ECPA announces board reassignments:  Jeff Crosby to fulfill chair term

ECPA board chair Byron Williamson has decided to transition out of Hachette | Nashville, effective October 1. “I’m blessed in almost every way possible, among them the opportunity to serve on the board at least four times through decades past,” said Williamson. One year ago, Hachette acquired Worthy Publishing, founded by Williamson in 2009.

ECPA president Stan Jantz remarked, “I have known Byron for more than 40 years, and one of the joys of my Christian book career has been the last four years, when I have been privileged to follow his board leadership and vision for the expanding ministry of Christian publishing.”

The ECPA board has appointed vice-chair Jeff Crosby, publisher at InterVarsity Press, to serve as chair of ECPA, fulfilling the unexpired term of Byron Williamson, effective October 1. In addition, the board has appointed Dan Kok, SVP of Operations for Crossway, to fulfill the unexpired term of Jeff Crosby as vice-chair. Kok will continue to serve in his role as board secretary.  Dan Baker, COO of Baker Publishing Group, was appointed ECPA treasurer upon the resignation of Tim Murphy, former CFO of Urban Ministries, Inc.

BIRMINGHAM:  Iron Stream Media announces the release of Prized: Experience the Tender Love of the Savior (New Hope Publishers / September 9, 2019 / ISBN: 978-1-56309-247-3/ $12.99), the final written work by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.

If Jesus had come to earth as the most powerful earthly king, it would have been an unfathomable, humbling step downward. But He came to earth as a servant. On purpose. By choice. Why would He do that? What does He gain? What was the “joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2)? What did He have after the Cross that He didn’t have before the Cross? What did the Cross gain for Him? He gained you and me. Nothing else. Just us.

A thirty-day devotional, Prized paints a beautiful picture of the kindness and gentleness of Jesus. Pointing to both Old and New Testament passages, be encouraged as you see you were loved from the beginning. Christ came for you. You are His beloved. You are His prized possession. You were worth the price.

Sample Chapters

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Advance Praise

“Prized will draw you into the very heart of the Savior who loves you beyond measure. Jennifer gives us a fresh take on timeless truths, marrying solid wisdom and lyrical writing. Spend thirty days relishing the tender love of the Savior.”
—Jennifer Rothschild, author of Lessons I Learned in the Dark and Me Myself and Lies,
host of 4:13 podcast and Fresh Grounded Faith events

“For anyone who’s ever felt undeserving of God’s love, Jennifer Kennedy Dean opens a fresh page of encouragement in Prized: Experience the Tender Love of the Savior. With each reading, with each truth shared, you will not only experience God’s love for you, you will encounter the living words of Jesus as they speak to your heart.”
—Linda Evans Shepherd, author of When You Don’t Know What to Pray and When You Need to Move a Mountain

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About the Author
Jennifer Kennedy Dean was the executive director of the Praying Life Foundation and a respected author and speaker. Her numerous books, studies, and magazine articles specialized in prayer and spiritual formation, and her work Live a Praying Life® has been called a flagship work on prayer. With more than twenty-five published titles, some of her best-known works include Heart’s Cry, SEEK, Clothed with Power, Set Apart, Power in the Blood of Christ, Power in the Name of Jesus, Altar’d, and Conversations with the Most High, among others. Widely recognized as an unusually gifted communicator, Jennifer spoke all over the world, calling God’s people to discover the difference between a prayer life and a praying life. Jennifer served on numerous boards and committees for ministries focused on prayer and spiritual awakening. She will always be remembered as a respected voice in the area of prayer.

Media Inquiries: Meredith Dunn, Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

Free call shares the power of group prayer with Jesus Calling readers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 11, 2019) – Jesus Calling by Sarah Young has sold more than 30 million units and touched an immeasurable number of lives. Jesus Calling readers share the devotional widely with friends, coworkers, family members, and more. Considering the sense of community that has grown from the devotional, Thomas Nelson announced today that it launched a new opportunity for people to connect through the Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call.

Every Tuesday morning, anyone in the United States can dial into a call to join members of the Jesus Calling team who will read from that day’s Jesus Calling devotion and related Scripture verses, share prayer requests, and pray with others. The call starts at 8 a.m. EST and typically lasts 10-15 minutes.  Prior to each week’s call, anyone can submit a personal prayer request through the Jesus Calling website.

“We’ve heard time and time again that readers of Jesus Calling love beginning their day with the devotional because it’s a heartfelt and impactful way to start the day on the right foot,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president of marketing for gift books, children’s books and new media at Thomas Nelson. “The weekly prayer call is a way for people to experience Jesus Calling in a community-focused way, to assure others they are not alone, and to share encouragement across the country.”

The Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call was inspired by a group of women at the Brookland Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C., who had organized a weekly prayer call around the church’s annual Woman’s Day. Each week before the event, the committee gathered for a weekly prayer call, where they would pray for the event, hear each other’s prayer concerns, and read a devotional passage from Jesus Calling. That story was shared on the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith Podcast, and it was so compelling that the concept was expanded to reach readers on a national level.

Those who cannot dial in have the chance to stream the call by visiting www.jesuscalling.com/prayer-call.

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, cookbooks, 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:  Stefanie Schroeder, Publicity Manager, 615.902.1722  Stefanie.schroeder@harpercollins.com

(Nashville, TN) September 12, 2019 —Today, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced Gabriel Aviles as the new senior director of marketing for their Spanish Language Division.

Aviles comes to HCCP with more than 25 years of experience in marketing, brand development, content, and strategic consulting in the areas of music, television, film, and subscription video-on-demand.  Most recently, he served as the CEO and founder of the Fullblast Group, a marketing and business development consulting company serving a variety of industries.

In his new role with HCCP, Aviles will be responsible for cultivating strong author and agent relationships, stewarding the brand strategy, and creating strategic vision for Vida (Zondervan), Grupo (Thomas Nelson), and Clie imprints, as well as the Spanish Bible translations Reina Valera 1960 (RV60), Nueva Versión International (NVI), Reina Valera Revisada (RVR), and Biblia de Las Americas (LBLA).

“Gabriel is a dynamic leader with vast experience in brand development and creative story telling that will serve both our authors and our readers,” says Cris Garrido, vice president and publisher for HCCP’s Spanish team. “We are thrilled to have Gabriel at the helm of our Spanish marketing efforts.” 

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing:  The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, Olive Tree Bible Software, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.   Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.   

Carol Stream, Ill. (September 13, 2019) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that Danielle Walker, author and photographer of the New York Times bestselling cookbooks Against All Grain, Meals Made Simple, and Celebrations, will publish her memoir, Food Saved Me: Find Healing and Take Back Your Life through the Power of Food, in March 2021 with Tyndale Momentum.

In Food Saved Me, Danielle will tell the full story of her health journey for the first time. While she has shared snippets of her story in the past, she has never revealed the details surrounding her own health struggles and journey to healing. In her new book, Danielle shares her autoimmune medical challenges, which she dramatically improved through a major change in her eating habits. She balances disclosing her personal health journey with educating and equipping her readers to take control of their own lives through the healing power of food. Her desire is to restore hope to the nearly 50 million people struggling with autoimmune illnesses and/or dietary restrictions. Coming alongside her fans, Danielle describes her painstaking journey—from her symptoms to diagnosis, frustration and confusion with medical protocol, and eventual discovery and empowerment in the healing power of food.

Ron Beers, Tyndale’s senior VP and publisher of Tyndale Books, said, “As someone who has lived on Danielle’s recipes over the past few years, I am all in on this book. Danielle’s story will provide inspiration and freedom to the millions of us who either need to or want to eat differently in order to feel better and live healthier. And even more, it will literally save the lives of people who are experiencing physical ailments and don’t realize that the food they eat might be the cause. This will be an important and revolutionary book that we are proud to publish.”

Additionally, Jan Long Harris, executive publisher of Tyndale Momentum, shared, “Health and wellness are an increasingly important emphasis for Tyndale Momentum, and we could not be more excited to be working with one of the most respected voices in the healthy, grain-free, gluten-free eating movement. Danielle’s courageous and faith-filled journey will inspire and inform many others who are considering ‘going against the grain’ for a healthier life.”

The book is scheduled to release in March 2021 and will be supported by a significant marketing budget as well as a national media tour.

Danielle Walker is the beloved author of three New York Times bestselling cookbooks—Against All Grain, Meals Made Simple, and Celebrations, which MindyBodyGreen named one of the five best gluten-free cookbooks ever published—and the voice behind one of the most popular grain-free blogs on the Internet, Against All Grain. Her most recent cookbook, Eat What You Love, released in December 2018. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and suffering for many years, Danielle found health through dietary changes. She has become a beacon of hope in the autoimmune world and has been a leader in the paleo and gluten-free movement for nearly ten years, showing how food can nourish and heal our bodies. Danielle is a repeat guest on Today, The Doctors, Fox News, Access Hollywood, Hallmark’s Home & Family, and many other syndicated shows. Her work has been featured in People, O: The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Shape, Women’s Health, Parents, and Fitness, among others.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet at katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

Food Saved Me by Danielle Walker
ISBN: 978-1-4964-4474-5
Hardcover: $24.99
March 2021 release
TyndaleMomentum.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.

 

Ada, Mich. (Sept. 13, 2019)—Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce the signing of a multi-book contract with Annie F. Downs.

The first book, That Sounds Fun, named after her successful podcast, will be an irresistible invitation to readers to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace fun, to chase fun, and to figure out what sounds fun to them. Readers will be invited to remember that life is not meant to be lived in fear, but instead to be experienced through wide-open faith with a healthy dose of laughter.

“Whether she’s writing or speaking, or interviewing others on her podcast, Annie F. Downs has the ability to connect with people, make them think, make them laugh, and help them move forward in their faith,” said Andrea Doering, editorial director for Revell. “That ability to inspire, to offer hope and healing is something we value deeply at Revell—and why we’re thrilled to partner with Annie.”

Downs reaches nearly 300,000 engaged readers, fans, and followers every day through her online channels. In addition, she connects with more than 100,000 people every year through speaking at live events and with millions though her podcast platforms.

“Writing books is more than just my job, it’s my joy and my calling,” said Downs. “I feel so honored to get to start a long-term relationship with Baker Publishing Group and the team at Revell Books as they live with those same convictions as well. I’m thrilled the creativity, excellence, and high quality that I have long enjoyed as a reader of Revell Books will now be at work with my words and ideas as well, as we seek to provide books that influence many towards the love of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ (and have tons of fun while doing it!).”

Her contract with Baker Publishing Group includes eight titles with the first to release in Spring 2021. Downs is represented by Lisa A. Jackson of Alive Literary Agency.

Annie F. Downs is a best-selling author, highly sought-after speaker, and popular podcast host who has spent a lifetime building relationships and learning what it means to have fun. The author of multiple bestselling books, Annie weaves personal storytelling, humor, and Scripture into everything she does, inviting her fans to join her as she learns what it means to live life to the fullest.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.

Contact:  Kelli B. Smith, (616) 676-9185 x394  ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

ABC News Correspondent Linsey Davis released second book with Zonderkidz in August 2019

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. September 12, 2019–ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis asked questions of ten Democratic Presidential candidates tonight during the third Democratic debate of this year.  The debate viewed at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and Univision, shown live from Texas Southern University in Houston.  Davis helped moderate the event along with Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos, “World News Tonight” anchor and managing editor David Muir and Univision Anchor Jorge Ramos.  More information about the debate can be found here: https://abc.go.com/news/insider/watch-the-third-democratic-debate-on-abc-and-the-abc-app

Davis’ second children’s book, One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different, released in August, following up on the success of her award-winning picture book The World is Awake. Davis has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, The View, and other media outlets speaking out about the book and its inspirational message.

Set in a classroom, this book explores color, features, behavior, and varying abilities and personas of friends all around. “Children are sponges and they absorb so much more than we realize,” said Davis. “The earlier we help our children love themselves, and others, for who they are, the more they will see the similarities we all share.”

Inspired by her mother, Beverly Davis, who helped her develop a love of writing, Linsey worked on the book with her. “We all have traits that make us who we are,” Davis said. “I give my mother so much credit for helping me accept and appreciate uniqueness in others. Our hair, skin, eyes, and personalities are very different, but we have so much in common to celebrate. We’re curious, we love, we feel, we explore. These are what we should focus upon—what binds us together.”

About the Book
One Big Heart:  A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different
Author Linsey Davis, with Beverly Davis; illustrated by Lucy Fleming
On sale August 6, 2019
$17.99
Ages 4 – 8
9780310767855
Zonderkidz

About the Author:  Linsey Davis is an award-winning journalist and the bestselling author of The World is Awake, which was named a Christopher Award winner. Linsey lives in New York with her husband and son. Her hope is to encourage young readers to find the essence of God in the world around us.

Website: www.linseytdavis.com
Instagram: @linseytdavis
Twitter: @LinseyDavis

About the Illustrator:  Lucy Fleming has been an avid doodler and bookworm since early childhood. Lucy loves illustrating children’s books and she lives and works in a small town in England.

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children’s communications, it creates products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 12. Zonderkidz is also publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third grade reading level edition of the NIV. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

[NASHVILLE, TENN., September 16, 2019—] Bestselling Bible study author and acclaimed speaker Kelly Minter is set to release her first cookbook this fall, “A Place At The Table: Fresh Recipes for Meaningful Gatherings” (October 15, B&H Publishing).

Minter’s Bible studies, such as “No Other Gods” and “All Things New” (LifeWay Resources), have all included recipes, stemming from her love for cooking, hospitality and bringing people together. After years of readers asking for more recipes, Minter decided to partner with Nashville-based acclaimed chef Regina Pinto to compile 90 recipes, both well-known and novel dishes plus personal favorites.

As food has historically gathered people together, Minter points readers to the bigger purpose in cooking: opening their tables so others can have a place to experience the love of God and the fellowship of his people, as some of the most meaningful moments in the Bible were experienced around food.

“I hope ‘A Place At The Table’ will inspire people to cook, not only for sustenance but also for the meaningful gatherings that take place around a homemade meal,” Minter says. “When we cook we connect to the goodness of God’s creation, and when we serve nourishing dishes we connect with those around our table. I pray ‘A Place At The Table’ will help us get cooking for the community it inevitably brings.”

Pinto is an acclaimed chocolatier and pastry chef, and the former owner of the Blushing Berry in Tenn., where she created truffles and desserts for some of Nashville’s most famous brands, including Arrington Vineyards, Belle Meade Winery and The Hermitage Hotel.

In addition to the recipes, “A Place At The Table” includes supplemental material where the reader can hear more from both authors about broths, seasonal drinks, canning, décor, growing herbs and more. Minter points readers to fresh, whole or homegrown components, prioritizing the value of flavors that can only come with seasonal ingredients. The cookbook has stunning photography to inspire readers to put their hand to the joy of cooking and offer others not just a meal, but a place to belong.

B&H is supporting “A Place At The Table” with a presale campaign beginning September 1, including a giveaway of Minter’s favorite cooking items and a launch event at her “Cultivate” event in Leesburg, Va., on October 18, a national publicity tour, trailer videos and a podcast series. Further details are available at www.aplaceatthetablecookbook.com.

“We are thrilled to bring Kelly and Regina’s recipes to readers in the form of a cookbook, a product Kelly’s readers have been asking for over the years,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising. “We pray these 90 recipes bring people together around the table to enjoy his good gift of food.”

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Kelly Minter is passionate about teaching the Bible. When she’s not singing, writing or speaking, you can find her picking homegrown vegetables, enjoying her six nieces and nephews or riding a boat along the Amazon river with Justice & Mercy International. A Southern transplant, she delights in college football, long walks and a diner mug of coffee with her closest friends.

A self-taught chef who learned the basics of cooking from her grandmother and mother in Brazil, Regina Pinto has traveled through the U.S. and U.K., merging the flavors of her childhood with each new destination. She is a chocolatier and pastry chef, and the former owner of the Blushing Berry in Tenn., where she created truffles and desserts for some of Nashville’s most famous brands, including Arrington Vineyards, Belle Meade Winery and The Hermitage Hotel. She thinks of cooking as a way to express her love for others and finds the greatest joy in seeing people delight in her dishes, especially her family, as she is the mother of two and grandmother of three. Regina is active with Justice and Mercy international in the Amazon.

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.

Bob Whitaker, Jr., president of Whitaker House, and Xavier Cornejo, director of the publisher’s Spanish Division, have announced the appointment of Mariana Tafura as the division’s sales manager.

“We are extremely excited to have Mariana on our team,” said Cornejo. “She’s an internationally recognized and valued professional in the Hispanic Christian literary industry. We know that her extensive experience and outstanding talent will be very significant in the continued growth of our Spanish Division.”

Tafura most recently served as sales manager of Editorial Unilit, a Christian Spanish publishing company based in Miami.

“We have proudly observed the upward development of our Spanish Division during the past five years,” Whitaker said. “The arrival of Mariana, a recognized sales professional in our industry, complements our winning team and increases our expectations toward the great purpose of growing and impacting the Hispanic world with extraordinary books that lead to the knowledge of God and His Word. That has been our main objective during 45 years of publications.”

Whitaker House is a Christian publishing company headquartered in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. Its parent company, Whitaker Corporation, also owns Anchor Distributors, one of the largest Christian distribution companies in the United States.