2018 LDSPMA Annual Conference

A Conversation with David Archuleta: Remaining Vibrant, Relevant, Strong, and True to Yourself in Your Career 

Session Description: Platinum-selling singer-songwriter, actor, and author David Archuleta will answer questions about how he has managed to remain vibrant, relevant, strong, and true to himself and his values while achieving a successful high-profile career—and how listeners can do so in their careers.

Bio: David Archuleta became a star when he was just 16. In 2008 more than 30 million television viewers fell in love with his angelic voice and their 44 million votes made him runner-up in Season 7 of “American Idol.”

Soon after, the young Utahan had his first single “Crush,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the week of its release. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the track sold 166,000 downloads that first week in the U.S. and subsequently more than 1.92 million digital copies. Three months later, David’s self-titled album, “David Archuleta,” went gold, selling more than 750,000 copies in the U.S., and more than 900,000 worldwide.

In 2010 David released his third album, “The Other Side of Down” and appeared as guest star on The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s holiday album, “David Archuleta – Glad Christmas Tidings.”

David went on to release his fourth album, “Forevermore,” exclusively in the Philippines in March 2012 where it was soon certified gold. Later that year he released his fifth album, “Begin.” David’s sixth album, “No Matter How Far” was released in March 2013.

In 2012, David, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, put his singing career on hiatus so he could serve a two-year mission outside of Santiago, Chile, at the La Misión Chile Rancagua.

David returned from Chile in March 2014 eager to perform and record once again. Since his return he’s traveled to the Middle East to perform for U.S. troops, recorded the song “Glorious” for the movie “Meet The Mormons.” He relocated from Salt Lake City to Nashville and recently released his seventh album “Postcards In The Sky.”

The Possibilities of Writing: Lessons from a 40-Year Journey

Session Description: In this keynote address by the most honored LDS fiction writer of all time—recipient of more than twenty-five awards for both lifetime achievement and many individual works—Orson Scott Card will share what he has learned about the art and craft of writing.

Bio: Orson Scott Card is the author of many novels, most notably those in the Ender’s Game series, the Pathfinder series, the Alvin Maker series, and the Mithermages series. His genres include science fiction, contemporary fantasy, American frontier fantasy, and poetry, and he has also written many plays and scripts. Card was born in Washington and grew up in California, Arizona, and Utah. He served a mission in Brazil in the early 1970s. Besides his writing, he frequently teaches writing and literature courses at Southern Virginia University. Card and his wife, Kristine, currently live in Greensboro, North Carolina, where his primary activities are writing a review column for the local Rhinoceros Times and feeding the small wildlife on the patio of his home.

I’m Not Really a Writer

Session Description: Exploring her “noncareer” as a writer, Pearce will discuss why, how, and when she goes about putting words on the computer. If you’re a self-identified nonwriter, you’ll know what she’s talking about. If you’re a real writer, you’ll walk away feeling ever-so-smug about your own skills and self-discipline. With Pearce, you’ll explore why everyone should write—especially those who don’t intend to make a career of it.

Bio: Virginia Hinckley Pearce was born to Gordon B. and Marjorie Pay Hinckley in Colorado and reared in Salt Lake City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in English and a master’s degree in social work, all from the University of Utah. She’s a former counselor in the Young Women General Presidency and has served on the Primary General Board. She worked as a private-practice therapist and an instructor of children’s literature, and she also did editorial work for Deseret Book. From her decades of speaking, writing, and reading, she has great respect for the power of words—as well as the joy and difficulty inherent in writing. She is the author of seven books and the coauthor of five other books. She and her late husband, James R. Pearce, are the parents of 6 children, 27 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

The Creative Piece You Can’t Ignore: How to Write, Pitch, and Sell What Readers Care About

Session Description: What turns a great idea into a successful publication? Answer: relevance, particularly to the intended audience. Relevance is more than a buzzword—it’s key to your initial pitch, and it’s critical to a successful launch. Learn three questions you need to answer to ensure your idea gets heard and reaches the market. It really is all about relevancy—for you, the publisher, and the consumer.

Bio: Laurel Christensen Day has a passion for getting great content in the minds and hearts of people, whether through books, films, or other media formats. She has a master’s degree in communications management and has spent the last 20 years at Deseret Book, where she began as a marketing coordinator and is now the vice president of product and branding.

Look Before You Leap: Pros and Cons of Going with Big Publishers, Small Publishers, and Self-Publishing

Session Description: What’s the best way to bring your book to market? The right answer can depend on your individual priorities and skills. Some say self-publishing brings more freedom, but it comes with enormous responsibility. Traditional publishing also has some trade-offs, but it should mean more expertise and resources. In this session, we’ll explore the facts, looking at pros and cons of traditional publishing and how to evaluate big versus small publishers.

Bio: Dave Brown has been with Deseret Book for eight years, currently serving as the managing director of the company’s national publishing division, Shadow Mountain. Before joining Deseret Book, he worked in New York as a copyright and trademark attorney serving clients in publishing, music, and other media industries. He received a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and Spanish translation from BYU, as well as a juris doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

A Glimpse into the Inner Workings of a Book Publisher

Session Description: This session will dive into the basic financials of a book publisher and discuss the publishing business model and how to use this knowledge to make proposals that are attractive to publishers. You’ll also get an inside look at the story of Gibbs Smith, which began as a husband-and-wife team and has become an internationally recognized employee-owned publisher of illustrated books and curriculum programs.

Bio: Brad Farmer is the chief executive officer at Gibbs Smith, an employee-owned independent publisher of illustrated architecture, interior design, cooking, and children’s books, along with award-winning state history programs. He has worked in all aspects of the publishing process, from acquisition and production to sales, marketing, and distribution. He lives in Layton, Utah, with his wife and two sets of twin boys (plus one extra for good measure) and loves to explore the world through books and in person.

Mormons in Publishing: Developing Vision

Session Description: In this session, we’ll look at how members of the Church have engaged in publishing activities. We’ll also ask some hard questions, such as the following: What kind of vision will better guide us? Where should we go from here?   

Bio: Erin Willder is the managing editor at BYU Continuing Education, where her team provides diverse production and accessibility services for online courses (via Independent Study and BYU Online) and various other projects. Previously, she taught editing and design courses at BYU and provided complete publishing services to corporate and university clients across the country—all while raising four incredibly good children.

The Publication Process: Trends, Manuscript Submissions, Production, and Bestseller

Session Description: This session reveals trends in publishing, shares what Cedar Fort Publishing and Media looks for in book projects, describes steps in getting published, and explains how prospective authors can increase the likelihood that their projects will be accepted by Cedar Fort and then sell successfully.

Bio: Briana Farr is the Acquisitions Manager at Cedar Fort Publishing and Media. Briana has a Master’s in Professional Studies in Publishing from The George Washington University. For six-and-a-half years before joining Cedar Fort she worked as a technical editor and proofreader. She loves working with authors on their dreams to create inspirational books and media that will reach across the world.

It’s Not What You Think: A Story of Building A Publishing Company in a Distracted World

Session Description: Adam Sidwell will share the story of Future House Publishing: the highs, the lows, and some compelling numbers that will vaporize many of the myths and preconceptions that authors and others trying to break into the publishing world may hold. He’ll draw on his experience making blockbuster films in Hollywood and explain how that relates to publishing books and content. He might even talk about explosions.

Bio: Adam Sidwell graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in animation and an emphasis in computer science, after which he began a career building CG creatures for feature films. More recently, he’s established Future House Publishing as a storytelling machine and has trained and managed 80+ employees and interns to accomplish the creative vision of the company. His work has taken him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and New Zealand. He and his family recently moved from California to Utah, because bears are less scary than sharks.

Rocket Fuel: How to Blend Wild Creativity with Disciplined Business for Explosive Success

Session Description: For many publishing professionals, creativity and disciplined business practices feel as compatible as oil paints and water coolors. But the truth? Neither can succeed without the other, and when properly mixed, they can produce astounding results. In this session, you’ll explore the dot-to-dot model to boost creativity, examine business rules to sharpen your savvy, and dissect real-life publishing successes (and failures) to learn how to merge creativity and disciplined business.

Bio: David Miles is the publishing director for Familius, a book publisher dedicated to helping families be happy. A 2013 Outstanding Graduate from BYU’s Marriott School of Management, Miles is also a designer and the author or illustrator of more than 35 books. He’s proud to work at one of the most exciting new publishers of recent years. Since it was founded in 2012, the company has experienced explosive growth, landing itself on the Publishers Weekly 2018 list of fastest-growing publishers and outperforming itself by double digits every year.

Shining a Light in the Darkness: Keys to Uplifting and Positive Communication

Session Description: In a world of tragedy, deception and selfishness, how can we be uplifting and positive in our communication, while at the same time being accurate, candid and truthful.  In essence, how can we avoid being labeled as Pollyannish? This session will look at why, even when so much depressing news surrounds us, we can stand on the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to share a message of joy without being accused of being illogically optimistic.

Bio: Carri P. Jenkins is the assistant to the president for University Communications at Brigham Young University.  In that position, she serves as the spokesperson for the university and directs the university’s communications offices. Carri received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BYU.  For 12 years, she served as the associate editor of BYU Magazine. She also has been an instructor in the BYU Communications Department, a university speech writer and a publicity director.  Carri is currently serving as the second counselor in the Highland Central Stake Relief Society presidency. She and her husband, Paul, have two children and two grandchildren.

From Novels to Feature Films: Entertainment, Meaning, and Message

Session Description: Stories are powerful and influential when well written and excellently produced. In this session, you’ll learn about (1) the four main failings of many LDS films and how to turn weaknesses into strengths, (2) the two main drivers of plot and character, (3) elements that engage audiences, (4) statistics that prove there are underserved audiences for family-friendly films, and (5) key concepts for turning novels into screenplays.

Bio: Robert Hatch is a film director, writer, and producer. He served a mission in Australia, graduated from BYU in film production, and taught film production courses at BYU as an adjunct professor. He has produced 56 television programs for the Church and has directed seven productions for the BBC. His films have received nearly 300 film festival honors.

LDS Film Festival: Trends and Innovations

Session Description: For 17 years, the LDS Film Festival has showcased the best short and feature-length films produced by LDS artists. In this session, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the LDS Film Festival has innovated, how it has influenced modern media, and how you can expand into this exciting area of publishing and media.

Bio: Kels Goodman is the owner and director of the LDS Film Festival. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in southern Texas. After graduating from BYU, he evolved from working in technical roles in Hollywood productions such as Touched by an Angel to producing independent LDS films, including Handcart and Hidden in the Heartland. He is best known as the producer for one of YouTube’s first viral marketing hits: Will it Blend? He and his wife, Stephanie, recently acquired the LDS Film Festival, which showcases films every first weekend in March at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem, Utah.  

Enhancing Your Influence through Servitude: Using Public Relations and Media
Effectively

Session Description: While you can influence in many ways, the most effective and enduring are through thoughtful acts of service. This session will explore how to use public relations and media to increase your ability to influence and uplift many. You’ll learn powerful tools to create positive change and increase the impact of the message you’re sharing.

Bio: Camille Matthews is the founder of one of the top talent agent, celebrity management, and PR firms in the country (Selective Artists Agency and Promotemedia1), representing some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. She’s known for going after the things she wants—and the things society needs. She excels at bringing highly successful, inspired, and motivated people together to serve the community and the world. She is the daughter of Robert J. and Shirley Matthews, has five beautiful children, and has seven charming grandchildren.

Breaking into Media Panel: What It Takes to Build a Career as  Singer, Actor, Writer, Filmmaker, or Other Independent Artist Adhering to LDS Values

Marj Desius: Marj Desius is a singer, actress, and model who was born and raised in Haiti. She’s well-known for her pop song covers in her native language of Haitian Creole. Through her inspiring music videos on Haitian national TV stations and social media, she’s reached millions of viewers. She’s also shared the stage with Tim McGraw and Alex Boyé, sung for the CEO of Apple, and trained with Gladys Knight. She owns Marj Voice and Performance Coaching. Her motto is “Music for a Purpose.”

Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Carmen Rasmusen Herbert was the first Latter-day Saint contestant on American Idol to make it to the final six. She is a Deseret News columnist and has published two books, “Staying in Tune” and “You Are More.” She speaks at Deseret Book’s Time Out for Girls, has appeared on NBC’s Fear Factor, and starred in Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy. She has released two albums as well as a #1 hit video on CMT’s Top 20 Countdown.

Camlyn Giddins: Camlyn Giddins grew up in a home centered on God, the arts, and social work. With a degree in media arts, she has experience as a producer, cinematographer, editor, community gatherer, and teacher. Her film work includes a civil rights history tour and The Coal Minority, which won Best Documentary Short at the Workers Unite Film Festival. Most recently, She cocreated Splitting the Sky with Amber Richardson and Anna Hargadon Peterson. Splitting the Sky is an online documentary series featuring the spiritual journeys of Latter-day Saint and other women.

Jesse Ranney: Jesse Ranney is a film producer, director, and writer. He grew up on a pig farm, where he learned the value of hard work. While his work in advertising keeps him busy, what he really loves are feature films. In the LDS space, he’s produced content for Excel Entertainment (Peculiar People) and Covenant Communications (Find Your Happy). He also helped to produce the feature We Love You, Sally Carmichael. His feature-length thriller, Behind You, is currently in post production.

Arthur Jue: Arthur Jue is an entrepreneur who serves on the boards for CreaTV, Meriwest, and Capella B-School, among others. He holds a doctorate in leadership, a master’s in business administration, and a bachelor’s in marketing. He’s an associate editor for one journal, an editorial board member for another journal, and an editorial reviewer for Berrett-Koehler. As an executive producer, he created Mormon Channel’s “Have I Done Any Good” music video and worked on a CW sitcom. He’s the author or coauthor of multiple publications and currently serves as media director for NorCal Church Public Affairs.

Promote Yourself by Starting a Podcast and a YouTube Channel

Session Description: Podcasts and videos give you the opportunity to explore topics you’re passionate about, while also expanding your media presence. In this session, you’ll learn how to create a podcast and a YouTube channel to promote your writing career and/or establish yourself as a social media personality. Marianna Richardson and her students at BYU will share their journey into podcasting and making YouTube videos, along with ideas for social media advertising.

Bio: Marianna Richardson received her M.S. from Johns Hopkins University and an Ed.D. from Seattle Pacific University. She has published three books and many scholarly journal articles. She was the assistant-to-the-editor for the American Counseling Association’s journal Counseling and Values and is currently the editor-in-chief of the peer-reviewed student journal Marriott Student Review. She currently teaches management communication at BYU’s Marriott School of Business. She is also the mother of 12 children.

Making Grown Men Cry: Effective Ways to Create Positive Messaging

Session Description: What’s the best way to reach your audience? How do you know what’s most relevant? In this session, Alla Volkova will provide strategies for reaching your target audience through authenticity and truth. You’ll learn about the most effective storytelling approaches for your audience and how to engage them in your story.

Bio: Alla Volkova received a bachelor’s degree in media arts from BYU and a master’s degree in directing from the American Film Institute. She worked as an editor and producer for many years and then transitioned to directing. Her thesis film, Dreamland, received many awards and played at festivals such as the Cannes Short Film Corner, the Fresh Wave Hong Kong International Film Festival, and Camerimage Plus in Poland. She’s currently a film and video producer for the Church and directs commercials and other short-form content as a freelancer.

True Story: Striving for Light, Truth, and Authenticity in Narrative and Documentary Film

Session Description: More often than not, the content we create isn’t completely of our own choosing. However, we can still ask the question “Where is the voice of authenticity?” And whether creating narrative or documentary stories—our own or someone else’s—we can infuse light and truth into every project we have the opportunity to play a part in.

Bio: Originally from New Mexico, Justin Cook grew up with a passion for theatre and classic cinema. His adventures in media began as a performer and local DJ for public radio. He later completed a bachelor’s in media arts studies at BYU, followed by a master’s in directing and screenwriting from Columbia University. He’s worked in all aspects of production, from independent features to creative advertising. He’s currently a producer, writer, and director in the Film Division for LDS Publishing Services. His favorite pastime is reading stories to his four sons.

Online and Offline Sales and Marketing Strategies

Session Description: This session focuses on how Cedar Fort Publishing and Media markets and sells its books and other media products to distributors, retail chains, and consumers. You’ll learn the who, how, and whats of traditional approaches to selling (via brick-and-mortar stores and distributors). You’ll learn about online business-to-consumer marketing channels, as well as technology and techniques for maximizing digital sales opportunities.

Bio: As director of sales and marketing at Cedar Fort Publishing and Media, Luke Selway is passionate about any process or cutting-edge technology that drives or influences a better customer experience, higher conversion, and increased revenues. He earned a CPA, an MBA, and a master’s in international business. He has more than 20 years of experience in both traditional and digital sales and marketing environments. He stays busy pursuing sustainable growth in online business-to-consumer channels, as well as continuing to grow offline traditional sales channels.

Selling Translation Rights: How to Be an International Matchmaker

Session Description: In this session, Annie Oswald will provide an inside look at the roles of the foreign rights agent, who plays matchmaker between book publishers in different countries. She’ll discuss the opportunities and benefits to be found in translation rights, best practices from her 20 years of experiences in the publishing world, how to find the right partner, and how to get involved in this largely untapped revenue stream.

Bio: Annie Oswald is the global director of media publishing at FranklinCovey, where she’s worked for 25 years. She’s involved in everything from research and development to publisher relations, sales and marketing, and contract negotiations. She graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in English and a secondary teaching certificate. She’s been a keynote speaker at events in the United States and internationally. She and her husband are the parents of four beautiful and highly effective daughters. The whole family loves to read and travel.

Preparing Creative Works for Commercial Use and Sale

Session Description: What creative works, including books, media, and software, are appropriate for marketing and distribution? How do you copyright and license these works—and ensure that your rights aren’t infringed upon? This session will answer these and other questions based on Giovanni Tata’s experience as the director of BYU’s Creative Works office.

Bio: Giovanni Tata is the director of the Creative Works office at BYU. In this position, he’s responsible for the commercialization of all intellectual property related to content and copyright developed by university faculty. He works directly with faculty and staff to help them develop and prepare creative works for commercial use. He identifies creative works that are appropriate for marketing and distribution and actively markets and distributes them. He also develops relationships in the industry and negotiates contracts and other agreements with private enterprises.

The Marketing Time Machine: How to Market Your Business or Book without Breaking the Time Bank

Session Description: You know marketing is important, but when time is limited, how do you focus your efforts on the marketing strategies that will bring you the greatest results? And how can you do it without sacrificing the other responsibilities you have and the roles you play? In this session, you’ll learn simple marketing campaign strategies and how you can implement them efficiently.

Bio: Michelle McCullough started her first business at age 19 and currently runs three companies, including a marketing consulting business. She’s the author of four books, including the bestseller Make It Happen Blueprint. She’s also the managing partner for Startup Princess, an international business blog. She’s worked with big-name brands and is a sought-after speaker; episodes of her radio show, Make It Happen, have been downloaded over 1 million times.

Panel on Speaking, Writing, and Building a Business from Your Book

Rodger Dean Duncan: Rodger Dean Duncan was a speechwriter in two White House administrations and headed worldwide communication for Campbell Soup Company. He also served on the First Presidency’s advisory council that first recommended adding the subtitle to the Book of Mormon. He’s a regular contributor to Fast Company and Forbes magazines and is the coauthor of Leadership for Saints. His self-published book Change-Friendly Leadership hit the #1 spot on several Amazon listings and earned multiple international prizes, including the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award. He earned his PhD in communication at Purdue University.

Greg Link: Greg Link, the cofounder of the Covey Leadership Center and CoveyLink Worldwide, is an authority on how trust affects business growth, leadership, sales, marketing, and high performance. He orchestrated the strategy that led The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to be one of the most influential business books of the 20th century and The Speed of Trust to be a New York Times bestseller. He also led the marketing that helped propel Covey Leadership Center from a startup to a $110+ million enterprise. He’s also the coauthor of Smart Trust: The Defining Skill That Transforms Managers into Leaders.

Barry Rellaford: Barry Rellaford is the coauthor of A Slice of Trust and a cofounder of FranklinCovey’s Trust Practice, working closely with Stephen M. R. Covey, the author of The Speed of Trust. Rellaford’s business, The Strength of 10, helps individuals and organizations perform work with purpose. He serves on the board of LDSPMA and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. He lives with his family in American Fork, Utah.

Increasing Book Sales on Amazon

Session Description: Author Heather B. Moore will explain how to increase exposure and book sales on Amazon through using Amazon’s algorithms and program tools. She’ll describe how to use Author Central, categorize through keywords, and increase the number of Amazon followers. She’ll also discuss the importance of Amazon reviews and ranks, the pros and cons of Kindle Unlimited, and promotion strategies to get on national bestseller lists.

Bios: Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, women’s fiction, romance, and inspirational nonfiction. She’s the winner of several literary awards, including being a six-time winner of Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, three-time winner of the Whitney Award for Best Historical, and two-time winner of the Golden Quill Award for Best Novel. Moore attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and she earned a BS from BYU.

Marketing Ideas That Let Your Voice Be Heard: The Art of the Yak

Session Description: Have you ever seen a yak? Does your voice sound like one? Do you want to sell books or give speeches in China? This fun class will address some of those issues and more. We’ll share outside-the- Mongolian-box marketing ideas that feature your unique platform in creative, new ways, including Amazon sales, speaking events, international tours, how to get more reviews, making YouTube videos, Patreon, and how to get that long, silk yak hair you’ve always wanted.

Bios: Trina Boice is an author of 24 nonfiction books, geared toward mainstream and LDS audiences. She currently teaches for BYU-Idaho online and writes movie reviews at MovieReviewMom.com. She received the CA Young Mother of the Year Award, which completely amuses her four sons. A popular international keynoter, she has spoken in China, Colombia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. She was a political correspondent for KPBS in San Diego before moving to Las Vegas. If she told you what she really does, she’d have to kill you.

Content Creators: Bringing Together Brand Design and Marketing Strategy to Grow Your Influence

Session Description: In this session, you’ll gain a greater understanding of brand design and marketing strategy. You’ll explore how the two work together, what processes and tools you should use, and what tactics you need to apply to implement a system that increases your influence.

Bio: Brandon Weekes graduated from Utah Valley University (UVU) with a BS in business management and later an MBA. He worked as the marketing director for Four Trees Grounds Maintenance for over a decade and then became a digital marketing consultant, helping businesses increase brand awareness and followers. He now serves as the marketing director for Hales Creative and uses his expertise to help clients build marketing strategy. Weekes has served on the UVU MBA board of directors over marketing and communication for the past three years.

How to Edit Authors—and Still Be Friends

Session Description: Are authors and editors at odds with each other, or are they on the same team? Learn how to improve author-editor relationships through the following time-tested principles: servant leadership, shared goals and deadlines, agreed-upon boundaries and commitments, compliments and queries, a clear trail of changes, and the three Cs of editing (clarity, consistency, and correctness).

Bio: R. Devan Jensen is the executive editor for the Religious Studies Center at BYU. He previously worked as an editor for the Ensign, the Church Publishing Services Department, and Deseret Book. He has copyedited around 250 books and book-length projects, which have garnered many awards. In 2015 he received the Dean’s Award for exceptional service, and in 2016 he received the BYU President’s Appreciation Award. He has presented at BYU’s Church History Symposium and Education Week, as well as the conferences for the LDS Publishing and Media Association, Mormon History Association, Pacific History Association, Sons of Utah Pioneers, and Utah State History.

The Business of Freelancing: Navigating Taxes, Legal Matters, and Marketing without Fear

Session Description: This session will provide essential information on how to successfully navigate the business side of freelancing. You’ll learn the basics of paying taxes as a freelancer—and that the process isn’t so daunting after all. The session will also help you decide which type of business entity is best for you and what content to include in contracts. You’ll also learn easy, effective ways to market your services and get repeat business.

Bio: Suzy Bills is an author, editor, and faculty member at BYU, where she teaches students how to be successful editors and freelancers. She was previously a lead editor for the Joseph Smith Papers, and she also owns a writing and editing business, working with individuals and companies to publish everything from fiction and nonfiction books to doctoral dissertations, video scripts, technical manuals, marketing materials, and cookbooks. She loves sharing her skills with others, whether through teaching, mentoring, helping authors get their thoughts on paper, or fine-tuning their writing.

An Inside Look at Church Magazines: Freelancing, Internships, and Everything Else You Want to Know

Session Description: In this panel discussion, you’ll learn get an inside look at the Church’s magazines. You’ll gain a better understanding of the types of articles they’re interested in publishing and how to submit articles that match their requirements. You’ll also learn about full-time and freelance opportunities to work with Church magazines.

Marissa Widdison: Marissa Widdison is the assistant managing editor for the Friend magazine. She earned a bachelor’s in communications/print journalism at BYU and began her career as a journalist in New York and Los Angeles. She later earned a master’s in public administration from BYU, during which she focused on nonprofit management and completed field studies in Haiti and Ghana. She joined Church magazines in 2011.

Josh Perkey: Josh Perkey is the assistant managing editor for the New Era magazine. Before joining the New Era team, where all the hip action happens, he was a senior editor at the Ensign, working on spiritual, family, and academic articles. Prior to working for the Church, he was an associate editor with Glencoe/McGraw-Hill for seven years. He loves epic stories, humorous tales, swashbuckling movies, and playing with his family. In his spare time, he is a success coach and trainer.

Michael R. Morris: Michael manages the editing and writing team at Church magazines. He graduated from BYU with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish, followed by a master’s degree in mass communications. Prior to becoming an editor for Church magazines in 2006, he worked in book editing and newspaper journalism, including for one year as a reporter and editor in Caracas, Venezuela. While working for the Deseret News, he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. In his spare time, he bikes, hikes, fishes, gardens, and reads.

Suzy Bills: Suzy Bills is an author, editor, and faculty member at BYU, where she teaches students how to be successful editors and freelancers. She was previously a lead editor for the Joseph Smith Papers, and she also owns a writing and editing business, working with individuals and companies to publish everything from fiction and nonfiction books to doctoral dissertations, video scripts, technical manuals, marketing materials, and cookbooks. She loves sharing her skills with others, whether through teaching, mentoring, helping authors get their thoughts on paper, or fine-tuning their writing.

Building Strong Networks Quickly

Session Description: In addition to talents and experiences, one of the great gifts the Lord has given us is trusted relationships. How can we build true networks of trusted contacts quickly and authentically? This hands-on session will provide concepts and tools you can apply immediately, including throughout the conference. Trust can be built quickly, and through this session, you’ll experience the fun and growth that come from strong relationships.

Bio: Barry Rellaford is the coauthor of A Slice of Trust and a cofounder of FranklinCovey’s Trust Practice, working closely with Stephen M. R. Covey, the author of The Speed of Trust. Rellaford’s business, The Strength of 10, helps individuals and organizations perform work with purpose. He serves on the board of LDSPMA and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. He lives with his family in American Fork, Utah.

Lessons Learned from Helping Thousands of Editors, Writers, and Others in Publishing

Session Description: Don Norton, LDSPMA’s Lifetime Achievement in Editing and Production Award recipient, will share his most important tips and advice for members of the publishing industry. He culled these best practices through his decades as a BYU professor and as an editor working with lay writers, students aspiring to be writers, oral informants, and academics (including Hugh Nibley—and who dares edit him?).

Always Judge a Book by Its Cover: Designing and Producing Stunning Books that Turn Heads

Session Description: If a picture really is worth a thousand words, then a professionally designed book cover should be worth even more, right? Right! This panel discussion will explore how the design and production team at Cedar Fort Publishing and Media creates and produces over 110 striking covers and layouts a year. The designs tell the author’s story and demand the buyer’s attention—and all are custom made with love!

Darren Poulsen—Director of Production: With almost 20 years of experience with product and creative development at the top leadership and corporate-training companies, Darren Poulsen thoroughly enjoys his current journey as the director of production at Cedar Fort Publishing and Media. He loves the thrill and challenge of leading creative teams through the development process, from the birth of an idea to the arrival of the final product. He’s in his zone when he and his team are innovating and pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. He believes in working hard and playing even harder. 

Shawnda Craig—Graphic Design Manager: With over 15 years of design experience, Shawnda leads the design team in creating book covers, layouts, catalogs, gift items, and even packaging for the Pioneer Products line. She also oversees the creation process for children’s books.

Wes Wheeler—Graphic Designer/Illustrator: Wes Wheeler creates illustrations and designs for publications ranging from children’s books to LDS nonfiction to regency romance novels. He graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. He enjoys drawing everything––from the cutest child to the ugliest monster.

Kaitlin Barwick—Editorial Coordinator: Kaitlin Barwick is the editorial coordinator at Cedar Fort, where she works with authors and editors to transform raw manuscripts into polished books. She also typesets and designs most of the black-and-white interiors and writes back-cover copy. Kaitlin graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in English language and a minor in editing.

Speed Reading for Dummies and Others

Session Description: The average reading speed is 250 words per minute (wpm). With speed reading, you can increase that rate to over 400 wpm. However, you can see 900 wpm, which means you can read 900 wpm and not skip words. Using the skills discussed in this session, you’ll be able to read more books, find quotes faster, and stay on task while reading, just to name a few!

Bio: Don Miles is a senior editor in the Publishing Services Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has worked as a farmer, Santa Claus, and a construction worker, and he taught writing and other courses at BYU, Utah Valley University, and the University of Phoenix for twenty years. He has a BA and an MA in English from BYU. He received the graduate student instructor award from BYU and the distinguished teaching award from the University of Phoenix. He has published two books and about 120 articles.

The Power of Emotional Words

Session description: Words make us powerful and, if we let them, can help build our testimonies. We’re changed by what we hear and by what we read. But, as Latter-day Saints, should we write about anything and everything? Carol Lynch Williams will share insight on how LDS writers can write for any reader.

Bio: Carol Lynch Williams is an award-winning novelist of more than 30 books. She has an MFA from Vermont College, runs the workshop Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers, and teaches creative writing at BYU. She won the prestigious PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship for Glimpse; her novel The Chosen One was nominated for the Carnegie Medal; and Never That Far was just released from Shadow Mountain.

Copyright Essentials for Authors and Publishers

Session Description: This session will provide you with essential information about copyright, such as regarding ownership, licensing, and legal exemptions (e.g., fair use). You’ll learn about recent cases involving authors and publishers, as well as best practices for avoiding pitfalls and managing risks associated with copyright infringement.

Peter Midgley: Peter Midgley is a registered patent attorney and the director of the BYU Copyright Licensing Office. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from BYU and a law degree from George Washington University. Before starting his position at BYU, he practiced intellectual property law for 15 years at law firms in California and Idaho. He presents frequently on copyright principles, intellectual property, and related topics.

Kenny Baldwin: Kenny Baldwin is an attorney and the assistant director of operations for BYU’s Copyright Licensing Office. He also teaches the course Sketch Comedy Writing at BYU; is chair of BYU’s Sketch Comedy Summer Workshop; and is the artistic advisor for BYU’s premiere sketch comedy troupe, Divine Comedy. Kenny began working in show business at age fifteen and has been a musical director, actor, writer, director, and producer in theater and short film. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications then earned a Juris Doctorate at BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.

Diversifying LDS Publishing: Recruiting New Voices and Changing the Way We Write about Others

Session Description: This session will discuss how to recruit Saints of color to contribute to the written word. The session will include examples of the writing life and ways for minorities to find a publisher. The discussion will also explain how to incorporate diverse voices in publications and how to ensure those voices speak through us, rather than us speaking for them.

Bio: Ignacio M. García has taught at BYU for 23 years and is currently the Lemuel Hardison Redd Jr. Professor of Western and Latino History. He’s also the author of seven books on Mexican American/Chicano civil rights and politics. His most recent book, Chicano While Mormon: Activism, War, and Keeping the Faith chronicles his life as a young Mormon Chicano rights activist. He has also written a novel and short stories, as well as several essays on the role of Latinos in the Church.

From Bible Apps to Bestselling Books: What a Teenager and His Father Learned from Each Other

Session Description: In this presentation, Levi Hilton (age 17) and his father, John Hilton III, will talk about their diverse experiences in publishing apps, software, and books for LDS audiences. The Hiltons will discuss how to use Kickstarter to get your ideas off the ground, how to use alternative platforms (such as Amazon and App Store) to publish your projects, how to persevere through rejection, and the keys for successfully completing projects.

Bios: At age 13, Levi Hilton started developing computer games based on the Book of Mormon. He used Kickstarter to create two Book of Mormon PC games and three Bible-based apps (available for iOS and Android devices). In addition to app development, Levi enjoys skiing and spending time outdoors.   

John Hilton III is an associate professor of ancient scripture at BYU. He earned a bachelor’s and a doctorate degree at BYU, as well as a master’s degree from Harvard. He has published several books with Deseret Book, including WHY?, HOW? and 52 Life-Changing Questions from the Book of Mormon. He and his wife, Lani, have six children, and their family has lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem, and China. In addition to spending time with his family, Hilton loves doing humanitarian work, learning Chinese, and performing magic.

Querying 101

Session Description: This session will take the guesswork out of crafting a killer submission package before querying agents and publishers. You’ll discover the not-so-magic formula for writing a solid query letter and how to whip that unruly synopsis into shape. This session will also provide valuable tips on how to hook your reader from the very first page. Optional: Come prepared with your own query letter to workshop during the session.

Bios: Tara Creel is a Utah native and mother of four boys. She’s an editor for Month9Books and Write on Editing. She also reviews books for the Deseret News and blogs about books and writing at Tara Creel Books. Tara writes stories for children, alternating between mysteries and tear jerkers. She’s an HGTV junkie who loves hiking and playing at the beach with her kids.

Michelle Millet edits fiction for Write on Editing and Month9Books. She has a degree in art history from BYU and still holds a ridiculously soft spot for all things Russian. Michelle lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her engineer husband and three lively children. She dreams of hiring a housekeeper, cook, and butler in order to spend more time reading and editing.

He Said, She Said: How to Excel at Writing the Spoken Word

Session Description: Learn the do’s and don’ts of dialogue—and how to take your dialogue to the next level. You’ll learn how to avoid the five most common mistakes writers make, how to develop character voice, how to empower dialogue through subtext, which dialogue tags to use and when, and how to make dialogue more compelling. You’ll leave armed and ready to excel at writing the spoken word.

Bio: Mentored by a creative writing professor, an award-winning best-selling author, and a professional editor, September C. Fawkes has worked in the fiction-writing industry for over five years. She has edited for award-winning and best-selling authors and has worked on manuscripts written for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers. She holds an English degree with honors and served as a fiction editor and managing editor for the literary journal The Southern Quill. When not editing, she’s penning her own stories and running a writing-tip blog at SeptemberCFawkes.com. She also serves as a writing coach at WritersHelpingWriters.net.

8 Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

Session Description: Too many self-published authors assume they can just write a story and “put it out there.” Unfortunately, this path usually leads to poor sales and a black mark on their reputations as writers. Producing a high-quality self-published book requires the same amount of care and investment of time and money that traditional books require. Join editor and award-winning author Laurisa White Reyes to discover what it takes to make your book the best it can be and to learn how to effectively promote it.

Bio: Laurisa White Reyes is the author of 12 books, including The Storytellers (a Spark Award & Moonbeam Gold Medal winning novel) and Petals (a Spark Honor recipient). She’s the former editor in chief of Middle Shelf Magazine and is the founder and senior editor of Skyrocket Press. Laurisa lives in Southern California, where she teaches English at College of the Canyons.

This is your chance to meet one-on-one with leaders and editors from Berrett-Koehler, Cedar Fort, Deseret Book, Familius, Flux (imprint of NorthStar Editions), Future House, Gibbs Smith, Jolly Fish Press (imprint of NorthStar Editions), and Shadow Mountain—leading publishers of fiction, nonfiction, religious, and nonreligious publications for adults, teenagers, and children. You’ll get immediate feedback on your book ideas, moving you closer to publishing success! This session will be held on Friday, November 2, from 11:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. MST.  Apply today!

In this breakout session (held Saturday, November 3, from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m. MST), up to eight conference participants will be selected to share excerpts of up to five minutes from their videos, podcasts, or other audio/video works. In the selection process, preference will be given to works of high production value and original content. Apply today!

In this breakout session (held Friday, November 2, from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m. MST), eight selected authors will introduce their published books to other session attendees. In selecting the eight presenters, we’ll give preference to those whose books are likely to be of interest to other conference attendees. After making presentations of up to four minutes each, each presenter will go to a different table and field questions from session attendees who are interested in learning more about the presenter’s book. Apply today!

Expand your network by meeting in small groups based on your publishing area of interest. This session is an excellent way to meet other writers, editors, designers, marketers, publishers, and so on—and to receive on-the-spot information and answers your questions, such as about getting jobs, getting published, and increasing sales.

During this session, you’ll have the chance to read and receive feedback on selections from your novels, nonfiction manuscripts, blogs, short stories, screenplays, poetry, and other writings. Participants will sit at tables of six, and each group member will have four minutes to read from their work, following by three minutes to receive feedback from other group members. This session is open to the first thirty attendees who arrive at the session.

An exciting conference addition is a tour of the amazing new BYU Broadcasting Building (which is located next to the BYU Conference Center).  Michael A. Dunn, managing director of BYU Broadcasting, will lead this tour and speak about the mission, programs, reach, and impact of BYU Broadcasting.  The tour will showcase the master control room, recording studios, three production studios (where Studio C, BYU Sports Nation, and other programs are filmed), radio booths, design labs, and more.

Lifetime Achievement in Publishing and Media Award

Sheri Dew grew up on a sprawling grain farm in Ulysses, Kansas, where she was taught the value of hard work. “I drove a tractor almost as soon as I could reach the pedals,” she remembers. In addition to learning how to sets irrigation tubes, she learned the law of the harvest. These lessons aided her in other areas of her life. As a young girl, she practiced basketball for long hours and was a star player in high school, averaging 23 points and 17 rebounds a game. She also became an accomplished musician, and while a student at BYU she traveled on three United Service Organizations tours as a piano accompanist.

After graduating from BYU in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in history, she began her career as an assistant editor at Bookcraft. Four years later, she became associate publisher of This People magazine. In 1989, just a year after joining Deseret Book as an associate editor, she became director of publishing, followed by vice president of publishing in 1993, and executive vice president in 2000. Two years later, she was named the president and CEO of the company. At the time, Deseret Book consisted of a publishing division and a retail chain of around forty stores.

Under Dew’s leadership, Deseret Book greatly expanded its offerings and focus. For example, the company launched its Time Out for Women events. She also oversaw the 2004 acquisition of Excel Entertainment, through which Deseret Book has distributed films such as Forever Strong, Saints and Soldiers, Seventeen Miracles, and The Work and the Glory. In 2006, she led the acquisition of Seagull Book (a retail chain) and Covenant Communications (a book publisher and distributor). In 2011, the company introduced Deseret Bookshelf, which Dew noted changed how she studied the gospel because she could now search all Deseret Book and other gospel references all at once.

In addition to leading Deseret Book, Dew is a director of the Church-owned broadcasting organization Bonneville International Corporation. She has also contributed to the Conversations program on the Mormon Channel, interviewing well-known Latter-day Saints. Additionally, she has served as a member of the President’s Leadership Council for BYU-Hawaii and as a member of the BYU Marriott School of Management’s National Advisory Council.

Though Dew’s business responsibilities have kept her busy, she has also made time for other important initiatives. For example, after a trip to Ghana in 1999, Dew spearheaded Chapters of Hope, which has sent tens of thousands of children’s books to impoverished areas of the world, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific Islands. In 2003, she was appointed as a member of the US delegation for the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She has also spoken at other meanings, emphasizing the need to protect the traditional family structure and moral values.

Despite her many other commitments, Dew has kept the gospel her first priority. After serving in a variety of callings at the local level, from 1997–2002 she served as a counselor in the Church’s General Relief Society Presidency. This calling in particular felt daunting for Dew, not only because she considers herself to be a shy person but also because she was the first unmarried woman to be called to the presidency. In this role, she strove to help all women understand that they are valued in the Church and loved by Heavenly Father. She has shared insights about herself and the gospel in the various books and articles she has written. She is also the author of the biographies for President Ezra Taft Benson and President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Dew has been recognized by various organizations for her contributions. As an example, she received a Utah Genius Award, which honors individuals, organizations, and citizens who have received new trademarks or patents. Additionally, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her creativity and innovation as the CEO of Deseret Book. We likewise recognize Dew, not only for her leadership at Deseret Book but also for her personal publications. Through both of these means, she has inspired Latter-day Saints in numerous ways, bringing light into their lives and motivating them to come unto Christ.

Lifetime Achievement in Editing and Design Award

Don Norton has directly and indirectly influenced decades of LDS editors and other publishing professionals through his work in publishing and as a professor at Brigham Young University. Despite the impact he has made and the many people who feel privileged to have learned from him, Norton has always remained humble, admitting that as a young boy, he struggled to spell his name (“3 o’s, 3 n’s, 3 more consonants!”). Yet, that didn’t last long, for Norton was a hard worker and motivated to improve. By the time he was in the fifth and sixth grades, he had become fascinated by the construction of dictionaries and won all the “dictionary chases” in his class. In high school, he enjoyed diagramming English sentences, and for his senior English research paper, he took on the lofty subject of “the creation of the world” (and received an A on it).

Though upon enrolling at BYU he declared a math/science major, Norton soon switched to English, inspired by the general education course Masterpieces of American English. As an undergraduate, he proofread the university’s 1954‒1955 catalog, wrote the dedication booklet for the recently completed Jesse Knight Building, helped edit and proofread the first volume of BYU Studies, and edited and proofread the writing of many faculty and staff. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree, he pursued a master’s in English, focusing on English language courses.

While dedicated to his graduate studies, Norton also experimented with writing oral histories, selecting his father as his first subject. Deeply touched by his father’s tearful response upon reading the finished work, Norton began to train himself as an oral historian. His interest turned into a passion, and during the ensuing decades, he interviewed, transcribed, and edited hundreds of long and short oral histories.

After completing his graduate work at the University of Minnesota in 1967, he became a faculty member in BYU’s English Department, teaching courses in grammar, usage, and writing. In the coming years, he also created an evening course titled Personal History, in which he shared his love of oral history with his students.

At the same time that he was becoming a well-known—and well-loved—professor, he was coming to the attention of Church leaders. In the 1970s, he was asked to serve on a committee for the Office of the Presiding Bishopric. In this role, he helped rewrite, in plain English, publications of the office and Church auxiliaries. Additionally, for 20 years he served on a committee appointed by the Utah Supreme Court to help rewrite jury instructions in plain English.

His expertise in writing was also reflected in his role at BYU as the director of the Writing Lab, helping numerous students improve their papers for courses in a variety of disciplines. Inspired by the tremendous benefit this service provided, he created the Faculty-Staff Editing Service, through which he and his student employees edited some 7,000 pages of faculty and staff writing annually. This service provided immense value to faculty and staff as well as allowed Norton to mentor many aspiring editors. His service didn’t stop there. Over the years, he edited hundreds of student application letters and résumés, especially during the four years he was BYU’s prelaw adviser and a member of the premed committee.

Throughout Norton’s busy career at BYU, he remained involved with oral histories. In 1989, he was invited to prepare oral histories of veterans who had served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Over time, the project expanded to include veterans in all army branches and in all US military conflict, with the most recent focus on LDS veterans. Through this ongoing project, he, his students, and his editing interns have completed more than one thousand veterans’ oral histories.

In 2004, after nearly 40 years as a BYU professor, Norton retired from full-time employment. Before retiring, he was gratified to see that the editing minor, which he had helped design, was now an official program of study at BYU.

Though Norton is no longer a full-time employee, his life has not slowed down. He teaches gymnastics (after judging gymnastics competitions for 48 years), and he remains involved with the military oral histories project and in other publishing-related activities. His legacy as a writer, editor, oral historian, and mentor to many Latter-day Saints in the publishing industry continues to expand—and surely will in the years to come. We thank Norton for his tremendous influence on Latter-day Saint publishing and media professionals.

Lifetime Achievement in Writing Award

From a young age, John L. Sorenson understood the importance of excelling in school, and after graduating from North Cache High at age 17, he enrolled at Utah State Agricultural College (present-day Utah State University). Though he had decided to study electrical engineering, as had both of his brothers, the outbreak of World War II changed his plans. Because of the courses he had completed in math and physics, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps to be trained as a meteorologist. Following arduous schooling at CalTech, during which he earned a master’s in science, he was commissioned and served in the Air Corps for 40 months.

After returning home safely, Sorenson decided to serve a mission for the Church. However, once again, things didn’t go according to his plans. Transportation was highly uncertain at that time, and before he was finally able to leave for New Zealand many months later, he had met and married Kathryn Richards. Nevertheless, he remained committed to fulfilling his mission, and he eventually served in the Cook Islands.

After 30 months of missionary work, Sorenson returned to his wife—and young son. He enrolled at BYU and, no longer interested in the physical sciences, decided to study archaeology, which led to the opportunity to work in southern Mexico with the first season of the New World Archaeological Foundation. Several years later, upon receiving a fellowship from the National Science Foundation, he began a PhD in archeology at UCLA. However, his academic focus shifted again, this time because of the sudden death of his chosen mentor. To his—and other Latter-day Saints’—great benefit in the long-term, he decided to move to the much broader field of social anthropology. For his dissertation, he studied the urbanization/industrialization of American Fork, Utah, that resulted from the construction of the Geneva Steel plant. The scope of the study was rare among anthropologists—and impressive to BYU’s sociology faculty, who welcomed him into the department in 1959.

Of course, Sorenson’s research and career weren’t the only important or interesting aspects of his life during this time. He and his wife were also raising eight sons (and later an adopted daughter). He was also busy serving in various church callings, showing the same commitment he had when deciding to serve a mission despite experiencing travel difficulties and being a newlywed.

As Sorenson juggled family responsibilities with a thriving career, he received the opportunity to lead an interdisciplinary study of counterinsurgency in South Vietnam for the US Navy. It was at this point that he came to consider himself an applied anthropologist. In 1954, he was offered the position of chief social scientist at General Research Corp. After seven years in this role, he resumed his position as a BYU faculty member, and in 1978 he was appointed as the chair of the Anthropology Department.

Though he hadn’t become a professional archaeologist, he kept up-to-date on the literature regarding Mesoamerican archaeology, and he published in professional and LDS circles. Beginning in 1977, at the invitation of the editor of the Ensign, he wrote a series of articles explaining his understanding of the geographical and historical context of the Book of Mormon. These articles were never approved—despite multiple rewrites—for publication in the Ensign, but in 1985 Deseret Book published the content as An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon. This book—the first volume printed under the auspices of FARMS—is considered the seminal publication on the historicity of the Book of Mormon in its ancient American setting. Still widely influential today, the book popularized the limited-geography model regarding the locations of Book of Mormon events. The model has become the most supported geographic framework among LDS scholars.

In 1986, Sorenson retired from BYU, and from that point forward he focused on assisting with FARMS and remaining current on Mesoamerican research in relation to the Book of Mormon. He also emphasized the need to increase the rigor of scholarship defending the Book of Mormon. He served as the editor of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies and authored or coauthored approximately two hundred books and articles. In 2006, he began working on his crowning publication, integrating all he had learned during more than fifty years of professional-level research on the Book of Mormon in relation to Mesoamerican studies. The result was published in 2013 as Mormon’s Codex: An Ancient American Book. This and several others he authored—including Images of Ancient America and the prize-winning Pre-Columbian Contact with the Americas across the Oceans—are monumental achievements that are unlikely to ever be surpassed.

We thank Sorenson for the significant contributions to publishing, particularly regarding publications on the context of the Book of Mormon. He has set a high standard for other researchers and scholars to aspire to.