In a nice deal, Paraclete Press signed Glenys Nellist and CB Canga (Shannon & Associates) for the 2024 release of Song of the Seasons: a rhyming, whimsical, faith-building journey through the four seasons — for early readers who love nature and wonder and the beginnings of all things. 

Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple children’s books, including the bestselling ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas, The Wonder That Is You, and four popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, Good News and Little Mole, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy and hope in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David. Paraclete will release Song of the Seasons in 2024. 

For more information contact publicist Rachel McKendree at rachelm@paracletepress.com. 

CHICAGO, IL—Independent Publishers Group (IPG) has added three new publishers to its digital and trade distribution divisions.

The Salariya Book Company, which will begin distribution with IPG on May 1, 2022, is an independent publishing company that produces compelling and commercially successful children’s books that entertain and inspire readers of all ages.

“IPG is thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Salariya’s digital publishing program,” said Alex Kampmann, vice president of business development. “We are excited to support their growth and success through our dynamic sales, marketing and distribution solutions.”

In its more than three decades in business, Salariya has amassed a robust backlist of over five hundred titles and publishes an average of 50 new books each year, ranging from picture books to information, fiction, art instruction and graphic novels. “We look forward to working with IPG on the digital strategy for our ever-growing library of titles,” said the company’s founder, David Salariya. “We intend to introduce new titles specifically for the digital marketplace, including a new version of our “You Wouldn’t Want to Be” series designed to be more accessible and appealing for readers with dyslexia.”

Starting distribution with Trafalgar Square Publishing on June 1, 2022, is AdiDev Press Pvt. Ltd. An India-based publisher of children’s picture books, AdiDev aims to introduce different aspects of South Asian culture and heritage by leveraging meaningful storytelling, beautiful visual elements and simple content.

New Reading Technology Pte. Ltd., which started distribution with IPG Digital on January 1, 2022, is an online story platform and community dedicated to creating a new generation of classic novels through creativity, imagination and technology.

About Independent Publishers Group:
Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.

Contact: Sidney Thompson, Corporate Communications, 312.337.0747, sthompson@ipgbook.com 

Messy Hope by Lori Wildenberg recently won the Gold Award from Reader Views. The award recognizes the most creative and exciting new books. Reader Views is an organization dedicated to helping independent authors navigate the publishing world. Their awards program is designed to help level the playing field for independent authors and small presses by providing recognition for these books.

Wildenberg’s book provides hope to parents who have had a child struggle with depression or anxiety. Understandably, a parent’s fear for the well-being of a child will skyrocket if they have heard the following words:

“I’m such a failure.”

“No one cares about me.”

“I haven’t felt happy for a long time.”

“I don’t want to live anymore.”

How can parents offer hope when they are terrified themselves?

With suicide being the second leading cause of death in young people and depression and anxiety becoming the new normal, instilling hope for a future may sound impossible. However, in Messy Hope parent and family educator Lori Wildenberg, along with her daughter Kendra, explore practical steps that parents can take. More than a self-help book, Messy Hope offers a lifeline to parents to help their child overcome depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and experience a hope-filled life.

About the Author:
Lori Wildenberg, mom of a daughter who has wrestled with depression, is passionate about helping parents help their children navigate a messy life. Lori is a licensed parent and family educator, national speaker, and author or coauthor of six parenting books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home and The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections.

The Southern Christian Writers Conference (SCWC) awarded Peggy Wirgau’s debut novel, The Stars in April, a 2022 Notable Book Award for best in the Children’s/Young Adult Category.

Published in March 2021 with Illuminate YA, an imprint of Iron Stream Media, The Stars in April tells a fictionalized account of the true story of teen Titanic survivor and Michigander, Ruth Becker. “Centered on a historic event that so many find interesting, The Stars in April is an incredible book for readers of all ages, and we knew retailers would be intrigued,” says Bradley Isbell, COO for Iron Stream Media, New Hope Publishers, and Life Bible Study.

A School Library Journal Starred Review and Product Review in The Old Schoolhouse® magazine, wrote this about the novel: “go-to resource for homeschoolers” and has helped bring this book to the attention of educators.

“We absolutely loved it,” says middle school teacher Carol Stathakis, at Our Shepherd Lutheran School in Birmingham, MI. “Near the end, I was so teary that I had to hand off the read-aloud to a student while I regained my voice. After the final sentence was read, the class erupted in spontaneous applause.”

About the Author
Peggy Wirgau loves true stories from the past and writes through the eyes of ordinary people in history who faced extraordinary challenges and became heroes. Like Ruth s family in The Stars in April, Peggy hails from Michigan. She and her husband have two adult children and split their time between Michigan and Florida. www.peggywirgau.com

To book Peggy Wirgau for interviews or to request review copy,
please contact Kim McCulla at Kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com.

Ada, Mich. (March 30, 2022)—Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman has reached a significant sales milestone, with more than 100,000 copies sold. Revell has been the exclusive publisher of Freeman’s trade books for more than a decade.

“Emily’s gift for bringing soul practices with spiritual depth into the fabric of everyday life is extraordinary,” says Andrea Doering, editorial director for Revell. “We’re thrilled to be celebrating this significant sales milestone with her, as we aim to reach even more readers with her transformative messages.”

Emily P. Freeman is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five books, including The Next Right Thing. In addition to her nationally ranked podcast, The Next Right Thing, with more than 15 million downloads, she is a Residency Lecturer at Friends University.  Her writing has been featured in Today Parents, Christianity Today, and Patheos.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Holly Scheevel, (952) 829-2555, hscheevel@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Carol Stream, Ill. — (April 1, 2022) — You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type by Daniel G. Amen, MD, which released on March 22, 2022, from Tyndale Refresh, quickly skyrocketed to bestseller standing.

In its release week, the title debuted at #3 on the Publishers Weekly Bestsellers and #4 on the Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists, both in the hardcover nonfiction category. It also debuted at #21 on USA Today’s bestselling books list, spanning all categories.

In You, Happier, Dr. Daniel Amen shares that happiness is a brain function. With a healthier brain always comes a happier life.

He reveals the seven neuroscience secrets to becoming more than 30 percent happier in just 30 days—regardless of your age, upbringing, genetics, or current situation. After studying more than 200,000 brain scans of people from 155 countries, Dr. Amen has discovered five primary brain types and seven neuroscience secrets that influence happiness. In You, Happier, he explains these findings and offers practical, science-based strategies for optimizing your happiness.

Of this bestselling release, executive publisher Jan Long Harris shares, “The success of You, Happier makes us very happy because it offers so much practical help to those who want to become happier and healthier, which is almost everyone. It’s packed with information that readers can use to improve their brain and feel better as a result.”

Dr. Daniel Amen’s mission is to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. He is dedicated to providing the education, products, and services to accomplish this goal. Dr. Amen is a physician, adult and child psychiatrist, and founder of Amen Clinics with 10 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world’s largest database of brain scans for psychiatry. He is the founder of BrainMD, a fast-growing, science-based nutraceutical company, and Amen University, which has trained thousands of medical and mental health professionals on the methods he has developed. In addition, he has produced 16 national public television shows about the brain, and his online videos on brain and mental health have been viewed over 300 million times. Dr. Amen is a 12-time New York Times bestselling author. His books include Change Your Brain, Change Your Life; The End of Mental Illness; Healing ADD; and many more.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

Host of Saved by the Barn and Founder of Barn Sanctuary Authors pens, “This Farm Is a Family”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The founder of Barn Sanctuary and star of the popular Animal Planet series Saved by the Barn Dan McKernan is releasing the new children’s picture book This Farm Is a Family (April 5, Zonderkidz) to bring awareness to the plight of rescued farm animals and to teach kids about compassion and helping others during hard times.

In 2016, McKernan left his six-figure tech job in Austin and returned home to rural Michigan. McKernan turned his family’s historic, 140-year-old farm into a sanctuary for animals. Barn Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates farmed animals in-need and has saved 400 animals. Currently, 114 residents reside on the 70-acre property. Farmed animals are historically the most mistreated group of animals.

“As a former computer developer, I was always stuck behind a screen. I was unhappy, and I really wanted to make a difference in the world,” says McKernan. “When my dad called me and asked what to do with the family farm, I decided to trade my good living for a great life. The fresh air, walking on the earth, and the animals have transformed me. Barn Sanctuary saved me.”

In This Farm Is a Family the well-loved rescue animals at Barn Sanctuary decide to help Buttercup the cow who is having difficulty adjusting to her new home. Despite Buttercup’s resistance and fear, the animals rally together to show Buttercup love. The animals help Buttercup discover that she’s now part of their family.

“This picture book shares a powerful message about family and it’s another way we can educate children on the ways we can show compassion to all creatures,” says McKernan.

The book is featured in the spring issue of Jesus Calling Magazine.

About Dan McKernan: Dan McKernan is the founder of Barn Sanctuary and star of the popular Animal Planet series Saved by the Barn. In 2016, McKernan left his tech job in Austin, Texas, to transform his family’s 140-year-old farm into a safe haven for farmed animals. That safe haven is Barn Sanctuary. Author of a forthcoming children’s book, This Farm Is a Family, McKernan’s mission, through the work of Barn Sanctuary, is to change the way the world views farmed animals and help lead society towards a more compassionate and plant-based lifestyle.

Dan Social Media:

• TikTok: @danmckernan; 336K followers LINK
• Instagram: @danmckerna; 228K followers LINK
• Facebook: @danbarnsanctuary; 87K followers LINK
• Twitter: @danmckernan; 75K followers LINK

Barn Sanctuary Social Media:

• Website: barnsanctuary.org
• Facebook: @thebarnsanctuary; 558K followers LINK
• Instagram: @barnsanctuary; 165K followers LINK
• YouTube: @barnsanctuary; 92K subscribers LINK
• Twitter: @barnsanctuary; 30K followers LINK

Media contact: Jennifer VerHage, jennifer@poisedpublicrelations.com

Author of 18+ books, former agent joins the growing publisher

Memphis, Tenn., March 2022 – We’re often told that young people have no initiative. That they don’t want to work and have no drive. But 24-year-old Hope Bolinger seeks to undermine  generational stereotypes. Starting with joining End Game Press (EGP) in her dream role, a fiction acquisitions editor.

Bolinger has almost 10 years of industry experience, her most prominent role before this as a literary agent. During her time at the Cyle Young Literary Elite, LCC agency—starting agenting at 20 years old—Bolinger managed to land clients 70+ book deals, many at some of the largest houses in the industry.

In addition, Bolinger is a writer herself. Almost 20 of her books have found a home as well as 1200+ of her other works ranging from award-winning plays, poems, articles, and more. Her writing is seen by millions of readers each year.

But Bolinger’s passion ever since she was 16 was to be an acquisitions editor. “I saw how people of different ages were treated in the industry—both young and old. And I wanted to change that. To give more opportunities to people.”

Bolinger is seeking to expand the EGP fiction line in the genres of clean romance, historical, YA, MG, thriller, suspense, mystery, and women’s fiction.

In addition to acquiring titles, Bolinger works with the authors through all stages of editing, manages titles set for publication, and provides additional work in other areas at EGP.

“It’s been an absolute dream come true. This press is truly doing amazing things, and I’m so happy they invited me along for the ride.”

Media Contact: Hope Bolinger, hope@endgamepress.com

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Suggested Interview Questions for Hope Bolinger: 

• What are some ways ageism plays a big role in the publishing industry?
• How is EGP different from other publishers you have worked with at the past?
• What is your favorite part about your role as Managing & Acquisitions Editor at EGP?
• What types of books grab your attention in the submissions inbox?
• Where do you see the fiction line going in the next few years?
• Where can we learn more about you and about End Game Press?

Memphis, Tenn., March 2022 – While some authors might call it a day and simply rest on their laurels after winning hundreds of literary awards and achieving millions of books sales on more than 100 titles, Michelle Medlock Adams is just getting started.

“Honestly, I feel like everything I’ve experienced, and everything I’ve been blessed to accomplish over the past 20 years in the industry, has prepared me for such a time as this,” she said. “I am so excited to introduce Wren And Bear Books to the world.”

The launch of Wren and Bear Books, a specialty children’s book imprint by Michelle Medlock Adams in partnership with End Game Press, is the culmination of years of experience and expertise in the book business. Michelle brings her unique style and special touch in putting together a list of books that will encourage a child’s faith, provide fun within its pages, and cause a child to look at a familiar subject with new eyes. Thus, her imprint’s tagline is “Faith, Fun & Fascination.”

Coupled with beautiful illustrations and lyrical prose and poetry, Wren And Bear Books will launch its first four titles in 2023.

“My list will have board books and picture books specifically for the Christian market, as well as titles that will cross over into the general market,” Adams explained.

Adams named the imprint after her oldest grandchild from each daughter, making this whole experience even more special. Though she had always dreamed of someday having her own children’s book imprint, Adams shared that she never expected to realize her dream alongside one of her best friends in the publishing world. But that’s exactly what happened when Victoria Duerstock, owner of EGP, asked Adams to start her own imprint.

“I am thrilled,” Adams said. “I cannot thank Victoria Duerstock enough for believing in me and cheering me on in this new venture.”

More information about Wren And Bear’s upcoming titles will be announced soon, but readers can keep up with Adams’s newest venture in publishing here: www.wrenandbearbooks.com

Media Contact: Hope Bolinger, hope@endgamepress.com

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Suggested Interview Questions for Michelle Medlock Adams

• When did you know that you wanted to lead a children’s book imprint?
• How is Wren And Bear Books different than other picture book publishers?
• How has some of your past industry experience helped you in this role?
• What types of books grab your attention?
• Where do you see the imprint going in the next few years?
• Where can we learn more about you and about Wren And Bear Books?

The 2022 program will award in four categories, and invite art directors from submitting publishers to participate in judging panel.

Submission period opens April 15 through August 15 with winners announced at ECPA PubU in Nashville this Fall

APRIL 4, 2022, TEMPE, ARIZ. – The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) will celebrate the 10^th year anniversary of the industry’s premier award program for book design, the Top Shelf Book Cover Award – with special program features and events this year.

The 2022 program will now award designs in four categories: Non-Fiction, Fiction, Bibles, and Children’s.  In the past, judges chose the top designs, regardless of category.  Last year, the Top Shelf Award was presented to a record number 30 covers.  Of those, three were Children’s books, two were Bibles, and the rest were Non-Fiction.  This change will allow judges to highlight the best designs in each genre.

In addition, this year’s judging process will feature top designers from each submitting publisher, who will be invited to cast a ballot in each of the four categories (though votes cannot be cast for their own designs).  Thus, each submitting publisher is asked to appoint a designer to participate in the judging process.

“This special anniversary year of the Top Shelf Awards gives us an opportunity to have the industry celebrate the industry,” explained Jeff Crosby, ECPA president. “We wanted to invite the designers who work all year in Christian publishing designing works of excellence to be part of the process.” As in the previous ten years, the judging criteria will focus on the appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking, and quality of execution.

The submission period will be open April 15 through August 15 for titles published from June 2021 to August 2022.

Torrey Sharp, principal of Faceout Studios and program advisor, suggests this key strategy for determining what covers to submit:

“The biggest advice I can give is to curate a submission list during the year as books release. Then when the submission period opens, run each possible submission through the award criteria: appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking, and quality of execution.”

A unique aspect of Top Shelf is that each selection is accompanied by a judge’s comment. This helps inform everybody why certain winners rise to the top.  Winners will be announced in a special session at ECPA PubU on November 16 at Lipscomb University in Nashville.  ECPA is already working on how to showcase the award’s history within the context of larger design trends over the years.  In addition, ECPA PubU will feature a Design track of six sessions for industry designers – to network, learn, and discuss together the latest topics in design.

Reflecting on the award and ECPA’s commitment to showcasing beautiful and effective design, Torrey expressed:

“I’m grateful to be part of an ECPA community that is striving to produce meaningful and beautiful books. The Top Shelf Award program has given ECPA a vehicle for celebrating beauty, validating the work of artists and designers and encouraging excellence in every facet of what we do.”

PROGRAM LINKS:

• For more information on the Top Shelf Book Cover Award program, visit TopShelfAward.org.
• For Top Shelf submission information, visit ECPA.org/page/bookcovercriteria
• To receive news and updates on the award program, sign up here.

The ECPA Top Shelf Award program is managed by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) in order to recognize design excellence in the Christian publishing industry. Through programs, events, communications, recognition and research, ECPA strengthens publishing communities within the industry.  The ECPA Design E-Community, PubU Design training sessions, and Top Shelf Awards are among several ECPA-driven opportunities that designers have to network, stay informed, and be recognized within the industry. For more information on the Top Shelf Book Cover Design Award program, visit TopShelfAward.org.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

Media contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA President and CEO, ECPA, 480-966-3998, jcrosby@ecpa.org
Cindy Carter, ECPA Recognition Manager, 480-966-3998, ccarter@ecpa.org