With a strong tradition as an industry leader, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) recently opened registration for the largest and most prestigious Christian fiction conference in the world, slated for September 13-15, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, IN.

ACFW’s annual conference boasts nearly 700 attendees—published authors and aspiring writers, as well as editors representing almost every major Christian fiction publisher, agents from many major literary agencies, and key industry guests.

Prolific and much-admired author Robin Jones Gunn is the 2013 keynote speaker. “I love the way the ACFW conference provides opportunities for writers to connect with other creative storytellers and be filled with wide-eyed wonder at the plans God has for them,” says Gunn. “I can’t wait (for the ACFW conference) in September because I know God is going to shake up hearts and ruffle imaginations. I’m already praying that at the conference (writers) will catch a glimpse of what He had in mind when He created (them) to be storytellers.”

In addition to an extensive selection of workshops and continuing education sessions for every level of writer experience, the ACFW conference offers an Early Bird session led by late-stage story development NYC editor, Lisa Rector-Maass, spotlights on publishing houses, an agent panel, and general sessions with both inspiration and industry insights.

At the gala on Sunday evening of the conference, winners of ACFW’s Genesis Contest for unpublished fiction will be announced, as well as the Carol Award winners for the best in traditionally published Christian fiction from the previous calendar year. Agent of the Year, Editor of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement honors will also be awarded during the gala event.

“If you’re a novelist, the ACFW conference is definitely the one to choose,” says Brandilyn Collins, award winning multi-published author. “The faculty is first-rate, and the conference is very well planned. You will not find another conference like this one.”

For more information about the ACFW conference or to register, visit http://www.acfw.com/conference. For information about past winners of the ACFW honors, visit http://www.acfw.com/conference/award_recipients. Press and media questions can be directed to Cynthia Ruchti, ACFW Professional Relations Liaison, at acfwrelations@acfw.com.

About ACFW: ACFW is devoted to training its writers in the craft of Christian fiction, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the traditional Christian fiction publishing industry. With more than 2700 members and 30 local chapters in 22 states, as well as a beyond-the-borders e-chapter, ACFW speaks as The Voice of Christian Fiction. www.acfw.com