September 4, 2018 Edition
Industry News
Nori Media Group acquires Harrison House Publishers
Nori Media Group (NMG), home to Destiny Image and Sound Wisdom, has acquired Harrison House Publishers, effective September 1. Announced in a letter to partners, the deal includes the publishing rights, inventory and related assets to 1,100 titles.
Read More...Thom Rainer announces retirement from LifeWay
Thom Rainer has announced his pending retirement as president and CEO of LifeWay and plans to step down when the new CEO is named, or in one year, whichever comes first.
Selma Wilson announces retirement from LifeWay
Selma Wilson, senior vice president of organizational development and chief people officer at LifeWay Christian Resources, has announced she will retire effective Oct. 1.
Firebrand gears up for their 2018 Community Conference
Firebrand Technologies, a leader in market intelligence and technology services for the publishing industry, and long-standing ECPA partner, announces its acclaimed Community Conference and agenda. The conference will take place in the heart of the historic downtown district of Portsmouth, NH, on September 25–27, 2018.
Read More...In “Metadata Year,” BISG offers webinars and conferences focused on metadata
BISG’s initiative to promote more accurate and timely book metadata includes a webinar on the BISG Metadata committee update held tomorrow September 4, and a Summit held in New York City on September 17. For more information, visit BISG.org.
BISG’s Brian O’Leary will present a session at ECPA PubU, held November 6-7 in Nashville, on where the industry plans to go with metadata and what to expect in 2019 and beyond. Another metadata session offered at PubU will be on “Tracking Data and Third-Party Sellers on Retailer Websites” with Joshua Tallent of Firebrand. More information about these sessions and the full program is available at ECPAPubU.org.
PubU early bird rate expires next week: Significant savings for those who register by Sep. 12
Those who register for ECPA PubU before September 12 will save $200 off registration prices. ECPA members save even more with member rates. PubU gathers more than 200 industry professionals who choose among 42 sessions in marketing & publicity, editorial, reader engagement, rights, design, and data, delivery & workflow for training, connection and inspiration to inform and grow their publishing role. Keynote sessions will be presented by StoryBrand’s Donald Miller and NPD Book’s Kristen McLean.
PubU attendees can opt to stay for the Art of Writing conference and The Christy Award™ Gala immediately following PubU on November 7 for only $69.
Register at ECPAPubU.org.
Those registered for PubU are also eligible for significant savings at these industry events: 85% off Digital Book World and 50% off WriterFest Nashville. Contact ECPA for the discount codes.
Media Announcements
Zondervan launches free 6-week Bible study with assets for Christian retailers to host customer workshops
Zondervan is pleased to announce the launch of a free six-week Bible study, “Trace the Themes: A Guide to Unpacking the Bible’s Major Motifs.” This new Bible study is perfect for Christian retail stores to host workshops for customers to discover how each theme of the Bible unfolds from Genesis to Revelation.
Read More...Africa Study Bible contributor, Esme James, interviewed by the BBC
One of the contributors to the Africa Study Bible, Esme James of Sierra Leone, was recently interviewed by BBC News Africa to talk about the Africa Study Bible (Oasis International).
Bible Gateway interviews Liz Ditty, author of “God’s Many Voices”
Does God speak to you? Do you believe God is infinitely closer and more involved in your world than you give him credit for? How does God speak in Scripture and how can you learn to recognize his voice everywhere in daily life? Bible Gateway interviewed Liz Ditty, author of God’s Many Voices: Learning How to Listen. Expectant to Hear. (Worthy Publishing, 2018).
Bible Gateway interviews Dr. John Townsend, “Boundaries” co-author
Christians often focus so much on being loving and giving that they forget their own limits and limitations. Have you ever found yourself wondering: Can I set limits and still be a loving person? How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money? Why do I feel guilty when I consider setting boundaries? Bible Gateway interviewed Dr. John Townsend, who, along with Dr. Henry Cloud, wrote the bestselling book, Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life (Zondervan, updated 2017), winner of the Christian Book Award®.
Product News
IVP and Missio Alliance partner on resources
In a time of great tension and divides across racial, gender, political, and socioeconomic lines, InterVarsity Press and Missio Alliance have partnered again on a resource to equip the church for the challenges of our day. "A Sojourner’s Truth: Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World" by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson will release on October 9, 2018.
Read More...Barbour’s new fiction series highlights true crime stories in American history
Barbour Publishing is pleased to announce the launch of a daring new fiction series not for the faint of heart. True Colors will explore true, riveting stories of American criminal activity layered in historical romantic suspense.
Read More...Three-time World Series champion Jeremy Affeldt to publish with Zondervan
Jeremy Affeldt played major league baseball for fourteen years, finishing his career with the San Francisco Giants during their championship years of 2010, 2012, and 2014. In his upcoming book, Affeldt will share his story of a man finding his way home. Things on the field were nothing but smiles, but it was a much different story at home.
Read More...Social media sensation, the Activist Mommy, to release debut book with Worthy Publishing
Elizabeth Johnston, known as the Activist Mommy to her millions of online followers, has amassed over 70 million video views on social media while speaking passionately on controversial cultural issues. Now, Worthy Publishing is pleased to announce that her debut book will release this February.
Read More...Former cult member wants to help others in new book with Worthy Publishing
Only God’s voice in our lives can lead us toward the joy of being fully alive, accepted, and loved by Him. In her debut book, "God’s Many Voices: Learning to Listen, Expectant to Hear" (Worthy Publishing), Liz Ditty uses personal, relatable examples and biblical teaching to guide readers into hearing God’s many voices in their lives.
Read More...Other News
INDUSTRY
PUBLISHING
- Tariffs on Canadian Paper Products Dumped
- Former CEO Parneros Sues B&N for Defamation of Character
- A Mixed Six Months for Large Trade Houses
- Amazon Expands Prime Book Box to All U.S. Members
- How Publishers Can Boost Revenue With A Subscription Box
- HarperCollins Offering Indie-Exclusive Edition of New Barbara Kingsolver Novel
- Ex-Netflix exec and producer launch database for book adaptations
- Skim reading is the new normal. The effect on society is profound.
- Is social media influencing book cover design?
INTERNATIONAL
- Audible UK revenue soars 45%
- Export printers look beyond the escalating trade dispute between China and the U.S.
- South African publishers investigated for alleged price-fixing
- Beijing International Book Fair Reports Gains in Rights Sales
- Publishers from Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Japan to discuss their markets with rights professionals at ECPA PubU