(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

Laura Barker, Vice President, Publisher of WaterBrook and Multnomah, announced the promotion of Susan Tjaden to Executive Editor, WaterBrook and Multnomah, effective immediately, continuing to report to Andrew Stoddard, Editorial Director.

“Since she first joined WaterBrook and  Multnomah as associate editor in 2012, Susan has consistently been a team player, always ready to take on new challenges and alert to opportunities to strengthen our publishing program,” said Barker. “In her subsequent roles, most recently as Senior Editor, she has demonstrated a keen eye for commercial projects, having acquired and edited several New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, including The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi, Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley, and The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker. In addition to her impressive stable of authors, Susan leads the Ink & Willow team in developing creative, beautiful products for WaterBrook’s line of interactive inspirational resources.”

Barker added, “Susan is known for her ability to inspire authors to their best work as well as for her flexibility in editing across a variety of genres, from self-help and motivational titles to memoir, Christian living, and devotionals. Beloved by authors and agents, she also is highly valued by her colleagues for her sense of humor, encouraging words, and commitment to excellence in every aspect of publishing.”

The WaterBrook and Multnomah team congratulates Susan Tjaden on her new role.

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

[Nashville, Tenn., February 1, 2021—] According to a survey by Lifeway Research of 1,000 American Protestant pastors, 69 percent agreed that pornography has adversely affected the lives of church members.

In an age of unprecedented access to sexual temptation, Christian families, churches and society are being devastated by a pornography epidemic. Pastor and author Joe Rigney’s new book, “More than a Battle” (B&H Publishing, February 2021), offers Christian men hope for successfully fleeing sexual immorality and living faithfully.

Drawing on the Scriptures, his personal experience, and his pastoral counseling as a minister to children and families, Rigney frames the struggle with lust as a fierce battle, an enslaving addiction, and a deep brokenness beneath the banner of Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Rigney shows us that through the gospel it is the Holy Spirit that gives us victory, sets us free, and heals our wounds.

“This book is for readers who sincerely want to be delivered from the chains of pornography and sexual sin—or want to help those who are bound by those chains,” Rigney said. “I’ve used the strategies outlined here in my ministry for 15 years, so I believe they can help readers overcome sexual temptation and live a life of integrity and holiness.”

“More than a Battle” is designed for two different groups: men who are presently struggling with lust and pornography and men who want to help them. Many books on the fight with sexual sin are targeted at the first group. Rigney’s book was born out of a philosophy of ministry that seeks to equip the saints for the work of ministry. In it, he offers practical strategies grounded in God’s word for fighting sexual sin and growing in wisdom and godliness.

Rigney writes about his personal battle with sexual sin that started when he was only 13. He is able to empathize with readers while pointing them to the victory that is possible through Christ—one he has experienced himself. He has authored six books and is a frequent writer for The Gospel Coalition and Desiring God.

For more information, visit morethanabattle.com.

Joe Rigney (PhD, University of Chester) is president-elect and assistant professor of theology and literature at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is also a pastor at Cities Church and the author of “Live Like a Narnian,” “The Things of Earth,” “Lewis on the Christian Life” and “Strangely Bright: Can We Love God and Enjoy This World?” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and three sons.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team of mission minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church, and academic markets, titles include “The New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers “The Love Dare” and “The Vow,” No. 1 CBA bestseller “I Am a Church Member,” as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

 

Iron Stream Media is thrilled to welcome Paul Shepherd as our national key account representative. An industry veteran, Shepherd has worked in the Christian publishing industry for more than thirty years, including at Thomas Nelson, Hachette, Standard Publishing, R. H. Boyd Publishing, Random House, and World Publishing. He began his publishing career with Thomas Nelson and saw the explosion of independent retail bookstores and chains in the 1980s and1990s, first as a field rep and later as national account manager. Since beginning at Thomas Nelson, Shepherd has worked with many other publishers in sales as well as launching new imprints and managing acquisitions. This breadth of industry knowledge helped him open Shepherd Literary Services, a full-service literary agency. His most notable titles are Lee Greenwood’s Proud to Be an American and award-winning author Jenny Cote’s The Epic Order of Seven.

For Iron Stream Media, Shepherd will work with retail accounts to help them select books that will touch the hearts of their customers. He enjoys helping people tell their story through books and seeing others being blessed by those books, so getting these books into the hands of our retail partners brings him joy.

When not working, Shepherd enjoys sports, including golf and biking, and has even run half marathons. Prior to entering the publishing world, Shepherd taught high school and coached high school football in Texas. He remains in touch with many of his students through social media. He and his wife, Irma, live in Franklin, TN, and love their dogs. They attend church at Grace Chapel, southwest of Franklin.

CHARLOTTE, NC– The Good Book Company is pleased to announce that Brian Thomasson has been appointed as Vice President of Editorial. Brian will oversee the continued development of TGBC’s publishing line-up, focusing particularly on the acquisition of key adult trade books and inputting into the strategic vision and priorities for the company’s editorial approach.

“We are thrilled that Brian has chosen to join TGBC,” said Carl Laferton, EVP Publishing at The Good Book Company. “He will be a key part of continuing our trajectory of rapid growth as we seek to serve the church worldwide with biblical, accessible, and relevant titles. Brian brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in finding and acquiring faithful, impactful books. I’m excited to have him join our team.”

Brian has twenty years of experience in acquisitions and concept development and has worked on books with best-selling authors in the general and Christian markets across a broad range of genres. He served at Waterbrook Multnomah and NavPress before most recently working as Executive Editor at Baker Publishing.

Brian said, “Ministry-minded and mission-driven, The Good Book Company’s focus centers with my own, and with the heart of God for our world. I am deeply honored to join the leadership team at TGBC in their good work going forward.”

Brian starts at TGBC on February 1, 2021, and will work remotely from his home office in Monument, Colorado. He can be reached at brian.thomasson@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

For more information please contact publicity@thegoodbook.com or (866) 244-2165.