SOUNDING JOY AVAILABLE NOW
NASHVILLE, TENN. (SEPTEMBER 30, 2022) Acclaimed singer/songwriter and best-selling author Ellie Holcomb will release her new Christmas EP, Sing: Christmas Songs, on November 1st to accompany her latest children’s book, Sounding Joy, which was released earlier this month. Celebrating the recent release of her holiday book and the forthcoming album, Holcomb debuted the original song “Sounding Joy” today. Click here to listen to the new song or below to watch the live acoustic performance.
“My book and album were inspired by the song ‘Joy to the World,’ and it’s an invitation to sing about the hope we have because God put skin on and moved into the neighborhood,” shares Ellie Holcomb. “I hope these songs will invoke dancing in the kitchen while you bake Christmas cookies and storytelling of the very best kind. I hope it will help kids ponder what joy sounds like and the reason we can have joy no matter what we’re facing.”
The Christmas book explores the question of what joy sounds like as the reader travels through beautiful Christmastime scenes in the board book, which is illustrated by Laura Ramos. Likewise Sing: Christmas Songs is an invitation to sing about the hope of the season and features classic and original Christmas songs. Holcomb’s sweet and lovely celebration of Christmas encourages each reader and listener, young and old, to lift up their voice and repeat the sounding joy!
Holcomb continues, “Joy sounds like the voices of my friends and family in my home while I’m preparing a meal. It sounds like my kids singing happily in their room together or like carols and bells and laughter and water running. It sounds like It’s A Wonderful Life playing in the background and Charlie Brown Christmas and Linus reading the most wonderful of stories that came true in real life… the magic of knowing we are never alone, and of hearing that message ring true over and over again in all the songs we sing at Christmas. We have a reason to sing, a reason to hope. Love gets the final word. Glad tidings of GREAT JOY!
Click here to get the book and pre-order the upcoming Sing: Christmas Songs.
About Ellie Holcomb
For eight years, Ellie recorded and toured full-time with her husband’s band, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, before stepping off the road when her first child was born. Her solo debut, As Sure As The Sun (2014), landed her a Top 10 hit and a GMA Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year.” Her critically-acclaimed sophomore LP, Red Sea Road, followed in 2017. In subsequent years, Holcomb has released two children’s books – each with a companion EP of original music written specifically for kids. The second of which debuted at the top of the Billboard Kids chart and earned her a Dove Award for “Children’s Album of the Year,” in 2020. In 2021, she released her third full-length solo project, Canyon, to much acclaim as well as earning her a second Top 10 radio single with the song, “I Will Carry You.” Her first adult book and devotional, Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness has spent many months on the ECPA Bestseller list. For more information visit: ellieholcomb.com
BLOOMINGTON, MN (October 3, 2022)—On September 30, 2022, Baker Publishing Group purchased the publishing rights for The Bible Study products from The Brand Sunday.
Carol Stream, Ill. (October 3, 2022) Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release three new Focus on the Family children’s products this fall. In line with Focus on the Family’s corporate mission, the new products—Otter B Thankful, 28 Hours, and Sled Run for Survival—will equip parents to teach their children about having a brave and grateful faith even in the midst of hardship.
It’s just another morning in Odyssey—or so it appears. As the sun rises and their phones start ringing, Whit and his friends become entangled in a conspiracy that threatens the future of their town and beyond. The clock is ticking toward an explosive confrontation as the crew from Whit’s End races to solve a heart-pounding mystery in this special, six-part adventure, 28 Hours.
When the kids step into the Imagination Station, they travel back in time and across the world with cousins Patrick and Beth. Each book is historically accurate, and readers will grow in their faith and knowledge of big historical events as they race through each unforgettable story.
W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishing, today announced a one-book deal with bestselling author John Bevere. The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life is slated to go on-sale in February 2023. Bevere is represented by Esther Fedorkevich of The Fedd Agency. World rights were acquired by W Publishing Senior Acquisitions Editor Kyle Olund.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 2022 – With sales of more than 40 million books worldwide, Sarah Young, the bestselling author of the Jesus Calling, Jesus Always and Jesus Listens devotionals, is now releasing a new book of prayers for children, 
Grand Rapids, MI – October 6, 2022 – The Zonderkidz title, I’m So Glad You Were Born authored by FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt received #1 status on the New York Times bestseller list for Children’s Picture Books for the October 16 issue.
Earhardt shared the bestseller news with viewers of FOX & Friends this morning and on her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjX2IisDHNL/
(Grand Rapids, Mich.) October 7, 2022 — Today, Zondervan announced the promotion of Katya Covrett to vice president, publisher for the publishing group’s academic imprint, Zondervan Academic. Covrett, who has been serving the imprint as associate publisher for the past year, will lead the acquisition, editorial development, and overall title strategy moving forward. Covrett has more than 20 years of editorial experience at Zondervan, specifically focusing on academic, ministry, and reference books.
(October 3, 2022) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Holman Bibles announces the launch of The CSB Explorer Bible for Kids (
The popular Good News for Little Hearts series, a favorite of children and parents alike, has grown again with the addition of two new releases, Henry’s Big Mistake: When You Feel Guilty and Zoe’s Time to Shine: When You Want to Hide (October 3, 2022).
Zoe’s Time to Shine: When You Want to Hide, edited by Edward T. Welch, helps children learn alongside Zoe Mouse how to overcome shame and embarrassment. Zoe Mouse loves to sing. She sings everywhere all the time. There is just one problem—she can’t carry a tune. One day she tries out for the school musical and tells all her friends she will definitely get the lead role. But instead of getting a part, her drama teacher asks her to help with the lighting. Zoe wants to hide! Papa finds her in the closet hiding under her blanket and helps her remember that Jesus is with her and will be her protector and helper when she goes back to school. Zoe learns that when Jesus is near, you don’t have to hide. You can face your friends and shine a light on them.
TEMPE, ARIZ., OCTOBER 10, 2022 – ECPA has announced the recipients of the Emerging Leader scholarship and mentorship program for 
“This year’s superb class of Emerging Leaders abounds with a broad range of expertise—their influence spans across the Christian publishing industry through areas of operations, marketing, editorial, design, and more,” Lee said. “It’s profoundly encouraging to see the valuable perspectives and the excellence these professionals are already bringing to the Church and the world through their work. As they develop partnerships with industry mentors over the next year, I’m eager to see Emerging Leaders empowered further within their roles as they experience deeper thriving in their publishing journeys.”
Four Keys for Flourishing in Your Christian Publishing Career with 
Andrea Calles-Tamayo is a Project Manager at Apricot Services. She was born in Queretaro, Mexico, and has lived in three different countries before moving to Grand Rapids seven years ago. Andrea graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University with a major in Marketing. She was an intern at Baker Publishing Group before starting her current job at Apricot Services. Andrea has a small YouTube channel where she enjoys posting about her trips, recipes, or anything she has time to edit.
Avrie Roberts is a writer and editor. She holds a BA in English and has worked on postgraduate studies in English literature and world religions. She has a wide range of editorial experience working with Christian publishers and ministries, cultivating a love for creating resources that both equip the church and engage the culture. She works at Moody Publishers as their copy editor, where she gets to read books and study theology for a living.
Brandon Bellanti entered the publishing world in 2021 after working in church ministry, music, and libraries. He earned a B.A. in Music from Cedarville University, then served as Minister of Music at Grace Church in White Lake, MI. After moving to Boston in 2017, Brandon completed a M.S. in Library and Information Science at Simmons University and worked as a technical librarian for Akamai Technologies. He joined The Good Book Company as a data analyst in September 2021.
Bunmi Ishola is a Nigerian American, raised in both countries. She has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, and holds a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. After working for World Literature Today, The Norman Transcript, The Dallas Morning News, and CURE magazine, Bunmi taught middle school social studies and English. In 2018, she decided to pursue a career focused on one of her biggest passions: books. She now works as a children’s book editor for Penguin Random House’s Christian publishing group.
Jessica Ludeña Adams joined Tyndale in March 2021 as Associate Marketing Manager. Jessica worked with Tyndale previously as a freelance editor. Prior to joining Tyndale full-time, Jessica was an SEO specialist at a digital marketing company. Jessica is an avid reader and self-proclaimed nerd. Born in the U.S. to a family of Cuban refugees, Jessica is passionate about helping her community, living out her faith, and serving God in her giftedness. She lives in the Chicagoland area with her best friend/husband Joe.
Jonathan Higdon, an editor at the United Methodist Publishing House, is from Nashville, Tennessee. He began working with Cokesbury Kids in 2019 after several years in local church ministry in Tennessee and Texas. He received his B.A. in Communication from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and his M.Div. from Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary. Jonathan loves a good em dash—but not as much as he loves traveling with his wife, Sonia, and dog, Reese.
Joyce Perez joined the Bethany House marketing department as an assistant marketing manager in 2022. She graduated with a degree in Communications and Advertising in Brazil and moved to Minnesota shortly after, where she began her family and has lived for the past 15 years. With a background in customer service and freelance marketing, design, and social media consulting, she has enjoyed merging her love of creativity and books with her marketing skills as a part of the Bethany House fiction team.
Karen Savella Stallard is a multimedia copywriter at InterVarsity Press. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Before entering the publishing industry, Karen worked as an immigration lawyer for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She lives in Chicago, IL with her husband, Zach, and her cat, Levin.
Kate Irwin-Lillard is a graphic designer at InterVarsity Press. In 2019, she graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in studio arts. As a member of the design team at IVP, Kate works in collaboration with other departments to implement and uphold the visual identity and brand of IVP. Kate lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband, Jeffrey. In the wild you can find Kate sporting a snazzy groutfit. She enjoys spicy food, eating a good chocolate chip cookie, and taking pictures of her friends on her (many) disposable cameras.
Linnae Conkel is an editorial assistant for Our Daily Bread Publishing. She contributes to the production of ODBP books by proofreading projects, checking covers, and preparing manuscripts for typesetting. She also has assisted VOICES by translating Spanish content to English, managing contracts, and helping with the editing process of content written for Black and Hispanic audiences. When she’s not working, Linnae is either playing piano or drafting a fantasy novel.
Megan Teegarden, with 15 years of experience in education and ministry, is excited to be working with the Cokesbury Kids publishing team, focusing on both the history and strength of the Cokesbury brand, while also reimagining products and resources that meet the current needs of church leaders and Christian educators. Megan’s work began as a Kindergarten teacher in Birmingham, AL, with faith and ministry always playing an important role in her professional endeavors.
Olivia Eldredge has been with NavPress for four years, serving as the Operations Manager and Bible Products Specialist. Olivia has a BA in Communications with minors in Music and Theology from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. She moved to Colorado with her husband, Luke, in 2017 from Spokane, where she was a worship pastor. Olivia and Luke have been married for six years and love spending time with family; with their dog, Rainier; and in Colorado’s sunny, beautiful wilderness.
Rachel B. Hagewood is the Amplify Engagement Manager at the United Methodist Publishing House. She collaborates with partners in the United Methodist Church to provide resources and support to local congregations, specifically via UMPH’s streaming service, Amplify Media. She also edits various curriculum resources for all ages. A life-long United Methodist, Rachel has a passion for equipping leaders within the church to guide others to a deeper faith through studying scripture and theology.
Sarah Traill is an assistant marketing manager on the Baker Books and Revell nonfiction team at Baker Publishing Group. A West Michigan native, Sarah got her start in the bookselling industry in the hands-on world of retail through customer service and marketing work at the Baker Book House store in Grand Rapids, before moving over to the publishing side to join the trade books marketing team. She is now an assistant marketing manager and contributor to company DEI initiatives.
Selena Cunningham serves as a Cokesbury Kids Team Lead at The United Methodist Publishing House, working with both curriculum and vacation Bible school. For more than ten years, Selena has served the publishing house in a variety of editorial roles, including work with Cokesbury’s Celebrate Wonder, Deep Blue, and Rotation Stations curriculum lines. She has also done editorial work for Discovery on Adventure Island VBS, Food Truck Party VBS, and the upcoming Hero Hotline VBS.
Zach Savella Stallard is an Operations Coordinator with InterVarsity Press. After developing a love for IVP’s books during Wheaton College theology studies, campus ministry, and church planting, he followed his wife Karen to work with IVP in 2021. He loves solving problems and developing systems, and he works with IVP’s print production, hiring, onboarding, and this year’s Urbana conference bookstore. He is proud to work in Christian publishing and with IVP to contribute toward the equipping of the church.
