WESTMONT, IL— InterVarsity Press is pleased to introduce Bethany Olsen as the associate digital sales director and to announce several promotions and one new hire.

Olsen is a native of Washington state and holds a bachelor’s in music and a master of business administration from Western Washington University. Most recently, she was director of partnership engagement at Childcare International, a child sponsorship agency based in Bellingham, Washington.

“I have gotten to know Bethany over the past five years as she was our contact at a previous firm. Our collaboration with Bethany resulted in significant year over year growth. She consistently asked good questions about process and our content. Needless to say, I was very pleased when she applied for the digital sales director position,” said Justin Paul Lawrence, director of sales and marketing for IVP. “It is not often that talent of Bethany’s caliber comes available. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the publishing landscape and a keen business acumen. I have no doubt that she has a bright future at IVP and in the industry at large.”

The IVP editorial team has announced several changes to its department as well. Rebecca Carhart, assistant project editor, has been promoted to associate project editor. Cindy Bunch, director of editorial, said, “We are grateful for her good work in this role for the past three years and are especially grateful for how she capably handled the editorial and scheduling processes for the IVP Signature Collection.”

Rachel Hastings, who has worked as an assistant project editor, will also serve as an associate project editor. Bunch said, “Rachel has quickly proven herself invaluable to the trade team, both working with authors and solving problems on a daily basis.” 

Paloma Lee, IVP’s rights coordinator, will now be the rights specialist. Ellen Hsu, senior manager for rights and contracts, said, “Paloma is doing excellent work supporting our licensing work and has taken on additional responsibilities, including becoming IVP’s primary contact for Spanish and Portuguese language licensing. We look forward to seeing how she will continue to help IVP’s books reach broader audiences.” 

The print production department welcomed Ethan Lunow as the print production coordinator. Lunow has an undergraduate degree from John Brown University (BA in history, minors in business administration and New Testament Greek) along with graduate degrees from Wheaton College Graduate School (MA in Christian history, MA in historical theology).

Karen Savella Stallard joins IVP and the creative and customer engagement team as the part-time multimedia copywriter. Stallard has a background as an immigration lawyer with a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a juris doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

Iron Stream Media is excited to announce seven finalists in two Serious Writer Contests. Serious Writer is a club of writers and literary agents with a goal of providing free and affordable education as well as providing networking opportunities for authors of clean Christian books. Finalists will be announced June 30, 2021.

Book of the Year Semifinalists for books published January through December 2020:

• Say Yes by Britt Mooney
• Strength of a Woman Devotional by Lauren Crews
• Dakota Peace by Megan Kinney

Book of the Decade Contest for books published January through December 2020:

• Lake Surrender by Carol Grace Stratton
• Pursuing Prayer by Penny Cooke
• The Cheesehead Devotional Hall of Fame Edition by Judy DuCharme
• The Cheesehead Devotional Kickoff Edition by Judy DuCharme

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, LPC Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Book these authors as guest speakers or for book signings by contacting Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com.

Limited supply of giveaway copies available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or by emailing orders@ironstreammedia.com.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Relationship Goals, Michael Todd, CRAZY FAITH is an invitation to step out of a lackluster life of lazy faith and step into the adventurous, unpredictable, and purposeful life of crazy faith.

Based on the viral sermon series of the same name that has been viewed over 10M times, this message challenges readers to stop watching the life of faith from the sidelines, to step out of excuses and fear, and to step into the big, bold future God has for them.  To be released September 21, 2021 by WaterBrook as a hardcover publication.

World rights to CRAZY FAITH were acquired by Editorial Director Andrew Stoddard from Alex Field at The Bindery.

Rights queries, please contact Denise Cronin, decronin@prh.com

WaterBrook is an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

 

(Nashville, TN) June 1, 2021—Thomas Nelson announced today Janet Hill Talbert will become the new executive editor for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of the publishing group, beginning June 14, 2021. Talbert is a publishing veteran, having worked in the industry for 25 years, with most of her tenure in senior-level editorial roles.

Talbert spent 22 years at Doubleday serving in various editorial roles, including vice president and executive editor. During her time at the company, she edited seven New York Times bestsellers including the #1 New York Times bestselling book The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell. While at Doubleday, she also launched Harlem Moon, a paperback imprint and division of Broadway books.

She most recently served as senior editor for Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media, where she edited the devotionals Mornings with Jesus and Pray a Word a Day, as well as oversaw licensing for Bibles and non-fiction titles.

As executive editor for Nelson Books, Talbert will lead the imprint in identifying, acquiring, and developing industry-leading voices, reporting to Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher of Nelson Books.

Paulson commented, “Janet has a rare mix of deep experience in New York trade publishing as well as a heart for our faith-filled messages. We are thrilled to have her editorial expertise on our team.”

For more information about Nelson Books visit www.thomasnelson.com/nelsonbooks/, or follow @nelsonbooks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiples formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:
Chelsea Taff, Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137, Chelsea.Taff@harpercollins.com

The Cultural Commentators and Comedians Will Release Satirical Book on Culture, Wokeness, and Leftism

Washington, D.C.—Salem Books today announced a major deal with the editors behind The Babylon Bee, a conservative Christian satire site known for its satirical commentary on politics, current events, and well-known figures. Often referred as the evangelical Christian spin-off of The Onion, The Babylon Bee is best known for its tongue-in-cheek commentary of culture, and for making jokes at the expense of progressives and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, and Christians and atheists alike.

Known as the “most popular Christian satire website,” The Babylon Bee has been featured by Fox News, the New York Times, and Reuters. In typical satirical fashion and akin to the humor of its popular website, The Babylon Bee presents its latest satirical sensation: The Babylon Bee Guide to Wokeness, set for release in October 2021.

Salem Books Publisher Tim Peterson says, “For years, I have been one of the eight million people who turn to The Babylon Bee each month for entertainment. I’ve laughed out loud at their reports, and sometimes even said, ‘Oh my gosh. Did they really just write that?’ So publishing a book with Editor in Chief Kyle Mann and Managing Editor Joel Berry will be a career highlight. We expect sales will be robust.”

The Babylon Bee Guide to Wokeness focuses on how to “become woke” and how to become a Leftist in disguise: you must choose your pronouns, blame everyone else for your problems, and show the world how great you are by virtue-signaling on social media.

The Babylon Bee are also the creators behind How to Be a Perfect Christian (Multnomah, 2018) and The Sacred Texts of The Babylon Bee, Volume 1 (The Babylon Bee, 2020).

The Babylon Bee is represented by Steve Laube of the Steve Laube Agency in Phoenix, Arizona.

Salem Books is the evangelical Christian imprint of Regnery Publishing, a Salem Media Group Company. Founded on biblical principles, Salem Books seeks to enrich the lives of Christians and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus to the world through the written word.

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with properties comprising radio, digital media and book, magazine, and newsletter publishing.

Contact: Katie Anderson, Katie.Anderson@SalemBooks.com

‘Pastor Pod’ Provides Ability to Work From Anywhere with Ease

BELLINGHAM, Wash., June 2, 2021 – Faithlife, the makers of integrated ministry products including Logos Bible Software, will give one church leader the ultimate Pastor Pod, a fully refurbished Vintage 1966 Aristocrat Lo-Liner travel trailer. Designed as a quiet place for prayer, study, and sermon preparation, the Pastor Pod is the epitome of a social distancing tool.

Completely renovated with a new interior, the Pastor Pod is fully stocked with pastoral resources and mobile, allowing pastors to work from any location whether the woods, the beach or simply the driveway.

“Sometimes as a pastor, you need a quiet space to work distraction-free, especially after the last year,” said Bob Pritchett, Faithlife Co-Founder and CEO. “The Pastor Pod is the perfect solution for having a personal workspace and maintaining socially distanced precautions. It’s fully loaded with everything a church leader needs to prepare a sermon, have a video meeting, enjoy a cup of coffee, take a nap, or just get away from the kids for a few well-deserved minutes!”

The Pod is equipped with a ProArt display monitor on an adjustable arm, a charging station, a Keurig-Mini coffee maker, a microwave, mini-fridge, hot plate, space heater, sink and butcher block surface and a pull-out bed. Additionally, the Pod owner will receive a 10-volume pastoral library from Lexham Press, Logos Preaching Suite, Picturing Scripture devotional and art book, The Proclaim Guide to Beautiful Church Presentations book and a stack of ministry-focused magazines and coffee mugs.

Faithlife will give the Pastor Pod to a deserving leader on June 30. To be considered, simply watch a short video about Faithlife’s newest integrated ministry product, Faithlife Equip, and fill out the post-video form.

Enter to win the Pastor Pod at faithlife.com/pastor-pod.

About Faithlife
Faithlife, based in Bellingham, Washington, with offices in Arizona and Mexico, has been using technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible for 30 years. Since 1992, Faithlife has developed a full suite of church management tools, academic study resources, smart digital books, and Logos Bible Software, all part of its integrated ministry platform that automates tasks and simplifies workflows. For more information, visit Faithlife.com.

Media Contact: Kristin Cole, 972-267-1111, kristin@alarryross.com

Greensboro, NC—New Growth Press is delighted to announce the addition of Alecia Sharp to their team as Creative Director. Sharp will be oversee the shaping of creative design strategy across all areas, including cover design, marketing, branding, web design, and editorial platforms.

“Alecia brings to New Growth Press a wealth of experience, including her time as creative director at Christianity Today. She will be leading a strong design team that has already produced award-winning cover design and illustrated children’s books. We are looking forward to her innovative guidance to take our design and branding to the next level,” shares Barbara Juliani, Vice President and Editorial Director of New Growth Press.

Sharp previously served 15 years at Christianity Today as a designer and art director for CT magazine and various other publications including Ignite Your Faith, Christian College Guide, Your Church, Today’s Christian Woman, Outcomes magazine, and a variety of special issues. For the past six years, she provided leadership ministry-wide as Creative Director at Christianity Today and provided strategy for appropriately unifying design approaches across all CT brands. As part of her role, Sharp collaborated with the editorial, marketing, and publishing teams on strategy and execution.

“I am so thrilled to be joining the New Growth team and to have an opportunity to continue bringing my skills to bear at a Kingdom-minded organization—especially one where I have the opportunity and responsibility to make content beautiful, accessible, and compelling for adults and children alike,” says Sharp.

Since 2006, New Growth Press (NGP) has provided churches, families, and individuals with life-changing books, small group resources, and minibooks that are grounded in scriptural truth and the gospel of grace. NGP strives to proclaim truth, mercy, and the transforming power of the gospel to a needy world, offering a biblical-counseling approach to tough issues in relationships, marriage, and parenting and publishing discipleship materials for all ages and missional resources to equip the church. NGP produces resources that are theological robust, meet the needs of the Christian community, and point people all over the world to Christ.

For more information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903-874-8363

 

Stephen E. Strang, Founder and CEO of Charisma Media: New Structure Streamlines Organization and ‘Can Better Serve the Christian Community’

ORLANDO, FLA.— Stephen E. Strang, founder and CEO of Charisma Media, announced on June 3 that the company is combining its multi-media and book groups effective immediately. The announcement comes the same week Charisma Media celebrates its 40^th anniversary as a company.

The new structure combines magazines, books, the MEV Bible, digital products and the Charisma Podcast Network into the two areas of markets and operations. With many changes in the industry, this change of structure will allow Charisma Media to develop new channels for their audience and maximize their digital footprint to distribute their content.

Dr. Steve Greene serves as Executive Vice President of Media and Markets, and Ken Peckett is Executive Vice President of Operations at Charisma Media.

“This new structure streamlines our organization, minimizes duplication and overhead, and positions us for growth,” said Strang. “In the process, we can better serve the Christian community and pursue our passion to encourage people to experience the power of the Holy Spirit.”

To interview Stephen E. Strang or a Charisma Media spokesperson, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Jeff Tolson, 610.584.1096, ext. 108, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.

CONTACT:  Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Jeff Tolson, 610.584.1096, ext. 108 or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102

Largest Book Producer in the United States Gets a New Name to Carry on the Company’s Legacy as the Premier Service Provider to Publishing Customers

Norwalk, CT – LSC Communications announced today that its Book Division, the largest book producer in the United States, will now operate as Lakeside Book Company (“Lakeside”). In addition to book manufacturing, Lakeside provides distribution, sales and marketing services, as well as IP and brand protection technology for book publishers and others requiring premium quality print and distribution-related services. The new name of the Book Division as Lakeside Book Company is rooted in the company’s rich history and marks a renewed commitment to providing best-in-class printing and fulfillment services.

“Lakeside Book Company represents the best of our past and the opportunity to build on that foundation and write our future as the go-to book producer for publishers large and small. The Lakeside name is a nod to our roots and symbolic of the trust our company has earned to help stories of all kinds be shared. We have taken the opportunity to revisit our company values and align ourselves around the true purpose of our business: crafting books for readers and serving our publishing customers,” says Dave McCree, CEO of Lakeside Book Company.

Lakeside Book Company is a nod to Lakeside Classics, the longest running, continuous series of books in America and the only work published under the Lakeside Press imprint. A tradition that dates back to 1903 when T.E. Donnelley, son of the founder and president of RR Donnelley & Sons Company, began giving special edition books as gifts each holiday season. The Lakeside name is synonymous with tradition and evokes the past while recognizing the evolution of the books division from part of RR Donnelley to LSC Communications and now as Lakeside Book Company.

For information contact: 
Brittyne Lewis, Director, Publisher Services & Lakeside Marketing Group, brittyne.d.lewis@lakesidebook.com

In her new book, THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF GOD’S WORD Joyce Meyer Teaches Children to discover how Powerful God’s Word is!

Young readers will discover just how powerful God’s Word is in this hardcover collection of Scripture and encouragement, newly adapted from #1 New York Times best-selling author Joyce Meyer’s The Secret Power of Speaking God’s Word.

THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF GOD’S WORD (FaithWords, June 8, 2021, ISBN: 9781546034445 ) will help children get to know God as they read his promises aloud and apply his words to their lives. Grouped by topic, each entry in the book contains Bible verses, a child-friendly interpretation of each verse, and words of comfort and encouragement from Joyce Meyer. Topics include God’s care and protection of his children, being kind, loving family and friends, and telling the truth.

Perfect for throwing in a backpack or stowing under a pillow, this book is a great companion for growing hearts. Kids will become stronger, braver, kinder, and more loving as they read God’s promises and learn to apply them in their lives.