Nashville, Tenn. (July 10, 2024) – Jack Countryman is announcing his retirement as Publisher Emeritus of the Nelson Gift division. What began more than 40 years ago around his kitchen table grew into a long and successful career of publishing more than 30 million books.
“Few people have made such a huge impact in Christian publishing as Jack Countryman,” said Mark Schoenwald, CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “He has been a tremendous visionary, leader, and publisher. Jack led the way to create the category of inspirational Gift books. It has truly been a privilege to know and work with him.”
In 1982 Jack and his wife Marsha started the J Countryman publishing company with the release of God’s Promises for Your Every Need. That title went on to be published in numerous editions and multiple languages, and was still on the ECPA bestseller list in May 2024.
“Jack has been a brilliant mentor. He graciously shared the secrets of publishing Gift books,” said Laura Minchew, Sr. Vice President and Group Publisher of Children and Gift books. “None of us will forget the joy and encouragement he offered through his sayings such as “This one will sell like popcorn!”
The impact of Jack’s work will live on through the more than 100 books he authored and by publishing bestselling authors including Billy Graham, Ann Graham Lotz, OS Hawkins, Hank Hanegraaff, and many others. He is the recipient of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s Kip Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jack inspires us all with this advice: “If you want to make a difference, create books that will touch lives and change lives. You may never know the impact you could have on someone through this good work.”
About Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.
