WESTMONT, IL—As the country moves into the 2020 election season InterVarsity Press has announced that it is releasing and providing resources to equip voters in understanding as well as engaging the issues of our day from a faith perspective. On Tuesday, July 21, IVP will release Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement, which will be included among the titles on the newly launched webpage “Books on Politics & Government” at ivpress.com. 

Jeff Crosby, publisher at IVP, said, “As a publishing house, we desire to speak thoughtfully and in a balanced but bold manner to questions on the integration of faith, discipleship, and politics, on what constitutes the common good and building a just society—not only in election years but every year. That mission is hopefully reflected in the titles we’ve gathered for our ‘Books on Politics & Government’ webpage.”

Coauthored by Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, and Chris Butler, Compassion (&) Conviction will serve as an especially timely resource that addresses the current political divisions within the United States. The authors represent the AND Campaign, which exists to educate and organize Christians for faithful civic and cultural engagement. With diverse backgrounds and political experience within the Obama White House, all three authors bring a unique perspective to what it means to stay true to your faith and engage in the public square today. They insist that not only are we called to love our neighbors through the political process but also that doing so requires us to transcend the binary way the debates are usually framed. In simple, understandable language, they lay out the biblical case for political engagement and help Christians navigate the complex world of politics with integrity, from political messaging and the politics of race to protests, advocacy, and more.

Wear is chief strategist of the AND Campaign and founder of Public Square Strategies LLC. He is the author of Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America. He said, “In a political environment rife with manipulation, propaganda, and conflicting narratives, Compassion (&) Conviction provides a framework that can help orthodox Christians think and act faithfully in our politics for the good of [our] neighbors. There’s a lot of theory and ruminations about politics out there, but with this book we wanted to provide a practical guide for how Christians can make a difference in our politics while staying true to [our]selves and [our] faith.”

The “Books on Politics & Government“ webpage will feature twenty-seven additional titles covering a range of topics from cultural criticism and history to spiritual formation and political engagement. The newest books include

• “Here Are Your Gods”: Faithful Discipleship in Idolatrous Times by Christopher J. H. Wright
• The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess
• The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope by Munther Isaac
• The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power by D. L. Mayfield

Crosby said, “Books are vehicles for promoting liberty, for shedding light in darkness. They help us, the citizens of our country, sort out issues related to this messy, fragmented, exercise we know as politics and faithful civic engagement. In a time when many of us are distracted by clickbait and popular opinion, books still have a tremendous impact. Here’s to reading widely, thoughtfully, carefully, deeply—to engaging voices from the margins, voices we may disagree with, voices who may have something of importance to say to us.”

Contact: Krista Clayton, 630.734.4013  kclayton@ivpress.com

WESTMONT, IL­-InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce the general-market release of Seminary Now (www.seminarynow.com), a new subscription-based online educational platform that gives pastors and lay church leaders access to on-demand video courses and certification programs from leading teachers and seminaries. IVP is the premier publishing partner for the platform, which launched in beta this spring and is now available for wide release.

“I continue to be deeply grateful for the chance to partner with the team at Seminary Now as together and in concert with other like-minded organizations we create and deliver thoughtful Christian content to pastors, students, and others who want to deepen their understanding of theology, ecclesiology, biblical studies, social justice, spiritual formation, and many other disciplines,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “The courses are exceptional in content and creative expression. I’m delighted to see the messages of so many of our authors given fresh life and realizing an expanded reach through the Seminary Now platform.”

“Our vision for Seminary Now began after church and denominational leaders expressed the need for on-demand training for pastors and church leaders unable to attend seminary,” says William Shiell, president of Northern Seminary, the primary institution underwriting the new endeavor. “We created Seminary Now in partnership with InterVarsity Press to benefit theological education as a whole. . . . We value IVP’s partnership because of our mutual commitment to women in leadership, multiethnic ministries, academic training, and biblical justice.”

IVP books are featured in a significant number of the initial course offerings. Key authors and courses available in July 2020 include:

• Roger E. Olson, professor of theology at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary (The Mosaic of Christian Belief)
• Ruth Haley Barton, founding president, Transforming Center (Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership)
• John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College (The Lost World of Genesis One)
• Brenda Salter McNeil, pastor and professor of reconciliation studies at Seattle Pacific University (Roadmap to Reconciliation)
• Tremper Longman III, professor of biblical studies at Westmont College (Old Testament Essentials)
• Tara Beth Leach, senior pastor of the First Nazarene Church in Pasadena, CA (Empowering Women in Ministry)
• David E. Fitch, B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary, Lisle, IL (Faithful Presence)
• Sandra Van Opstal, pastor of Grace and Peace Community in Chicago, IL (The Next Worship)
• James Choung, vice president of strategy and innovation at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Evangelism: Sharing the Big Story)
• Dominique Gilliard, director of racial righteousness, Evangelical Covenant Church (Rethinking Incarceration)
• Mary Hulst, chaplain of Calvin College (Ten Practical Ways to a Better Sermon)
• Jonathan Brooks, pastor of Canaan Community Church in Chicago, IL (Church Forsaken)
• Matthew Stanford, CEO of the Hope and Healing Center in Houston, TX (A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness)
• Sarah Shin, PhD candidate, St. Andrews (Beyond Colorblind)
• David Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Bronzeville, Chicago, IL (Rediscipling the White Church)
• Antipas Harris, president and dean of Jakes Divinity School (Is Christianity the White Man’s Religion?)

Jason Gile, the executive director of Seminary Now, added, “On-demand video courses present a unique opportunity for seminaries, publishers, and other organizations to collaborate in the shared mission to equip Christian leaders. By providing accessible and relevant theological teaching to Christians across the world, we believe Seminary Now has the potential for great impact on the church.”

In addition to partnering with IVP, Seminary Now is developing relationships with a wide range of seminaries and organizations with similar theological convictions that will provide content and access to potential consumers of the platform, such as Missio Alliance and the Christian Community Development Association.

Helen Lee, associate director of strategic partnerships and initiatives at IVP, serves as the main liaison between Seminary Now and IVP. “We have always considered the church to be a key audience for us to reach, and our involvement with Seminary Now will give us another channel to serve pastors, lay leaders, and ministry professionals with our high-quality, thoughtful, and compelling content,” Lee said. “I have appreciated the strong working relationship we have developed with Bill Shiell and Jason Gile on this project, and I look forward to seeing how the audiences respond to this new platform.”

Early users have already begun to share their praises for the relevance and value of Seminary Now’s content. David John Hailey, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Oak Park (Oak Park, IL), began using the Roadmap to Reconciliation course at his church in the wake of recent continued acts of police violence against Black men and women. “As the pastor of a multiracial church devasted by the ‘catalytic event’ of the George Floyd murder, I needed a guide to steer our conversations,” he said. “Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil’s course forced us to grapple with the roadblocks in our personal lives and our congregation that keep us from seeking justice and reconciliation.”

Promotional efforts for the platform will begin the week of July 20 from all Seminary Now partners, including IVP. To view all available courses and see what offerings are coming in the future, visit www.seminarynow.com or follow @SeminaryNow on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. For more information regarding the program, please contact Jason Gile (director@seminarynow.com; ph: 630-620-2105) or Helen Lee (hlee@ivpress.com; ph: 630-734-4038).

Carol Stream, Ill. (July 15, 2020) — The Imagination Station series, published by Focus on the Family in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, has now sold over 1 million copies. The chapter book series, which is part of the classic Adventures in Odyssey® line, follows cousins Patrick and Beth on their time-travel adventures.

It all began with Voyage of the Vikings, in which the cousins first discover that Mr. Whittaker can send them back in time from Whit’s Soda Shoppe. Voyage of the Vikings has sold 128,606 units to date. Poison at the Pump, set in London’s cholera epidemic of 1854, is the most recent release in the Imagination Station series.

Book #26, Swept into the Sea, will release in October 2020. Patrick and Beth’s latest journey leads them to a ship on the Mediterranean Sea in the first century. There they meet the imprisoned apostle Paul, who is on his way to stand trial in Rome.

The authors of the varied Imagination Station books include Marianne Hering, Paul McCusker, Nancy I. Sander, Chris Brack, Sheila Seifert, Wayne Batson, Marshal Younger, and Brock Eastman. The series remains beloved by children and families for its entertainment value, historical accuracy, and lessons in good character. Explore the whole series at theimaginationstation.com. 

Voyage of the Vikings by Paul McCusker and Marianne Hering | 978-1-58997-627-6
Poison at the Pump by Sheila Seifert and Chris Brack | 978-1-58997-974-1
Swept into the Sea by Sheila Seifert and Chris Brack | 978-1-64607-000-8
FocusontheFamily.com
Tyndale.com

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is one of the largest privately held Christian publishers of books, Bibles, and digital media in the world. Tyndale Momentum, Tyndale’s nonfiction imprint, is the publisher of many New York Times bestsellers and is known for integrity in building lasting personal relationships with authors and agents. Tyndale extends the ministry of its authors by contributing most of its profits to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Originally founded to publish The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon, Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people. 

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

WESTMONT, IL — J. I. Packer, one of the most respected and well-known theologians of our time, passed away on Friday, July 17, at the age of 93.

Once named to Time magazine’s list of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America, James Innell Packer wrote what many consider the definitive classic evangelical book of the twentieth century, Knowing God, which has sold more than one million copies in North America alone.

Jeff Crosby, publisher for IVP said, “J. I. Packer was a man who knew and loved God and helped others to do likewise. Knowing God, which we first published in 1973, is but one example from his life of writing and teaching.”

“There’s a difference between knowing God and knowing about God,” Packer wrote. “When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him.”

As the author of forty-seven books, as well as untold numbers of journal articles, book reviews, dictionary entries, and forewords, Packer’s prolific work has impacted countless pastors, thought leaders, theologians, and authors.

Jim Hoover, who served as an editor at IVP for thirty-five years, said, “Jim Packer was a remarkable presence. I had the privilege of meeting with him on various occasions over the years, and he always impressed me as a man of grace and humor, erudition and humility, a man who loved God and who, though he crafted what he said carefully even in casual conversation, never took himself overly seriously. He was extremely generous, some might say overly generous, almost never declining to provide endorsements in his support of young writers.”

Packer was born in a village outside Gloucester, England, on July 22, 1926. When he was seven, while being chased by a bully as he left school, Packer suffered a severe head injury in a collision with a van. Unable to participate in sports after the accident, Packer instead turned his attention to his love for reading. And when he turned eleven, Packer was gifted an old Oliver typewriter from his parents. Little did they know that their son would go on to craft every word of every one of his books on a typewriter.

Bob Fryling, former publisher for IVP, said, “I was privileged to know Jim Packer as a distinguished IVP author. He had a joyful countenance and a godly pastoral heart. But he used to joke about being hard-headed because he had a metal plate in his forehead from an accident in his youth. However, it was not by accident that Jim became known for his clear theological thinking and writing. He was always able to get to what he would say to be ‘the nub of the issue’ no matter how complex it was.”

Packer’s time studying at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, became another formative experience for his future as a prolific author and theologian. During his years at school he attended lectures by C. S. Lewis, whose thought became an influential part of Packer’s life and work. While at Oxford he also committed his life to Christ at an evangelistic service sponsored by the campus InterVarsity chapter.

Following the completion of his doctorate in philosophy, Packer went on to teach at Oak Hill Theological College in London before attending Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, where he underwent theological training for ordination into the Church of England. And in 1954 Packer married Kit Mullet and they had three children: Ruth, Naomi, and Martin.

During his time in England, Packer took on a number of theological college–based roles, including working as principal of Latimer House, Oxford, serving as principal of Tyndale Hall, Bristol, and then as associate principal of Trinity College, Bristol. In 1979, one of Packer’s friends from Oxford convinced him to teach at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A tribute to Packer on the Regent College website reads: “Jim’s arrival helped to establish Regent as a theological destination. He remained what he described as a ‘Regent Man’ for the rest of his career. He was the first faculty member to hold the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Chair of Theology and he taught a wide range of classes, including Systematic Theology and Puritan Theology as well as theological expositions on his favorite Pauline letters.”

Packer preached and lectured widely in Great Britain and North America, and served as general editor of the English Standard Version of the Bible published in 2001, and as theological editor of the Study Bible version. In 2014, Packer was named Author of the Year by the Association of Logos Bookstores. He was a frequent contributor to and an executive editor of Christianity Today, and wrote numerous articles published in journals such as Churchman, SouthWestern Journal, Reformation & Revival Journal, and Touchstone. In addition to Knowing God, his books include Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (1961), Keep in Step with the Spirit (1984), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life (1994), Weakness Is the Way (2013) and many others.

As an author with IVP for nearly a half century, Packer left a lasting impression on those he interacted with on various projects. Fryling said, “Jim was graciously articulate in giving wonderful endorsements to a multitude of authors and books. One day at lunch with some colleagues I asked him, ’Jim, how would you describe the uniqueness of IVP?‘ After a brief pause he said, ‘Some publishers tell you what to believe and other publishers tell you what you already believe, but IVP helps you to believe.‘ We were so grateful for not only his kind and generous affirmation, but we were a bit stunned that he had captured in a brief moment what indeed was integral to IVP’s vision and mission. He was a publisher’s dream!”

Packer is also remembered for being a lover of jazz music. “One of the most enduring memories I have of Dr. Packer is set in the most unlikely of places: Preservation Hall in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans,” Crosby recalled. “We had invited Jim to come to the CBA International book convention in July of 2000 to promote his book Never Beyond Hope. Only half in jest he said he would come, so long as someone took him to hear the Preservation Hall Jazz Band! I and other colleagues gladly obliged, and as we sat together throughout the evening on rickety benches in the damp, musty, historic hall, the joy on the face of the life-long jazz music listener was absolutely radiant.”

The Regent College tribute page describes Packer as witty, disciplined, and faithful: “When he was writing daily, Jim wrote 2000 words (on his treasured manual typewriter) before breakfast. When asked if he wanted a dictionary loaded onto his iPad (a device he used as his eyesight deteriorated), he smiled sheepishly and admitted, ‘Well, I haven’t needed one so far.’

“For all his accolades and accomplishments, Jim’s focus was always, always, on Christ. He said The Book of Common Prayer’s Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer services at the beginning and end of each day, often arising at 4 a.m. to do so. Even recovering from a broken pelvis in his last year, he would sink to his knees to pray preceding the Eucharist.”

Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial for IVP, said, “In July 1988 I started working at InterVarsity Press while finishing seminary. That summer I took Dr. J. I. Packer’s week course on puritanism at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Little did I know that some years later I would acquire two books with him: Never Beyond Hope and Praying. I was also able to collaborate with him on a number of Knowing God-related books and Bible studies. And now his experience of knowing God is fully realized.”

Packer himself sums up his life, faith, and eternity best: “There is no peace like the peace of those whose minds are possessed with full assurance that they have known God, and God has known them, and that this relationship guarantees God’s favor to them in life, through death and on forever.”

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.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — July 15, 2020 — On February 3, 2020, Embolden Media Group founder and CEO, Jevon Bolden, launched an online community called Christian Publishing Professionals of Color (CPPOC).

The group was formed out of Jevon’s desire for camaraderie, the same desire she perceived among others like her in the field. “Our voices, perspectives, and experience matter so much, but so often we are overlooked, excluded, passed over, outnumbered, outvoiced, outvoted, or undervalued. I hope that CPPOC will be a place we can sense our worth, put down our guards, and feel heard and supported.”

Prior to launching Embolden Media Group, Jevon worked in the Christian publishing industry for twelve years as senior acquisitions editor for nonfiction adult titles and then spent a few years working in mainstream publishing as a senior nonfiction kids editor. She hopes CPPOC will be a group where BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Christian publishing professionals can:

• Connect with other each other to bond, brainstorm, strategize, and problem solve
• Be heard as they share their unique challenges and opportunities
• Discover ways to grow in their career
• Build confidence in their personal agency and expertise
• Get encouragement, advice, like-minded empathy, and support

CPPOC is open to BIPOC Christian publishing professionals who work in traditional publishing or providing services that serve the Christian publishing industry—marketing, sales, distribution, ghostwriting, editing, literary agenting—or those who are aspiring to any one of those positions in the field. The group is comprised of both industry veterans with decades of experience to those who are just starting out in the industry.

Recasting the reality that people of color are often from underserved communities, CPPOC sets the core of its value statement on the acronym SERVED, where each member can feel:

S – Seen

E – Embraced

R – Represented

V – Valued

E – Elevated

D – Divinely diverse 

The group is receiving a welcome reception from BIPOC professionals from around the Christian publishing industry.

In an online dialogue with Jevon about forming the group, Rachel Kang, writer and creator of Indelible Ink Writers, said, “You’re putting words to an intangible that I myself, and I’m sure many other publishing professionals of color, feel and sense—the externals of lack of representation, support, and opportunity, as well as the internal feelings of inferiority and inadequacy that come with stepping into a field where a greater White narrative still dominates, which stems from America’s history with literature and education.”

She went on to say, “We not only need more books written by women and men of color, we need more women and men of color on the other side of those books—acquiring, harnessing, and refining these stories. This is needed. You’re the one—please do be another hand on the plow paving the way.”

“Following, joining, supporting,” said Jamie Lapeyrolerie, senior marketing manager from WaterBrook and Multnomah. “I get a lot of the industry newsletters (about diversity in publishing) and follow along, and while they are helpful in many ways, I think one for the Christian space is much needed. Plus, I’d love to know who else is out there.”

“I’ve been wondering whether there was a group like this for a while now,” says Patnacia Goodman, acquisitions editor for Bethany House Publishers, “so I am very, very, VERY happy this community exists!”

Amanda Mae Steele, marketing specialist for B&H Kids, says, “I’m grateful, especially as someone new to this industry, to be around other seasoned publishing professionals who are black/POC—who get it. This community helps me persevere when I feel like my efforts are futile and I’m tempted to give up.”

“Being Christian and a POC can feel like being an unwanted nomad in the land of publishing,” says E. Danielle Butler, independent publishing expert and ghostwriter, “CPPOC has become home; I can stop wandering.”

“A community like this is sorely needed. Despite the release of titles that are inclusive, the publishing industry–particularly in decision making roles is sorely underrepresented,” said, Woodley Auguste, principal of The Awareness Agency. “CPPOC will not only provide support and encouragement for industry veterans, but also those new to the industry.”

Other founding members include Lisa A. Crayton, freelance writer and editor; and Ashley Hong, assistant editor from Convergent Books/Random House.

Many people in and outside the industry feel that this specific moment in history feels unique. As conversations swirl around representation, community, and Brown and Black lives, there is a special energy in the air. Jevon hopes that CPPOC will be one catalyst to help Christian publishing align with the new thing God is doing.

“We know diversity is God’s idea,” she says, “and it’s been long said that Christian publishing is far behind God’s ideal. I’m so excited for the possibilities this group holds. I hope more Christian publishing professionals of color will accept the invitation to come experience this moment in time with us!”

Follow Christian Publishing Professionals of Color (ChristianPOCpub) on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To join, submit a request for membership directly to the private Facebook Group or email christianPOCinpublishing@gmail.com for more information.

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EMBOLDEN MEDIA GROUP LLC is a boutique publishing consulting firm headquartered in Central Florida that provides publishers and authors quality content development and publishing services that help them reach growing, diverse, and global audiences. It is the holding company for jevonbolden.com, Embolden Literary, Embolden Publishing Group, Christian Publishing Professionals of Color, and Pneuma Writers.

Media Contact: Jevon Bolden, founder and CEO, Embolden Media Group, jevon.bolden@emboldenmediagroup.com

July 13, 2020—NetGalley, the industry-standard service that delivers secure digital review copies and targeted promotions to book advocates, today launched two major enhancements to the NetGalley service: Audiobooks and the NetGalley Shelf app. Available now in both the U.S. and U.K., these additions greatly expand the NetGalley platform.

The sustained growth of the audiobook market over the past several years has led audiobook publishers to seek new ways to promote their books and increase discoverability of the format. NetGalley’s existing platform allows publishers to efficiently distribute review copies, and audiobook publishers can now benefit from the robust tools, reporting, and engaged community.

“NetGalley has been helping publishers to build buzz, receive feedback and reviews, and discover early trends for their digital review copies for over 10 years,” says Kristina Radke, VP, Business Growth and Engagement. “We’re thrilled to broaden the service to support audiobook publishers. We believe early feedback about new books (no matter the format) is good for all books, and we’re honored to be the place where over 550k reviewers, booksellers, librarians, educators and media discover and review.”

The NetGalley Shelf app is the recommended way to read digital review copies, and the exclusive way to listen to audiobooks made available on NetGalley. This dedicated app, the first from NetGalley, is available for free in both the Apple and Google Play stores. “NetGalley members and publishers who utilize the service (and our own team) have long been asking for an app,” says Fran Toolan, CEO.

“The NetGalley Shelf app, combined with the existing web platform, now provides our members with the entire value chain from the discovery of new works through the reading and listening experience. The NetGalley Shelf app is secure and seamlessly syncs with each member’s existing NetGalley account. It also provides a great reading experience for highly illustrated titles.”

The NetGalley Shelf app is for NetGalley members to read and listen to approved books. Members will continue to discover, request, and provide Feedback for books on the NetGalley website.

Audiobooks are already available on NetGalley from a number of publishers, including Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins Publishers, Hachette Book Group, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Lerner Publishing.

About NetGalley

NetGalley is an industry-standard service that delivers secure digital files to approved readers and coordinates closely with publishers on targeted promotions to the hundreds of thousands of book advocates and industry professionals using the site. In addition to offering a platform for publishers to connect with a vibrant community of readers and influencers, NetGalley also provides actionable data to help publishers draw correlations between their own efforts and reader engagement. Over 300 publishers in North America, the UK, Australia, Germany, France, and Japan use NetGalley to build buzz, receive feedback and reviews, and discover early trends.

NetGalley is part of Firebrand Technologies, which provides leading software and services to help publishers achieve success. To learn more visit www.firebrandtech.com.

The ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference has frequently been touted as the “high point of the year” for many Christian fiction authors and aspiring writers. Drawing attendees from both North America and internationally, ACFW’s conference is known for bringing together writers, agents, editors, high caliber writing instructors, mentors, and industry guests for its annual gathering. The in-person conference for 2020 was of necessity postponed until 2021. But creativity is a novelist’s bread-and-butter, or kale smoothie. So in addition to the training and networking that takes place online throughout the year, ACFW will this year meet fiction writers’ needs through an innovative virtual conference experience that capitalizes on the unique benefits a virtual conference can offer.

On September 18-19, registered conferees can receive carefully collated and tailored instruction in the craft of writing Christian fiction, virtual Zoom appointments with agents and editors (first pay, first scheduled), handouts where applicable, and full access to all the workshop recordings after the virtual conference.

The virtual experience opens doors for those whose work schedules, international travel complications, mobility restrictions, family situations, or budgets have prevented their presence at a previous ACFW in-person conference. “We’re excited about what the virtual conference will make possible for those who haven’t been able to attend an ACFW conference in the past,” says ACFW CEO Colleen Coble, “as well as offering a taste of the camaraderie and encouragement-boost past attendees have come to expect.”

Among the offerings are workshops on preparing a proposal, video marketing, thriving as a hybrid author, evoking emotion, creating believable conflict on the page, the essentials of editing, book-to-movie, insights from industry professionals, and many other options.

ACFW’s important Carol Awards, Genesis contest winners, and other honors will be included in the ACFW 2020 First-Ever Virtual Conference, rounding out a rich conference experience for Christian novelists and other storytellers.

Newest ACFW Executive Board member Joy Massenburge says, “The 2020 ACFW conference will interact remotely to give fiction writers a mastermind experience from the security of their homes.”

As the industry adjusts to repercussions of a worldwide pandemic, ACFW shifts its focus to how a virtual conference in 2020 can pave the way for both veteran and prospective novelists to gather virtually, grow in their craft, make connections, level the hurdles in front of them, and move forward in their writing career.

More information is available at https://www.acfw.com/conference

Melissa Spoelstra leads women on an exploration of the many names of God in her latest women’s Bible study–The Names of God.

It can be hard to make sense of God with all the injustice and suffering in the world. With so many questions about God, how can we really know Him better?

By learning more about His names!

In The Names of God: His Character Revealed by Melissa Spoelstra, a six-week women’s Bible study, women explore the many names of God found in the Bible: Elohim, El Elyon, Yahweh, Abba, Jesus, Messiah, Holy Spirit, and so many more.

During this time of social distancing due to COVID-19, staying connected to others and studying the Bible are even more important to maintain both social and spiritual connection. Groups have found ways to continue to study God’s word with other believers often through virtual meetings.

Melissa and fellow Bible study author Barb Roose share tips on how to host an online Bible study in this instructional video:

Services like AmplifyMedia.com and Cokesbury.com help groups by making video sessions available from any web browser.

Read week 1 and watch the week 1 video session at www.AbingdonWomen.com/NamesofGod.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker (including the Aspire Women’s Events), Bible teacher, and author who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of seven Bible studies (The Names of God, Romans, Elijah, Numbers, First Corinthians, Joseph, and Jeremiah) and four books (Dare to Hope, Total Family Makeover, Total Christmas Makeover, and 30 Days of Prayer for Spiritual Stamina). Melissa makes her home in Pickerington, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

For more information, visit her website MelissaSpoelstra.com. She is also active on Facebook (@authormelissaspoelstra) and Twitter (@MelSpoelstra).

Media Contact:  Elizabeth Pruitt, Marketing Manager, epruitt@abingdonpress.com, 615-749-6095  

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 6, 2020 – Upon receiving news about the passing of Country Music Hall of Fame musician and best-selling author Charlie Daniels, Thomas Nelson offers its deepest sympathy for his family and loved ones.  Daniels is best known for his legendary country and Southern rock songs including “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

In October 2017, Daniels released his memoir Never Look at the Empty Seats with W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The book was praised by fellow musicians Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley. In the book, Daniels presented a lesson for everyone, no matter their profession: “Walk on stage with a positive attitude. Your troubles are your own and are not included in the ticket price. Some nights you have more to give than others, but put it all out there every show. You’re concerned with the people who showed up, not the ones who didn’t. So, give them a show and…Never look at the empty seats!”

“Charlie Daniels’ story is one of persistence, faith, and transformation,” said Damon Reiss, vice president and publisher, W Publishing. “We were honored to partner with him to share the inner-most details of his life story so that fans everywhere could discover the man behind the music. His positive outlook on life, which is encapsulated in this beautifully written book, is part of his invaluable legacy.”

In November 2018, Daniels published Let’s All Make the Day Count: The Everyday Wisdom of Charlie Daniels (Thomas Nelson), a gift book that highlighted Daniels’ wit and life lessons he shared through his “Let’s All Make the Day Count” posts on Twitter to inspire people to make the most of every moment.

“Charlie’s message of finding the good in each day, sharing the wisdom of perspective, positivity, and faith meant so much to each of us,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and group publisher of the Children’s & Gift Book Group at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Our thoughts and prayers go with the many people who were impacted by Charlie and his legacy.”

Daniels was represented by WTA Media.

To read the official statement from the Charlie Daniels Band, click here.

About Thomas Nelson
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.

About WTA Media
WTA Media serves filmmakers and authors through producing and marketing content for faith audience consumers. For more than a decade, WTA Media has led marketing campaigns for top film-making clients including; Kendrick Brothers (War Room and #1 New York Times best-seller, “The Love Dare”), Erwin Brothers Entertainment (I Can Only Imagine), Sony/AFFIRM Films (Heaven Is For Real, Miracles From Heaven), Pure Flix (God’s Not Dead)  and Universal 1440 Entertainment (Unbroken: Path To Redemption). The agency’s author and writer roster includes Charlie Daniels (Country Music Hall of Fame Member) and Randy Alcorn (New York Times best-selling author). WTA Media is a subsidiary of the Educational Media Foundation. For more information, visit www.wta.media.

Contact: Allison Carter, W Publishing, 615-902-2143, allison.carter@harpercollins.com
Stefanie Schroeder, Thomas Nelson Gift Books Division, 615-902-1722, Stefanie.schroeder@harpercollins.com

Bob Goff’s latest book, Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It, released June 23 and debuted at #3 on the New York Times list on July 12.

Media coverage has included features and placements in Woman’s World, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, Readers’ Digest, Life Today, Relevant Magazine, Guideposts Magazine, For the Love with Jen Hatmaker, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast and more.

Link to NYT list: https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/advice-how-to-and-miscellaneous/

Link to purchase book: https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Big-Youre-Going-About/dp/1400219493