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 50th 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 50th year in book publishing and distribution. Previously announced expansions tied to the 50th anniversary include:
- Chicago Review Press Acquires Fulcrum Publishing Titles
- Triumph Books and Authentic Brands Group Launch Sports Illustrated Frontlist Books
Further details surrounding 50th anniversary plans can be found at www.ipgbook.com/50th.
Contact: Alisse Goldsmith-Wissman | Publicity Manager | 312.337.0747 | agoldsmithwissman@ipgbook.com
Grand, Rapids, Mich. (Jan. 2020)— Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to release the NIV Verse Mapping Bible created by award-winning author and former women’s ministry leader and speaker, Kristy Cambron.
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.”
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.
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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
(Nashville, Tenn.)—W Publishing Group, and imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced Chasity Edwards as its new publicity manager. Edwards brings more than eight years of publicity and marketing expertise to the team, across multiple industries including sports, entertainment and live events.
Ada, Mich. (Jan. 19, 2021)— Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, recently signed a two-book deal for Rachel Kang’s first published books.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company has announced the completion of the Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament (TDOT).




