Best Family Ever, the first book in the Baxter Family Children series, will be released by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing in February 2019

New York, NY, June 19, 2018—Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, announced today that it will publish Best Family Ever, the first book in The Baxter Family Children middle-grade series by Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling author. Cowritten with Kingsbury’s son, screenwriter and songwriter Tyler Russell, Best Family Ever tells the story of what it was like to grow up in the Baxter family. Best Family Ever will be published in hardcover, eBook, and audio in February 2019 and two additional titles in the series will follow. Paula Wiseman, who will edit the series with assistant editor Sarah Jane Abbott, acquired world rights from Rick Christian at Alive Literary Agency.

Much-loved storyteller Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter Family books have captured the hearts of millions who have come to think of the Baxter family as their own. In The Baxter Family Children series, Kingsbury and Russell are now telling the childhood stories of the Baxter children—Brooke, Kari, Ashley, Erin, and Luke—to inspire and entertain younger readers.

“My kids grew up while I was writing about the Baxter family,” Kingsbury said. “It happened quite naturally that Tyler would write these new books with me. This is a series written by family, about family.”

Brooke is the perfect older sister. For that reason, Kari and Ashley work hard to make their parents just as proud of them as they are of Brooke. Each girl has her own talents. Brooke is an excellent student. Kari is a great soccer player. Ashley, a talented artist. And they are always there for each other. But when the news comes that Dr. Baxter is moving the family from Ann Arbor to Bloomington, Indiana, and the Baxters need to leave the only home and friends they’ve ever known, no one is happy. Saying goodbye is hard but the family still has what’s most important—their faith and their love for each other.

“It’s impossible not to love the Baxter family after reading Karen’s heartwarming stories about their lives,” said Paula Wiseman. “Now, Karen and Tyler are telling the stories of how the Baxter children—Brooke, Kari, Ashely, Erin, and Luke—grew up and the close and supportive family of Elizabeth and John Baxter.  Best Family Ever is inspiring and has all the qualities that make Karen’s adult books so beloved, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be publishing this mother and son team as they introduce this wonderful family to younger readers.”

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books have been developed into a TV series now available everywhere. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near four of their adult children.

Tyler Russell has been telling stories his whole life. In elementary school he won a national award for a kids book he wrote, and he has been writing ever since. In 2015 he graduated college with a BFA from Lipscomb University. Soon after, he sold his first screenplay to Hallmark, which was made into a film that premiered in December of 2017. Along with screenplays and novels, Tyler is a songwriter, singer, actor, and creative who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he enjoys serving his incredible church, adventuring around the city, and spending time with his amazing family.

Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, comprises the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Beach Lane Books, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Paula Wiseman Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. Simon & Schuster publishes numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital, and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Touchstone Books, Adams Media, Threshold Editions, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Contact: Nicole Russo, Senior Director of Publicity, 212-632-4940, nicole.russo@simonandschuster.com

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press is pleased to announce that The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege by Ken Wytsma was given the honorable mention prize for nonfiction: multicultural in this year’s Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

Also named one of the five best religion titles of 2017 by Publisher’s Weekly, The Myth of Equality unpacks what we need to know to be grounded in conversations about today’s race-related issues. Wytsma, founder of the Justice Conference, has gone through his own journey of understanding the underpinnings of inequality and privilege and helps us come to a deeper understanding of both the origins of these issues and the reconciling role we are called to play.

Stephan Bauman, former president and CEO of World Relief, said, “Ken Wytsma goes where few dare to tread. He asks hard questions about race, justice, and equality and presents proven and practical solutions. Above all, Ken personifies these solutions; he is seeking to live justice, not just do it. The message in The Myth of Equality is urgent.”

Each year, Foreword Reviews shines a light on a select group of indie publishers, university presses, and self-published authors whose work stands out from the crowd. Thousands of books are entered each year, and a panel of over 150 librarians and booksellers takes part in the judging, narrowing it down to a group of finalists and winners that represent the best books, all independently published, in sixty-eight categories.

“Awarding the INDIES is an intense months-long judging process and our editorial team and librarian/bookseller judges grow a bit emotional as the announcement date nears,” said Matt Sutherland, Foreword Reviews’ editor-in-chief. “Everyone involved finds it a great honor to recognize all these great books because so many of them have been overlooked by mainstream publications due to the low profile of their publishers and authors. While they don’t have major PR machine[s] or corporate budgets, these indie publishers are passionate about what they do, take chances, and produce a wide range of thought-provoking books.”

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kregel Publications is pleased to announce that three fiction titles have been recognized as Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award winners.

In the historical category, Liar’s Winter by Cindy K. Sproles has been awarded bronze, while in the religious category, If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson took silver, and The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller received honorable mention. Additionally, The Runaway by Claire Wong from Lion Fiction and distributed by Kregel Publications, was awarded gold in general fiction.

The INDIES recognize the best books published in 2017 from small, indie, and university presses, as well as self-published authors. You can view all of the winners at: www.forewordreviews.com/awards/winners/2017/

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.

WESTMONT, IL—As the crisis over immigration and migrant children grows, numerous InterVarsity Press authors are putting power behind their written words as they work to change policies, bring about change, and educate the public about what is happening and what can be done.

Jeff Crosby, InterVarsity Press publisher, said, “I am thankful for the work of IVP authors and friends such as Kent Annan and his book You Welcomed Me: Loving Refugees and Immigrants Because God First Loved Us and Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang and their book Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate. Like other books published in recent years motivated by the ever-expanding crisis, Annan, Soerens, and Yang address issues of migration, asylum, and refugee populations in helpful, merciful, just, thoughtful, and practical ways.”

Annan was one of a number of IVP authors in Washington, DC, this week speaking out on behalf of migrants and their families. Sandra Maria Van Opstal, Kimberly McOwen Yim, Dale Hanson Bourke, Nikki A. Toyama-Szeto, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, and others also took action in the nation’s capital for World Refugee Day and the Not Without My Child Campaign.

Annan, a senior fellow at the Humanitarian Disaster Institute of Wheaton College, spoke at a press conference and met with staff in six congressional offices. He said, “When we asked both Republicans and Democrats, they all said that they pay attention when people send letters, emails, or call their offices. They pay attention to letters to the editors or guest op-ed pieces in the local paper. It’s a frustrating time to be advocating for refugees and immigrants. But we saw this past week that raising your voice in a democracy can make a difference.”

Annan’s forthcoming book You Welcomed Me (November 2018) lays out ways to make a difference during this immigration crisis. He writes about how fear and misunderstanding can motivate our responses to people in need. Instead, he invites people into stories that lead them to see the current refugee and immigrant crisis in a new light. He also lays out simple practices for a way forward: confessing what separates us, listening well, and partnering with, not patronizing, those in need.

“I find the approach of the administration on these issues deeply disturbing and discouraging,” Annan said. “But giving up hope isn’t an option, nor is not working for change. People’s lives are at stake—some of the most vulnerable people in our world. Our country is made poorer (not great) morally and economically and in other ways by failing on these issues. As a Christian, I believe (as Jesus said) that to welcome the stranger is to welcome him [Jesus], welcome love, and welcome God.”

In Welcoming the Stranger, Soerens and Yang, both immigration experts at World Relief, put a human face on the issue and tell stories of immigrants’ experiences in and out of the system. With careful historical understanding and thoughtful policy analysis, they debunk myths and misconceptions about immigration and show the limitations of the current immigration system. Ultimately they point toward immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible, and just, as they offer concrete ways to welcome and minister to immigrant neighbors. Soerens said, “At a time of heated debate around the country, Christians in particular can be a sensible voice for reason and compassion in our nation’s immigration discourse and debate.”

Soerens was on Capitol Hill this week, at the Texas border, and speaking to the media in between as he advocated for refugees. He tweeted, “It’s been a crazy week: from CNN-Chicago to Capitol Hill to the border to Mexico. I’m exhausted. Grateful for the people with whom I get to do this work. Prayerful, for much remains undone. After thinking about kids a lot this week, I mostly want to get home and hold my kids tight.”

Crosby said that IVP is committed to working with authors like these who write about and advocate for “the least of these;” authors who put action behind their words and provide resources that help people understand how to put their own faith into action for issues such as immigration. Crosby said, “Even more than selling books I am interested in linking our resources with the unjust conditions of the country and the world.”

Crosby added, “We all need to educate ourselves and respond biblically, compassionately, and thoughtfully in the face of this crisis. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a publishing house that is genuinely seeking to address these and other issues that plague our broken and divided world. We do, collectively, have the tools necessary to address them. Will we have the courage and the will?”

For a complete list of immigration and justice-related titles, visit ivpress.com.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Contact:  Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

Any Church Can Participate in the Free Bible Giveaway

Nashville, TN — LifeWay Christian Stores and President Thom S. Rainer are kicking off “Share the Word. Together.” This new initiative mobilizes local churches to take the Word of God into their communities. “Nothing has the power to change lives like God’s Word, so we want to make it simple for church members to share it with the people around them,” says Rainer.

How does it Work?

A local church encourages members to stop by their local LifeWay Christian Store during an assigned week to pick up a free copy of a CSB personal gift Bible. Church members then give the Bible to an unchurched friend, coworker, or neighbor. The goal for this free Bible giveaway is to start gospel conversations and spark invitations to weekend worship service or Bible study.

Once your church is chosen for a specific week, we’ll provide you with everything you need to promote this initiative in your local church. You’ll get bulletin inserts, graphics, logos, email templates, and sample announcement scripts to encourage your members to participate and Share the Word. Together.

Click here to learn more or sign up today!

Media Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR
Jana@mmpublicrelations.com  281.251.0480 or 832.247.9308

Carol Stream, IL, June 21, 2018—Christianity Today has announced the pending retirement of ministry president and chief executive officer Harold B. Smith, effective May 1 of next year.

Speaking on behalf of the board, CT Board chair Gene Habecker said that: “While we are saddened to see this passionate, mission-driven leader draw his time to a close, we are nevertheless deeply grateful for the work Harold and the exceptional staff have done over this time to re-envision this communication ministry for today’s and tomorrow’s church leaders and culture makers.”

Smith assumed the lead executive role in March, 2007, following 23 years of CT service in a variety of editorial and administrative roles.

Shortly after becoming president, Smith found himself facing the recession of 2008-2009 along with the continuing challenges of a publishing industry still trying to navigate the print and digital divide. In response to both, Smith took the difficult and financially necessary step to significantly reduce the ministry’s largely print portfolio (and related staff) and strengthen CT’s digital commitment.

As a result, more than five million unique visitors today access the ministry’s news, commentary, and assorted church resources each month on the web and in print; with over 30% of this number coming from outside of North America.

In addition, Smith has set into motion a series of initiatives giving shape to CT’s future publishing directions and emphases. Among these initiatives:

• Unifying the remaining ministry brands under the distinctives of One CT (“Beautiful Orthodoxy our core cause; Leaders our core readers; Leading our core calling.”)
• Implementing a decade-long process of diversifying staff and ministry writers/contributors.
• Recommitting the nonprofit to again pursue a formal Development program for the future financial health of the ministry,
• And most recently, jump-starting CT Global—an effort to expand the reach of CT content and resources worldwide.

It is this last initiative—CT Global—that will be the primary focus of Smith’s remaining time with the ministry. In addition to raising funds for the initiative’s initial development stage, he will be presenting its vision and scope to readers and supporters across the country.

“An integral part of Billy Graham’s vision in the launch of CT was the international piece,” said Smith. “That is, the reporting of all that God was doing in his church around the world.”

“We are today seeking to build off of Graham’s Spirit-led vision and dramatically expand the number of men and women who can not only report the news from their part of the world but offer biblically-based commentary on what it means not only for them but for us in North America.”

In addition to dramatically expanding CT’s engagement with the church worldwide, CT Global will also seek to create publishing strategies for better engagement with North America’s communities of color.

“We’re talking CT for a new generation of Christ-followers,” Smith says. “And with that, I’m confident that God already has the right person in mind to help lead the way.”

The search firm of Carter Baldwin will work alongside the Search Committee of the CT Board to identify the next President/CEO of Christianity Today.

Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxy—strengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly through various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God.

Contact: Cory Whitehead, 630-260-6200 x4220  cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com

Lipscomb University Hosts Inaugural Festival of Books and Writing
Speaker Lineup Includes Renowned Authors, Poets, Novelists and Screenwriters

Nashville, Tenn, June 11, 2018 – BookFest Nashville, a new festival celebrating books and writers, debuts November 8 – 9, 2018, on the Lipscomb University campus. Registration is now open at www.BookFestNashville.com.

BookFest Nashville attendees will enjoy lectures by and conversations with bestselling authors, world-class publishing professionals, filmmakers, poets and songwriters. Attendance will be limited to 500 registrants to ensure an intimate experience.

“Nashville is a magnet for writers,” says Ami McConnell, Founder and Festival Director for BookFest Nashville. “BookFest aims to empower, inspire, and connect them.”

Lipscomb University’s College of Entertainment & the Arts will host the festival along with the Department of English & Modern Languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. BookFest Nashville sponsor and retail partner, Parnassus Books, will host book sales at the festival and will feature speaker’s books in store.

BookFest Nashville 2018 will feature sessions and panels spanning genres. This year’s lineup of speakers continues to grow, with these renowned experts already confirmed:

• JT Ellison, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, No One Knows
• Michael Bishop, author, Murder in the Music City
• Stephanie Appell, manager of books for young readers, Parnassus Books
• Ruth Chou Simons, bestselling author, Gracelaced
• Melissa Chambers, romance novelist, Seaside Sweets and President of Music City Romance Writers
• Colleen Coble, USA Today Bestselling novelist, The House at Saltwater Point
• Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling novelist, Becoming Mrs. Lewis
• Howie Klausner, writer & producer of “Space Cowboys,” “Soul Surfer,” author of Rocketman
• Ariel Lawhon, critically acclaimed novelist, I Was Anastasia
• Amy Parker, bestselling children’s author
• Mary Laura Philpott, author & illustrator Penguins with People Problems, Emmy-winning co-host of
  “A Word on Words” Nashville Public Television
• Karen Hayes, co-owner Parnassus Books, Nashville
• Liz Cackowski, writer and producer, “Saturday Night Live,” “Community,” “Last Man on Earth”
• Courtney Stevens, young adult novelist, Dress Code for Small Towns
• Marjory Wentworth, Poet Laureate of South Carolina, co-author, Out of Wonder
• MaryBeth Whalen, co-founder SheReads.com, novelist, When We Were Worthy
• Sarah Arthur, author, A Light So Lovely: The Spiritual Legacy of Madeline L’Engle

Ami McConnell is founder and Festival Director for BookFest Nashville. She is former Editor-in-Chief and Vice President, Howard Books/Simon & Schuster, and her editing credits include numerous New York Times bestsellers and award-winning titles. Ami has edited renowned authors Colleen Coble, Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, Max Lucado, Frank Peretti, and Wm. Paul Young. She served on the Advisory Board of The Buechner Institute at King College and is an active member of the Women’s National Book Association. Ami is co-author with Candace Cameron Bure of Kind Is the New Classy (2018 HarperCollins). www.BookFestNashville.com.

Press Inquiries: McClure Muntsinger Public Relations
Pamela McClure, pamela@mmpublicrelations.com, 615-294-5073

BookFest Nashville
www.BookFestNashville.com
November 8 – 9, 2018
Lipscomb University campus

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“The moment I heard about BookFest Nashville, I knew I wanted to be involved. I can already see how this event will empower writers in the ever-changing landscape of publishing and new media.”

—J.T. Ellison, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

 

“It’s exciting to see Nashville’s literary scene flourish alongside the growth of the city. A unique lineup that’s perfect for books lovers and writers alike is sure to make Bookfest Nashville a success.”

—Mary Claire Zibart, BookPage

 

“The College of Entertainment and the Arts at Lipscomb University couldn’t be more excited to host the inaugural BookFest. We always look for the brightest imaginations to bring around our students, so you can imagine how thrilled we are when they come to us! We’re proud to play our part in helping Nashville live up to its nickname as ‘the Athens of the South.’”

—Mike Fernandez, Dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, Lipscomb University

 

“For years, Ami McConnell and I envisioned a festival that creates a vibrant community of readers and writers who celebrate the book in all its guises. I am delighted that Lipscomb University has embraced this vision by welcoming a new community of book lovers to its campus this fall. I hope authors, editors, publishers, and readers will make BookFest Nashville an annual tradition.”

–Kim Reed, Chair and Professor, English & Modern Languages Department, Lipscomb University

 

“Parnassus is partnering with BookFest Nashville because we love nurturing Nashville’s creative folks. BookFest already has an impressive line-up of writers and their venue is perfect—just a couple blocks away from our store!”

–Karen Hayes, co-owner Parnassus Books

 

“I’m flattered to be a guest speaker at BookFest Nashville this fall. I’m looking forward to talking about screenwriting, sketch, and sitcom writing with y’all nice folks. (That’s my Nashville accent.)”

–Liz Cackowski, writer and producer, SNL, Community, Last Man on Earth

 

“Nashville is one of my favorite towns—in large part because of the vibrant writing community. That’s why I’m so excited to be a part of BookFest Nashville 2018. It’s going to be a blast!”

–Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling novelist

 

“BookFest Nashville will feed our vibrant artistic community in new and exciting ways. All writers and would-be writers need to attend this wonderful opportunity for learning and networking.”

–Barbie Chadwick, WNBA President, Nashville Chapter

 

“I am so excited to be a part of this year’s BookFest Nashville! Anytime those who love words gather, good times are bound to ensue. I can’t wait to be a part of the fun, the creativity and the inspiration.”

–MaryBeth Whalen, novelist, cofounder of SheReads.com

 

“I’m delighted to participate in BookFest Nashville as an author and a representative of Parnassus Books. Indie bookstores have so much to offer writers and readers – this should be a really fun conversation.”

–Mary Laura Philpott, author, illustrator, essayist, Emmy-winning co-host of “A Word on Words”

 

Ada, Mich. (June 18, 2018)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the addition of Cindy Lambert to its acquisitions team in the role of executive editor-at-large. Lambert will work with the Revell and Baker Books trade teams, securing new author relationships and participating in publishing strategy.

Lambert began her career as owner of an award-winning independent Christian bookstore and then expanded into leadership roles in book companies such as Ingram, Simon & Schuster, and Zondervan, where she served as vice president and associate publisher of trade books. During her career, Lambert has worked alongside such bestselling authors as Mark Batterson, Kyle Idleman, Kay Warren, Craig Groeschel, Ruth Graham, Max Lucado, and Christine Caine. Since 2012 she has been the collaborative writer of seven books.

“Cindy has a clear passion for the life-changing impact of Christian books—and her strong reputation and accomplishments in the industry reflect both exceptional publishing instincts and a deep commitment to nurturing authors,” said Jennifer Leep, executive vice president of trade publishing. “We’re excited for her to bring those talents to our team in both the cultivation of new voices and the pursuit of established authors for Revell and Baker Books.”

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Lynnae Lubbers  (616) 676-9185 x193  llubbers@bakerpublishinggroup.com