Let me start by saying this: If you're a Christian writer serious about getting published, this guide is your new best friend. I've been using these guides for years, and the 2025 edition might just be the most comprehensive one yet.

The first thing that struck me was how THOROUGH it is. We're talking hundreds of updated listings - publishers, agents, magazines, contests - all specifically for the Christian market. I particularly appreciated the clear indicators showing which publishers are currently open to submissions (saved me so much wasted time!).

What makes this special? The INDUSTRY INSIDER perspective. The foreword by Jerry B. Jenkins and introduction by Steve Laube aren't just fluff - they pack real, actionable advice about crafting pitches that get noticed. I found myself highlighting sections about 'elevator pitches' that completely changed how I approach editors.

The PHYSICAL QUALITY deserves mention too. The spiral binding might seem like a small thing, but when you're flipping between pages constantly (and you will be), it makes all the difference compared to regular paperback references.

Now for the reality check: This isn't a magic bullet. You still need great writing (the guide emphasizes this repeatedly). But what it does is remove the guesswork from finding the right homes for your work in an industry where contacts change constantly.

Pro tip: Keep it by your workspace and update your submission tracker as you go. I've landed two pieces already using connections I found here that weren't in my outdated 2024 guide.

Bottom line? Worth every penny if you're serious about Christian publishing. Just be ready to put in the work alongside using this incredible resource!