All Kindle Fiction Now Just $2.99!

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Kindle Sale AdWhat costs less than a latte, a bucket of popcorn at the movie theater or the Sunday edition of the New York Times? All of Ambassador’s fiction for the Kindle! Starting immediately, Ambassador is lowering the price on all Christian fiction for the Kindle. We’re excited to offer our library of Kindle eBooks at the new price of $2.99. We think this is a great value for readers who are looking for inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking Christian fiction. So go ahead and find a great new book to download for your Kindle now!

A Q&A with Literary Agent Les Stobbe

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Les Stobbe and Author Kashyap Patel

Les Stobbe and Author Kashyap Patel

Les Stobbe is well known and respected in the Christian book publishing industry. Representing bestsellers to first-time authors, Les knows what it takes to select authors, develop platforms and teach writers how to make their work shine.

Ambassador International is thrilled to have had Les present works to them for consideration for several years now, some of which include Dr. Kayshap Patel, From Raindrops to an Ocean, Grace Fabian, Outrageous Grace, and Paulette George, Good Morning Beautiful.

Although we don’t require a literary agent in order for an author to submit a manuscript to Ambassador, we often get questions about the publishing process and the role of a literary agent. So I asked Les to share some some of his expert insight.

Tim: How did you become a literary agent? 
Les: You’ve heard the saying that “When life gives you a lemon, turn it into lemonade.” I had been with Here’s Life Publishers for 11 years, seven as president when we were sold to Thomas Nelson. So when several writer friends approached me at a conference and asked me to represent them, I agreed. I first represented their books with editors at the 1993 CBA Convention—at which I also interviewed for a position as managing editor of the curriculum division of Scripture Press. For 11 years I worked only part-time as literary agent, though I presented a significant list of book projects to editors at every CBA Convention and at other times of the year.

Tim: What are some of the most notable changes in the industry you’ve seen over the years? 
Les: I recently wrote my website’s home page article on this topic. The most notable change is how books are sold and what that has meant for authors. From 1970, when I got into publishing, until the 1990s, we marketed principally to booksellers and bookstore chains. We considered ourselves the marketers. Gradually the number of bookstores declined and more and more books were moved through distributors. The impersonal nature of that process put the major burden of promoting their books on the author, most of whom had no marketing experience. So when their books did not sell, publishers switched to mostly publishing authors with recognizable names nationwide. That left most first book authors out in the cold—and at the mercy of self-publishing entities. The result has been a lot of books unsold in people’s garages. The e-book revolution is changing that—e-books do not clog garages, while POD (Print on Demand) means there is no inventory at the publisher and authors buy only what they are selling.

Tim: How do you find your writers? 
Les: I can honestly say writers are sent to me by God. His instruments may be recommendation by one of my clients or a book editor, a listing of agents, attendance at a Christian writers’ conference, where I interact with writers to help them get published. Occasionally someone stumbles onto my website, www.stobbeliterary.com. God impressed on me that my ministry focus was first book authors, though occasionally a multi-published author is sent to me by God.

Tim: What do you look for in a first-time writer? 
Les: I have to wear the hat of an editor. In fiction I look for first rate writers who have studied the craft and sharpened their skills by taking distance learning courses, attending Christian writers’ conferences, participating in critique groups. The competition is incredibly fierce for the few open fiction slots in all of Christian publishing. In non-fiction I look for uniqueness in idea and approach, though, like editors I look at what the author’s platform is, what she or he does on social media to build a national reputation. Only too often I still get the message, “Not visible enough.”

Tim: How do you know when the manuscript is ready?
Les: Experience. I began evaluating manuscripts for Kenneth N. Taylor of Living Bible fame in 1961 and became editor of Moody Press in 1970. Just like an experienced coach knows when a player is ready for prime time, I can tell in a page or two whether the writing will make it in today’s market. Then I have to factor in whether they have a national platform or are on social media. I use an experienced fiction reader to help me evaluate novels. I love stories and I too easily get immersed in a plot, failing to notice the absence of technical aspects expected from today’s novels.

Tim: What do you love most about your job?
Les: I love helping writers improve their writing and their presentation. That’s why I participate in eight or nine Christian writers conferences each year—and try to help writers improve proposals far oftener than I ought to. It keeps me at my desk when men my age are playing golf or fishing.

Tim: Anything else you’d like to add? 
Les: My greatest satisfaction is seeing writers I helped get started getting book contract after book contract—and honoring Jesus Christ as they do so. Recently a client stumbled onto my name on page 81 of a book by a bestselling author who claimed I taught him to write. I well remember my meetings with him!

Total Home Makeover Blog Tour: Your Chance to Win!

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Total Home MakeoverThis week author Renee Metzler will be making the rounds, stopping at several hot blogs and websites to promote her new book Total Home Makeover: A 20-Day Plan to Renew Your Space and Spirit. Be sure to stop by these sites, check out fresh advice from Renee, author interviews and book reviews. Plus, you’ll have several chances to win a free copy of Total Home Makeover!

Monday, August 20: HomeMakingOrganized.com and CreativeMadnessMama.com

Tuesday, August 21: RaisingtheBarrs.com

Wednesday, August 22: RBClibrary.wordpress.com

Thursday, August 23: LindseyHolder.com

Friday, August 24: iblog4books.blogspot.com

Saturday, August 24: MomDoesReviews.com

Also, check out Renee’s special feature in Hope for Women Magazine!

The Forgiveness Project: A Study for Churches

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The Forgiveness Project is an 11-week church-wide study of Anna McCarthy’s powerful new book, Forgiveness is Not an Option. In the video and article below Anna explains why she believes this is a powerful tool desperately needed in today’s congregations.

The Forgiveness Project from Voice of One on Vimeo.

Betrayed, hurt and confused. As I sat in church every Sunday, I would ponder what God must have thought of everything I had gone through and if healing and freedom was truly possible. I was broken…yet on the outside everything looked “fine”. I longed for peace; I desperately wanted to believe that God had a plan which included piecing my heart back together, but I was completely lost as to what that looked like or how I could find it.

I had never heard a sermon on how to heal from the kind of hurt I had experienced…the types of heartaches that many of us have endured. How do you forgive the unforgivable? Is it really possible to be “free” from the scars of abuse, betrayal or mistreatment? Can I really love someone who hurt me so deeply? What does God feel about those things?

These questions propelled me into a 3 year journey with the Lord. I researched everything I could in the Bible on forgiveness, hurt, pain, abuse and mistreatment. And, what I found was more than I expected. I not only found healing and the ability to supernaturally love and forgive; I found a side of God that I had never known. I wasn’t simply patched back together, merely surviving with the “hope” of my life eventually changing. No, I was alive again and thriving! I was finally the “me” that I was created to be all along. I was free.

Forgiveness is not an optionThis stirred in my heart a passion to equip the church in this desperately needed area. Because, sadly, I was only one of many, who fill churches each Sunday appearing to be “fine”. Yet, if you scratch beneath the surface it doesn’t take long to see the signs of a life plagued by hurt. Insecurity, fear, anger, depression, anxiety and an inability to see outside themselves are just a few of the symptoms of a broken life. Once you begin to open your eyes, you will see a church that is hungry for this message.

I long to see the church restored and whole again. One that is unafraid to address these issues and offer hope and healing in a much needed area. That is the heart behind The Forgiveness Project, which is an 11 week church wide study of the book, Forgiveness Is Not an Option. This book is filled with scripture and addresses every aspect of forgiveness from the onset of hurt, why broken people break others, God’s perspective of abuse and betrayal, forgiveness, learning to love your enemies, not repeating destructive relationship patterns, healing and restoration.

Our ministry has created a church kit tailored to bring The Forgiveness Project to your church. It comes complete with small group leader study guides, a fully prepared 11 week sermon series, DVDs packed with powerful testimonies of forgiveness and much more. This is an exciting series that you do not want to miss!

Get your church or small group involved! Free study guides and bulk discounts of Forgiveness is Not an Option are available:

  • 11-25 books 15% discount
  • 26-50 books 25% discount
  • 51-100 books 30% discount
  • 100+ books 40% discount

Email [email protected] for more information!

Renew Your Space & Spirit in 20 Days with a Total Home Makeover

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Total Home MakeoverAuthor and Home Management Expert Renee Metzler coaches Readers Through Transformation

For immediate release:  Get a Total Home Makeover in just 20 days with the help of home management expert Renee Metzler. Renee’s new book Total Home Makeover: A 20-Day Plan to Renew Your Space and Spirit (Ambassador International; August 2012; $11.99, paperback) includes daily coaching sessions, to-do lists, prayers and scripture. In Total Home Makeover, she will help you:

  • Renew your spirit by building intimacy with a God who shows up, hears, cares and speaks.
  • Break into pro-active home management by establishing smart daily and weekly routines that keep your home running smoothly.
  • Coach your family to get involved with home keeping and chores and give them the gift of responsible living.
  • Organize each room to fit your family’s lifestyle and renew your space.

Renee gave up a full-time career to become a full-time mom and home manager ten years ago. But she quickly realized she had never learned the skills necessary to do this job well. “I felt completely lost with the 24 hours of unstructured time,” explains Renee. “So I started to research smarter ways to manage a home. This book is a quick-start manual that will help any home manager do their job with excellence, taking life from chaos to order.” Total Home Makeover also includes handy worksheets like a meal planner, chore chart and room planner.

Renee Metzler is a freelance author and speaker who helps women to live in balance, purpose and victory. As founder of Renee’s Joy Journey, found at renee-joyjourney.com, Renee blogs weekly to help women break free into their destiny.

For interview requests please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected]. You can also learn more at TotalHomeMakeover.com.

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Celebrate Forgiveness Day: Who Do You Need to Forgive?

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Forgiveness is not an optionAugust 5 is International Forgiveness Day and August 27 is Global Forgiveness Day. In response to these two holidays we asked Anna McCarthy, author of Forgiveness is Not an Option, to share her thoughts on forgiving in difficult situations.

It’s true with all of us. We hear the word “forgive” and we immediately think of that paramount event in our life that left us crumbled. Where either our heart was shattered, trust was broken or another seemingly unforgiveable act took place. As true as it is that these events do require our hearts to move towards forgiveness, how often do we stop there?

I fear that it isn’t always the tragedies in our life that lead our hearts into bitterness, but often the less noticeable offenses. The ones we are quick to brush aside because it doesn’t seem like “that big of a deal”.  Areas where our pride steps in and readily moves past the offense not wanting to admit we were actually hurt. You see, forgiveness isn’t always wrapped up in a tragedy. The kind of forgiveness that Jesus teaches in scripture is daily…repetitive even. We learn of this kind of forgiveness through Peter’s questioning of Jesus on the subject, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”. (Matthew 18:20-22) Right here we see that this was an offense that had the opportunity to occur often…even with the same person!

Avoid Bitterness

When someone hurts or offends you on a small level, the first act of forgiveness can come somewhat easily. It is the second, third and fourth time where we start thinking that we either should just toughen up and not let it get to us, or just swallow it and move on because obviously their behavior isn’t going to change. This is where I believe many of us unknowingly open a crevice in our hearts to bitterness. It’s quiet at first, not obvious on the surface and yet over time can lead to one very hardened heart.

Admit to the Hurt

So, what do we do in these moments of mundane offenses? First, we must validate that we are hurt. We can’t begin to forgive someone that we are unwilling to admit hurt us! In that moment when someone’s words or actions sting, stop yourself and internally admit that you are offended. Quietly tell the Lord that you are hurt and why. Then, make the choice to forgive. Tell the Lord that you forgive them. And, what if even after this prayer you still feel angry or bothered? Pray for them. Our hearts are hardwired to soften towards those whom we choose to genuinely pray for. I believe this is one of the reasons Jesus teaches us in scripture to pray for our enemies.

Forgive Daily

This daily act of forgiveness may seem somewhat insignificant, yet this is much more powerful than we often realize. These small acts of forgiveness protect our hearts, keeping them tender, soft and open.

Whether your life has been met with tragedy or not, I encourage you to look past the glaring offenses in your life and dig a little deeper into the smaller ones. Then ask yourself the question, “Who do I need to forgive?”

 

Ambassador Authors in the Media

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Times ExaminerSeveral Ambassador International authors have enjoyed sharing their stories and expertise recently with a variety of media outlets around the country. Here is a rundown of where you can check out these interviews:

Jim Geyer, author of Dad and Mom’s Country Wisdom: Everything I Know about the Bible I Learned on the Farm was featured in a front page article of The Times Examiner on Wednesday, July 25.

Stephen Goode, author of Marriage Triage: A Guide to Healing for the Hurting Spouse, was interviewed on WRHI’s program Palmetto Mornings on Wednesday, August 1. Listen to his interview on marriage, Chick-fil-A and recent Hollywood break-ups. Marriage Triage was also featured on Charlotte Area News.

Renee Metzler, author of Total Home Makeover: A 20-Day Plan to Renew Your Space and Spirit, was interviewed for the website HomeMakingOrganized.com. The article features Renee’s tips in time for National Simplify Your Life Week.

Devotional Wherein the Lilies Grow by Jo Crosby received a great review from By the Book.

Bob and Kathy Basmadjian, authors of Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream, were interviewed on July 23 by Pastor Rick Tocquigny on his program Life Lessons Radio.

Dick and Pat Geyer, authors of Chaplains of the Bible, were interviewed by several radio outlets including for an upcoming broadcast of Wayne Shepherd’s First Person program.

Transform Every Area of Life with Declutter Now! Uncovering the Hidden Joy & Freedom in Your Life

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delcutter nowDeclutter Now! is the first Comprehensive Guide on Decluttering Your Heart, Mind, Body, Soul and Home

For immediate release:  Negative clutter can invade every area of your life—not just your closets. Relationships, finances, kids, jobs, health and spiritual wellbeing are all adversely impacted by the unnecessary and harmful stuff we accumulate and hold onto. That could be physical junk or emotional baggage. Husband and wife Lindon and Sherry Gareis, authors of Declutter Now! Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life (Ambassador International; August 2012; $13.99, paperback) know this from firsthand experience. “This clutter gripped Lindon and I and held us back from the freedom to enjoy what we really felt called to,” explains Sherry. “And that was ministry.”

Declutter Now! encourages readers to declutter every area of life: your heart, mind, body, soul and home. “We find false security in our stuff. We keep company with the wrong people for the wrong reasons. We hold on to negative and painful feelings,” says Lindon. “Think about all of the unnecessary things we gather from these behaviors and choices—stagnant lifestyles, needless and excessive stuff, financial debt, obligation, guilt, extra weight, anger, hurt, discontentment, addictions; the list is endless.” Declutter Now! will help the reader let go of those negative influences that impact our quality of life and our relationship with God. Since decluttering removes what you don’t need and gives you more of what you do, it only makes sense your spiritual journey will benefit too.

Lindon and Sherry Gareis, certified Christian Life Coaches from Glendale, Arizona, are the founders of Action Plan Ministries. Their blended family includes three sons and one daughter – Trent, 25, Ryan, 24, Devin, 22, and Sarah, 22. Lindon and Sherry love being outdoors, love being together, and are committed to a lifelong honeymoon.

For interview requests please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected]. Fans are invited to join the free 40-day Declutter Now! Challenge at Facebook.com/DeclutterNow.

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Celebrate National Simplify Your Life Week with Help from Ambassador Authors

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Total Home MakeoverThe first week in August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What better way to celebrate than by clearing the clutter from some area of your life– whether it be your closets or your finances. Two new books from Ambassador International are designed to help you simplify your life.

Declutter Now!: Uncover the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life by Lindon and Sherry Gareis: Negative clutter can invade every area of your life—not just your closets. Relationships, finances, kids, jobs, health and spiritual well-being are all adversely impacted by the unnecessary and harmful stuff we accumulate and hold onto. That could be physical junk or emotional baggage. Declutter Now! will help the reader let go of those negative influences that impact our quality of life and our relationship with God. Since decluttering removes what you don’t need and gives you more of what you do, it only makes sense your spiritual journey will benefit too.

Total Home Makeover: A 20-Day Plan to Renew Your Space and Spirit by Renee Metzler: Transform your home with daily and weekly routines, family training, and room-by-room organization. Renee Metzler gave up a full-time career to become a full-time mom and home manager ten years ago. But she quickly realized she had never learned the skills necessary to do this job well. This book is a quick-start manual that will help any home manager do their job with excellence, taking your life from chaos to order. Each day includes prayer, a ten-minute coaching session from Renee and daily to-do list to help you turn your home into a haven.

As a special offer for National Simplify Your Life Week, anyone who orders a copy of Total Home Makeover or Declutter Now! by August 15 will receive a FREE digital copy of the book from iTunes. Simply email your receipt to [email protected] to take advantage of this offer. To help you jump start your plan, authors Sherry and Renee are answering questions about simplifying life:

1. How have you personally tried to simplify your life recently?delcutter now

Sherry: Interestingly, Declutter Now! is largely responsible for our most recent wave of simplification. Writing a book, and all the elements associated with it, has demanded that we say ‘no’ to some events or commitments that we would have otherwise said yes to. We’ve simplified our schedule to make room for the priorities. Not always easy, or fun, but necessary!

Renee: I have focused on three areas: food, fashion and storage. In terms of food, my husband grows a beautiful kitchen garden each year.  I’m trying to use fresh vegetables daily to create simple and healthy meals. For fashion, I made a New Year’s Resolution to NOT buy any new clothes this year in an effort to avoid a cluttered closet and save money for my children’s Christian school education.  Storage-wise, my chaotic confession is the little red barn at the edge of our property.  It’s adorable from the outside and hideously disorganized from the inside.  It’s my summer organizational project.  To keep me motivated, I’ve planned an End-of-Summer Party for close friends and family.  This dinner party will be hosted in … the little red barn.  Talk about motivation!

2. Why should simplifying our lives be our goal?

Sherry: In Declutter Now! we talk about how ‘less can be more’, and this is much ‘more’ than just a cliché’. Our lives get cluttered with material stuff, unhealthy relationships, draining careers, poor health habits, financial burdens, and the like, leaving little room for the things that matter most. It just makes sense to simplify in order to have the time, money, and energy for the true desires of your heart.

Renee: Simplifying is about making room for what’s really important. We only have a short-time here on earth. We must choose to live for eternity (the spiritual kingdom), not the here-and-now (this physical kingdom). It’s about saying, “No.”  We can choose to turn from the clutter of this world:  material possessions, television, Facebook, chasing after worldly success, money, and status. It’s about saying, “Yes.” We can choose to invest more in the things that are eternal, that will go on living after this physical world passes away.  Things like a relationship with Christ Jesus, speaking words of encouragement and hope to our spouse, playing with and training our children.

3. How can your book help people simplify their lives?

Sherry: We address how to declutter eight different areas of your life by providing practical tips, life application strategies, and engaging stories. We help people gain an awareness of areas that should be decluttered and then encourage them to take action and make it happen! It’s our Declutter & GO! concept!

Renee: Total Home Makeover is a 20 Day Plan to Renew your Space and Spirit.  Each day, you will (1) renew your spirit by seeking the living God through {Prayer, Bible Reading and Journaling}, (2) renew your space in our daily couching session {called Let’s Chat} where you’ll learn one secret to managing your home more efficiently, and (3) apply what you just learned by completing the daily to-do list {called Get Moving}.  Partner up, earn rewards, use worksheets, learn a smarter way to manage your home, and laugh at my stories as you journey from chaos to order for a Total Home Makeover.

Feeling inspired by Renee and Sherry to simplify life? Don’t forget about our special offer just for National Simplify Your Life Week. From now until August 15 anyone who orders Declutter Now! or Total Home Makeover can forward their receipt to [email protected] to receive a FREE digital copy from iTunes as well.