WaterBrook and Multnomah is pleased to announce two well-deserved promotions on its publicity and marketing teams.

Lisa Beech is promoted to Associate Director of Publicity, WaterBrook/Multnomah

A beloved member of the WaterBrook and Multnomah team, Lisa’s sunny disposition, can-do attitude, and tenacious approach to capturing coverage for our books makes her a highly valued part of the Christian publishing team—by colleagues and authors alike. She has been the PR muscle behind such bestsellers as Crazy Faith and Relationship Goals by Michael Todd, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies by John Mark Comer, Tim Tebow’s New York Times bestsellers, and many more. She always applies her tenacity, publicity acumen, and trademark positivity and creativity to bring continued attention to our books, including capturing more secular coverage to Tim Tebow’s upcoming title Mission Possible, Kendra Adachi’s The Lazy Genius Kitchen, and Jordan Lee Dooley’s Embrace Your Almost.

Douglas Mann is promoted to Assistant Director, WaterBrook & Multnomah. 

Since joining WaterBrook and Multnomah in 2016, Douglas has consistently delivered innovative and effective marketing plans for many of the imprints’ high-profile authors and titles. He has been the marketing muscle behind such bestsellers as The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies by John Mark Comer, The More of Less and The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker, and The Way of the Warrior by Erwin McManus. He also held a critical role within the marketing team for the NYT bestseller, Relationship Goals by Michael Todd. Douglas is a member of the creative team that launched the Ink & Willow gift line with bestsellers including 52 Weeks of Gratitude and Rise Up. He’ll bring his marketing expertise and talent to take Christian books into the mainstream with Michael Phillip’s upcoming title Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns, Joshua Becker’s Things That Matter, and Carlos Whittaker’s How to Human. 

WaterBrook and Multnomah are imprints of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

(February 3, 2022) – Today, the Parable Group released its 2022 State of Christian Retail report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. Important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead.

Drawing on $74 million in sales data and over 2.1 million consumer receipts reported to ParableConnect by 220 U.S. Christian retailers—along with nationwide survey results—the report highlights include: analysis of year-end sales, comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, and posits why Christian retail sales are soaring.

The report also highlights surprising key findings: 2021 POS sales showed an increase over both 2020 and 2019, indicating that stores are performing better than they were pre-pandemic. Overall, same-store sales were up 15% over 2019. Additionally, a January 2021 nationwide survey revealed that 90% of Christian retailers indicated a positive outlook for the future.

“Despite supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, inflation, and the ongoing pandemic, Christian retailers have persisted with purpose-driven resolve, hard work, and resourcefulness,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “And, based on the findings presented in our report, we can see that their efforts have paid off—2021 was the strongest holiday season Christian retail has experienced in over a decade.”

To view the report, click here. For a guided tour of the report, join industry peers onThe State of Christian Retail webinar, to be held on February 17th at 9am PST. Register here.

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA. based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020, sally.ross@parable.com

Fields of Fire Releasing in August 2022

Carol Stream, Ill. (February 4, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has acquired Ryan Steck, “the go-to source for all things thriller.” Steck is best known for launching TheRealBookSpy.com, which has garnered over 8 million page views in the past five years, generating buzz for bestselling authors and introducing new fans to the thriller genre. In addition, Steck has been named an “Online Influencer” by Amazon and is a regular columnist at CrimeReads. Tyndale’s acquisition of Ryan Steck includes two books introducing readers to elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd. Steck’s debut thriller, Fields of Fire, releases in August 2022.

Regarding this acquisition, fiction publisher Karen Watson said, “We first met Ryan through his support of our novels as the Real Book Spy. When I heard about Ryan’s own novel in development, it was a more than intriguing possibility. Learning that Ryan understands and shares Tyndale’s philosophy and vision for offering male-friendly thrillers that point to a journey of faith was even better news. We look forward to Ryan’s fans getting a chance to take the debut trip with Matthew Redd.”

In Fields of Fire, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger while awaiting deployment on a critical mission. Upon waking up hours later, Matthew learns his team was wiped out in an ambush. Unable to remember anything, he can’t deny the possibility that he’s somehow responsible for the information leak that led to the massacre. He’s given a deal to avoid a charge of treason, but it means walking away from the corps and the life he loved.

As he faces his loss, Matt gets a cryptic message from his adoptive father, J. B.: “Trouble’s come knocking . . . Might need your help.” He points his truck home to rural Montana, only to discover that J. B. is dead and the explanation for his death is far from satisfying. Determined to dig up the truth, Redd uncovers a dark global conspiracy with his hometown at the center and no team at his back—except one he might find among past friends, old enemies, and new allies, if he can figure out who to trust.

Early endorsers of Fields of Fire include Brad Taylor, Kyle Mills, Jack Carr, Brad Meltzer, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shadows Reel, C. J. Box, who said, “Ryan Steck’s Fields of Fire busts out of the chute with nonstop action and it never lets up until the final page. A magnificent debut with a terrific sense of place in Big Sky Country and a hero to root for in Matthew Redd.”

Ryan Steck is an editor, an author, and the founder and editor in chief of The Real Book Spy. TheRealBookSpy.com has been endorsed by #1 New York Times bestsellers Mark Greaney, C. J. Box, Kyle Mills, Daniel Silva, Brad Thor, and many others. A resident of Michigan, along with his wife and their six kids, Steck cheers on his beloved Detroit Tigers and Lions during the rare moments when he’s not reading or talking about books on social media.

Ryan is represented by John Talbot at The Talbot Fortune Agency.

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 $100 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.

Contact: For more information or an advance reader copy of Fields of Fire, contact Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630-784-5125.

In his first book, Joby Martin, pastor of Church of Eleven22, one of the fastest growing churches in the country, dives deep into scripture and traces the story of salvation by highlighting the seven mountains throughout scripture where God manifests himself.

The Son of God was crucified, died and buried. Doornail dead. He lay in the tomb for three days. Until God the Father, through the Spirit, raised Him to life and He walked out shining like the sun. The Son of God lives and reigns, right this second. In a culture in which history is erased or rewritten at will, the existence of an empty tomb matters. Why?

Because if the tomb is empty – then anything is possible.

As he describes each encounter with God, Martin shows us how the interaction on each mountain laid the groundwork for the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, and shows what God revealed about Himself in the process. He illuminates even familiar passages, unveiling how God’s plan for Christ’s sacrifice is threaded throughout scripture, and shows why Christ’s resurrection—impossible, unbelievable—means that nothing is too hard for our God.  Ultimately, he asks readers, Do you live every day of your life as if the tomb is empty…or as though Jesus is still hanging on that cross?

Written with New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin—a member and elder of Joby’s church—If the Tomb is Empty is an insightful and spiritually rich yet accessible examination of what the miracle of Christ’s resurrection means for all of us.

ISBN: 9781546001508
FaithWords

Carol Stream, Ill. (February 4, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that Audra Haney will publish her book He Is There with Tyndale Kids, to release in March of 2023. In her new “shine a light” picture book, Haney reminds children that God is always with us and we can see his hand in everything around us.

As the host and producer of the popular 5 Minute Mom podcast, Audra has a heart for helping moms and families, so her new book is a perfect extension of her life’s work. Beyond her role in podcasting, she is a broadcast producer and sought-after women’s speaker. Audra’s work has been featured on The 700 Club, CBN.com, and Miracle Living Today. Audra was a recent presenter at the 2019 Blissdom Conference and loves to equip and encourage entrepreneurial women to start their own podcasts. She has over 15 years of media experience and is dedicated to using her expertise to pour into young moms in the trenches.

In sharing about her upcoming children’s book, Audra said, “I’ve been in professional media for over 15 years, including writing and production for the Christian Broadcasting Network and Graham Blanchard Publishing (a small faith-based children’s book company). During my time at Graham Blanchard, I helped cowrite a book for expecting moms/dads, and I so enjoyed the process of writing for adults. However, I’m excited about transitioning to literature and projects for children.”

Tyndale Kids associate publisher Linda Howard shared, “We are excited to be working with Audra on this book. Her podcast, The 5 Minute Mom, is already helping thousands of families. We are thrilled to come alongside her and publish this book with its reminder of how much our heavenly Father cares for us and watches over us!”

Audra Haney is represented by Dave Schroeder at WTA Media LLC, and her upcoming book has been negotiated for world rights.

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

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.

 

Saint Louis, MO—The Concordia Publishing House (CPH) Board of Directors announced today that they have unanimously elected Jonathan D. Schultz the 9^th President & CEO of Concordia Publishing House. Schultz has been serving as Interim President and CEO since May of 2021.

“During his tenure as Vice President, and since being appointed Interim President, Jonathan has demonstrated a relentless commitment to the mission and vision of CPH,” said Dr. Mark Bender, Chair of the CPH Board of Directors.  “The Board is confident that Jonathan will lead CPH in a manner that remains fervently committed to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. We pray God’s richest blessings upon Jonathan and all who serve at CPH.”

Schultz began his service at CPH in 1998.  As Vice President and Corporate Counsel of CPH, he worked closely with the Board of Directors, coordinating all legal activities of the corporation, and directing the Human Resources and Contracts/Rights/Permissions departments. Before arriving at CPH, he and his wife, Sue, served as long-term volunteer missionaries in Guatemala for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

“My heartfelt thanks to the Board of Directors for this honor and the confidence you have placed in me by electing me to be the 9^th president of CPH,” said Schultz. “For 152 years, CPH has been the publishing arm of the LCMS.  And I would contend that our mission has never been more critical to the Church and her people than it is now. With a world increasingly hostile to our Christian faith, that redefines truth and seeks to ensnare our youth, the world is often a dark, dark place. But thanks be to God that we are indeed a lighthouse, shining the pure light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this dark world with resources faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.”

Schultz comes from a family with a rich tradition of service to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through pastoral ministry and Lutheran education. Sue is an LCMS elementary school teacher.

Lutheran education is a key priority for Schultz. For the last two decades he held various leadership positions on the Board of Directors of Christ Community Lutheran School, a Presidential Blue-Ribbon School serving more than 600 students and their families, and on the Board of Directors of the Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis. Schultz also currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, a $100-million foundation that is committed in the name of Jesus Christ to seeing the improved care of hurting people in the greater St. Louis region. In addition, Schultz served in various leadership positions on national nonprofit boards. Schultz is a graduate of Concordia University Chicago and Loyola University School of Law.

The Lord has blessed Schultz and his wife with three children: Thomas (and wife, Allison), Mollie, and Abigail. 

For more information or to schedule an interview with Jonathan Schultz, please contact Elizabeth Pittman, Sr. Manager, Public Relations, at elizabeth.pittman@cph.org.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Pittman, Public Relations, 314-268-1291, Elizabeth.Pittman@cph.org

(January 24, 2022) – The Parable Group, a leader in Christian retail marketing and analytics, has announced its successful integration of select retail services from Innovative, Inc., a long-standing marketing solutions company serving Christian retailers and publishers for over 35 years.

As a part of the integration, The Parable Group launched 80 new websites for transitioning Signature retailers in January 2022. In addition to the website builds, the faith-based company also completed the integration of Innovative, Inc.’s retail marketing services into their suite of services. 80% of these retail locations now receive Signature promotions—emails and coordinated in-store endcaps—from The Parable Group.

According to Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group, “The successful integration of the Signature retailers is another major milestone in our efforts to serve the industry through collaborative and purposeful innovation. We’re honored to provide Christian retailers with a unified web, email, and in-store merchandising program—allowing their customers to have relevant, frictionless, and helpful shopping experiences across in-store and digital environments.”

The Parable Group’s website platform syncs with over a dozen POS systems, offers customers sophisticated search, integrates with stores’ social media feeds, and allows customers to conveniently reserve items online and pick them up in-store. Retailers have reported increases in pick-up orders after launch and are benefitting from higher-margin sales and greater integration of their web and store strategies.

Signature promotions provided by The Parable Group showcase new releases, bestsellers, and super deals from top Christian publishers—helping to boost foot traffic and sales in participating stores.

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA-based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020, sally.ross@parable.com

Ada, Mich. (January 25, 2022)— Baker Academic begins the new year by announcing two additions to its acquisitions staff. Anna Moseley Gissing will join Baker Academic as Senior Acquisitions Editor. Brandy Scritchfield has been promoted to Acquisitions Editor.

Anna Moseley Gissing comes to Baker Academic from InterVarsity Press. With degrees from the University of North Carolina, Beeson Divinity School, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, she has served in a variety of educational, church leadership, and editorial roles. Most recently she was an associate editor at InterVarsity Press, where she acquired books from notable authors such as Esau McCaulley, Sandra Richter, Scot McKnight, Christopher Wright, and Carmen Joy Imes.

Baker Academic has also promoted Brandy Scritchfield to Acquisitions Editor. She holds degrees from the University of Valley Forge, Regent University, and Calvin Theological Seminary and has served as Baker Academic Acquisitions Associate for five years. Prior to coming to Baker, she was the coordinator of a university writing center and a freelance editor.

“We are thrilled with these two additions to our acquisitions team,” notes Jim Kinney, EVP of Academic Publishing. “We have admired Anna’s work from afar for a number of years. We now look forward to seeing her insight and expertise applied to serving Baker Academic authors. Brandy’s skill and diligence are well known to both colleagues and authors. She’ll now be applying those skills in an increased level of responsibility. Congratulations to both Anna and Brandy!”

Baker Academic serves the academy and the church by publishing works that further the pursuit of knowledge and understanding within the context of Christian faith.

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (January 28, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that Robin Long, founder and CEO of The Balanced Life, will publish her debut book in 2023 as part of the Tyndale Refresh imprint. The Balanced Life is an online wellness company focused on Pilates workouts, self-care, and nourishment. Robin is a certified Pilates instructor who lives and works in Santa Barbara, California. She is passionate about equipping, strengthening, restoring and rejuvenating women from the inside out. Elle.com lists Robin as one of the best Pilates instructors to follow.

Robin established her online community in 2011, encouraging women to pursue a balanced life while assuring them, “Getting fit and feeling good doesn’t have to be so hard.” Since then, thousands of followers have discovered that her “grace over guilt” approach makes pursuing health and fitness doable and enjoyable. Robin’s online community continues to expand exponentially; her workouts have been viewed more than 10 million times, and she has one million followers engaging with her regularly online.

In her book, slated to release in the fall of 2023, Robin offers women a simple, sustainable approach to getting fit and feeling good, introducing readers to her realistic, proven method of attaining wellness and finding balance that feels like freedom. She has reimagined and experienced an alternative to the typical fitness industry’s message, speaking truth in the wellness space about how to disrupt old habits and make small, impactful changes by listening to and connecting with our bodies.

“One of the many things we love about Robin is her emphasis on progress over perfection, which is exactly what so many of us need today,” says Jan Long Harris, executive publisher of nonfiction at Tyndale House Publishers. “Her book is a perfect fit for our Tyndale Refresh imprint because it combines cutting-edge mind-body fitness, motivational psychology, and spiritual inspiration. It’s going to resonate with many, many readers who desperately want to love their bodies again, who struggle to find time to exercise, and who are looking for a wellness program they can actually enjoy.”

Robin Long’s debut release will be supported by a significant marketing budget as well as a national media tour. Tyndale has acquired world rights, in all languages. Robin is represented by Jenni Burke, Illuminate Literary Agency.

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.

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

Industry executives and managers to gather in Philadelphia on May 3-4

ECPA to host first in-person Leadership Summit since 2019 on “Elevating Publishing’s Impact” and includes publisher case studies

TEMPE, ARIZ., JANUARY 24, 2022 — ECPA has announced the program and opened early bird registration for its first in-person Leadership Summit since 2019 – to be held May 3-4, 2022 at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing and the American Bible Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The conference will feature thought leaders and experts, addressing the industry’s leaders around the theme, “Elevating Publishing’s Impact.” They include:

• Cherie Harder, President of The Trinity Forum
• Eugene Habecker, author of “The Softer Side of Leadership”
• Kristen McLean, Executive Director, The NPD Group
• Dr. Theon E. Hill, Aspen Fellow and Assoc. Professor of Communications, Wheaton College
• Nicole Martin, VP of Church Engagement & Exec. Director of Trauma Healing, American Bible Society
• Stan Jantz, former ECPA president and co-founder of Global Discipleship Alliance
• Paul David Tripp, bestselling author, speaker and pastor
• Matt Baehr, Executive Director, Book Manufacturer’s Institute
• Kelly Gallagher, VP Content Acquitision, Ingram Content Group
• David Hetherington, VP Global Business Development, Books International
• Ben McCoy, Director of inventory and fulfillment operations, InterVarsity Press

“We will have an opportunity to learn from our speakers and from one another, and to glean information that helps us respond to the opportunities and challenges in the marketplace,” states ECPA president Jeff Crosby. “As a former publisher before leading ECPA, I always looked forward to this event and the marketplace intelligence I received through participating in the larger community of publishers.”

In addition, three publisher-led case studies will be presented as concurrent breakout sessions:

Elevating Church Engagement will be led by Bill Craig, senior vice president/publishing & ministry experiences at B&H/LifeWay Christian Resources.

Elevating Voices of Color will be led by Helen Lee, IVP’s Director of Product Innovation, including the Every Voice Now initiative and The Disrupters and Every Voice Now podcasts.

Elevating Customer Interest will be led by Ben Amundgaard, senior director of Bible Study Products at Faithlife, and Jesse Myers, director of original content at Faithlife and publisher of Lexham Press.

ECPA will also host the annual ECPA Awards Celebration, announcing the winners of the 2022 Christian Book Award® program, along with other industry milestones and awards.  The dinner banquet will take place the evening of Monday, May 3rd.  Latasha Morrison, bestselling author of the 2021 ECPA Christian Book of the Year “Be the Bridge” (WaterBrook), will be the keynote speaker.

On May 4, attendees will meet in the nearby headquarters of the American Bible Society, debuting their brand new Faith & Liberty Discovery Center – a “high-tech, high-touch” interactive and immersive museum guiding the visitor in a personal exploration of the relationship between faith and liberty in the American experience.

The ECPA Annual Members meeting will be held on May 4th at the conclusion of the program.

The event is open to ECPA members, with discount pricing for multiple employees and smaller companies.  Visit ECPALeadership.org for full program and speaker information and to register.  Early bird pricing ends on March 18.

---

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.

Contact: Jeff Crosby, President & CEO, jcrosby@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 101