Award will recognize and amplify authors of color and their stories

FEBRUARY 15, 2021 – TEMPE, ARIZ. – The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has launched a new award within The Christy Award® program called the Christy Own Voice Award.

The Christy Own Voice Award is intended to elevate and recognize authors of color and their stories in the Christy Award program; while raising awareness of The Christy Award® opportunity among Christian fiction writers of color.

“The Christy Own Voice Award is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of Christian publishers to advance BIPOC authors and the stories they tell,” states ECPA president Stan Jantz.  “We are grateful to the Christy Advisory Committee and consultant Jevon Bolden for their important input and development of this program.”

The Christy Award® was established in 1999 to acknowledge the value and impact of Christian fiction. Since that time, the Christy’s have been a focal point for storytellers and their publishers, symbolizing the best aspirations and accomplishments of those who write from a perspective of faith.

The Christy Own Voice Award will recognize works from authors of color whose book topic, setting or character/s, borrow from the author’s own experience or perspective as a person of color.  The novel must first be entered into a traditional Christy Award category, and can be nominated — at no additional cost — to also be evaluated for the Own Voice Award.

The Christy Own Voice Award can be presented in any year to a fiction book nomination that meets the submission criteria for a Christy Award entry; is nominated as an “Own Voice” novel per the defined criteria; and that judges have determined as worthy for award.  A book’s entry for the Own Voice Award will not affect its nomination for The Christy Award® in its entered category.

Beginning this year, publishers and individual authors have the option to nominate titles for Own Voice Award consideration when they submit their entries for The Christy Award.  The nomination period for The Christy Award® is March 1-31, 2021 with submissions available in nine fiction categories.

Last October, ECPA hosted a webinar as part of the Christy Art of Writing program called “Conversations on Diversity & Inclusion in Christian Fiction” with literary agent Jevon Bolden (Embolden Media), publisher Jamie Lapeyrolerie (WaterBrook), and writers Tasha Jun and Rachel Kang.  The discussion gave authors guidance on how to amplify the voices of authors of color, how to be authentic when writing characters of a different racial or ethnic background, and why diverse stories have a staying power beyond the current cultural moment. That recorded conversation – and the resources given at that webinar — are now available on the ECPA website.

The Christy Own Voice Award is among several ECPA initiatives that help resource Christian publishers toward their desire to advance diversity and inclusion in their publishing programs.

For more information, visit ChristyAwards.com/Own-Voice.

For more information about submissions for The Christy Award program, visit https://www.ecpa.org/page/christy_submissions.

---

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

The Christy Award® is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, “Christy,” which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing. ChristyAwards.com

Media Contacts:
Stan Jantz, President & CEO, sjantz@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 101
Cindy Carter, Awards & Recognition Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 103

Scott James helps parents answer their children’s questions about keeping themselves and others safe and well 

Being sick can be a scary thing, especially for children. God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick (New Growth Press/February 8, 2021) by Dr. Scott James shows both kids and their parents that God is right there with them in their time of need, even in the middle of a pandemic. Not only can they trust him to take care of them, but they also have the privilege of imitating him while caring for others.

Kids are always full of questions, and parents are sure to have heard some of these in recent months: Why do we have to wear a mask? Why can’t we see Grandma and Grampa today? What if I get sick? Dr. James uses the true-to-life story of Lucas to help with the answers to these often-difficult questions.

When Lucas wakes up with a sore throat, his parents show that God is always caring for him—even when he doesn’t feel well. They remind Lucas that Jesus is with him even during difficult days, and he can always go to Jesus and ask for help, especially when he is scared or worried. When he visits the doctor, Lucas also learns how important it is to care for those around him and to make sure that everyone does their best to not let others get sick.

As children follow Lucas through his sick day, they will discover how God cares for them and how they can care for others when they are sick. This timely book helps parents and caregivers talk with children about illness and how they can show God’s love to their friends and family by helping to keep them safe. They will also learn that although anyone can get sick, God is caring for them and will be with them through whatever they face.

“I think of this book as COVID-relevant, but not COVID-specific,” James explains. “The broader theme of helping children walk through times of pain and suffering is central to my role as a pediatrician and is something I often think through from a pastoral perspective as well. God Cares for Me follows Lucas through a sick day and a scary visit to the doctor’s office, but the bigger story is how God provides comfort and care all along the way. My prayer is that whatever illness a family might be facing, this book will be a reminder that God is a trustworthy refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2).”

God Cares for Me is part of the God Made Me Series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series illustrated by Trish Mahoney contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.

“My hope is that this book will spark ongoing conversations within families. The back section, ‘Talking with Kids about Sickness,’ gives parents a few suggestions on how to navigate those conversations. I encourage parents to approach these difficult topics in a way that acknowledges the hard reality of what it’s like having to deal with pain and suffering, but consistently points to the comforting truth that God has not left us to manage on our own,” shares James.

Matt Smethurst, author and Managing Editor of The Gospel Coalition recommends God Cares for Me saying, “Here is the heart of a father, pastor, and experienced doctor brought to bear on the heart of a fearful child. I can’t envision a Christian family with young kids who shouldn’t own this book and regularly rehearse its truths.”

God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick
by Scott James, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney
February 8, 2021 / Hardback / Retail Price: $15.99
Print ISBN 978-1-645071-92-1
Religion / Christian Ministry / Children

Scott James, MD, serves as an elder at The Church at Brook Hills. He and his wife, Jaime, have four children and live in Birmingham, AL, where he works as a pediatric infectious diseases physician.  He is the author of two family worship books, The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent and Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional, as well as the illustrated children’s books The Littlest Watchman, Where Is Wisdom?, and God Cares for Me.
James has also been a columnist for ParentLife Magazine and a contributor to online outlets such as The Gospel Coalition, Story Warren, Radical, ERLC, and LifeWay. He serves the ERLC as a Senior Research Fellow and has been a speaker at ERLC events. He partners with Focus on the Family as a member of their Physician Resource Council and also serves as a Fellow for the Center for Baptist Renewal.  Follow Scott James on Twitter (@scott_h_james) and Instagram (@scott_h_james).

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Salem, OR where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children—both budding artists too. Trish illustrated The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and is also the illustrator for the God Made Me series.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903-874-8363

 

Ada, Mich. (February 9, 2021)—Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that they have signed a new contract with Shannan Martin, author of Falling Free and The Ministry of Ordinary Places.

Her first of the two books will focus on practical and tangible ways to love one another fully by engaging in the hard work of kinship and mutual belonging within vastly divided community.

“There is no zip code, no cul-de-sac, no apartment complex, or stretch of dirt road where belonging isn’t actively taking shape,” Martin said.

Scheduled for a fall 2022 release, the book will unpack the metaphor of a garden, challenging readers to move from independence to interdependence, from individualism to the strength of community, and bloom together in the Kingdom of God.

“We are thrilled to partner with Shannan and serve her ever-growing readership,” said Kelsey Bowen, Revell acquisitions editor. “Thousands of readers gravitate to her because of her incredible work, which is always drenched in beauty, grace, and honesty. What Shannan writes about is what she does on the ground in her everyday life—that work of actively loving her neighbors and local community. It’s an honor to collaborate with her on her next two books. Her words may be timely, but they’re also enduring in any cultural atmosphere.”

Martin says, “I’m excited to be linking arms with Revell. At the heart of this book is the quiet belief that faith is meant to be more than daily quiet time and regular church attendance. It’s personal to a degree, yes. But it’s not private. I want to invite readers to consider the Kingdom of God, the connection we all share, in all its vibrancy, complexity, and surprise. We are a garden and we all belong to one another.”

Shannan Martin, author of The Ministry of Ordinary Places and Falling Free, is a speaker and writer who found her voice in the country and her story in the city. Martin, her jail-chaplain husband, Cory, and their kids, live as grateful neighbors in Goshen, Indiana, where she works as a cook at a community soup kitchen.

Revell Books provides books that inspire and equip readers, offering them hope and help for daily life. Learn more at www.RevellBooks.com.

Contact: Kelli B. Smith, (616) 676-9185 x 394 ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

The 2021 Taipei International Book Exhibition moved online amid concerns over COVID-19. It adjusted its run, from the original offline plan to finish on January 31 to a new schedule which keeps all its digital offerings available through May 31.

The book fair was hosted by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan with the Guest of Honor country, Korea.

At the opening ceremony at 11:30 am on the 26th, a congratulatory message from Taiwanese Minister of Culture Mr. Yung-Te Lee, a greeting message from the Chairman of the Korean Publishers Association, Mr. Yoon Chul-Ho, and a special reading performance video clips were presented through the YouTube channel.

International publishing forums and online pitching programs to share knowledge and information, copyright exchange, and network of publishing experts in Korea and Taiwan were also held. In the pitching program, 14 publishers and agencies from Korea and 15 publishers from Taiwan participated in various copyright exchanges, including the export of published contents.

Christian publishing company Urim Books, an international member of ECPA, introduced the biblical figure book series:  “Abraham, the Friend of God,” “Jacob I Have Chosen, Descendant of Abraham, My Friend,” and “Joseph, A Passage to God’s Covenant.” They also presented another book series entitled “Spirit, Soul and Body”(Volume1)(Volume2) to the Taiwanese publishers and agencies.  Also, Urim’s 10 titles were introduced through the book fair’s official website.

(Nashville, TN) February 4, 2021—Thomas Nelson announced today that Jennifer Gingerich will become the next associate publisher for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson.  Gingerich has spent more than fifteen years working within the publishing industry in writing, editorial, and content development.

As associate publisher, Gingerich will lead the editorial strategy for Nelson Books, overseeing the editorial process and helping to shape the acquisitions strategy for the imprint. She will also assume day-to-day management of the editorial production team.

Gingerich’s experience includes leading and directing content development for Ramsey Solutions and working with brands like Financial Peace University and Foundations in Personal Finance for high school and college students.  She has worked with titles such as the No. 1 New York Times bestseller Smart Money, Smart Kids by Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey and highly-rated The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity by Dave Ramsey.  Other projects include national bestselling titles Everyday Millionaires and Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan, and The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman.   Gingerich also spent four years at Thomas Nelson working with children’s products including Veggie Tales® VBS and Read & Share® Bible Preschool Curriculum.

Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books commented, “Jennifer has dedicated her entire career to the written word, crafting great books and building amazing teams.  We are thrilled to have her breadth of knowledge and experience on the Nelson Books team.”

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.

(February 5, 2021) – Today, the Parable Group released its 2021 State of Christian Retailing report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. Progress, pandemic challenges, and important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead.

Drawing on $58 million in sales data and 1.7 million consumer receipts reported to ParableConnect by 230 U.S. Christian retailers—along with nationwide survey results—the report highlights include: comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, analysis of year-end sales, strategies for retail growth, and stories of exemplary retailers.

The report also highlights surprising key findings: Christian retail sales after the March-May 2020 shutdowns have continued to comp prior year’s sales. Overall, same-store sales were slightly up (0.9%) during the second half of 2020. Additionally, a January 2021 nationwide survey revealed that 87% of Christian retailers indicated a positive outlook for the future.

“We have been surprised and delighted once again by the resiliency and tenacity of independent Christian retailers,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “Amid disruption and business shutdowns, these retailers have persisted with fortitude and fervor. And, based on the findings presented in our report, we can see that their loyal shoppers have supported them even in the toughest of times.”

To view the report, click here. For a guided tour of the report, join industry peers on The State of Christian Retailing webinar, to be held on February 10th 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

Newburyport, MA, February 1, 2021 — Media Do International, the US based subsidiary of Media Do Ltd., in Japan, today announced that they have acquired all of the shares of Quality Solutions/Firebrand Technologies and NetGalley from their current shareholders. Fran Toolan, founder and CEO of the companies, will remain on as CEO for a minimum of three years.

“We are very pleased to bring Firebrand and NetGalley into the Media Do family,” says Daihei Shiohama, CEO of Media Do International. “We have long respected the works of the Firebrand Group, and are very excited about the prospects of working closely with them in the future.”

CHICAGO, IL—Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is excited to announce the formation of new in-house field sales representation, led by Michael Riley, vice president of sales, as part of a series of growth initiatives moving into IPG’s 50^th anniversary in 2021.

“This is an opportunity to deepen our relationships with booksellers and partner with them more closely to bring independent voices to readers,” said Riley.

This new field sales team will work directly with independent bookstores and other trade accounts in the US, complemented by IPG’s experienced corporate team who work directly with national accounts, library and education accounts, and special sales accounts.

IPG plans to hire dedicated field sales representatives in the spring of 2021. Focusing on three territories—East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast—these locally established sales reps will work directly in those geographic locations to establish closer ties between IPG and the stores and chains located throughout. Newly hired Trade Sales Manager and publishing veteran Chris Conti will lead the field sales team, focusing specifically on the Midwest territory.

As part of this expansion and reorganization of field sales, IPG is parting ties with their current commission sales representatives effective May 1.

Added Riley, “Our reps have been valued colleagues supportive of independent publishing for many years, and we thank them for their work on behalf of IPG and its publisher clients.”

IPG continues to be represented by the Manda group in Canada, which reports to Scott Hatfill, IPG’s director of international sales.

Throughout 2021 IPG will be announcing further plans tied to their 50^th year in book publishing and distribution.  Previously announced expansions tied to the 50^th anniversary include:

• Chicago Review Press Acquires Fulcrum Publishing Titles
• Triumph Books and Authentic Brands Group Launch Sports Illustrated Frontlist Books

Further details surrounding 50^th anniversary plans can be found at www.ipgbook.com/50th.

Contact: Alisse Goldsmith-Wissman | Publicity Manager | 312.337.0747 | agoldsmithwissman@ipgbook.com

 

Features a collection of short stories to inspire kids to make a difference in the world

Available for pre-order now. On-sale Tuesday, Feb. 16.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 28, 2021) – As we seek to bring light, laughter, and abundant grace to today’s world, the Goff trademark positive, uplifting storytelling about unconditional love continues to resonate with every generation. Lindsey Goff Viducich teams up with her dad, New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff, with a mission to get children excited about being themselves, caring for others, and making a difference in the world in their new book, “Everybody, Always for Kids.”

Based on Bob Goff’s New York Times bestselling book “Everybody, Always,” “Everybody, Always for Kids” draws kids into a collection of 40 inspirational and entertaining stories. With an exuberant faith, Bob and Lindsey share real-life experiences, providing concrete lessons for kids that show how loving everybody, always, can change the world.

“Our first book, “Love Does for Kids” focused on general themes about who God is, what He thinks of us, and how we put our faith into action,” said Viducich. “This book is the next step after that, answering the question — Now that you know what it means to follow Jesus, what does it mean to show love to other people? There are lots of people in the world who are easy to love, but how do we love people who are difficult for us to love? We looked up very teaching in the Bible about loving others and tied each of those with a story. These stories cover themes like showing honor to others, giving cheerfully, and loving our neighbor.”

In “Everybody, Always for Kids,” the Goffs share a delightful call for kids to live out their own marvelous adventure of loving others. Through each story, the Goffs recall the childlike wonder they’ve experienced in their regular day to day life like using a walkie-talkie to talk to a neighbor, swapping places with a limo driver, pretending to be a wax figure, go-kart racing and more.

“Everybody, Always for Kids” (ISBN# 9781400220830) will be available in hardcover ($17.99) and e-book ($9.99) formats.

*ADVANCED REVIEW COPIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*

About the Authors:

BOB GOFF is the author of the New York Times bestselling “Love Does” and “Everybody, Always” as well as the bestselling “Love Does for Kids.” He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does-a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia. He’s a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob’s greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and, most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria Goff, and spend time with theiramazing kids. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.

LINDSEY GOFF VIDUCICH loves kids. She began her teaching career at a therapeutic childcare center in Seattle and went on to teach kindergarten in Nashville; first grade in Salem, Oregon; and both first and second grades in San Diego. Lindsey lives with her husband, Jon, and spends most of her free time creating art and living new stories with her family.

About the Illustrator:  

DIANE LE FEYER is a French illustrator. Even as a child, she always knew that one day she would draw wonderful pictures for kids to enjoy! She also teaches students what she knows about illustration at Emile Cohl School. She’s published in France, the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, and many more countries, and she’s the illustrator of a French hit children’s comic, which has sold more than a million copies. Diane is very busy with her life as a teacher, artist, mother, Star Wars enthusiast, and bad cook. She has two darling children, a loving husband, and three goldfish.

About Tommy Nelson:  

Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Media contact: Natividad Lewis, Publicist, 931.698.9620 natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com