People like Kristen Heitzmann

The Christy Awards, established in 1999, are awarded each year to recognize fiction of excellence written from a Christian perspective with matters of faith at its core. Awards are given in several genres, including contemporary (stand-alone novels and series), historical, romance (contemporary and historical), suspense, and visionary. In addition, an award is given for first novel and young adult.

Designed to nurture and encourage creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the breadth and depth of fiction choices available, The Christy Awards are named in honor of Catherine Marshall and her novel Christy.

In 2017, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), an international non-profit trade organization, assumed ownership and administration of the award. Winners are chosen by industry insiders, including reviewers, editors, bookstore owners, and book buyers.