Strategic Publishing Guidance
for Christian Writers
Professional counsel, proposal expertise, and manuscript development
from a veteran of the Christian publishing industry.
Meet Tawny →
A trusted guide for every chapter of your writing journey
Tawny Johnson is committed to offering professional advice and practical help for writers at critical points in the publishing process. Working with a select number of clients, her approach is grounded in decades of experience in Christian publishing and a long-held dedication to helping writers steward their message with wisdom, strategy, and excellence.
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Experienced. Strategic. Grounded.
A Pathfinder for Emerging Writers
Publishing is not simply about writing well—it is about understanding process, timing, positioning, and readiness. Tawny’s work blends practical instruction with deep industry insight to help these writers prepare proposals and manuscripts that meet professional publishing standards. Her approach is respectful, thorough, and rooted in clarity—not hype.
A Partner for Established Authors
Are you a seasoned author considering fresh ways to approach your next project, perhaps without an agent? Partnering with Tawny as your personal consultant gives you a strategic advantage: clarity in your next steps, confidence in your direction, and access to insight when you need it.
Tawny Johnson began her career in Christian publishing more than 30 years ago, specializing in strategic marketing for book and media products and securing international book rights for a leading Christian publishing house.
She was a successful literary agent for over nine years, a frequent national speaker at Christian writers’ conferences, and a university professor focused on the history and mechanics of the publishing industry. For nearly a decade, Tawny also worked as a book proposal consultant with ChristianBookProposals.com—an ECPA-affiliated submission platform—where she personally consulted an estimated 400 writers. She holds a BA in Bible and Theology, an MA in Theological Studies, and is a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA)
Meet Tawny Johnson
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Professional Consulting Services
Book Proposal Consulting
Manuscript Development & Editing
Writing Skill Assessment & Coaching
Publishing Strategy & Goal Setting
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General Publishing Guidance
Tawny offers individualized consulting designed to guide writers through the often-intimidating world of publishing with clarity and confidence.
With decades of experience in proposal development, publisher-facing strategy, and securing book deals, Tawny serves as a trusted resource for acquisition editors and publishing teams by strengthening the author’s presentation and the editor’s internal advocacy process.
Has an author captured your interest, but they need help creating a strong, professional book proposal? Recommending they invest directly with Tawny to develop a well-articulated, market-sensitive, and strategically positioned book proposal can help you, as an AE, feel confident when it’s time to present their project to your team.
If you have an acquired author you think could flourish from grounded advice during the often lonely but critical phase of preparing their manuscript, Tawny can also provide the clarity, structure, and focus they need. Your author can expect a valuable brainstorming partner, sounding board, and developmental consultant who understands the unique challenges writers face during this time. They will feel confident and cared for—and you can rest easy knowing they are well supported in achieving the manuscript goals you and your author agreed upon.
Advising authors to invest in one-on-one consulting with Tawny benefits you both
A Unique Resource for Acquisition Editors
Getting Started
20-Minute Discovery Call
Schedule a 20-minute discovery call at no charge to explore the possibility of collaborating. Confirmed through email and required prior to scheduling any consulting sessions. Please save connect@tawnyjohnonconsulting.com to your address book to help messages stay out of your spam folder.
$100/Hour Consultation Sessions
After a successful discovery call, Tawny will work with you to schedule a consultation session to provide clear, practical direction tailored to your specific writing and publishing goals. Sessions are 1-hour minimum and confirmed through email.
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—A.J. Swoboda, PhD, pastor, professor, and author
Tawny Johnson is one of the kindest, most generous, and helpful souls I’ve ever known. Not only has she helped me profoundly on my writing journey, it feels more like she is a literary pastor than anything else. I commend her to you. And can’t speak more highly of her.
—Holly Varni, Author of the "On Moonberry Lake" series, Harper Collins Author
Tawny is a rare gem in the industry who brings exceptional insight and unwavering dedication to every stage of the publishing journey. Her warmth, kindness, sharp intellect, and great sense of humor make working with her through the proposal and book deal process an absolute delight. She listens deeply, offers incredible perspective on how to strengthen your story, and combines her years of industry knowledge with an intuitive ability to understand exactly what your work needs to shine. She saw something unique in my project and championed it with such genuine commitment that every step felt supported. I owe her my career.
—Shari MacDonald Strong, Acquisitions Editor AT Broadleaf Books
Tawny Johnson is, quite simply, one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever encountered when it comes to books, authors, and the publishing world. She’s the first person I point to whenever an author or publishing professional asks for a recommendation. Tawny has an exceptional instinct for what makes a project shine, and she brings deep wisdom and unfailing integrity to every conversation. More than that, she is not only a remarkable professional but also a thoroughly enjoyable human being. I recommend her with zero reservation and with unqualified enthusiasm.
—Roy Goble, Author of the "Junkyard Wisdom" Books
Tawny believed in my voice before the industry did, and she successfully championed my work within the publishing world. Thanks to her, my writing reached new readers and gained credibility for future projects. She’s a wonderful person you’ll enjoy knowing. I highly recommend her.
—Kelsey chapman, Author of "What They Taught Me" and Book Launch Marketer
Working with Tawny Johnson was a game-changer for my writing career. She helped me refine my proposal to a level of clarity and excellence that gave me real confidence going into publisher conversations — and then negotiated my book deal far beyond what I ever imagined possible. I felt protected, empowered, and truly advocated for every step of the way.
Ashley Holleman, Executive Director of Seated & Sent, author, and speaker
Heather Holleman, Phd, Best-selling Author, speaker, and teacher
Tawny Johnson offers a discerning voice to guide you through the entire writing and publication process. Her wisdom and experience mark her as a trusted expert in what can often feel confusing and overwhelming. Tawny has not only helped us with proposals, manuscript development, and understanding publishing contracts, but she has also provided timely career wisdom that has shaped our writing and speaking ministry. We are so thankful for Tawny!
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Copy Editing Services
Book Marketing
Additional Recommended Resources
These are industry experts whom Tawny has worked with and heartily recommends for additional services she does not provide.
When your writing needs that final polish you'd rather not do yourself, Olivia infuses your hard work with clarity and consistency. A copy editing expert of 14 years, she brings a fresh set of eagle eyes to catch hidden mistakes and smooth minor wrinkles.
Kelsey is a book launch expert who helps authors turn meaningful messages into momentum—because once your book is written, you need help marketing it. She brings clarity, strategy, and soul to your launch so your book doesn’t just release, it resonates.
