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Warner Press acquires WordAlive! and Abingdon Press bulletin lines from UMPH

December 2, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

ANDERSON, IN:  Warner Press is pleased to announce the company’s acquisition of WordAlive! worship bulletins and the Abingdon Press stock bulletin lines from United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH).

Production on the new lines begins in 2020.

The acquisition brings Warner Press’s bulletin offerings to ten distinct lines, positioning the company as a leading provider of bulletins to the church and trade markets. Adding WordAlive! expands the Warner Press offerings to include the Revised Common Lectionary line offering.

“UMPH is delighted to enter into this new arrangement with Warner Press which will leverage the strengths of both our organizations. Warner Press excels in bulletin design and quality. For UMPH, this partnership frees up talent and resources to develop new products and services for the changing church while seamlessly providing the bulletins and worship resources our Cokesbury customers rely on,” said Tammy Gaines, CFO, UMPH.

Eric King, President of Warner Press, said, “This is an exciting opportunity to partner with the UMPH in providing these relevant resources of exceptional quality to their church communities and trade partners. We will stay true to the mission of the United Methodist Church and its use of the Revised Common Lectionary and the Common English Translation.

“Warner Press has an excellent in-house creative team that stays up-to-date on fresh design and writing. We continue to find new ways of helping equip the church to share the good news of Jesus with bulletins that welcome people into churches, help lead them into a spirit of worship, that express care, and aid in church growth.”

Abingdon Press, an imprint of the UMPH, offers stock bulletins for seasons, holidays, Communion, church-related events, and wedding and graduation celebrations. Currently, over 70 bulletins are offered with an array of images, scriptures, and Christ-centered captions.

About Warner Press: Founded in 1881, Warner Press publishes and distributes Christian products worldwide, including curriculum, ministry resources, church supplies, bulletins, kids’ books, and boxed greeting cards. Warner Press also owns and produces artwork by Warner Sallman that includes some of the most recognizable images of Christ known throughout the world. Warner Press offices are located in Anderson, Indiana.

For further information, please visit www.WarnerPress.org, or call 800-741-7721.

Contact: Mike Meadows, Communications, Warner Press, 800-741-7721, Ext 4520, Mike@WarnerPress.org

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HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s Children’s and Gift Group announces two promotions

November 25, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Jennifer Gott named associate publisher and Kristi Smith appointed senior director, marketing for Gift books

Nashville, Tenn. (November 18, 2019) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) last week appointed Jennifer Gott as the new associate publisher and Kristi Smith as senior marketing director for the Gift book publishing imprints, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift.

Last week HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus announced together a new operational structure for a cohesive Children’s and Gift group, with Laura Minchew leading the strategy as the senior vice president and group publisher. Under the new structure, Gott will report directly to Minchew and Smith will report to Michael Aulisio, the v-p of marketing for the group. Both Gott and Smith will focus their efforts on HCCP’s Gift books, which are beautiful, high designed products such as devotionals, journals, lifestyle and traditional gift books.

Gott is a twenty-year publishing veteran and has been with HCCP since 2011, most recently servicing as the editorial director for Tommy Nelson and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift books. In this role she directed the editorial strategy for authors including Sarah Young, Emily Ley, Sadie Robertson, and Louie Giglio, as well as bestselling Jesus Calling brands which together have sold more than 30 million copies.

In her new role of associate publisher, Gott will oversee editorial and acquisitions for the Gift team, work with key authors, develop strategy, and maintain the budget for Zondervan Gift and Thomas Nelson Gift.

“Jennifer has done fabulous work in mentoring and managing the editorial team, setting processes for workflow, and helping to deliver excellent books,” said Laura Minchew, senior v-p, Children’s and Gift Group publisher. “She has wonderful rapport with key authors and brands, and I can’t wait to see her step into her new role as associate publisher.”

Smith, also a twenty-year publishing veteran, joins the Gift team from her previous role as marketing director for W Publishing, a non-fiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, Smith has led marketing campaigns and brand development projects for high-profile authors including Billy Graham, Kathie Lee Gifford, Dr. David Jeremiah, and more.

As senior director of marketing for Gift books, Smith will cultivate author and agent relationships, spearhead strategic marketing plans, and work creatively to discover new markets for products.

“Our team could not be more excited to have Kristi join us.  Kristi’s passion for the mission of inspiring lives has long driven her tremendous career with W Publishing and shows through in her marketing excellence and deep relationships,” said Michael Aulisio, v-p marketing, children’s and gift books. We absolutely can’t wait for her enthusiastic leadership and creativity to be applied to our gift books and authors.”

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher and comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

HarperCollins Focus, LLC. owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109
Casey.Harrell@HarperCollins.com

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Sara Broun hired as publicity director for W Publishing

November 25, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Nashville, Tenn. (November 19, 2019) — Thomas Nelson today announced Sara Broun as the new publicity director for the W Publishing division.

Broun has over thirteen years of publicity experience, most recently managing national publicity campaigns for authors including Rachel Hollis, Gary Sinise, Kerri Rawson, and Randy Travis. Prior to this, she spent ten years managing entertainment and live event PR for organizations including the Nashville Ballet and Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR).

In her new role as publicity director for W Publishing, Broun will oversee the team’s publicity strategy, determining the best approach for gaining the most effective, wide-spread media coverage through strategic campaigns, brand awareness, and author and media relationship building.

“The W Team is thrilled to have Sara as our new publicity director,” said Caren Wolfe, vice president of marketing for W Publishing. “Her experience, broad-reaching media relationships, and ability to work with authors in various stages of their careers will be a huge asset to our 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 multiple 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, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109,
Casey.Harrell@HarperCollins.com

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LittAfrica 2019: Bringing words to life in Africa

November 25, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA) – “LittAfrica was such a huge blessing to me. It took us to a deeper level of relationship with each other,” said publisher Luka Vandi Uti of Nigeria. “I gained knowledge of publishing needs across Africa.”

Pastor Luka, general manager of Africa Christian Textbooks (ACTS), was one of 120 publishing staff and writers from 21 African nations who participated in LittAfrica, MAI’s first all-Africa training conference, November 5 to 7, in Accra, Ghana.

At MAI’s LittAfrica conference in Ghana, Editions PBA of Benin was named 2019 recipient of the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award. Publishing Director Georges Late (left) came forward to accept it from MAI President John Maust (right) and Ramon Rocha, director of publisher development (middle). Photo by Prince Makaya, Liberty Visions, Kenya

Every session was led or co-led by an African resource leader, 27 in all.  Plenary speakers included:Lara Odebiyi of Nigeria, founder of Dabira women’s magazine; Coby Asmah of Ghana, innovative founder and CEO of TYPE Company Ltd.; and Wambura Kimunyu of Kenya, CEO of Eneza Education; among others.  More than 20 small-group workshops taught practical skills in digital publishing, writing, editing, design/illustration, marketing, management, and more.

“A high level of professionalism permeated the conference, from the quality of the sessions to even the signage and branding,” said MAI President John Maust.  “Attenders quickly felt at home with one another, actively engaging in the sessions, and they came away with fresh tools and inspiration to better serve their readers through the written word.”

Agnes Singine had dreamed of launching a Christian publishing house for Zambia, where not one Christian publisher existed. A veteran editor with 25 years’ experience in publishing, Agnes wrote after the conference, “I hope to carry on bringing words to life and fulfilling the Great Commission through writing.” This week she registered Bespoke Publishing House as her business name.

“I thank the MAI-Africa team of Trustees who helped bring this conference together, Lawrence Darmani of Step Publishers, and his stellar local organizing team,” said Rose Inziani Birenge, chair of MAI-Africa.

During LittAfrica, MAI announced the  2019 recipient of the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award, an annual award named for MAI’s founding president recognizing ministry excellence by a Christian publisher serving in a challenging context.  MAI Director of Publisher Development Ramon Rocha III announced Editions PBA of Benin as the recipient, with Publishing Director Georges Laté coming forward to accept it. Founded in 1985, PBA focuses on publishing French-speaking African authors as the publishing arm of the IFES student ministry in Francophone Africa.

“I have learnt that there is power in unity. I have been inspired by people’s stories, and I have learnt a lot of valuable lessons both as a leader of a publishing house and a writer,” wroteLillian Tindyebwa, co-founder of Quiet Garden Publishing House in Uganda.

“This is going to change the landscape of Christian publishing in Africa for years to come and even forever!” she wrote.

Since 1985, MAI has advanced the Gospel by equipping local Christian publishers, editors and writers in 79 countries on 5 continents. These trainings have resulted in more locally published Christian books and articles written in the heart language and culture of readers.  www.littworld.org

For photos or further details, email mai@littworld.org or call (630) 260-9063.
Connect with MAI: littworld.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.

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“A Subversive Gospel” wins the Conference on Christianity & Literature Book of the Year for Literary Criticism

November 25, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

The Conference on Christianity & Literature has announced that A Subversive Gospel: Flannery O’Connor and the Reimagining of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth by Michael Mears Bruner was chosen as the 2020 CCL Book of the Year for literary criticism.

“Bruner breaks new ground in O’Connor studies by discussing in detail the influence of Friedrich von Hügel upon her work,” said Gregory Maillet, professor of English at Crandall University and former coeditor of Christianity and Literature. “Seeing O’Connor’s work as an expression of the many subversive elements of the Christian gospel, Bruner’s critical approach helps us understand how O’Connor asks us to reimagine what beauty, goodness, and truth might mean in the modern world.”

In A Subversive Gospel, Bruner explores O’Connor’s theological aesthetic and argues that she reveals what discipleship to Christ entails by subverting the traditional understandings of beauty, truth, and goodness through her fiction.

David McNutt, associate editor at IVP Academic and the editor for the Studies in Theology and the Arts series said, “We are grateful that the Conference on Christianity & Literature has recognized Michael Bruner’s excellent book on Flannery O’Connor, A Subversive Gospel, with its 2020 Book of the Year award for literary criticism. Like both Flannery O’Connor and Dr. Bruner, IVP Academic seeks to bring thoughtful and creative Christian resources to bear upon a range of issues, including the relationship between faith and the arts, which is reflected in our Studies in Theology and the Arts series. We look forward to continuing to contribute to that conversation.”

The Conference on Christianity & Literature has recognized the book of the year since 1979, in the categories of original literary art, literary criticism, and biography. Past recipients of the award include prominent authors like Flannery O’Connor and Madeleine L’Engle. In January 2020 the Conference on Christianity & Literature will honor A Subversive Gospel as part of the CCL luncheon during the annual MLA conference in Seattle.

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Two IVP titles named in WORLD Magazine’s 2019 Books of the Year issue

November 25, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

WESTMONT, IL – InterVarsity Press was honored to have two titles make the shortlist for WORLD Magazine’s 2019 Books of the Year. WORLD editor Marvin Olasky wrote, “Here’s our pick of vivid and insightful new releases for better understanding America, world events, history, science, and theology.”

Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image was selected for the shortlist for WORLD’s science book of the year. In this book leprosy surgeon Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey offer a new audience timeless reflections on the body in this updated and combined edition of the award-winning books Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image.

“I have long loved the collaboration between the marvelous theologian Philip Yancey and his mentor—orthopedic humanitarian surgeon Paul Brand,” said Anne Lamott, author of Traveling Mercies, Bird by Bird, and Hallelujah Anyway. “What a blessing to reread this work after thirty years, to immerse myself in the story of Dr. Brand’s work with leprosy patients in India and the Bayou, and in the resultant lessons about the miraculous workings of the human body, the beauty of human friendship and caring, the profundity of God’s love. Brilliant, charming, and wonder inducing, this is a modern classic of science and faith.”

A Big Gospel in Small Places: Why Ministry in Forgotten Communities Matters by Stephen Witmer was chosen for WORLD’s shortlist in the accessible theology category. In this book pastor Stephen Witmer lays out an integrated theological vision for small-place ministry. Filled with helpful information about small places and with stories and practical advice from his own ministry, Witmer’s book offers a compelling, comprehensive vision for small-place ministry today.

“While I’ve learned a lot, it turns out my experience in small-town ministry hasn’t so much resulted in the discovery of things I didn’t know as in the rediscovery of things I once knew,” said Whitmer. “I’ve come to see afresh the beauty and brokenness of small places—the one in which I now live as well as others around the world and throughout history. I’ve slowly come to view these places through a biblical lens, with a gospel-centered theological vision, more like God sees them. I long to communicate this vision in this book.”

Jake Meador, author of In Search of the Common Good and editor in chief of Mere Orthodoxy, said, “Stephen Witmer’s A Big Gospel in Small Places is compelling because it is a simple depiction of the deeply normal, deeply human life of small places, a life that many evangelicals have regarded with indifference for far too long. For several decades now, evangelicals have thought more often in terms of size, efficiency, and influence than in the more humane and Christian terms of fidelity, affection, and rootedness. There is a call in this book to love small places and serve them faithfully, of course. But there is also a call to cultivate a certain patience in one’s own life, a commitment to belong fully to the local life of one’s home place, and to view all of this work with a smiling affection borne of the confidence that God smiles on such a life.”

WORLD is the nation’s most widely read news outlet from a Christian perspective, with a half-million people reading the magazine and website or listening to the podcast.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

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Book Manufacturer’s Institute announces new event, Book Manufacturing Mastered

November 25, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

New conference will bring together publishers, manufacturers, and other pieces of the value chain to help educate those involved in making the printed book

[ORMOND BEACH, FL—October 7, 2019] The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI), has announced that it will be launching a new event focused on helping production staffs of publishers learn more about the latest in printed book manufacturing. The event, Book Manufacturing Mastered, will be held February 10-11, 2020 at the New York Marriott East Side.

Book Manufacturing Mastered will cover key topic areas such as pre-press, workflow, finishing, offset and digital processes, paper, distribution and logistics. The conference is geared toward those new to book printing as well as those experienced professionals looking to learn the latest industry trends.

Executive Director of BMI Matt Baehr said, “Book manufacturing may be a centuries old endeavor, but new innovations are constantly occurring in the industry. We feel, that as the trade association dedicated to the production of the physical book, it is our duty to help keep the publishing industry informed of the latest and greatest, so that they may continue to create timeless works that will be enjoyed by all.”

Besides BMI, the event has a number of association partners, including: the Book Industry Study Group (BISG), the American Association of Publishers (AAP), the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

BMI President Jim Fetherston said, “As manufacturers, we are constantly communicating with our publishers on specific projects. But this new event gives the manufacturing community a chance to speak to all the various pieces of the puzzle when printing a book. Having all the publishing association partners that we do just goes to show the collaborative nature of the industry, as well as the need for continuing education on the production side of things.”

Monday February 10 will kick off with a presentation in the afternoon on digital print-on-demand technology. There will also be a session on how publishers can find the right fit in choosing their print partners. Publishers will have a chance to meet various printers and industry partners as well. Tuesday February 11 will feature numerous sessions on various topics within the life cycle of a printed book.

A call for speakers will be made in the near future. In addition, there are several sponsorship opportunities for Book Manufacturing Mastered for those looking for additional involvement.

More can be found at www.bookmanufacturingmastered.com

About the Book Manufacturer’s Institute
The Book Manufacturers’ Institute is a not-for profit trade organization that supports book manufacturing leaders in their work to drive the promotion, efficiency, and growth of book markets for readers and educators in North America. Since 1933, BMI has provided tremendous value to its member companies and others associated with the book manufacturing industry. BMI member companies range from full-service book manufacturers to those specializing in the digital print market, specialty binderies, component printers, packagers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers of a variety of materials and services.  www.bmibook.com

Contact: Matt Baehr, BMI Executive Director, 386.986.4552, mbaehr@bmibook.com   www.bmibook.com

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Baker Publishing Group signs contract with New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff

November 18, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Ada, Mich. (November, 2019)—Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that they have signed a new two-book contract with Jon Acuff.

Releasing over the next few years, these new books by Acuff will focus on topics related to leadership, business and personal growth. The first book, scheduled for a spring 2021 release, addresses the 99.5% of people who find themselves overthinking situations. In his signature honest and humorous style, Jon Acuff shows readers how to turn those extra thoughts into extra wins and help them make easier decisions to build the life they want.

“I’ve been a fan and friend of Baker Books for the last twelve years,” says Acuff. “From eagerly reading titles they’ve published with leaders like Michael Hyatt to connecting with them backstage at speaking events, I hoped someday we’d get to work together. Their approach to leadership, culture and change made it instantly clear that we’d be able to take my next book and many others from ‘what if?’ to ‘what is!’ Their commitment to serving readers, willingness to stretch me as a writer and marketing savvy in an ever-evolving landscape have already proven invaluable to me. I can’t wait to share the books we create with the world!”

“Jon has a gift for connecting ideas in a brilliant way,” says senior acquisitions editor Brian Vos. “And he’s proven a little bit of humor goes a long way when it comes to learning how to get out of our own way and accomplish goals in life.”

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of six books, including his most recent Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller, Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. When he’s not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world such as Comedy Central, Nissan, FedEx and Microsoft. For over 20 years he’s also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and Chick-fil-A. His fresh perspective on life has given him the opportunity to write for Reader’s Digest, Fast Company, The Harvard Business Review and TIME Magazine. He lives outside of Nashville with his wife Jenny and two teenage daughters.

Baker Books publishes books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. Our titles cover topics such as personal development, encouragement, spirituality, and relationships. Learn more at www.BakerBooks.com.

Contact: Brianna DeWitt, (616) 676-9185 x395, bdewitt@bakerpublishinggroup.com

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The essential Christian playbook for 2020 coming in December from Tyndale House Publishers

November 18, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Already Sick of Presidential Election-Year Politics?

“This is one book that every Christian in America should have under their Christmas tree this year. Don’t go into the election-year fray without a Bible reading plan that will keep you in the Word, and that includes specific, timely prayers for the nation each day.”
– Dave Thornton, Brand Director, Tyndale House Publishers

CAROL STREAM, IL (Nov. 13, 2019) — What is a Christian to do, facing a momentous election year ahead that is certain to feature toxic rhetoric and to present troubling choices? Can you have a vital and faithful response? In December, Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) is publishing the essential tool for Christians as they face the year ahead: The One Year Pray for America Bible (NLT, Softcover, $11.99, ISBN 978-1-4964-4373-1). It is based on the understanding that reading God’s Word daily and praying each day for the nation and its leaders, citizens, and institutions are failsafe responses.

“No one with a pulse is unaware of the harsh political haranguing that is already strangling national life,” said Dave Thornton, Tyndale Brand Director. “As Christians face a presidential election year, we may feel helpless. A few of us are called to run for office and some of us are called to engage in the political skirmishes. But we are all called to seek God and to pray for his will in the elections and the work of those who govern us.”

The One Year Pray for America Bible provides the popular One Year Bible® structure that enables you to read passages from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in just 15 minutes a day. The Pray for America edition includes daily nonpartisan prayers and a selection of inspirational prayers from famous Americans.

The Bible includes a foreword by Barry C. Black, chaplain of the United States Senate.

“We should get back to praying for our government,” writes Chaplain Black, “because life should not be divided into sacred and secular. God has sovereignty over all our lives because in him we live, move, breathe, and function (Acts 17:28).”

Features of The One Year Pray for America Bible include:

  • Trusted and much-loved New Living Translation (NLT)
  • The One Year Bible® format offers daily passages from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs
  • The entire text of the Bible divided into 365 daily readings
  • Compelling daily prayer prompts for America
  • Twelve fascinating full-page prayers from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and more
  • Foreword from Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry C. Black
  • Compact and affordable Bible
  • Easy-to-read 8.5-point font
  • 1488 pages
  • Great gift for friends, neighbors, and family members

Additional information about the Bible is available at The One Year Pray for America Bible NLT.

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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Laura Minchew named SVP, Children’s and Gift Group Publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus

November 18, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Michael Aulisio appointed VP of Marketing 

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 12, 2019—Today it was announced that Laura Minchew has been appointed to senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) and HarperCollins Focus (HC Focus). In her expanded role, Minchew will be responsible for the overall strategy for all children’s and gift books for both companies, a member of the executive leadership team, and reporting directly to the president and CEO of HCCP and HC Focus, Mark Schoenwald.

In this new role, Minchew will be leading the direction for Tommy Nelson, Zonderkidz, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift publishing as well as Blink YA books and launching the strategy and publishing program for children’s and gift products under HarperCollins Focus.

Under this expanded structure the companies will share best practices in marketing, editorial, design, and publishing operations on books that specialize in children’s and gift book products, while continuing to maintain the uniqueness of each consumer facing publishing imprint.   This approach optimizes expertise around complementary products and sets a strong foundation for creating children’s and gift products for the general market through HarperCollins Focus.

Minchew is a publishing veteran with more than thirty years in the industry. For the past seven years, she has led the Specialty Publishing division for HarperCollins Christian Publishing which includes the Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson Gift, and Zondervan Gift imprints. Under her leadership the company has published titles such as Jesus Calling by Sarah Young with sales of more than 30 million units, in addition to children’s and gift books with Max Lucado, Billy Graham, Joanna Gaines, Kathie Lee Gifford, Chris Tomlin, Emily Ley, Lysa TerKeurst, Bob and Lindsey Goff, amongst others.

Schoenwald commented, “Laura has a keen sense for what readers are searching for in terms of quality, content, and inspiration. The children’s and gift group publisher model will bring better awareness and positive collaboration between similar business operations, while continuing to create focus around the individual brands.”

“Our business is committed to inspirational children’s and gift publishing,” said Minchew. “We are investing in resources and working together to navigate the best approach to create a center of excellence that enables us to grow in a changing market. We will leverage our strengths to attract and support leading authors, illustrators and create new brands. Our future is bright, and I am extremely honored to have this opportunity.”

In addition, Michael Aulisio, former vice president of marketing for Tommy Nelson and Gift books for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, will become the vice president of marketing for the children’s and gift group of HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus, where he will set and oversee the execution of marketing across the children’s and gift divisions.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher and comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.  

HarperCollins Focus, LLC. owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109
Casey.Harrell@harpercollins.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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