Grand Rapids, Mich.—Credo Communications president Tim Beals announces that Pete Ford has joined Credo as a literary agent and publishing coordinator. Ford previously held an internship at Credo, and Beals is delighted to have him back with the team. “Pete has been working hard for several years to be in this position. He represents the future of publishing and is prepared to make an immediate impact,” Beals says.

A recent graduate of Calvin University, Ford holds a degree in literature. During his time at Calvin, he was the managing editor of Chimes, the student newspaper. He also worked as a Hudson-Townsend Student Fellow at the Calvin Center for Faith & Writing, which hosts the biennial Festival of Faith & Writing.

Since 2016 Ford has been on the Breathe Christian Writers Conference planning committee. He has also been the web services coordinator at Apricot Services for over five years. In 2019 he was awarded an Emerging Leader scholarship to PubU for his work at Apricot Services.

“I’m excited to serve our authors by bringing together my experience with words and technology in this role,” Ford says. He will focus on authors who are thoughtfully engaged with the church. He will work with both nonfiction and fiction authors. He joins Beals and Credo COO Karen E. Neumair in Grand Rapids.

About Credo Communications LLC
Credo Communications is a premier literary agency that represents some of the leading Christian thinkers and writers addressing a wide range of needs and interests by faithfully communicating the hope of the gospel message. Credo is directed by the Spirit, distinguished by excellence, and driven by results.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Pete Ford, please call Tim Beals at 616.363.2686 or email Tim at tim@credocommunications.net.

Contact: Tim Beals, 616.363.2686, tim@credocommunications.net

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Industry veteran Marilyn Largent has joined Kregel Publications as sales manager.

Marilyn looks forward to being part of Kregel Publications, especially at this time of rebranding and repositioning for the future. “I’ve always appreciated that Kregel Publications is a trusted, biblically based publisher that has worked hard to remain an independent and family-owned business,” says Largent. “I have a passion for Christian publishing and am excited to be part of what Kregel is doing in the marketplace.”

“We are excited to have Marilyn Largent join us to lead our sales initiatives,” says Jerry Kregel, president of Kregel Publications. “I appreciate her commitment to this ever-changing industry and her determination to push beyond the status quo.”

“Marilyn will be a great new addition to our Kregel team,” adds Kregel publisher Catherine DeVries, “as we continue to publish award-winning, engaging content across a wide variety of genres and formats for all ages.”

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Building on the Successful Launch of its #1 Amazon Best-Selling Kids Bible, Minno Press and Hachette Book Group’s FaithWords Division Roll out New “Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones” this Month to Help Make the Bible Accessible for the Whole Family

NASHVILLE, Feb. 24, 2020 — FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, and Minno Kids are pleased to announce its latest addition to the already-popular collection of kid’s books by VeggieTales® creator and celebrated author Phil Vischer-the Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones. This new board book edition builds on the successful launch of the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids, first released in September 2019 which became the No. 1 best selling book in Amazon’s “Children’s Christian Bible Stories” category.

“The Bible makes life make sense, and I’ve spent most of my life helping kids make sense of the Bible through creative media, culminating last year with the launch of my new Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids. The response to that fun-filled walk through God’s word has been so fantastic, that now we’re back with a new board book version for our littlest friends. And just in time for Easter baskets,” said Phil Vischer, author of The Laugh and Learn Bible books.

Watch Phil’s video here: https://rb.gy/305qtk

The Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones, written by VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer, includes fifteen beautifully illustrated, whimsically written Bible stories that will introduce little learners to God’s great story.

This simple board book Bible is the perfect companion to the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids or a delightful stand-alone tool that will introduce toddlers and preschoolers to beloved, one-minute, gospel-focused Bible stories.

The Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones has a Family Connection at the end of the book with parent tips, questions that can apply to all of the 15 stories, a memory verse, and prayer.

Facts about the Laugh and Learn Bible 

• This is the FIRST EVER children’s Bible collection written by Phil Vischer; author, filmmaker, writer with over 70M children’s products sold
• The first edition, the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids, was released in September 2019 which became the No. 1 best selling book in Amazon’s “Children’s Christian Bible Stories” category
• It is connecting families in fun, new ways as they engage together in a whole new Bible experience
• The Bible is unlike any other children’s Bible complete with amazing bonus resources including maps, charts, and Bible section introductions to help readers understand each story’s place in God’s big story
• Full product line includes board book Bible for little ones, hardcover Bible for Kids with eBook and audiobook narrated by author Phil Vischer
• Check out the press website-click here.

In addition to the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids, Faithwords has released a series of children’s books featuring VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer’s beloved characters, Buck Denver and Friends-stars of the popular Buck Denver Asks™ . . . What’s In the Bible? series-a new collection of board, picture, and coloring books.

The Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones is available now wherever you buy the books you love. Visit laughandlearnbible.com to check out all of our retailers.

About FaithWords
FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, is a leading publisher of books and resources for the inspirational Christian market. Bestselling authors include Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Joseph Prince, John C. Maxwell, and T.D. Jakes.

About Minno
Minno is a Nashville-based children’s digital media company partnering with Christian parents to provide safe, values-based choices for their families. Minno’s offering includes an ad-free subscription-video-on-demand platform Minno Life, an expert-driven parenting blog, Minno Kids, its book publishing division, and Minno store, a digital shopping platform. Minno seeks to entertain, inform and inspire, encouraging kids and parents to laugh and learn together.

CONTACT: Press@inspire.buzz, 323-379-5180

Long-time Zondervan senior v-p and publisher receives industry’s top honor

Nashville, Tenn. (February 24, 2020) — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) congratulates senior v-p, publisher, and Zondervan editor-in-chief, Stan Gundry, for being recognized as this year’s recipient of the Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award from the Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Association (ECPA), announced on  February 17, 2020. The award will be presented at the ECPA Leadership Summit on May 5, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.

Recognized for his forty-year dedication to the Christian publishing industry as both a publisher and author of seven published works, Gundry’s name is synonymous with the Zondervan publishing program. Gundry joined Zondervan in 1980 to develop the Zondervan Academic publishing program, today one of the most highly recognized and world-renowned Christian theological imprints used in colleges, universities, and seminaries across the globe. Throughout his tenure, Gundry has acquired many leading Christian academic scholars including Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology), Tremper Longman (Introduction to the Old Testament), D. A. Carson and Douglas Moo, (Introduction to the New Testament), Moises Silva (New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis), Willem VanGemeren (New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis), William Mounce (Basics of Biblical Greek), Daniel Wallace (Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics), and John R. Kohlenberger and Edward W. Goodrick (The NIV Exhaustive Concordance). Gundry also acquired numerous bestselling trade books including New York Times bestselling authors Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life) and Ben Carson (Gifted Hands).

Gundry consistently brings biblical and theological focus to the Zondervan brand, as well as vision to keep pace with technological changes in publishing. Under his leadership, the Zondervan Academic team has pioneered new developments in online education, becoming an industry-leader with nearly 100 online courses and streaming video studies now available.  Over the past two years, Gundry has steered the development and launch of Zondervan Reflective, a new trade imprint specializing in books for thoughtful readers on topics related to leadership, ministry, and the intersection of faith and culture. It is home to authors including Andy Stanley (Deep & Wide), Jemar Tisby (The Color of Compromise), and Nabeel Qureshi (Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus).

Although Zondervan plucked Gundry out of academia forty years ago, he continues to impact the next generation of biblical scholars as an adjunct professor of historical and systematic theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

“Stan Gundry is a pillar in the Christian publishing world,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP. “He has dedicated his life to our mission to inspire the world by meeting the needs of people with content that promotes biblical principles and honors Jesus Christ, and because of his dedication to his craft millions of lives have been introduced to or impacted by God’s Word. We are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honor.”

“I never planned or expected to go into publishing. At age 40 I had completed my formal education and was happily settled in as a college and seminary professor of theology,” said Gundry. “I expected that I would spend the rest of my career teaching, while occasionally doing a bit of editing and writing of my own. However, unbeknownst to me but providentially, everything in my background was leading toward and preparing me for something else – publishing. I am so honored that the ECPA has bestowed on me, the ‘accidental publisher,’ this prestigious recognition.”

The Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a leader from within the Christian publishing profession whose lifetime of achievement goes above and beyond: leading with exemplary Christian character, initiating innovative programs and products, and contributing to the mission and advancement of the Christian publishing industry. ECPA has presented Lifetime Achievement Awards since 1981 to those who have significantly impacted the industry.  Recipients listed at ECPA.org/page/lifetime.

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.

Contact: Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137, Chelsea.taff@harpercollins.com

Jennie Allen, author of the New York Times bestseller Get Out of Your Head, has signed two new nonfiction works to WaterBrook. In the first book, Find Your People, tentatively slated for release in January 2022, the popular Bible teacher and founder of IF: Gathering explores the universal craving to be known and loved, revealing not only how social connection makes our daily lives more vibrant but why living in community is essential and integral to our very design as humans, and a second book to follow.

Laura Barker acquired world rights from Curtis Yates at Yates & Yates. Allen also is the author of the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller Nothing to Prove.

For rights queries, please contact Denise Cronin, decronin@prh.com.

WaterBrook is an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

Calvin University January Series draws crowds to Baker Book House

Program for writers, Prologue Writer Nights,  flourishing at Baker Book House

Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House, the largest independent Christian bookstore in North America, drew crowds to its event space as an offsite viewing location for the popular January Series hosted by Calvin University, located in Grand Rapids.

The January Series, in its 33^rd year, is a free, 15-day lecture series designed to cultivate thought and conversations about issues of the day. This year’s events ran from Jan. 8-28 on the Calvin campus and were seen at more than 60 remote sites across the United States and Canada, as well as Lithuania. Speakers included Alice Marie Johnson, Mitch Albom, Ann Compton, and Karen Gonzalez.

Baker Book House filled its event space nearly every day of the series, with some days requiring overflow seating in the store’s community room. Average attendance was 83, with a high of 137 guests for Albom’s talk.

“We see the January Series as a way to meet the needs of the many people who want to participate in the series but who may not want to attend at the large university. It’s a good way to engage the community in important conversations,” said Sue Smith, EVP of Retail. “The live broadcast is also a way to introduce people to the store who may not have been here before.”

The bookstore offers a 25 percent discount on books by January Series speakers, and sees an uptick in book and café sales during the series. Mid-day foot traffic at least doubles from any other month’s mid-day traffic.

“We love offering people a relaxed, pleasant place to view the January Series speakers, and love it that they can take advantage of our café,” said Smith. “Bookstores, via good use of technology, have a unique opportunity to provide the public with access to events and speakers they may not see otherwise.”

Visit the website at www.bakerbookhouse.com/events for information on store events.

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Program for writers, Prologue Writer Nights,  flourishing at Baker Book House

Baker Book House, the largest independent Christian bookstore in North America, is reaching its niche customers via Prologue Writer Nights, a free, monthly program for writers. Authors and publishing professionals from the West Michigan area are guest speakers at the event.

“We have a vibrant writing community here in West Michigan,” said Prologue organizer Julie Schwab. “We want a space for new writers to learn and grow, and an avenue for experienced writers and publishing professionals to share their knowledge.”

Prologue Writer Nights began in May 2019 and has seen steady growth in attendance, with an average of 20 attending each event, held Tuesday evenings once a month. Baker Book House stocks a wide range of books for new and experienced writers, and gift products that appeal to writers such as journals, bookmarks, and stationary.

“Baker Book House not only sells good books but also attracts bookish people. We want to connect with those who love books and dream of writing them,” said Sue Smith, EVP of Retail. “That’s also why we have so many books about writing and gifts that appeal to writers on our shelves.”

Prologue speakers have included Zondervan acquisitions editor Andy Rogers and Cornerstone University professors Cynthia Beach and Jason Stevens. Upcoming speakers include Our Daily Bread Ministries editor Tim Gustafson and NY Times bestselling author Lorilee Craker.

For more information on Prologue Writer Nights, visit https://bakerbookhouse.com/events

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.

Contacts: Becky Schwartz, Event Coordinator, 616-957-3110, becky.schwartz@bakerbookhouse.com
Julie Schwab, Nonfiction Buyer and Prologue Organizer, 616-957-3110, julie.schwab@bakerbookhouse.com

Charlotte, NC, February 2020—The Good Book Company is delighted to announce that Laura Wifler, Co-Founder of Risen Motherhood and Co-Author of Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope For Everyday Moments, will be publishing her first children’s book with TGBC in the fall of 2021.

The book will be the twelfth book in the bestselling Tales that Tell the Truth series, which boasts award- winning titles such as The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, and God’s Very Good Idea. The series combines stunning illustrations by Catalina Echeverri with faithful, Bible-centered story-telling.

Wifler’s book will explore prayer and show children how and why we pray. Starting in Eden and leading children through how God has always invited his people to speak to him, it will not only help children know what they can say to their Father, but excite them about the wonder and privilege of being able to talk to their Creator anywhere, anytime, about anything.

Carl Laferton, Executive Vice President of Publishing at The Good Book Company, says, “As one of the founders of Risen Motherhood, Laura has been a huge blessing to hundreds of thousands of children through encouraging and equipping their moms (and dads!) to live out and teach well the gospel to them. I’m thrilled that Laura has chosen to publish her first kids’ book with TGBC; and I’m looking forward to my own kids becoming excited about the privilege of prayer as they read her book.”

Laura commented, “It’s an honor to partner with The Good Book Company to contribute to such a well-respected and beloved series as Tales that Tell the Truth. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to help children grasp what a joy and privilege it is to pray, and learn how this important spiritual discipline is not too lofty or complicated for even the youngest among us.”

Wifler is represented by the Wolgemuth & Associates literary agency.

Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen founded Risen Motherhood with the aim to encourage, equip, and challenge moms to apply the gospel to their everyday lives. In 2019, they published a book by the same name, Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope For Everyday Moments.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.
thegoodbook.com
thegoodbookcompanynorthamerica
@thegoodbookusa
@thegoodbookcompanyusa

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Marketing & Publicity Assistant Eleanor Elms (eleanor.elms@thegoodbook.com)

Gundry recognized for his 40+ years of leadership and impact on the Christian publishing industry as publisher, author, theologian, and professor

Tempe, Ariz., Nov. 18, 2020 – On behalf of the Christian publishing industry, ECPA presented the Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award to STAN N. GUNDRY, Senior Vice President & Publisher and Editor-in-Chief for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), for his 40+ year impact on Christian publishing.

The award was presented online on November 18 during the ECPA Industry Awards Celebration webcast that concluded the ECPA C-Suite Connect online conference.  HarperCollins Christian Publishers (HCCP) presented a tribute video that included Rick Warren sharing how Stan was the impetus behind the groundbreaking best-sellers “Purpose Driven Church” and “Purpose Driven Life.”  Warren praised Stan as a theologian and one who loves pastors, the church, and authors.  HCCP President and CEO Mark Schoenwald presented the award with personal remarks and congratulations.  In accepting the award, Stan presented his 10 principles for Christian publishers.

“The Kenneth N. Taylor Award carries an incredibly high standard, and there is no more worthy recipient than Stan Gundry,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “He embodies all that the Award represents for our industry—exemplary Christian character, innovation, and growth.”

Gundry’s tenure with HCCP goes back to 1980 when he accepted a position at Zondervan to build the Zondervan Academic program acquiring and editing textbooks, Bible commentaries, and other resources for Christian scholarship. Today, Zondervan Academic publishes 50-60 titles a year.

He is the husband of Patricia S. Gundry, and they have four grown children. He is a graduate of the Los Angeles Baptist College (B.A., summa cum laude), Talbot Theological Seminary (B.D., summa cum laude), Union College of British Columbia (S.T.M.), and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (S.T.D.). His graduate degrees were in historical theology. After serving in a pastorate, he taught as an adjunct professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and was Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute where he taught for eleven years. He has also served two terms on the Board of Christians for Biblical Equality and is a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society. He has seven books to his credit, produced by himself or in collaboration with others and has written numerous articles for a wide variety of publications. In some circles he is best known for his articles and book on restoration of the Studebaker Avanti automobile.

The Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a leader from within the Christian publishing profession whose lifetime of achievement goes above and beyond: leading with exemplary Christian character, initiating innovative programs and products, and contributing to the mission and advancement of the Christian publishing industry. ECPA has presented Lifetime Achievement Awards since 1981 to those who have significantly impacted the industry.  Recipients listed at ECPA.org/page/lifetime.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org, ECPA.org.

Media contacts:
Stan Jantz, ECPA President and CEO, sjantz@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998
Cindy Carter, ECPA Awards & Recognition Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998

[NASHVILLE, TENN., February 17, 2020—] Award-winning and bestselling author Jamie Sumner will release her second adult trade book, “Eat, Sleep, Save the World: Words of Encouragement for the Special Needs Parent” (March 3, 2020, B&H Publishing Group), following her critically acclaimed middle grade novel, “Roll With It.”

Designed to be an encouraging and empowering read, the book reminds every parent of a child with special needs that they are superheroes. With a mixture of humor and honesty, Sumner brings hope to other parents like herself who need to hear that God has made them more than capable to raise their special kids.

Sumner is a mother to a son with cerebral palsy and is an advocate for parents of children with special needs. Sumner writes and speaks about disability in literature and partners with many schools to teach about reading, writing and special needs.

“‘Eat, Sleep, Save the World’ isn’t a ‘how-to-parent’ book,” said Sumner. “We have enough of those. As a mother to a son with special needs, I wanted to write the book that I needed – one that cheers you on and eases the pressure of parenting. I hope readers will utter sighs of relief as they see all the ways that God is taking care of their children and them. Basically, it’s a hug in book form.”

Sumner is a regular contributor to major publications such as “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post” and is the reviews editor at Literary Mama. Her social media posts about life as a special needs parent have been featured by “Good Morning America,” Target, Motherly and many more.

Sumner is also the author of “Roll With It,” which was awarded one of Amazon’s Best Books of the Year and Kirkus’ Best Books of the Year, and “Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood.” Her second and third middle grade novels are forthcoming in late 2020 and 2021.

B&H is supporting “Eat, Sleep, Save the World” with a preorder campaign, national marketing and publicity campaign and special launch event in Nashville, Tennessee at Draper James on March 5. All who preorder the book can redeem a special downloadable emoji coloring and activity sheet. Orders can be redeemed on eatsleepsavetheworldbook.com.

For more information, visit eatsleepsavetheworldbook.com.

Jamie Sumner has written for “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post” among many other publications. She is the author of a nonfiction book on motherhood, “Unbound,” and the middle-grade novel “Roll with It.” She is also mom to twins and a son with cerebral palsy, and she writes and speaks about disability in literature. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She and her family live in Nashville, Tenn. Visit her at www.jamie-sumner.com.

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.

(February 3, 2020) – Today, the Parable Group released its 2020 State of Christian Retailing report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. Progress, challenges, and important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead.

Drawing on $66 million in sales data, 2.1 million consumer receipts, and survey results from U.S. Christian retailers across marketing groups, church stores, and other independents, the report highlights include: comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, analysis of Christmas sales and year-end sales, and shifts in retailer outlook.

“2019 was another year of change, but the resilient and tenacious independents continue to work faithfully in their business and ministry,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “We’re thankful for the many individuals who contributed to this report, offering honest responses to surveys and insightful comments. It’s our hope that up-to-date facts, research, and analysis encourage both retailers and publishers to press forward for years to come.

To view the report, click here.

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA. based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020  sally.ross@parable.com