The Partnership Award was initiated in 2004, and is sponsored by The Word Guild. It is presented periodically by The Word Guild to an individual or organization who has shown exceptional support and encouragement for Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Previous winners have included a Canadian Christian book publisher; the publishers of two Canadian Christian newspapers; and a writer/editor/literary agent whose publishing industry career spanned more than 50 years. We are open to nominations.
Partnership Award 2011
The Partnership Award was presented to Raymond and Lois Nelles for their outstanding support and encouragement to the development of The Word Guild as an organization. Since the birth of The Word Guild Raymond and Lois Nelles have been quietly worked behind the scenes, offering support to the fledgling organization seeing it grow to what it is today. They have faithfully supported the organization both personally, emotionally, and financially from the very beginning.
Partnership Award 2010
The Partnership Award went to Donald G. Bastian, a long-time affiliate of The Word Guild and former managing editor for Stoddart Publishing, now owner of Bastian Publishing Services Ltd.
Bastian was chosen because of his long-term support of The Word Guild. He has served as faculty at their annual flagship writers’ conference, Write! Canada. He has mentored and supported fledgling Christian writers and published several The Word Guild authors. And the goals he has pursued during his career in mainline publishing have paralleled those of the association.
Partnership Award 2009
The Partnership Award was presented to Brian C. Stiller for his invaluable contribution to the Canadian Christian writing community. Stiller was surprised with the award June 19, 2009, as he delivered a keynote address at the association's annual national conference, Write! Canada, in Guelph, Ont. Stiller had recently retired from a 14-year tenure as president and CEO of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto.
Stiller was founder and editor-in-chief of Faith Today, one of Canada's top Christian periodicals, during his tenure as president of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (1983-1996).
Stiller has exemplified excellence in his communication skills, his use of mass media, and his advocacy that Christians understand and effectively interact with contemporary culture. Through publishing a national magazine, hosting several television series, authoring 10 books, public speaking, and acting as a frequent media commentator, Stiller developed a national profile as a voice for Canadians of biblical faith.
Partnership Award 2008
The Partnership Award was presented to the faith-based arts organization Imago, for its invaluable assistance inallowing The Word Guild to operate under the umbrella of Imago during its first six years. Imago accepted TWG as one of its projects starting in January 2002, thus giving a start-up organization credibility and the ability to offer charitable tax receipts for donations. The award was accepted by Imago’s executive director John Franklin.
Learn more about Imago, a unique organization promoting the development of Canadian Christians in the performing and visual arts. Imago partners with established and beginning artists through the birth, growth and realization of their artistic vision.
Photo shows John Franklin (L), executive director of Imago, being presented with the Partnership Award at the Gala on June 11, 2008 by Les Lindquist, chair of the board of Christian Info Canada and by N. J. Lindquist, co-founder of The Word Guild.
Partnership Award 2007
The Partnership Award was presented to Leslie H. Stobbe, a writer/editor/literary agent who has retained his Canadian citizenship and interest in helping Canadian writers while working for more than 40 years in a variety of roles in the publishing industry in the USA.
Photo shows Les Stobbe (L) being presented with the award by N. J. Lindquist, co-founder of The Word Guild.
Partnership Awards 2005
Photo above: Partnership Award co-winners Johanne Robertson (L) and Monica Leis (R), co-publishers of the monthly Christian newspaper Maranatha News.
Photo to the right: Partnership Award co-winner Fazal Karim Jr., owner and publisher of monthly Christian newspaper The Christian Herald.
Partnership Award 2004
The first Partnership Award was presented to Augsburg Fortress Press, which, under executive director, Larry Willard , established the imprint Castle Quay Books Canada.
As of 2007, Castle Quay Books became an independent Canadian book publisher.
Castle Quay Books sponsored the Best New Canadian Christian Author contest from 2003 to 2009.
Plaques were given to both Larry Willard (L) and Andy Seal (R), executive director of Augburg Fortress Press Canada.
