CWG Announces the Seal of Approval Awardees for 4Q2024

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Congratulations to the authors whose books received the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. The seal is a mark of Catholicity and editorial quality, signifying that it’s a good choice for Catholic bookstores.

Fallen Graces
by Jim Sano

When a dead man’s body is found in the upper basin of a historic fountain in Boston Common with a cryptic message in his pocket, Detective Brooks reluctantly calls in Father Tom and Angelo to help solve the clues in the hunt for a killer set on justice and revenge. Fallen Graces, the fifth book of the award-winning Father Tom series, delves into the psychological and religious complexities of a killer who becomes as equally unpredictable as dangerous to the parish neighborhood of St. Francis, and Father Tom has no choice but to become more involved, risking his own life to find the answer.

 


Bella’s Fruitful Adventures
by Kimberly Novak

Bella, an adventurous caterpillar, sets out on an amazing journey with her friend Mira. As they explore the forest, Bella discovers the fruit of the Holy Spirit and gets ready for her own transformation, all with the love and support of her new friends.

As Bella nurtures the fruit of the Spirit, her love for God and friends flourishes. Children will enjoy learning about how actions are connected to the spiritual fruit growing within, a gift planted by God.


Young Alefred
by Maria Waddelove

Step into the world of 11-year-old Aelfred, whose life takes a dramatic turn after the tragic loss of both parents. Out hunting with his brother, they suddenly become the hunted. Soon, taken hostage by Viking raiders, Aelfred is confronted with a sinister plot that threatens his life and the future of England.

As Aelfred fights for his survival, he must use all his wit and cunning to outsmart the ruthless Ragnar and the crafty Ivar. His experiences in captivity are beyond anything he could have imagined, but they will shape him into the greatest king England has ever known.

Travel back in time to the year 859 and join Aelfred on his perilous journey. This thrilling adventure story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you root for the young hero to overcome the odds and fulfil his destiny.

Teresa of Calcutta Little Saint Stories
by Cassie Herrington

Teach your child the story of Mother Teresa with this adorable board book. Each page has beautiful illustrations that bring this selfless saint to life!

 

 

The Edge of in Between
by Lorelei Savaryn

Lottie lives in Vivelle, a vibrant city where life exists in brilliant technicolor and nearly everyone is born with magic, including Lottie. But when tragedy strikes, color is stripped from Lottie’s heart and from the world around her. Taken in by her reclusive uncle, Lottie moves into Forsaken, a vast manor located in the gray wasteland between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead.

There, Lottie discovers more secrets and mysteries than she ever dreamed possible. Even so, she is filled with nothing but despair. But when splintered magic threatens to consume everyone and everything she still holds dear, Lottie must find a way to thaw both the world and the hearts of those around her—before time runs out.

In this stunning portrait of love, loss, magic, and hope, one girl finds the strength to overcome tragedy—and finds a way to embrace the gifts that make life worth living.

The Lucky Diamond
by Valinora Troy

Ten year old twins, Cathy and Alan, think they’ve solved all their problems when they find a Diamond while scavenging on the streets of Lowdar. when the Diamond reveals her face and starts talking to them, the twins’ lives change more than they could ever imagine.

Now the twins, and their three sisters, are tasked with a mission that will take them from the only life they’ve known and introduce them to a world of magic and monsters.

Who is the beautiful Queen Rose, and what does she want with the Diamonds? More importantly, how are the gifts given to the children by their dying mother linked to a magical world they didn’t know existed?

Full of the importance of family, trusting yourself, and standing up for what is right, “The Lucky Diamond” is a classic fantasy adventure for all the family.

Bonvida: Horizon’s Edge
by Chris Smith

Three islands sit at Horizons Edge. . .

Divided, Atticus, Daria, Prince Victor, and Zane must endure The Descendants Trials, a series of tests given to them by Sofos, each unique to them. Zane must see his way through Bonvidian history, while Prince Victor fights to prove his worth. Daria must survive the unknown that surrounds her. Atticus battles his way through the desert with a familiar face. Will Atticus and his friends be able to figure out the meaning of the trials before their time closes?

Upon returning from the Descendant Trials, the courageous collective are further prompted to embark on a new quest in order to defeat the next and final darkness before Hematite can rise. To do this, it is necessary to take to the Bonvidaian sea, as they follow clues from an ancient poem that will lead to a weapon they seek. With the dangers of the sea at their every turn, will Atticus and his companions be able to discover the profound connection between their experience with the Trials and this new quest?

Seal of Approval, First Quarter 2024

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Seal of Approval, First Quarter 2024

The Seal of Approval was conferred on the following books for the first quarter of 20214:
This Is Your Last Warning: An Authoritative End of Days Timeline by Donna Silveira
Self-Portrait by Jim Sano
Vassals of the Valley by Robin Sebolino
The Secret Princess: A Tale of Hope by JC Prins
St. John Bosco: The Juggling Saint by Maria Riley
Three Clawsome Tales by Corinna Turner
Royal & Ancient by Amanda Purcell Lauer
Augustine of Hippo: Little Saint Stories by Cassie Herrington
The application for the second quarter opens at noon EDT on Monday, April 15.

The purpose of the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval is to help Catholic bookstores and venues in their determination of the Catholicity of a work. This reassurance from a professional organization can assist authors in marketing and promoting their works. Books are also judged by their editorial integrity as well. Books that are not professionally edited or publication-ready are not eligible for the Seal of Approval.

Authors looking to reach a Catholic audience, but whose books do not qualify for an imprimatur (like fiction), or authors who do not have access to the process to get an Imprimatur, can submit their book for the SoA. It provides a tangible reassurance to readers and bookstore owners that the book does support Catholic beliefs and values; and in the case that it does not, it gives the author some useful feedback.

Readers can be assured that SoA books will not offend their faith and have a certain level of editorial quality.

Store owners can be assured that they can stock the book on their shelves, host the author for a signing, etc. without compromising their appearance or mission as a faithful Catholic apostolate.

Get more information on the Seal of Approval, including when and how to apply, at CatholicWritersGuild.org/seal-approval.

 

Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval

Seal of Approval, 4th Quarter 2023

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Seal of Approval, 4th Quarter 2023

 

The Seal of Approval was conferred on the following books for the fourth quarter of 2023:
  • Joseph: Little Saint Stories by Cassie Herrington
  • Helmet of Salvation by Theresa Linden
  • Deception in December by Doreen McAvoy
  • Saint Thérèse: The Sleeping Saint by Maria Riley
  • A Home for Jesus in My Heart by Kristina Schoettle
  • Wild Life by Corinna Turner
  • Bonvida’s Quest for Light by C.D. Smith
  • In the Beginning by Stephen G. Kenny
The application for the first quarter opens at noon EDT on Monday, January 15, 2024.

The purpose of the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval is to help Catholic bookstores and venues in their determination of the Catholicity of a work. This reassurance from a professional organization can assist authors in marketing and promoting their works. Books are also judged by their editorial integrity as well. Books that are not professionally edited or publication-ready are not eligible for the Seal of Approval.

Authors looking to reach a Catholic audience, but whose books do not qualify for an imprimatur (like fiction), or authors who do not have access to the process to get an Imprimatur, can submit their book for the SoA. It provides a tangible reassurance to readers and bookstore owners that the book does support Catholic beliefs and values; and in the case that it does not, it gives the author some useful feedback.

Readers can be assured that SoA books will not offend their faith and have a certain level of editorial quality.

Store owners can be assured that they can stock the book on their shelves, host the author for a signing, etc. without compromising their appearance or mission as a faithful Catholic apostolate.

Get more information on the Seal of Approval, including when and how to apply, at CatholicWritersGuild.org/seal-approval.

 

Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval

Seal of Approval Recipients, Third Quarter 2023

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Seal of Approval Recipients, Third Quarter 2023

The Seal of Approval was conferred on the following books for the third quarter of 2023:
  • Firetender by Erin Lewis
  • A Truly Clawful Christmas by Corinna Turner
  • Ashes: Visible & Invisible by Catholic Teen Books
  • A Pilgrim’s Crux by Timothy Neboyskey
  • Indian Emily by Jennifer Rengaw
  • Little Saint Stories: Juan Diego by Cassie Herrington
  • Kiss Me Goodnight by Maurice Prater
  • Murder at Penwood Manor by Antony B. Kolenc
  • Bonvida’s Awakening by Christopher D. Smith
The application for the first quarter opens at noon EDT on Monday, January 15, 2024.

The purpose of the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval is to help Catholic bookstores and venues in their determination of the Catholicity of a work. This reassurance from a professional organization can assist authors in marketing and promoting their works. Books are also judged by their editorial integrity as well. Books that are not professionally edited or publication-ready are not eligible for the Seal of Approval.

Authors looking to reach a Catholic audience, but whose books do not qualify for an imprimatur (like fiction), or authors who do not have access to the process to get an Imprimatur, can submit their book for the SoA. It provides a tangible reassurance to readers and bookstore owners that the book does support Catholic beliefs and values; and in the case that it does not, it gives the author some useful feedback.

Readers can be assured that SoA books will not offend their faith and have a certain level of editorial quality.

Store owners can be assured that they can stock the book on their shelves, host the author for a signing, etc. without compromising their appearance or mission as a faithful Catholic apostolate.

Get more information on the Seal of Approval, including when and how to apply, at CatholicWritersGuild.org/seal-approval.

Seal of Approval, Second Quarter 2023

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Seal of Approval, Second Quarter 2023

The Seal of Approval was conferred on the following books for the 2nd quarter of 2023:
Don’t by Gabriella Batell
Changing of the Guard by Corinna Turner
God’s Precious Gifts: A Special Needs Child by Colleen Keefe Faul
St. Joseph: The Foster Father Saint by Maria Riley
Antonio’s Questions by Tricia Mendoza
St. Jerk by D.J. Dixon
The application for the 3rd quarter opens at noon EDT on Friday, July 14.

The purpose of the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval is to help Catholic bookstores and venues in their determination of the Catholicity of a work. This reassurance from a professional organization can assist authors in marketing and promoting their works. Books are also judged by their editorial integrity as well. Books that are not professionally edited or publication-ready are not eligible for the Seal of Approval.

Authors looking to reach a Catholic audience, but whose books do not qualify for an imprimatur (like fiction), or authors who do not have access to the process to get an Imprimatur, can submit their book for the SoA. It provides a tangible reassurance to readers and bookstore owners that the book does support Catholic beliefs and values; and in the case that it does not, it gives the author some useful feedback.

Readers can be assured that SoA books will not offend their faith and have a certain level of editorial quality.

Store owners can be assured that they can stock the book on their shelves, host the author for a signing, etc. without compromising their appearance or mission as a faithful Catholic apostolate.

Get more information on the Seal of Approval, including when and how to apply, at CatholicWritersGuild.org/seal-approval.

 

Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval

Seal of Approval, First Quarter 2023

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Seal of Approval, First Quarter 2023

The Catholic Writers Guild recently conferred the Seal of Approval on the following books:

  • A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended  by Amanda Purcell Lauer 
  • Notions of Murder  by Joan Kelly
  • Survival Spirit  byTheresa Alt
  • Shield of Faith  by Theresa Linden
  • A Nation of Tyrants  by C and C Spellman
  • Thérèse of Lisieux: Little Saints  by Cassie Herrington

The purpose of the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval is to help Catholic bookstores and venues in their determination of the Catholicity of a work. This reassurance from a professional organization can assist authors in marketing and promoting their works. Books are also judged by their editorial integrity as well. Books that are not professionally edited or publication-ready are not eligible for the Seal of Approval.

Authors looking to reach a Catholic audience, but whose books do not qualify for an imprimatur (like fiction), or authors who do not have access to the process to get an Imprimatur, can submit their book for the SoA. It provides a tangible reassurance to readers and bookstore owners that the book does support Catholic beliefs and values; and in the case that it does not, it gives the author some useful feedback.

Readers can be assured that SoA books will not offend their faith and have a certain level of editorial quality.

Store owners can be assured that they can stock the book on their shelves, host the author for a signing, etc. without compromising their appearance or mission as a faithful Catholic apostolate.

Get more information on the Seal of Approval, including when and how to apply, at CatholicWritersGuild.org/seal-approval.

 

Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval

From the President’s Desk – February 28, 2014

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Image from iStock

Image from iStock

You don’t have to live in Canada to have experienced a brutal winter this year with record breaking amounts of snow and bitterly cold temperatures across the North, Midwest, South and East. Some experts say that it’s the result of the Polar Vortex. Whatever it is, I am sure of one thing: I’m ready for spring.

I’m also ready for the Catholic Writers Conference Online which will take place from March 10th to 21st. If you’ve already registered, great! If not, registration is now closed (and hopefully you can join in the fun next year). Take a look at the schedule here.

In other news…are you a self-published author? If so, have you ever heard of The Independent Author Network? I belong to IAN. They are a great resource as well as a good marketing tool for the independently published author. Starting on March 1st, they will be offering a special yearly rate, 20% discounted from their normal rate. If you’re interested, email me at fullquiverpublishing(at)gmail.com and I will give you more details (as well as a coupon code for the discount).

Have you written or contributed to at least one book? If so, your book is probably on Goodreads. Goodreads is an excellent marketing tool for both self-published and traditionally published authors. To learn more about the Goodreads Author Program, click here.

Volunteers needed! We have two positions currently open that need volunteers.

First, Sarah Reinhard, SoA Chairperson, has asked for one additional volunteer for the Seal of Approval committee (Evaluation Coordinator) whose duties are as follows:

1.Recruit evaluators by sharing the link to the Google Form
2.Follow-up to make sure evaluators have received books, are reading
3.Log denial points from submitted evaluations on current quarter’s Decline Notes document
4.Bring concerns and needs to Chair’s attention as needed

Second, the CWG blog needs a Virtual Book Tour (VBT) Coordinator, duties as follows:
1.Communicate with CWG members regarding new books and hosting them for VBT
2.Copy and paste the information for the VBT into a blog post (making sure that the books are appropriate for the blog) Note: VBT Books do NOT have to have the Seal of Approval
3.Schedule posts

If you feel called to do either of these two positions, please email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Last, but not least, my fifth book, A Subtle Grace, will be coming out on Kindle March 22nd and in paperback on April 6th. I recently received a proof copy. After years of work, it’s always very satisfying for me to hold the finished product in my hands. Special thanks to my husband for taking this cool photo of all my books (this represents ten years worth of writing, polishing, editing and nearly 500,000 words!)

photo copyright James Hrkach

photo copyright James Hrkach

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President, Catholic Writers Guild

From the President’s Desk – January 24

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Happy New Year! At the last CWG Board Meeting, Board members decided to make a plea for more volunteers. Now that the Guild has over 500 members, the Board has come to realize that only about 20 members are doing 95 percent of the work of the Guild. All of us are volunteers, many of us have families, some of us have outside jobs.

Currently, membership fees are only $30 a year. Benefits are numerous. Most other professional organizations charge $100 or more for fees. We would like to keep these fees low. Hence, we ask members to volunteer, if they can. Perhaps you might like to read and evaluate for our Seal of Approval Committee? Maybe you would like to create the Catholic Book News or help out with the online or live conferences?

Below is a list of volunteers we currently need.

Seal of Approval Evaluators: This committee needs readers/evaluators for the Seal of Approval process. Volunteers must attend a training session before evaluating the first book; volunteers must then commit to reading at least one book per quarter. For more information, email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Catholic Book News Editor(s): One to two volunteers would be ideal and both would need to attend a two-hour training session to learn how to create this monthly e-zine to bookstores that showcases one SoA novel and one SoA non-fiction book. Editors must also email new SoA winners in order to obtain a Sell Sheet. Hours per month: two to three. For more information, email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

These are just two of the committees that need more volunteers in order to keep them running smoothly. We also need volunteers for both conferences. Please prayerfully consider being a volunteer!!

The CWCO (online conference) will be taking place this March. It’s free, informative and fun! For more information: www.catholicwritersconference.com

As always, if you have any concerns, comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com.

In Christ,

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President, CWG

Straight Talk About the Seal of Approval

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It started at our first booth at the Catholic Marketing Network.  We were new as a guild and with CMN, and incredibly hopeful that bookstores would fall in love with the books we were offering (or in the case of Ellen Gable Hrkach, pushing.  That woman can market!)  Again and again, the question came up, “Does this have an Imprimatur?  Has it been approved by a priest?”

Later that year, we actually received a complaint letter from someone who was considering one of our books for their store, and was shocked by what she said was New Age philosophies mixed in with Catholicism.  You see, we take all members on the honor system, and that year, all books as well.

So the next year, we talked to bookstore owners with a different goal in mind—what can we do to reassure you that our books are worthy of your store?

And the CWG Seal of Approval was born.

For those that don’t know, the SoA program looks at books that might not receive an Imprimatur because they are fiction, self-published, or the local bishop doesn’t have time to evaluate them.  Three to five readers in good standing with the Guild read the books for minimum editorial/storytelling quality and Catholicity.  Those that receive the Seal of Approval get art they can incorporate into their covers and seals they can put on their books to show they meet standards. CWG member books that meet the SoA also qualify for display at our CMN booth and can be featured in our monthly newsletter to bookstores.  It’s a terrific program, and a LOT of work for those who run it.

Unfortunately, as the program has grown, so has some confusion about its purpose.  I’d like to address some of those issues.

1.  This is not a competition.  This is a certificate, if you will, of meeting minimum standards of writing and Catholicity.

2. This is for the benefit of bookstores first.  The SoA reassures the Catholic/Christian bookstore owner that your book does not contradict our faith and is of suitable quality for their store.  This is not geared as an author bennie.  Yes, you may benefit from receiving the SoA, but our focus in this program is to serve bookstore owners.

3.  This is for books who are reaching a Catholic audience, and specifically Catholic bookstores.  If your book would not be at home on the bookshelf of a Catholic bookstore, then it may not receive an SoA.  You won’t get an SoA if your book is not Catholic, even if it does not contradict Catholic teachings.  Merely having a Catholic character or being an author who is Catholic is not sufficient to qualify for the SoA.  Just because your book does not receive an SoA does not mean it wouldn’t be at home on the shelves of B&N or your local Indie bookstore.

4.  Not receiving the SoA does not mean your book is bad.  Nor does it mean you are a bad writer or a bad Catholic.  It means your book is not really something you’d find in a Catholic bookstore.  Many of us in the Guild write books that will not qualify, often because they are for a more secular audience (which includes Catholics, of course).  And that’s a good thing—we are supposed to reach the world, not just preach among ourselves.

5.  Just because you don’t get the SoA doesn’t mean you can’t sell your books to Catholics.  The great thing about Catholic readers, especially when it comes to fiction, is that they are generally open-minded and interested in things beyond our faith.

6.  We don’t actively seek books to approve.  Nor do we ask the big Catholic publishers for their books.  Bookstores already trust what comes from Ignatius, Pauline, etc.  They have their own vetting process.  We are trying to open the eyes of bookstore owners to the small press and self-published works that they may never find out about or feel leery of because they aren’t published by the big names.  If you have a book from one a large Catholic publisher that you wish to submit, you may, but really, the bennie for you is just the sticker and the possibility of being in the newsletter.

7.  The decisions of the SoA committee are final.  When we have a doubt about a book, we take it to a second committee of “experts” in the Catholic faith (usually clergy.)  So please don’t argue the decision, and don’t harbor hard feelings.  Again, we are evaluating for a specific audience.

Of all the programs the Guild has started, the Seal of Approval has been our biggest and farthest reaching.  It’s building our reputation among bookstores, readers, and the publishing industry.  That helps us all, as well.  Sarah Reinhard and her team have done an amazing job building  and modifying this program so that is serves a definite purpose—to show bookstores that there is a whole plethora of worthy books coming from diverse authors—authors like you.

Seal of Approval 3rd Quarter 2013 Notice

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We will NOT be accepting Seal of Approval applications for 3rd Quarter 2013.

In the last six months, we have lost two volunteers on the Seal of Approval Committee. In addition, we’ve been experiencing an increase in submissions.

We’re working on restructuring the back end. We have put a few things in place, including a limit on the number of titles an author can submit each quarter as well as a limit to the total number of submissions we’ll accept. We’ll be employing a waiting list in the future.

If you’re interested in being an evaluator for the Seal of Approval process, we’d love to have you. Evaluating includes:

  • Reading at least one book a quarter;
  • Determining whether a book is appropriate to be sold in a Catholic bookstore;
  • Determining whether a book has earned the Seal based on being true to the teachings of the Magisterium;
  • Assessing whether a book needs further editing to bear the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval; and
  • Completing the SOA Evaluation form and submitting it by the deadline stated to evaluators.

The purpose of the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval is to help Catholic bookstores and venues in their determination of the Catholicity of a work. This reassurance from a professional organization can assist authors in marketing and promoting their works to Catholic bookstores.

For more information, feel free to contact me directly. I’m going to be contacting a few people personally to try and flesh out the committee vacancies before 4th Quarter submissions begin in September. I will also be contacting the current evaluators to touch base and make sure we’re all on the same page with expectations.

Thanks for your support and prayers!

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