Christian publishers from more than a dozen countries expressed their appreciation for ECPA’s first International Christian Rights & Export Fair, held June 25-26 on the campus of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

Twenty-eight American publishers, most of them members of ECPA, exhibited their books and Bibles at ICREF for the purpose of selling foreign rights and exports. Representatives from Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, Germany, England, South Korea, Brazil, Colombia, and several other countries traveled to Chicago to attend ICREF.

“Thank you for everything you did to make the event run so well,” said Alexandra McDonald, Commercial Director for SPCK & IVP in London. “We’d definitely be interested in taking part again.”

ICREF ran for two full days, with a full slate of appointments for the exhibitors.

“It was gratifying to see how busy the publishers were,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “Between the International Christian Rights Fair in Krakow last March and this rights event in Chicago, we are seeing a growing international market for products produced by our members.”

Moody Bible Institute was an ideal venue for ICREF. The staff and publishing team of Moody Publishers were gracious hosts, sponsoring a special reception for all attendees.

“The event was such a success that we have reserved the dates of June 23-24, 2020 for ICREF,” said Jantz. “We’re looking forward to returning to Moody for this valuable event.”

(Nashville, Tenn.) July 1, 2019—With the deepest sadness, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) this morning announced the passing of a dear friend and colleague, Brian Hampton. As senior vice president and group publisher, Hampton led the strategy and direction of the organization’s book publishing program, for both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, with the exception of Zondervan Academic and Zondervan Reflective.

Hampton began his career with Thomas Nelson in 1991 as an editorial assistant.  His keen editorial sense and precision quickly established his credibility within the organization.  He moved into the position of senior vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson in 2006.

Hampton’s ability to form meaningful, lifelong relationships were behind internationally successful and bestselling book campaigns for authors like Lysa TerKeurst, Max Lucado, Donald Miller, John C. Maxwell, Dave Ramsey, Bob Goff, Jen Hatmaker, John Eldredge, Rachel Hollis, and many more.  In October 2018, it was announced that Hampton was selected to lead the future of HCCP’s book publishing program.

President and CEO, Mark Schoenwald commented, “It is difficult to express what Brian Hampton meant to me, to this organization, to our authors, to the industry. He was a great man, who loved God, his family, and his work. So many at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, including myself, admired Brian for so much more than his contribution here, and his presence will be missed.  Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Karen, their two children, and extended families.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., 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.

Contact:  Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109 casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

WESTMONT, IL—As it nears its seventy-fifth year of publishing, IVP is pleased to announce a brand and logo redesign to carry them into the next decade.

With this redesign, IVP desired to celebrate their legacy while also leading the way in beauty and relevance within the publishing field. IVP’s current branding and logo have been in place since 2006, and after gathering feedback from over four hundred fans, the creative team at IVP updated both in a modern and meaningful style.

“What sets IVP apart is our willingness to tackle tough topics, our commitment to diversity, and our desire to publish books that might be controversial in Christian circles,” said Lorraine Caulton, director of creative and customer engagement. “In thinking of IVP’s legacy, what we find is the constancy of our mission. We haven’t just become smart and socially conscious, and we aren’t following a trend; we pursue a mission. The fact that IVP is smart and reflective may conjure up different images to people. Our goal in a brand refresh is to ensure that the terms approachable and friendly also come to mind.”

In examining IVP’s history of publishing since 1947, the creative team was reminded of this legacy and the way it’s displayed in its visual branding. Beyond evoking the idea of pages in a book, the three swooshes also represent IVP’s aim to reach the university, the church, and the world. The new logo seeks to reinforce our purpose, clarify our communication with readers, and position IVP for a thriving future in the years ahead.

“I think good branding helps people to get to know us,” said David Fassett, art director. “It helps us connect with our customers and also distinguishes us from others in the marketplace. Jeff Bezos, president of Amazon, said your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room. I think good branding gives us an opportunity to shape what other people think about us.”

Based on further reader feedback, IVP will now be the public face of InterVarsity Press. Additionally IVP will become the imprint name for their trade line of books, which will also include the publishing lines of IVP Formatio and IVP Praxis. The books that were contained in the IVP Books and IVP Connect imprints will also be rebranded under this new IVP imprint. IVP Academic, whose logo is included in the redesign, will continue as the imprint that publishes reference series, monographs, and commentaries.

“Our previous logo had a serious and stately vibe that was appropriate for the time,” Fassett continued. “And that tone made sense since it was developed alongside the launch of our academic imprint, which we wanted to appear thoughtful and credible. Our primary goal was to update our current branding so it continues the legacy of our current look but makes it more contemporary, approachable, versatile, and elevates IVP as the primary identifier among our audience.”

For more information on the philosophy of this change, please visit ivpress.com/redesign.

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

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Jen Wilkin’s In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character (Crossway, May 2018) has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales.

Many Christians struggle to know what God’s will is for their lives, searching Scripture for answers to difficult decisions. In In His Image, best-selling author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin argues that “God is always more concerned with the decision-maker than he is with the decision itself.” She explores ten ways that Christians are called to reflect God’s character—including his holiness, his goodness, his mercy, and his patience.

“This is a book that intends to, once and for all, answer the question of God’s will for our lives. It intends to illuminate the narrow path for those of us who have grown forgetful of its existence or have wondered if it can be found. The narrow path is not hidden,” writes Wilkin. “It shows itself to those who have learned to ask, ‘Who should I be?’ and to look to the person of Christ for their answer.”

Available in both trade paperback and ebook formats, In His Image has received commendations from J. D. Greear (president of the Southern Baptist Convention), Trillia Newbell (author of God’s Very Good Idea), Sam Allberry (author of 7 Myths about Singleness), and more.

Greear writes, “Wilkin shows us how the best answers to what we should do are found in what we become, and what we become is determined by our view of God. There is no more important subject matter, and few authors are as capable at communicating such deep truth in simple, engaging ways as Jen Wilkin is.”

Wilkin has also written Women of the Word (Crossway, 2014), which has sold over 250,000 copies, and None Like Him (Crossway, 2016), which has sold over 100,000 copies. For more information about the author, visit jenwilkin.net.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen Wilkin is a speaker, writer, and teacher of women’s Bible studies. During her seventeen years of teaching, she has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. Jen and her family are members of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. jenwilkin.net facebook.com/wilkinjen @jenniferwilkin

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-centered content, to honor our Savior and serve his Church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information visit crossway.org.

In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character By Jen Wilkin
Available from Crossway Religion / Christian Theology / General
ISBN 978-1-4335-4987-8 5.25″ x 8.0″ • Trade Paperback $12.99 • 176 pp.
Release Date: May 31, 2018

Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House, the largest independent Christian bookstore in West Michigan, has the largest number yet enrolled in its summer reading program titled Ready. Set. Explore! Almost 1,500 children are already enrolled, with an estimated 2,000 joining the program by the mid-July cutoff date.

“Last year we had 1,500 kids enrolled; the year before 1,200; the year before that 800,” said Josh Mosey, Children’s Product Buyer and director of the summer reading program. “When we started our program back in 2009, we hoped for 100 kids.”

Ready. Set. Explore! features events throughout the summer and prizes based on number of hours read. The top prize for 80 or more reading hours is a $25 gift card to the store. The minimum is a $5 gift card for 10 hours read. Last year, Baker Book House gave out $20,000 in gift cards to kids who participated. Youngsters must be present to redeem their cards.

The adult summer reading program has grown as well since it began three years ago. Last year saw 200 adults sign up, with this year’s numbers forecast at 500.

“We want to be the best summer reading program in town,” said Mosey, “and we want to reward kids and adults for reading. If we can help children develop a love of reading, they’ll read for their whole lives.”

Summer reading program events include the Summer Movie Series, visits by children’s book illustrators Aaron Lenz and Jan Spivey Gilchrist, and a special storytime with Zondervan’s Annette Bourland. Visit the website (www.bakerbookhouse/srp) to enroll and the Events page for details on special programs.

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: Josh Mosey, Children’s Product Buyer, 616-957-3110, josh.mosey@bakerbookhouse.com

His Untold Story on His Time in the Hanoi Hilton and a Forgotten Military Code That Changed Everything

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 26, 2019 – Decorated Air Force pilot Colonel Carlyle “Smitty” Harris (ret.) has signed with Zondervan Books to publish the untold story of his years spent as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton and other detention camps during the Vietnam War. Tap Code: The Epic Survival Tale of a Vietnam POW and the Secret Code That Changed Everything, written by Harris, now 90 years old, and Sara W. Berry, will release November 5, 2019. World rights were acquired by Acquisitions Editor Andy Rogers.

When Harris was shot down over Vietnam on April 4, 1965, he had no idea what horrors awaited him in the infamous Hoa Lo prison—nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Harris was the sixth American POW captured in the air war over North Vietnam. For almost eight years, Smitty along with hundreds of other American POWs—including John McCain and George “Bud” Day—suffered torture, solitary confinement and abuse. Before being shot down, Harris by chance learned an old, long-unused WWII communication code, called the Tap Code. Once imprisoned, he remembered the code and covertly taught it to many POWs, who then taught others as it quickly spread throughout the prison and became the most covert way for POWs to communicate without their captors’ knowledge. Simple but effective, the Tap Code became a lifeline to hundreds of airmen during their long internment and ultimately helped change the course of the war.

“The prison’s sixteen-inch masonry walls were designed to isolate prisoners,” writes Col. Lee Ellis (ret), former POW, cellmate and friend of Harris. “Smitty took great risk and through resourcefulness and creativity spread the code that enabled our covert communication… These vital communications lifted our spirits and gave us a united front throughout the camps… Smitty was the code bearer who enabled us to connect and communicate – the two most vital needs of every POW.”

Meanwhile, back home Harris’s wife, Louise, who was eight months pregnant with their third child when he was captured, was raising their children alone, unsure of her husband’s fate. One of the first POW wives of the Vietnam War, she told herself, “if Smitty can do what he is doing right now, I can do this…” She became a role model to many wives, advocating for herself and her children in her husband’s absence. Tap Code shares behind-the-scenes details of American history while weaving in Smitty and Louise’s inspiring story of true love, honor and courage as they endured the hardest circumstances they had ever faced.

Harris received many decorations during his Air Force career, including two Silver Stars, three Legion of Merits, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars for valor, two Air Medals, two Purple Hearts and two Commendation Medals. Most recently he was awarded the Eagle Award through the Gathering of Eagles Foundation. His tin cup from his days as a POW is now in the Smithsonian. He and his wife, Louise, are surrounded by their large family in Tupelo, Mississippi.

“This is a true story of ingenuity under pressure, strength and dignity in the face of the enemy, the love of family, and the hope, faith, and resolve necessary to endure even the darkest circumstances,” says Andy Rogers, acquisitions editor.

Tap Code: The Epic Survival Tale of a Vietnam POW and the Secret Code That Changed Everything
by Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris (Ret.) and Sara W. Berry
Release Date: November 5, 2019
9780310359111 

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.

Contact: Robin Barnett, Director of Public Relations, 616-698-3251, robin.barnett@harpercollins.com

Tina Constable, Executive Vice President and Publisher, WaterBrook, Multnomah, and Convergent, announced the following new additions to the editorial teams for WaterBrook, Multnomah and  Convergent.

KEREN BALTZER has joined Convergent Books as Editorial Director, reporting to me. Keren spent eight years at Guideposts as Copy Chief and then as Lead Nonfiction Editor. She later joined FaithWords, rising to become Senior Acquisitions Editor, acquiring and editing books such as YOU ARE ENOUGH by bestselling author Mandy Hale;  SACRED REST by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith;  PULL IT OFF by Julianna Zobrist;  PEOPLE I MET AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN by bestselling author Don Piper; BLESSED LIFE by actor and director Kim Fields; LOVE WELCOME SERVE by Amy Nelson Hannon, WHAT THEY MEANT FOR EVIL by Rebecca Deng (which recently received a starred PW review); and many more. Keren will be instrumental in helping us build the Convergent list, and bring in important new authors who will add to the evolving discourse within the Christian-publishing landscape.

BECKY NESBITT is joining us as Executive Editor, and will acquire books for WaterBrook. Based in Nashville, Becky has held various roles in her twenty-five years in Christian publishing. She spent sixteen years at Tyndale House in a number of positions, including Associate Publisher, before going to Simon & Schuster’s Howard Books, where her positions included Vice President, Editor-in-Chief. She also established her own Christian-content development consulting business and is well regarded within the publishing community for her astute editorial capabilities on all levels. The bestselling books she has worked on include KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis; ENTRE LEADERSHIP by Dave Ramsey; PRODUCED BY FAITH by Devon Franklin; ON THE RIGHT TRACK by Marion Jones; and THE GIFT OF REST by Senator Joe Lieberman. Her other authors include Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, Jerry Jenkins, Randy Alcorn, Brad Paisley, Kevin Palau, Deeanne Gist, and Ken Coleman. Becky will report to Laura Barker, Editor-in-Chief of WaterBrook and Multnomah, and will continue to work from her Nashville office.

PAUL PASTOR has joined our team as Editor for WaterBrook and Multnomah. Paul brings to this role an impressive array of expert editorial skills, honed over the past ten years in his work as a freelance collaborator, writer, editor, and consultant, whose body of work encompasses more than forty Christian books. Among them: evangelist Luis Palau’s spiritual memoir, PALAU: A LIFE ON FIRE; David Bennett’s A WAR OF LOVES; Bruce Wilkinson’s THE FREEDOM FACTOR; and Ken Shigematsu’s SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE SOUL. His regular freelance clients have included The Bible Project, the Barna Group, Outreach magazine, Fuller Seminary, and many of the larger Christian publishing houses. He is also an author whose writing has been praised for its craft and its compelling approach to Christian spirituality. His short-form work has won more than a dozen Evangelical Press Association awards. Paul holds an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary, and we are delighted that he will be applying his experience, talents, and passion to acquiring and editing titles for our imprints. Paul will report to Laura Barker, Editor-in-Chief of WaterBrook and Multnomah.

PORSCHA BURKE has joined our team as Senior Editor, Publishing Manager, Christian Projects. For the past fifteen years, Porscha has been a key member of the Random House division, where she has helped nurture the careers of new and established authors, supported publishing executives, and acquired works by Dr. Maya Angelou, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, and Chief David O. Brown, among others. Porscha will work closely with our publishing teams in New York and Colorado to coordinate our efforts to develop Christian gift products and illustrated children’s books, as well as other growth initiatives in our Christian publishing program. Porscha will report to Campbell Wharton, Vice President, Deputy Publisher of WaterBrook, Multnomah and Convergent.

Convergent, WaterBrook and Multnomah are imprints of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Celebrates the Legacy of Prayer She Leaves Behind

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) June 20, 2019—Iron Stream Media is saddened to announce the loss of author Jennifer Kennedy Dean, a flagship author for the New Hope^® Publishers imprint. Dean, who was with New Hope Publishers for more than fifteen years, was the author of more than twenty-five titles, which included her best-selling Bible study Live a Praying Life^®. A memorial service is planned for June 29 in Dean’s hometown of Marion, Kentucky, with a second memorial service to follow in July in Kansas City.

Ramona Richards, associate publisher of Iron Stream Media, remembers her. “Jennifer had a true heart for God, and working with her was a privilege. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to take difficult concepts and paint a picture with her words that allowed everyone to grasp the essence. She wanted everyone to have a deep and personal relationship with the Lord.”

“Jennifer Kennedy Dean was more than just an author to our team,” wrote John Herring, CEO of Iron Stream Media. “We considered her our friend and our sister in Christ. While we mourn our earthly loss of her presence, we celebrate knowing where she is and knowing she left a legacy of prayer behind.”

Andrea Mullins, retired publisher of New Hope Publishers, stated, “As Jennifer’s publisher and friend, I was challenged both theologically and spiritually as we worked together to challenge believers to a deeper prayer life. She not only cared about her readers, but she invested in other authors and had a desire to see Christian authors excel in whatever way God was leading. Her voice will be heard through her timeless books, but as a person and friend she will be missed deeply.”

Dean’s impact on the Christian publishing industry and on the hearts of her readers is evident through her long-tenured writing career and ministry. Dean was the executive director of the Praying Life Foundation and a respected author and speaker. Her numerous books, studies, and magazine articles specialized in prayer and spiritual formation, and her work Live a Praying Life^®has been called a flagship work on prayer. Some of her other works include Prized, SEEK, Heart’s Cry, Clothed with Power, Set Apart, Power in the Blood of Christ, Power in the Name of Jesus, Altar’d, and Conversations with the Most High, among others.

Widely recognized as an unusually gifted communicator, Dean spoke all over the world, calling God’s people to discover the difference between a prayer life and a praying life. She served on numerous boards and committees for ministries focused on prayer and spiritual awakening. She will always be remembered as a respected voice in the area of prayer.

Media Contact:  Ramona Richards  205.216.3427  Ramona.Richards@ironstreammedia.com

Uhrichsville, OH—Barbour Publishing is pleased to announce the promotion of current President, Mary Burns, to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2019. Predecessor Timothy Martins, who held the position of President and CEO for over twenty years, will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.

“I expect this announcement will come as no surprise to most as Mary’s contribution as President over the past eighteen months has been gargantuan,” says Martins. “She has brought a very thoughtful and important style of leadership to the position and has been vitally instrumental in readying the company for a bright future in an industry still moving through the seas of change. In this new role of CEO, Mary will have even more opportunity to reshape the business and adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Mary Burns, a twenty-four-year veteran of Barbour Publishing, served as Vice President of Marketing for the bulk of her career before taking on the role of President in January of 2018.  “We have an outstanding team here at Barbour and I’m honored to be able to be involved and work with each of them to form our future.  As an ESOP, everyone has a chance to contribute and benefit from our success and that is truly exciting.” Burns also currently serves on the ECPA board of directors as Member at Large.

Barbour Publishing, founded by industry veteran Hugh R. Barbour in 1981, was acquired by company CEO Timothy H. Martins in October 2000. The now employee-owned company publishes 180-200 books and Bibles a year focused on inspiring the world with the life-changing message of the Bible. To learn more, visit www.BarbourBooks.com.

Media Contact: Shalyn Sattler  ssattler@barbourbooks.com  740.922.6045 X 109