American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) celebrated its awards gala Saturday evening, Sept. 27, at St. Louis’ Hyatt Regency Downtown at the Arch. Nearly 600 conference attendees, industry professionals and guests were present at the gala.

Author Robin Lee Hatcher received the 2014 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award, which was announced earlier at the International Christian Retail Show.

“When we bestow this award, we look not just at awards and body of work but at how the recipient gives back to the industry,” said ACFW CEO Colleen Coble. “Robin has won many accolades over her 30 years—and counting—career. Not only is Robin Lee Hatcher a gifted writer, but she takes time to nurture aspiring writers as well.”

Other honors awarded include: Agent of the Year: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary; Editor of the Year: Vicki Crumpton, Revell/Baker Publishing Group; Mentor of the Year: Julie Klassen; and Volunteer Service Award: Martha Rogers.

The 2014 Carol Award winners for excellence in Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year are as follows:

Contemporary
Katherine Reay
Dear Mr. Knightley
Thomas Nelson
Editors: Becky Monds, Natalie Hanemann, L.B. Norton

Debut Novel
Katherine Reay
Dear Mr. Knightley

Historical
Julie Cantrell
When Mountains Move
David C Cook
Editors: Ingrid Beck, John Blase

Historical Romance
Jody Hedlund
A Noble Groom
Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group
Editor: Dave Long

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Terri Blackstock
Truth Stained Lies
Zondervan
Editors: Dave Lambert, Sue Brower, Ellen Tarver

Novella
Melissa Jagears
Love by the Letter
Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group
Editor: Raela Schoenherr

Romance
Becky Wade
Undeniably Yours
Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group
Editors: Sarah Long, Charlene Patterson

Romantic Suspense
Dana Mentink
Jungle Fire
River North (Moody Publishers)
Editor: Deb Keiser

Short Novel
Tina Radcliffe
Mending the Doctor's Heart
Love Inspired (Harlequin)
Editor: Rachel Burkot

Speculative
Patrick W. Carr
A Cast of Stones
Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group
Editors: Dave Long, Karen Schurrer

Young Adult
Melody Carlson
A Simple Song
Revell/Baker Publishing Group
Editors: Lonnie Hull-DuPont, Wendy Wetzel

The Genesis Contest recognizes excellence in unpublished manuscripts. Click here to see the 2014 Genesis Award winners. 

The awards gala capped the organization’s three-day annual conference of training in the craft of Christian fiction, educating in the market and brainstorming innovations for advancing Christian fiction.

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