With the Internet providing an unlimited resource for reaching readers, Christian authors and publishers are turning to popular video-sharing Web sites to spread the word about their books.

The potential online impact has been dramatically illustrated by the way a posting catapulted Christian comedian Anita Renfroe to public attention. A YouTube clip of the David C. Cook author and performer in concert generated more than 8 million hits and helped her secure a recurring spot on ABC's Good Morning America.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, which began a partnership with GodTube last year, has hosted live chats for authors Denise Jackson, Sheila Walsh and Deborah Norville as well as musician Phil Keaggy on GodTube. Additionally, the company has solicited viewer videos in contests on GodTube involving some books, including Walking With God by John Eldredge and Norville's Thank You Power.

"We see this as a way of connecting the message directly with consumers," Robert Edington, vice president of Nelson's Internet channel, told Christian Retailing.

Other publishers that have connected to GodTube viewers include Zondervan, Baker Publishing Group and Strang Communications.

Read the full report in the May 19 issue of Christian Retailing.