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

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

WESTMONT, IL—Richard Stearns, president emeritus of World Vision US and the author of The Hole in Our Gospel, has signed a contract with InterVarsity Press for a leadership book that will release in 2021.

Stearns was the longest-serving president in World Vision’s history from 1998–2018. He joined World Vision US to follow what he felt was a distinct call from God on his life, leaving a corporate career that included chief executive officer roles at Lenox and Parker Brothers games.

“Richard Stearns is an organizational leader and author who has long maintained a commitment to write only when he has something of importance to say,” IVP’s publisher, Jeff Crosby, said. “He has continued that pattern with this project on leadership, bringing insights from his varied career as he crafts a book of substance on core elements of leadership like courage, perseverance, integrity, humility, and much more. I’m delighted to be working with him on this project.”

Stearns said, “This book is about why I believe that the values Christian leaders embrace are more important than the success they achieve. Qualities like integrity, humility, kindness, passion, courage, and forgiveness matter more to God than the most impressive résumé of accomplishments. And I believe that Christian leaders, and even secular leaders, who embody these characteristics will lift up not only their own performance but also the performance of their teams.”

During his twenty years at World Vision US, Stearns built a strong leadership team focused on bringing corporate best practices to the nonprofit sector. Logging three million air miles, he traveled to more than sixty of the nearly one hundred countries in which the organization works. He served as a prophetic voice for the organization, calling on the American church to respond to the AIDS pandemic in the early 2000s, and later raising awareness about the refugee crisis and global poverty. As a thought leader, Rich appeared regularly in media outlets such as Christianity Today, Fox News, CNN, NPR, Charisma News, and Relevant magazine.

Stearns’s forthcoming book will draw on the wisdom and experience he accumulated over the years in various leadership roles, but he makes it clear that leadership stretches far beyond those in official leadership positions. “I am writing this book because I believe leadership is so very important. Leadership affects every dimension of our human experience. Leadership can unite us, lift us up, and inspire us to achieve great things. And leadership is crucial to accomplishing God’s purposes in our world. In short, leadership matters to God and so it ought to matter to us.”

Ed Gilbreath, IVP executive editor, said, “Throughout his career, Rich Stearns has lived out the values of Christian leadership in both secular and faith-based contexts. He comes to this project with loads of hard-earned executive experience and a gospel-inspired love for all people. I’m thrilled that he has chosen to partner with IVP to share his unique insights on the heart of leadership. His message will resonate even more during these increasingly turbulent times in the church and society.”

 

Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House, the largest independent Christian bookstore in North America, remains committed to grow its calendar of events and has hired a  new full-time event planner to put the plan in place.

Rebekah Schwartz, 26, came on staff in late October to coordinate the nearly 400 events the store hosts each year, ranging from author visits to issue-related panels, from children’s events to live music.

“We are committed to be an event driven store. We want to increase the number and quality of events that we offer and feel that Rebekah will be an asset to the House,” said Sue Smith, Director of Retail at Baker Book House.

Guests over the years included Charles Stanley, Ann Voskamp, Eugene Peterson, Kirk Cousins, Candace Cameron Bure, Michael Card, Rachel DenHollander, and Sharon Garlough Brown, along with Academic authors such as William Lane Craig, Alvin Plantinga, and John Walton.

The store also hosts a weekly children’s storytime, themed children’s parties, family movie nights, concerts, and events for writers including Inspire and Prologue. Additionally, the store hosts Selfies & Signings, part of the Fiction Readers Summit.

“Our commitment to variety and quality remains strong,” said Smith.

Schwartz comes to Baker Book House with a background in stage production management and conference planning.

“Planning is part of who I am, so I wanted to stay in the field. Doing so for a bookstore makes it special,” said Schwartz. “I’m looking to grow visits by notable names, as well as develop relationships with all authors and publishers.”

About Baker Book House
Baker Book House was founded in 1939 when Herman Baker started the store with 500 books from his personal library. Baker is known world-wide for a deep selection of Christian titles, including new, used, and bargain books. Visit www.bakerbookhouse.com for more information.

Contact: Sue Smith, EVP, Retail, 616-957-3110, sue.smith@bakerbookhouse.com