MARCH 16, 2026 — We are delighted to announce that the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK Group) has been shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards 2026. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place at Grosvenor House, London, on Monday 11th May.
SPCK Group is the UK’s third-oldest publishing house, and has been active since 1698. Under CEO Sam Richardson, the company merged with Inter-Varsity Press (IVP UK) in 2015, and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.
The British Book Awards said of SPCK Group:
“Tracing its history back to 1698, SPCK is comfortably the oldest name at The British Book Awards. Its 2025 sales and profits were the best in its very long history – the result of a strategy to publish fewer books better and more globally. TCM numbers rose 11%, but overseas income overtook domestic for the first time, following smart investment in rights. New Bible ranges, backed up by strong marketing and publicity, did very well.”
Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK Group, said:
“We are thrilled to have been nominated for the Independent Publisher of the Year award for the second year running. The nomination reflects an outstanding 2025 for SPCK, which saw us achieve record sales – the highest in our 325+ year history – alongside winning a range of prestigious awards on both sides of the Atlantic. These included the Virtusales Metadata Award and Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year at the IPG Awards, as well as Book of the Year at Christian Resources Together Awards, and being named one of the UK’s Best Places to Work. It also recognises our continued innovation in areas such as marketing, sales, metadata and distribution.
SPCK is so proud to have been included among such a brilliant list of fellow independent publishers at the British Book Awards in 2025, all of whom embody the remarkable diversity and strength of independent publishing”.
SPCK Group CEO Sam Richardson is available for interview.
Press contact: Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk
For many years now, Friesens has been a proud champion of literacy, learning, and the lifelong value of reading by supporting schools, authors, libraries, and communities across Canada. That commitment comes to life every February during I Love to Read Month, a celebration we are proud to participate in year after year.
Owl, written by Kara Griffin and illustrated by K. (Kayla) Shawn Larson, is a gentle yet meaningful picture book published by Acorn Press. On the surface, it tells the story of a young boy, his grandfather, and an owl calling from the forest at night. But as Kara explains, the heart of the book is much deeper. “At the heart of it, I think it’s a story about love,” she says. “About knowing that love is always there, whether you see it or not.”
Abilene, TX —Life gets messy—but you don’t have to lose your step. When life feels overwhelming and the pace of the world pulls you in every direction, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. A Pace of Grace by Heather Cook (Leafwood Publishers, March 2026) is an invitation to step off the treadmill of constant striving and into the steady, life-giving rhythm of God’s grace.
HOUSTON, TX — March 10, 2026 — Hope Media Group (HMG) and Thomas Nelson Bibles have formed a multi-year agreement that will result in more people engaging with the life-changing message of the Bible. A recent study revealed that nearly 70% of churchgoers do not consistently engage with scripture, but this collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to foster spiritual engagement through media and high-quality biblical resources.
Orleans MA – March 9, 2026 In the lead-up to the 250th anniversary celebration of America’s founding, our government, churches, and ministries nation-wide have called for renewed faith and prayer for the future of the United States and for a reclaiming of America’s founding vision and spiritual heritage. Perfectly timed to release on April 7, 2026, a new 60-day devotional guide provides a daily roadmap for believers to offer prayer and praise and to lay claim on God’s promises with God Bless America: Scriptures, Devotions & Prayers for Our Nation.
Life throws so much at us. Disappointments, failures, challenges, and even devastating loss. In the process of living, we begin to feel so out of touch with ourselves that we no longer recognize ourselves. In the midst of all that we experience, we forget to remember that we cannot live an authentic life if we’ve forgotten who we truly are.
March 13, 2026 – Jennie Allen’s transformative new book,
Nashville, TN – March 16, 2026 – HarperCollins Christian Publishing is pleased to announce the signing of Megan Ashley, the dynamic host of the fast-growing podcast In Totality, under a significant five-book agreement. The deal includes two trade books with Nelson Books, two curriculum projects with HarperCollins Resources, and one devotional, marking a major expansion of Ashley’s ministry from audio to print. Her highly anticipated debut trade book is scheduled for release in the fall of 2027.
NASHVILLE, TN, March 12, 2026 —
Ada, Michigan | March 13, 2026 – Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that The Road Less Triggered: Turning Conflict into Connection with a Single Choice by Dr. Kelly Flanagan is #23 on USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist for the week of March 8.




