rush-to-press
The Week's News in Christian Publishing
  • Industry News
  • Milestones
  • Media Announcements
  • Product News
  • Other News

Bestselling author Sharon Garlough Brown debuts newest novel at Baker Book House

August 5, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Grand Rapids, MI—Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the bestselling Sensible Shoes series, debuts her much-anticipated new novel Shades of Light at 7 PM Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Baker Book House, 2768 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids.

Brown explores themes of mental illness, treatment, and spiritual formation in this novel that has social worker Wren Crawford overwhelmed by her lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression. She finds help through her art, pastoral care, and traditional therapeutic interventions, but a relationship from her past may undo her progress.

“Issues related to mental illness have often been ignored by the church, leaving those who suffer from depression and anxiety feeling isolated or judged. I wanted to address some of the complexities of mental health in Shades of Light and am thrilled that my publisher, InterVarsity Press, was eager to partner with me in that,” said Brown. “In my new novel, readers are invited to explore spiritual formation themes, and some of the familiar characters from the Sensible Shoes series make cameo appearances.”

Her next book, a sequel novella titled Remember Me, releases in December. Brown’s Sensible Shoes series, with four novels and four study guides, has sold around 200,000 and has been translated into several languages.

“We are delighted to have Sharon Brown back at Baker Book House,” said store manager Sue Smith. “Sharon continues to be our top selling fiction author. It makes perfect sense to debut her new novel here in her hometown store.”

Ticket for the event are $12 each, with a portion of ticket and book sales donated to Surprised by Hope, a ministry that helps provide “sensible shoes” to children in Kenya. 

Brown will speak and sign copies of her new book, which will be for sale at Baker Book House. Call the store at 616-957-3110 or go to https://bakerbookhouse.com/events/sharon-garlough-brown-shades-of-light-2019-08-20  for information and to get tickets.

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: Austin Gonzales, Event and Social Media Coordinator, 616-957-3110, Austin.gonzales@bakerbookhouse.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

IVP Senior Sales and Marketing Director recognized by PW Star Watch

August 5, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

WESTMONT, IL—Justin Paul Lawrence, IVP’s recently promoted senior sales and marketing director, has been recognized by Publishers Weekly (PW) in their annual Star Watch program. Lawrence is one of fifty innovative publishing professionals, including editors, booksellers, publicists, marketers, agents, and designers honored in the program, which is in its fifth year.

“Since he assumed the role of director of sales in July of 2016, Justin Paul Lawrence has made significant contributions to the overall growth and momentum that InterVarsity Press has achieved, opening new sales channels and serving legacy markets and customers with excellence,” said Jeff Crosby, publisher of IVP. “I’m grateful for this recognition of his work and am looking forward to his contributions in the recently expanded role of senior director of sales and marketing. I join my colleagues at IVP in extending my hearty congratulations.”

Lawrence started at IVP in 2015 as academic and library markets sales manager, working with colleges, universities, and libraries to make IVP’s books known to a broader market. In the last two years of his leadership of the sales department, IVP has seen over 25 percent growth across both print and digital markets and has seen the rise of bestselling books such as The Road Back to You. Under Lawrence’s direction, IVP has expanded its reach with their Library Select program, expanded their presence at trade shows like BookExpo and ALA Annual and Midwinter, and entered into a distribution partnership with SPCK (UK).

Prior to working at IVP, Lawrence’s publishing career included working as the trade buyer for Calvin College’s campus bookstore, as a publicist and copywriter for Eerdmans, as the shipping department manager for Regent College’s online bookstore, and as a bookseller with Barnes & Noble. He received an undergraduate degree in history, theology, and art from Houghton College, an MCS degree from Regent College, and an MBA from Grand Valley State University.

“I am amazed and honored to be part of PW Star Watch for this year,” said Lawrence. “IVP has a fantastic team that is building on a legacy of nearly seventy-five years of groundbreaking publishing. I am glad that my inclusion can highlight that long development in some small way.”

Lawrence is IVP’s first honoree in PW Star Watch. Their top fifty honorees will be narrowed to a top five to be announced and profiled in the September 2, 2019, issue of Publishers Weekly magazine. One “superstar” will be named at the PW Star Watch celebratory event at the Marquee nightclub in New York City on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

For more information about PW Star Watch, please visit: www.publishersweekly.com/pw/event/item/65-pw-star-watch-2019.html

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, IVP 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.

Contact: Alisse Wissman | 630.734.4059 | awissman@ivpress.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Songwriter, musician, author Andrew Peterson to inspire publishing professionals at ECPA PubU

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Andrew Peterson’s opening plenary and Lysa TerKeurst’s closing keynote will bookend program featuring more than 50 speakers

One month left to register at early bird rates!

JUST ANNOUNCED:   Songwriter, musician, author ANDREW PETERSON will open the program of ECPA PubU, held November 5-6 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, with a plenary session on “The Mystery of Making: Our Call to Creativity as Christian Publishers.” He joins LYSA TERKEURST — who closes the program with her keynote on “Reaching the Heart of Readers” — and more than 50 other presenters leading sessions for Christian publishing professionals in six publishing tracks, developed by a team of industry leaders.  Early bird registration is open for one more month.


PubU opening plenary: “The Mystery of Making: Our Call to Creativity as Christian Publishers”

Andrew Peterson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and author. The second book in his Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten (2009) won The Christy Award™ for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, The Warden and the Wolf King (2014) won World Magazine’s Children’s Book of the Year in 2015.  His latest book, Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making releases in October 2019 by B&H Publishing.

Driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Andrew founded a ministry called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published thirty books to date.

Peterson will also present a PubU session in the Editorial track on “How Editors and Writers can Leverage Creativity in Words and Storytelling.”


PubU closing keynote:  “Reaching the Heart of Your Readers”

Lysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the #1 New York Times’ best-selling author of Uninvited, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, The Best Yes, Unglued, Made to Crave, and 17 other books. Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as Focus on the Family and CNN online. Additionally, she has appeared on The Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community. Connect with her at www.LysaTerKeurst.com or on social media at @LysaTerKeurst.

TerKeurst will also present a combined PubU session for the Digital Marketing and Reader Engagement & Publicity tracks on “Lessons from Building and Engaging a Community.”


PubU: where the industry gathers to connect, learn, and grow
Publishing professionals in Christian publishing can customize their professional training, by choosing among more than 40 sessions in six publishing tracks, led by more than 50 industry experts.

If you think you might have something to learn from a few of these speakers, then plan to be a part of ECPA PubU 2019!

DATA, DELIVERY, WORKFLOW track speakers

  • Matt Baehr, Executive Director, Book Manufacturer’s Institute
  • Ken Dillard, Director of Integrated Business Planning and Business Analytics
  • Joshua Tallent, Director of Sales and Education, Firebrand Technologies
  • Timothy Olson, Digital Assets Manager, Tyndale House Publishers
  • Michial Miller, Client Development Manager, The NPD Group, Inc.
  • Bradley Metrock, CEO, Score Publishing
  • Robin Erwin, Digital Retail Sales Manager, Ingram Content Group
  • Kathy Ferguson, Senior Sales Representative, LSC Communications
  • Andrea Fleck-Nisbet, Director, Content Acquisition, Ingram
  • Tim Taylor, Sales Representative, Worzalla
  • Cara Lahey, Director of Sales and Marketing, PubGraphics
  • Susan Salley, Associate Publisher, Abingdon Press
  • Pete Schmidt, Sales, Lindenmeyr Book Publishing Papers
  • Nicole Wilson, Platform Logistics, LSC Communications
  • Pete Larson, President/CEO, Bethany Press
  • Jacque Schmidt, Production Director, HarperCollins Christian Publishing

DESIGN track speakers

  • Jade Novak, Art Director and Designer, B&H Publishing
  • Heather Brewer, Art Director, Discovery House and Our Daily Bread; Writer
  • Micah Kandros, Designer and Photographer
  • Wayne Brezinka, Artist and Illustrator
  • Amy Cerra, Creative Director, Our Daily Bread Ministries
  • Jeremy Mitchell, Creative Director, She Reads Truth, The Jeremy Mitchell Show podcast host

DIGITAL MARKETING track speakers

  • Mark Glesne, Marketing Director, HarperCollins Christian Publishing
  • Eric Nevins, Host & Story Curator of Halfway There Podcast and founder of Get Curious Media
  • Brian Erickson and Robb Erickson, Co-Founders, King Grizzly
  • Nick Lee, Art Director, David C Cook
  • Jeffrey Kranz, Co-founder, Overthink Group
  • Joan Begitschke, Chief Marketing Strategist, Verve Marketing Group
  • Lysa TerKeurst, President, Proverbs 31 Ministries

EDITORIAL track speakers

  • Andrew Peterson, musician, song writer, author, founder of The Rabbit Room
  • Sarah Rubio, Senior Editor, Tyndale House Publishers
  • Linda Howard, Assoc. Publisher, Children & Youth, Tyndale House
  • Shaun Tabatt, Host and Producer, The Shaun Tabatt Show
  • Cory Verner, President & CEO, One Audio
  • Amanda Cleary Eastep, Senior developmental editor, Moody Publishers, ThePerennialGen.com
  • Jevon Bolden, literary agent, Embolden

READER ENGAGEMENT & PUBLICITY track speakers

  • Mimi Chan, Senior Marketing Manager, Goodreads
  • Jennifer Willingham, founding partner of ICON Media Group
  • Alli Worthington, Author, co-founder, Blissdom Conference, The Alli Worthington Show podcast
  • Dr. Theon E. Hill, Assistant Professor, Wheaton College
  • Dave Schroeder, Vice President, Marketing, B&H Publishing Group
  • Jamie Ivey, Author of If You Only Knew and host of The Happy Hour Podcast
  • Andrew Osenga, A&R Rep, Integrity Music, former member, Caedmon’s Call, The Pivot Podcast
  • Heather MacFadyen, Host of the Don’t Mom Alone Podcast 
  • Jenaye White, Senior Publicist, B&H Publishing Group
  • Morgan Hubbard, Account Manager, Bookbub
  • Michele Misiak, Marketing Director, Baker Publishing Group
  • Lysa TerKeurst, President, Proverbs 31 Ministries

EMERGING LEADER track — A one-day track for those newer to the industry

  • Keith Williams, Bible Editor, Tyndale House Publishers
  • Brian Allain, Founding Director, Publishing in Color and Writing for your Life conferences
  • Judy Dunagan, Acquisitions Editor, Moody Publishers
  • Randall Payleitner, Associate Publisher, Moody Publishers
  • Ingrid Beck, Senior Editor for Waterbrook & Multnomah, a division of Penguin Random House

Registration and program at ECPAPubU.org

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bible Gateway interviews this week

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Bible Gateway Interviews Mark E. Moore, Author of “Core 52”

Is there a way to strengthen your spiritual core in a similar manner to exercising your physical core which results in a strong and stable midsection, better balance, improved posture, and reduction in back pain? Can a few minutes a day tactically reading the Bible help you master the core of Scripture? Bible Gateway interviewed Mark E. Moore (@markmoore330) about his book, Core 52: A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year (WaterBrook, 2019).

Read this interview.

 


Bible Gateway Interviews Hal Donaldson, Author of “Disruptive Compassion”

Do you observe a need to instigate a change in your immediate environment but are unsure how to move beyond pity, helplessness, and outrage? Do you wonder what one person can really do to enact the profound change the world needs? Bible Gateway interviewed Hal Donaldson (@HalDonaldson), who, along with Kirk Noonan and Lindsay Donaldson, is the author of Disruptive Compassion: Becoming the Revolutionary You Were Born to Be (Zondervan, 2019).

Read this interview.

 

 


Bible Gateway Interviews Costi W. Hinn, Author of “God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel”

What is the “prosperity gospel” and how did it originate? Why is it considered a dangerous theology? How does its teaching conflict with the concept of God’s sovereignty? How does prosperity theology abuse and exploit people? Bible Gateway interviewed Costi W. Hinn (@costiwhinn) about his book, God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel: How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies (Zondervan, 2019).

Read this interview.

 


Bible Gateway Interviews Aaron Smith, Author of “Marriage After God”

What if God has a unique purpose for your marriage? Is your marriage God-centered or us-centered? Are you and your spouse ambassadors of holy love to a hurting world? Is your marriage what God intends it to be: a life-saving, hope-inspiring, and transforming force of his love? Bible Gateway interviewed Aaron Smith (@husbandrevo), who, along with his wife Jennifer Smith (@unveiledwife), is the author of Marriage After God: Chasing Boldly After God’s Purpose for Your Life Together (Zondervan, 2019).

Read this interview.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Zondervan releases special edition of the NIV Psalms and Proverbs

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Ancient Words of the Past Deliver Insight and Truth for Today

Grand Rapids, Mich., July, 2019 – This special edition of the NIV Psalms and Proverbs is a beautiful and engaging compilation of these beloved books of the Bible. Using the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV), each book is set in the exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface for a smooth and enjoyable reading experience.

With high quality Bible paper and room for recording notes, this timeless collection is perfect for reflecting on how the sacred hymns and timeless writings have meaning for your life today.

Perfect for gift giving or personal use, it will be a treasured keepsake. Features include:

  • Complete book of Psalms and Proverbs using the text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
  • Dot grid space for notetaking and journaling
  • Thick, quality Bible paper
  • Ribbon marker
  • Elegant two-color page design
  • Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface
  • 10.2-point print size
NIV Psalms and Proverbs Bible products on sale August 6, 2019:

  • ISBN 9780310453529, NIV, Psalms and Proverbs, Leathersoft over Board, Burgundy, Comfort Print, 1600 pages, $39.99
  • ISBN 9780310453505, NIV, Psalms and Proverbs, Leathersoft over Board, Navy, Comfort Print, 1600 pages, $39.99

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, 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, Mich.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com. 

The New International Version (NIV) is the world’s bestselling modern-English Bible translation—accurate, readable, and clear, yet rich with the detail found in the original languages. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research in order to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica, a nonprofit ministry organization, translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world. To learn more, visit www.thenivbible.com.

About Comfort Print:  Zondervan Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost Bible typeface foundry, to create exclusive Comfort Print Bible fonts. NIV Comfort Print Bibles are easy to read at any size because the typeface was designed to be both efficient and readable. Zondervan Bibles believes that the beauty of the message should be reflected in the physical form of the book. Choosing the right typeface is one significant element in creating beautiful Bibles.

Contact: Amy Bigler, Senior Public Relations Manager, Amy.bigler@harpercollins.com, 616.698.3514 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Thomas Nelson announces “The Seasons Edition” 

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Collection of Fine Edition Classics Releasing in October 

(July 2019) – Do you remember where you were when you found out Elizabeth loved Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice? Or when Catherine chose Linton over Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights? Did you dream of becoming a writer because of Jo March’s stories with her sisters in Little Women? For fans of the classics, these stories, while hundreds of years old, are still alive and well.

Thomas Nelson is releasing the ‘Seasons Edition’ – a selection of fine edition classics that have been cultivated because of the season in which the book takes place. A limited-edition collection with only one print run, all books will be first editions and numbered out of 10,000.

The first series will be the ‘Seasons Edition – Winter,’ and it will launch in October 2019 featuring Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Expertly created by in-house, award-winning designer Kate Armstrong, the front covers invoke the mood of the season while a quote from the book about winter will be on the back cover.

About the Book:  The book jacket will be stark white with an innovative laser-cut design. The hardcover book exterior will have a printed texture in a solid color with gold foil stamping on the front cover, spine, and back cover.

Highly-designed end sheets will bookmark the front and back of each book as well as the backside of each of the designed quotes throughout the interior. The book interior will be a two-color printing on white paper with sewn binding. The book will also contain eight decorative pages with designed quotes about the winter season, and the exterior of the pages will be stained in a complimentary color.

‘Seasons Edition – Summer’ will release in June 2020 and feature The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Persuasion by Jane Austen, and the Wonderland collection by Lewis Carroll.

‘Seasons Edition – Winter’ releases October 28, 2019 $29.99 (Thomas Nelson).

Media Contact:
Stephanie Newton, Publicity Director, Stephanie.Newton@harpercollins.com, (o) 615-902-2320

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Baker Book House employee named a PW Star Watch nominee

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House is pleased to announce that long-time employee Josh Mosey has been named a PW Star Watch nominee. Publishers Weekly created PW Star Watch to identify and celebrate non-executives who are making an impact on the publishing industry.

Mosey is children’s book buyer for Baker Book House, one of the largest independent Christian bookstores in the nation. He helped create the bookstore’s summer reading program for kids, which started in 2007 with less than 100 children. This year, 1,871 kids are enrolled. Mosey is also responsible for exponential growth in the store’s children’s department.

“I’ve worn a lot of hats in my 15 years at Baker Book House, but none has been as comfortable or as exciting as that of children’s book buyer,” said Mosey, whose 3-Minute Prayers for Boys was recently released by Barbour. “One of my favorite parts of the job is hand selling to parents, grandparents and teachers. The store is an incredible place to connect in a personal way, then draw those connections between author, book and child.”

PW Star Watch nominees work in all areas of publishing, from publicity to production, bookselling to new technology and come from the U.S. and Canada. Mosey is among about 40 nominees chosen from all entries. That number will be narrowed to five finalists, with one winner honored in New York on Sept. 18.

“Josh has a wholehearted love for children’s literature,” said store manager Sue Smith. “He understands the impact that good books have on the lives of children. That impact can begin here at BBH. In embracing that vision, Josh is dedicated to making our children’s department a fun & engaging place of discovery”

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: Austin Gonzales, Event and Social Media Coordinator, 616-957-3110, Austin.gonzales@bakerbookhouse.com

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Rob Moll, author and editor, dies at forty-one

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

WESTMONT, IL—Rob Moll, author of The Art of Dying and What Your Body Knows About God, has died at the age of forty-one. Leaving behind his wife and four young children, Moll will be remembered as a talented writer and editor as well as a beloved friend.

Jeff Crosby, publisher of IVP, said of Moll’s life and work: “Rob Moll’s books and his work as a journalist demonstrated a depth of insight, integrity, and compassion that was an inspiration to his readers everywhere, as was his utter zest for living life to the fullest. As a reader and as his publisher for two books, I extend to Clarissa and the family my heartfelt condolences in this time of unspeakable loss.”

Moll began his career as a journalist in the suburbs of Chicago, working as a reporter and editor for the Grayslake Times and Citizen Media. He quickly added to his journalism roster by joining the staff of Christianity Today (CT), where for nearly sixteen years he served in various capacities as editor and writer.

Over the course of his journalism career, Moll won awards from the Evangelical Press Association, and he also contributed op-eds to the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, CNN, Fox News, The Hill, and Huffington Post.

In 2010, Moll published his first book, The Art of Dying, after volunteering for several years as a hospice chaplain. Lauren Winner wrote in the foreword, “We, the church, need to recover the art of dying. . . . I hope that people will read this book—and talk about it, and take inspiration from it. I hope we will let Rob Moll’s insights help us become communities where people can reckon with, rather than dodge, death.”

In 2011 Moll was appointed communications officer to the president for World Vision. In that role, he worked directly with Richard Stearns to create communications for one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. His second book, What Your Body Knows About God, was published in 2014. It was called a “must-read” by many, and like so much of Moll’s writing and work, received the highest of praise. In 2016 Moll began work with Eventide Asset Management as their director of business operations, leading the company’s communications efforts.

“Wise beyond his years; gone before his time,” said Al Hsu, Moll’s longtime editor. “I am still in shock at the news of Rob’s untimely passing. But he had prepared for his death many years before it came. His work as a hospice volunteer brought him to reflect deeply on the ancient Christian practice of ars moriendi, the art of dying. Rob’s awareness of his mortality became a gift to others facing death. While we grieve him, I am grateful that Rob pointed his readers beyond death to the hope of resurrection and life everlasting.”

Moll wrote in The Art of Dying, “The living Christians and the dead are still of one body, still of one hope. . . . We prepare for death and we see the Christian life in practice by providing a means for the dying to continue their presence in the church. Not only does it offer an opportunity for the dying and elderly to continue to fulfill the ministry to which God has called them, but the rest of the congregation sees life lived and ended with hope and faithfulness.”

To further support Moll’s legacy, both for his family and his work, please visit gofundme.com and mycause.worldvision.org. For more information on his writing with IVP, please visit ivpress.com/rob-moll.


Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, IVP 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.

Contact: Alisse Wissman | 630.734.4059 | awissman@ivpress.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

IVP announces personnel changes for future growth and initiatives

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

WESTMONT, IL – Over the past two fiscal years IVP has seen a 27 percent increase in sales. In a recent Publishers Weekly article, IVP Publisher Jeff Crosby explained the growth: “It has not been a single book nor a single customer; not a single segment or single new strategy; not the addition of one or two new team members or author acquisitions. Instead, it has been the accumulation of many years of relentlessly pushing the flywheel of mission-driven publishing that has led to the results we are seeing.”

Crosby also recognizes the need to keep innovating to bring about growth in the future. He said that IVP will make “measured and strategic investments” in both new strategies and people. In preparation for continued sales increases and these new initiatives, IVP has announced a number of personnel changes that will contribute to its ongoing growth and vision.

Justin Paul Lawrence, who has served as Director of Sales since 2016, joined IVP as the Academic and Library Markets Sales Manager in 2015. He has been promoted to the newly created position of Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. Lawrence will oversee marketing and publicity, key accounts, and data distribution, as well as trade, online, and digital sales.

Helen Lee, formerly Director of Marketing, has made the lateral move to the recently created position of Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships. In this role she will lead the development of new and existing initiatives and publishing partnerships. Lee was hired as Associate Editor for IVP Books and IVP Praxis in 2014 and was named Director of Marketing in 2016.

As the sales and marketing teams consolidate into one department, Andrew Bronson has been named Director of Marketing. Bronson has been a part of the IVP marketing department for more than eighteen years, serving as Special Markets Sales Manager, Digital Sales and Marketing Manager, and most recently as Senior Marketing Manager.

“Justin Paul Lawrence’s work has had a significant impact on the growth we have realized over the past three years,” Crosby said. “I’m grateful for his ‘yes’ to an expanded role, which will benefit from his many years of work in book retailing and publishing as well as his experiences at Regent College and Calvin College. The new roles of fellow veteran IVP staff Helen Lee and Andrew Bronson also position us to seize opportunities to expand our reach and engage culture in the years ahead. I’m grateful for their ‘yeses’ as well and look forward to the impact all three will have.”

Alisse Wissman came to IVP in 2010 as Academic Print Publicist & International Sales Coordinator. In 2013 she was named Publicity Manager and will now serve as Associate Director of Publicity.

Marsha Barnish has been with IVP for thirteen years. She started out as a sales coordinator in 2006, and since then has served as Digital Publishing and Sales Coordinator, Digital Assets Manager, and Assistant Director of Sales. She will now be Associate Director of Sales.

Christina Gilliland started out as a marketing coordinator for IVP in 2017. She was promoted to Assistant Marketing Manager last year and will now serve as a marketing manager in the Sales and Marketing Department.

Lawrence said, “I’m pleased that Andrew has accepted this new role and that I’ll get to tap into his publishing experience and connections. As the market continues to evolve, I am also excited to work with Alisse, Marsha, Christina, and the rest of the team to help our books transform lives. I believe that we have achieved the right mix of enthusiasm and expertise to enable continued growth in the future.”

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bethany House celebrates Julie Klassen’s sales of over one million books

July 29, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Bloomington, Minn. (July 18, 2019)—Award-winning, bestselling author Julie Klassen has reached over a million readers with her compelling Regency fiction novels. Bethany House Publishers staff gathered together this month to celebrate this milestone with reader tributes, a speech by Klassen, and—of course—tea and scones.

Klassen worked in publishing as a fiction editor for sixteen years before becoming a full-time writer. She is a self-described “lover of all things Jane Austen and Jane Eyre,” and many of her stories include subtle nods to them. Her debut novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor, was one of the first inspirational novels set in Regency England. Since then, she has written a total of fourteen novels, all taking place in England between 1811 and 1820, the time period in which many of Jane Austen’s novels are set. Some have an air of gothic mystery, others explore charming countryside village life, but all are beloved by readers for their compelling characters and page-turning plots.

During her career, Klassen has received extensive recognition for her achievements, including three Christy Awards, the Minnesota Book Award for genre fiction, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s Best award.

Her annual book launch event at Barnes & Noble each year is always standing room only, as more than one hundred readers gather to have a book signed and listen to Klassen speak about topics as diverse as coaching inns and period wedding traditions—sometimes while she’s dressed in a proper Regency gown, spencer, and bonnet.

Contact: Amy Green, 952-828-2596, agreen@bethanyhouse.com


Praise for Julie Klassen’s Novels:

“Klassen draws on Jane Austen’s impeccably crafted novels in her latest richly nuanced and superbly written inspirational Regency romance.”
—Booklist starred review of The Painter’s Daughter

“Klassen blends her tale well; each ingredient—romance, friendship, mystery—is measured to produce a lively tale that will satisfy Regency aficionados and general readers, too.”
—Publishers Weekly on The Apothecary’s Daughter

“Klassen has combined all kinds of reader-favorite elements in this mystery romance, including a grand estate, inscrutable villagers, a family tragedy and the first sweet buds of a love story . . . a gem for Regency and inspirational readers alike.”
—BookPage on The Secret of Pembrooke Park

Filed Under: Uncategorized

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 218
  • 219
  • 220
  • 221
  • 222
  • …
  • 284
  • Next Page »

Sign Up To Receive Industry News Each Week

Subscribe

This Month’s Bestsellers

VIEW BY GENRE
1 TAME YOUR THOUGHTS
MAX LUCADO
2 I JUST WISH I HAD A BIGGER KITCHEN
KATE STRICKLER
3 KJV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® LARGE PRINT EDITION 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
4 STANDING ON THE EDGE OF ETERNITY
GARY HAMRICK
5 PRACTICING THE WAY
JOHN MARK COMER
6 THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES
GARY CHAPMAN
7 JESUS CALLING
SARAH YOUNG
8 A JESUS-SHAPED LIFE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE PLUS STREAMING VIDEO
LISA HARPER
9 THE STRONGHOLD OF THE CHOSEN
AMANDA JENKINS. AND DALLAS JENKINS AND DOUGLAS S. HUFFMAN
10 NEW MORNING MERCIES
PAUL DAVID TRIPP
View All
1 KJV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® LARGE PRINT EDITION 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
2 KJV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
3 NIV® STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® LARGE PRINT EDITION 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
4 HOLY SPIRIT
DAVID DIGA HERNANDEZ
5 OUT OF THE WILDERNESS
ANGELA HALILI AND ARIELLE REITSMA
6 100 DAYS OF JOY AND STRENGTH
CANDACE CAMERON BURE
7 GOD CHOSE ME
CHARLES HENRY METCALF
8 NIV® STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
9 THE IMMORTAL MIND
MICHAEL EGNOR AND DENYSE O'LEARY
10 WHERE SECRETS LIE
COLLEEN COBLE AND RICK ACKER
View All
1 FINAL APPROACH
LYNETTE EASON
2 VANISHED
DAVID JEREMIAH WITH SAM O'NEAL
3 REDEEMING LOVE
FRANCINE RIVERS
4 WHEN CRICKETS CRY
CHARLES MARTIN
5 HINDS' FEET ON HIGH PLACES
HANNAH HURNARD
6 GELATO AT THE VILLA
ROBIN JONES GUNN
7 THE FRENCH KITCHEN
KRISTY CAMBRON
8 THE SHACK
WILLIAM PAUL YOUNG
9 SPLENDOR OF THE LAND
CONNILYN COSSETTE
10 A LINEAGE OF GRACE
FRANCINE RIVERS
View All
1 TAME YOUR THOUGHTS
MAX LUCADO
2 I JUST WISH I HAD A BIGGER KITCHEN
KATE STRICKLER
3 KJV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® LARGE PRINT EDITION 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
4 STANDING ON THE EDGE OF ETERNITY
GARY HAMRICK
5 PRACTICING THE WAY
JOHN MARK COMER
6 THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES
GARY CHAPMAN
7 JESUS CALLING
SARAH YOUNG
8 A JESUS-SHAPED LIFE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE PLUS STREAMING VIDEO
LISA HARPER
9 THE STRONGHOLD OF THE CHOSEN
AMANDA JENKINS. AND DALLAS JENKINS AND DOUGLAS S. HUFFMAN
10 NEW MORNING MERCIES
PAUL DAVID TRIPP
View All
1 THE ACTION BIBLE
SERGIO CARIELLO
2 THE BEGINNER'S BIBLE
THE BEGINNER'S BIBLE
3 THE JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE
SALLY LLOYD-JONES
4 GREAT AND SMALL PRAYERS FOR BABIES
PAMELA KENNEDY
5 GOD GAVE US YOU
LISA TAWN BERGREN
6 THE WORLD NEEDS WHO YOU WERE MADE TO BE
JOANNA GAINES
7 THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BIBLE
JANICE EMMERSON
8 BEDTIME PRAYERS FOR LITTLE ONES
MAX LUCADO AND DENALYN LUCADO
9 THE BIGGEST STORY BIBLE STORYBOOK
KEVIN DEYOUNG
10 MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES IS LOVE YOU
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE
View All
1 LIVE ON PURPOSE
SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF WITH BETH CLARK AND TAMA FORTNER
2 SINGLE, DATING, ENGAGED, MARRIED
STUART, BEN
3 THE 5-MINUTE BIBLE STUDY FOR TEEN GIRLS
SCOTT, CAREY
4 DO HARD THINGS
ALEX HARRIS AND BRETT HARRIS
5 YOURS, NOT HERS
KARI KAMPAKIS
6 THE CASE FOR CHRIST STUDENT EDITION
LEE STROBEL WITH JANE VOGEL
7 MANGA BIBLE
SIKU
8 THE HARBINGER: A GRAPHIC NOVEL
JONATHAN CAHN
9 EVERYDAY INSPIRATION FOR TEEN GIRLS
JANICE THOMPSON
10 STRONG AND SECURE
MICHELLE NIETERT AND LYNN COWELL
View All
1 365 READ-ALOUD BEDTIME BIBLE STORIES
DANIEL PARTNER
2 ONE-MINUTE INSPIRATIONS FOR WOMEN
ELIZABETH GEORGE
3 THE GOSPEL STORY
MARY WILEY
4 KNOW YOUR BIBLE
PAUL KENT
5 BIBLE PROMISES FOR MOMS
HEIDI ST JOHN
6 199 PROMISES OF GOD
BARBOUR PUBLISHING
7 BIBLE PROMISE BOOK - KJV
BARBOUR PUBLISHING
8 ONE-MINUTE INSIGHTS FOR MEN
JIM GEORGE
9 PRAYER BASICS FOR EVERYONE
TERRY GLASPEY
10 IS GOD SPEAKING TO ME?
LYSA TERKEURST
View All
1 KJV GIANT PRINT FULL SIZE BIBLE
CHRISTIAN ART PUBLISHERS
2 NIV ADVENTURE BIBLE, Hardcover
ZONDERVAN
3 ESV CHURCH BIBLE
CROSSWAY
4 CSB SHE READS TRUTH BIBLE, Grey
RAECHEL MYERS AND AMANDA BIBLE WILLIAMS AND CSB BIBLES BY HOLMAN
5 NKJV PERSONAL SIZE LARGE PRINT REFERENCE BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
6 KJV LARGE PRINT PEW BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
7 NIV VALUE THINLINE BIBLE
ZONDERVAN
8 NIV THE WOMAN'S STUDY BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
9 ESV STUDY BIBLE
J. I. PACKER
10 NLT LARGE PRINT PREMIUM VALUE THINLINE BIBLE, Garden Pink
NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
View All
1 ESV ECONOMY BIBLE
CROSSWAY
2 ESV ECONOMY HOLY BIBLE FOR KIDS
CROSSWAY
3 ESV LARGE PRINT ECONOMY BIBLE
CROSSWAY
4 NLT LARGE PRINT HOLY BIBLE ECONOMY OUTREACH EDITION
NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
5 KJV GIFT & AWARD BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
6 NIV ECONOMY BIBLE
ZONDERVAN
7 NIV LARGER PRINT HOLY BIBLE ECONOMY EDITION
ZONDERVAN
8 NIV GIFT & AWARD BIBLE
ZONDERVAN
9 NLT ECONOMY TEXT BIBLE
NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
10 NIV OUTREACH BIBLE STUDENT EDITION
ZONDERVAN
View All
1 New International Version
2 English Standard Version
3 King James Version
4 New Living Translation
5 New King James Version
6 Christian Standard Bible
7 Reina Valera
8 New International Reader's Version
9 New American Standard Bible
10 New Revised Standard Version
View All
1 PERDONA LO QUE NO PUEDES OLVIDAR
LYSA TERKEURST
2 LOS 5 LENGUAJES DEL AMOR EDICION REVISADA
GARY CHAPMAN
3 UN ANO CON DIOS
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
4 UNA VIDA CON PROPOSITO, Bolsillo
RICK WARREN
5 UNA MUJER SABIA
WENDY BELLO
6 DESTINADO AL EXITO
DANTE GEBEL
7 HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA CRISTIANA
JESSE LYMAN HURLBUT
8 LA MUJER EMOCIONALMENTE SANA
GERI SCAZZERO AND PETER SCAZZERO
9 TEOLOGIA BIBLICA Y SISTEMATICA
MYER PEARLMAN
10 VIVIENDO SU VOLUNTAD
SEBASTIAN FRANZ
View All
1 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Negro, Tapa Dura
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
2 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Rosa
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
3 RVR1960 BIBLIA LETRA GRANDE TAMANO MANUAL EDICION TIERRA SANTA
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
4 RVR1960 BIBLIA DEL PESCADOR LETRA GRANDE
LUIS ANGEL DIAZ-PABON
5 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Imitacion piel
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
6 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Turquesa
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
7 RVR1960 BIBLIA DE ESTUDIO ARCO IRIS
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
8 RVR1960 BIBLIA DE APUNTES
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
9 RVR1960 SANTA BIBLIA EDICION PORTATIL CON CREMALLERA
RVR 1960- REINA VALERA 1960
10 RVR60 SANTA BIBLIA LETRA GRANDE TIERRA SANTA CON CIERRE
VIDA
View All
1 LA GRAN HISTORIA DEL EVANGELIO
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
2 365 HISTORIAS BIBLICAS PARA LA HORA DE DORMIR
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
3 EL SECRETO DE LA PAZ PERSONAL
BILLY GRAHAM
4 DEMASIADO BENDECIDA PARA ESTAR ESTRESADA
DEBORA M. COTY
5 LA BIBLIA PARA TODOS LOS NINOS
JOAN G. ANGURELL
6 ESTRESATE MENOS, ORA MAS
DONNA K. MALTESE
7 PREOCUPATE MENOS Y ORA MAS
DONNA K. MALTESE
8 COMO ORAR EN EL ESPIRITU
JOHN BUNYAN
9 EL VALLE DE LOS HUESOS SECOS
YIYE AVILA
10 ¿PARA QUE ESTOY AQUI EN LA TIERRA?
RICK WARREN
View All

Upcoming Events

ECPA C-Suite Symposium
September 7-9, 2025 | Tucson, Arizona
The Christy Award® Finalist Reveal webcast
September 19 | 10 am central
Christian Book Award submission period
September 1-30, 2025
The Christy Award® Winners Gala webcast
November 7 | 7 pm central
ECPA PubU Online
Oct 31 through Nov 14, 2025

Career Center

VP of Finance & Administration
The Church Initiative (GriefShare / DivorceCare), Wake Forest, NC (Hybrid)
ECPA LOGO
submit icon

Submit a News Item

Submit industry related news releases to rushtopress @ecpa .org for consideration. Rush to Press is sent every Monday and eligible releases must be received by end of day Friday prior to the Monday’s publication.

announce icon

Career Posts

To announce a job opening in Rush to Press, post it first at the ECPA Career Center and your announcement will appear in the next issue.

subscribe icon

Subscribe

To receive Rush to Press, along with other industry updates from ECPA, please follow the instructions here to create or modify your ECPA community profile. To subscribe to Rush to Press without using a profile, subscribe here.

unsubscribe icon

Unsubscribe

If you would like to be removed from the Rush to Press distribution list, please edit your ECPA profile preferences or email info @ecpa .org.

advertise icon

Advertise

If you would like to reach over 3,300 industry subscribers and media contacts each week, consider advertising in Rush to Press. Contact sponsorship @ecpa .org for more information.

More news at RushtoPress.org. #RushtoPress @ECPA
This is a publication of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. For more information about ECPA, contact info@ecpa.org or visit ECPA.org.
Copyright © 2025 · ECPA