RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. Iola holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in marketing and has a background in human resource consulting. When she’s not editing, Iola is usually reading or writing her next book review. Iola lives in the beautiful Bay of Plenty in New Zealand (not far from Hobbiton) with her husband, son, and cat.