Michael Pietsch, Hachette Book Group CEO, announced on October 23rd that Rolf Zettersten, Publisher of Hachette Nashville, will be retiring.  Zettersten will continue to lead the Nashville division’s five imprints until a successor is named shortly.

Rolf joined the company in July 2000 to establish a Christian publishing program, opening a Nashville office and launching an imprint that would eventually become FaithWords. Several of FaithWords biggest bestselling authors – Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, and Wm. Paul Young – are among the most popular names in Christian publishing.

In 2004, Rolf introduced Center Street, publishing bestselling general market authors like John C. Maxwell, Mike Huckabee, Karen Kingsbury, Nelson DeMille, and Robert Edsel. In 2017, Center Street was refocused as a conservative political and military imprint that has been home to a number of bestsellers.

In 2018 Rolf played a key role in bringing Worthy Publishing into the Nashville Division.

“I am profoundly grateful to my Hachette colleagues and to the wonderful authors and agents with whom I have worked,” Zettersten said.  “It’s been a remarkable career and I am cheering for the continued growth and development of this program which means so much to me.”

“I want to thank Rolf for leading the Nashville division to reach remarkable heights with their publishing programs – selling more than 100 million copies since the division’s inception – and for his many contributions as a member of the Executive Management Board,” expressed Michael Pietsch, Hachette Book Group CEO.

October 25, 2019 – Michael Pietsch, CEO of Hachette Book Group, announced today that Daisy Blackwell Hutton will join Hachette Book Group (HBG) as Vice President and Publisher of the Hachette Nashville division. Hutton will join HBG on November 11 and will be a member of the company’s Executive Management Board.

In her new role, Hutton will lead Hachette Nashville’s publishing programs at its three imprints, FaithWords, Center Street, and Worthy Publishing. She will work with the imprints’ editorial teams on their excellent roster of authors and focus on expanding and deepening that roster, guiding acquisitions and list development for the division.

Hutton will be responsible for growing sales and creating marketing strategies that appeal to the Christian, inspirational, and conservative markets and beyond, while identifying new business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Hutton comes to HBG from HarperCollins Christian Publishing, where she has worked since 2012 in the role of Vice President and Publisher. Most recently she oversaw W Publishing, a commercial nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson (acquired by HarperCollins in 2012), working with New York Times bestselling authors Chip Gaines, Dr. David Jeremiah, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kathie Lee Gifford, and Rory Feek. Prior to her role at W Publishing, Hutton was Vice President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Zondervan Fiction, working with New York Times bestselling authors Max Lucado, Terri Blackstock, Rachel Hauck, and Lis Wiehl, among others. Before these publishing roles, Hutton had more than a decade of experience in licensing, export sales, and subsidiary and foreign rights.

Michael Pietsch said, “Daisy brings to Hachette Nashville a deep understanding of the faith-based, inspirational, and conservative political book markets, combined with a passion for partnering with authors, and proven ability to grow business lines. I’m confident that she will build in exciting ways upon the successful program created by Rolf Zettersten and his talented editorial, marketing, publicity and design teams. I’m looking forward to working with Daisy as she leads and inspires the Hachette Nashville team, expands the business, and brings new voices to the group’s imprints. Her voice and perspective will be a welcome addition to HBG’s Executive Management Board.”

“I am honored to join the team at Hachette. I have long admired the organization’s publishing culture and look very much forward to contributing my own vision and effort to the amazing program that Rolf Zettersten and the Nashville team have created.”

Contact: Sophie Cottrell, SVP Corporate Communications, sophie.cottrell@hbgusa.com

Award-winning Slugs & Bugs creator Randall Goodgame releases two more kids books 

[NASHVILLE, TENN., October 28, 2019—] B&H Kids is excited to announce the next two Slugs & Bugs books, “The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society” and “The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting,” from Dove Award-nominated singer-songwriter, family entertainer and Slugs & Bugs creator Randall Goodgame.

Goodgame has released four critically-acclaimed Slugs & Bugs children’s albums in the past 12 years, with CCMMagazine.com describing the brand as “…the greatest thing to happen to children’s music in a generation.” Goodgame has received multiple Dove Award nominations and rave reviews from families all over the world that love his scripturally-based, witty and unique music.

Goodgame says he designed the books so that old and new friends of Slugs & Bugs alike can enjoy its witty world and biblical wisdom through books, even when the music isn’t playing. In May, B&H Kids released the first Slugs & Bugs books by Goodgame, “Who Will Play with Me?” and “Are We Still Friends?.”

The books are designed to get kids ages 4 to 8 laughing while teaching them scriptural truths, using few words and engaging, visual storytelling. The Society of Extraordinary Racoon Society (“SOERS”) are favorite characters from the Slugs & Bugs songs, and these new picture books explore their world and their fun message about giving.

“For families raising kids to know and love Jesus, ‘The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society looks an awful lot like the church family. Before the SOERS, our raccoons are thieves, and slaves to their most base instincts. The SOERS provide a loving, wise, and safe place for Morty and Maggie to grow into something more,” Goodgame said. “Additionally, these books mirror relationships and temptations kids can relate to. And long-time fans may enjoy the glimpse into the whimsical underground world of reforming raccoons.”

Goodgame has written songs for Veggie Tales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips and Eric Peters. He is also a frequent collaborator with singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson, working on the 2006 music album, “Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies.” From this album, the song, “You Can Always Come Home,” was featured on the Veggie Tales’ “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s” (2007).

In October, “The Slugs & Bugs Show” premiered on home video and streaming RightNow Media, with each episode showcasing joyful stories, memorable musical moments and a colorful cast of characters who journey through life together, grounded in biblical principles.

“I’m not sure if there is anything more exciting than hearing your own children sing the Bible,” said Devin Maddox, B&H trade book publisher. “In my family, Slugs & Bugs has been a huge part of my children’s spiritual formation, which is part of the reason I am so proud of LifeWay’s partnership with Randall and the whole gang.”

For more information, visit bhpublishing.com or slugsandbugs.com

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Hailed by CCMMagazine.com as ” . . . the greatest thing to happen to children’s music in a generation,” Randall Goodgame has a deep and abiding passion for helping families get to know Jesus and the joy of the gospel. His Slugs & Bugs music is among the most revered and critically lauded series in Christian family entertainment, garnering multiple Dove Award nominations. He now brings his trademark artistic excellence and delightful enthusiasm for the Word to these books written for children and the grown-ups who love them.

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.

New agreement moves distribution of Foundation vendors to Anchor Distributors

(Orono, ON) – Pat Chown, Claire Prodger, and Bob Wood, owners of Foundation Distributing Inc. (FDI) are pleased to announce an agreement moving all distribution and operations to Anchor Distributors in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, effective December 1st.

“We see this agreement as one that will aid current and new retailers in Canada in being more competitive against the growing online giants. It allows for more cohesive marketing opportunities.”
—Bob Whitaker, president of Anchor Distributors

“Sourcing more product from a single location can provide better fill rates, save time, reduce freight costs, and simplify day to day business. This agreement will strengthen the Christian Product supply chain and provide efficiencies that will benefit retailers in Canada.”
—Pat Chown, partner, Foundation Distributing Inc.

“Anchor Distributors’ mission is to serve retailers by providing Christian and Inspirational resources to the market. Anchor Word Alive and FDI share this mission and we’re working for a seamless transition. The 72 Hour Sale, 2 Day Sale, and other sales and marketing programs will continue uninterrupted.”
—Claire Prodger, partner, Foundation Distributing Inc.

“Bob Whitaker is a straightforward, forward thinking person of integrity. There’s a common mission and purpose shared by the entire Whitaker, Anchor Word Alive team that made us confident this was the right path forward. This agreement is a progressive step for the Canadian market.”
—Bob Wood, partner, Foundation Distributing Inc.

“Our customers in Canada are vital to the lifeline of our mission and business and this exciting change will allow us to continually improve to serve them better.”
—Jeremy Braun, managing director for Canadian operations – Word Alive

Anchor Word Alive Inc. is a Canadian subsidiary of Anchor Distributors (“Anchor”), which is a division of Whitaker Corporation established in 1970.

For information contact the transition teams:

• Foundation Distributing Inc., CistomerService@fdi.ca  Phone: 1-877-368-3600
• Anchor Word Alive, WordAlive.CustomerService@WordAlive.ca  Phone: 1-800-665-1468

BIRMINGHAM:  Iron Stream Media announces Deadly Commitment (New Hope Publishers / October 14, 2019 / ISBN: 978-1-56309-304-3 / $15.99) the first book in The Deadly Secrets series by Kathy Harris and New Hope Publisher’s first suspense novel.
 
As Danielle Kemp walks out of her downtown Nashville condominium, she gets the eerie feeling someone is watching her. As days go by, she becomes convinced the homeless man outside her building is stalking her. But after learning the real identity of the intimidating stranger, she faces something even more threatening—the truth about her fiancé.

The Deadly Secrets is a new fiction series with Southern charm and big-city twists. Set in the author’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, it is filled not only with intrigue and suspense but subtle glimpses into how God is at work in the lives of ordinary people doing ordinary jobs . . . or maybe they aren’t so ordinary after all.

Sample Chapters.

About the Author
Kathy Harris is an author by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business where she works as a marketing director. For several years she freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote, as well as ghost wrote, news stories and columns for various music publications. She sold her first Christian nonfiction story in 2007. Her debut novel released in 2012.

Media Inquiries:  Meredith Dunn, Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

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Advance Praise

“Within this compelling suspense novel are stories of loss and redemption, romance and deception, addiction and recovery, and an underlying message of God’s grace. I loved it.” —Edgar Struble, producer, God Bless the Broken Road; music director, The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Billboard Music Awards

“In Deadly Commitment, Kathy Harris creates characters you care about and plops them down into a world of deception and danger. I was so caught up in the story I almost burned dinner.” —Patricia Bradley, author of the Memphis Cold Case novels

“I was captivated by the author’s imagination, the things she loved, and her ability to bring the reader into this well-layered, intriguing story. She had me look at Nashville in a new light. This novel makes for a fun read and one that would work well for your book club meeting.” —Nora St Laurent, The Book Club Network, Where Book Fun Begins!

Grand Rapids, MI—Our Daily Bread Ministries is hosting the ACCESS Conference at their office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, 2019. This event will bring Our Daily Bread devotional writers and editors from around the world together for a time of renewal and growth through insightful workshops, dynamic speakers, and engaging worship.

ACCESS is an acronym that reflects the core values and emphases of this event: Adoration, Communication, Collaboration, Encouragement, Sharing, and Sharpening. Attendees will build unity in their diversity through individual relationships and networking. The conference will communicate editorial essentials, provide encouragement for the writers and editors, emphasize expectations, and share tools to produce strong content for readers across the globe.

“The first ACCESS Conference in 2016 proved to be an inspiring and refreshing two days for both our authors and our editors. We look forward to gathering again this October, and pray that God will use this time to help us even more effectively meet our mission to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all,” said Tom Felten, Executive Editor for Our Daily Bread.

Each day will begin with a time of worship through music and prayer, as well as encouraging messages from Our Daily Bread authors Patricia Raybon and John Blase. The schedule also includes a panel discussion on “Writing for a Global Audience,” group discussions, and training on marketing and social media. A few of the joint session highlights are:

• “Mining the Text: Going Deep in 220 Words” by Sheridan Voysey
• “Communicating Ancient Wisdom in Fresh Ways” by Ken Petersen
• “Topics to Avoid or Explore” by Bill Crowder
• “How to Delight in Rewrites” by Monica Brands and Tim Gustafson

Our Daily Bread author Xochitl Dixon said, “During my first ACCESS Conference, the community prayer and worship kept my focus on God. The workshops and one-on-one meetings increased my confidence and equipped me to communicate more effectively. As I connected with others on a personal level, God reminded me that I wouldn’t be alone when I returned home to serve as a loved member of the Our Daily Bread Ministries family. I can hardly wait to see what God does during the 2019 ACCESS Conference!”

Our Daily Bread Ministries is a nondenominational, nonprofit organization that distributes more than 60 million resources in 150 countries. Through print, radio, television, DVD, podcast, book, mobile app, and websites, they produce resources to encourage people to draw closer to God and to help them grow in their faith.

Our Daily Bread is a daily devotional published in over 57 languages and read by millions around the world. It is one of the most widely read Christian devotionals in circulation today, and it also features a mobile app and online presence at odb.org.

For more information contact: Emily Van Houten, (616) 974-2566, emily.vanhouten@odb.org

CHICAGO, IL—After nearly 40 years in book publishing, Larry Norton, EVP and General Manager at Independent Publishers Group, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2019.

Norton joined IPG in July of 2016, when they acquired INscribe Digital in its bid to grow technology solutions for its publishing partners. It provided IPG’s client base with a state-of-the-art digital distribution platform.

“Larry Norton has made an enormous contribution to IPG by ensuring that the acquisition of INscribe Digital has been a success,” said Joe Matthews, CEO. “He has been a true champion of the value and benefits of ebook and print-on-demand publishing for our publishing partners. He will leave a legacy of profitable business initiatives that will position IPG for growth for years to come. His nearly 40 years of industry experience will be greatly missed.”

During INscribe Digital’s transition to IPG, Norton assumed the role of EVP, General Manager, and since then has overseen a doubling of IPG’s ebooks and print-on-demand revenues. Over the last three years, Norton was responsible for driving key business initiatives, bringing in new clients, partnering with consumer outlets for ebooks and leveraging resources within IPG on behalf of INscribe Digital’s clients.

Norton’s client acquisitions since then have ranged from those using software as a service model, ebook services for publishers, and print-on-demand and audiobook distribution services.

Prior to Norton’s tenure at IPG, he held several high-level positions in the industry, most notably SVP of Merchandising at Borders Group Inc. and President of Sales and Distribution at Simon & Schuster, Inc. He began his career as a marketing assistant at Basic Books in 1981.

About Independent Publishers Group (IPG)
Independent Publishers Group was founded in 1971 and was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and ebooks from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.

Contact: Alisse Goldsmith-Wissman, Publicity Manager, 312.337.0747, agoldsmithwissman@ipgbook.com

Engage is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ with the world.

BIRMINGHAM (October 8, 2019) —Iron Stream Media in collaboration with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary announces the release of Engage: Tools for Contemporary Evangelism. The handbook will further Iron Stream and NOBTS’s shared mission of evangelism and discipleship.

Engage contains more than thirty chapters and covers effective evangelism to various populations. The compilation handbook addresses the theology and context for evangelism while addressing practical strategies for sharing Jesus with children, senior adults, families, and those previously marginalized by the church. Thorough research and insights equip church leaders and those with a heart for evangelism to know how to share Christ in social work settings, missional contexts, and more.

The mission of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is to equip leaders to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandments through the local church and its ministries. Engage will serve this mission for years to come as it is referenced by seminary faculties, students, and the general population looking to learn more about effective evangelism.

Craig Price, general editor, remarked, “Engage holds a unique place in a wide offering of books on evangelism. We are excited to present a text with a diverse coverage of topics. These topics range from the biblical and historical basis for evangelism; theological issues in evangelism; a very large section on how to apply evangelistic principles in the local church; and we close with a section on preaching evangelistically and reaching multicultural groups with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This text will serve pastors, church staff, and church members alike, seminary students, and professors of evangelism.”

“Iron Stream Media is honored to publish Engage as a collaborative work between multiple departments at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We are publishing it under the NOBTS imprint, which we will manage on behalf of the seminary. Hopefully Engage is the first of many collaborations. This was truly a labor of love on our part. We believe this work will be foundational for the work of evangelism for years to come and impact eternity for the kingdom. Dr. Price and the team of professors and friends on the project are to be commended. We look forward to a long future with NOBTS as we contemplate future projects,” commented John Herring, CEO of Iron Stream Media.

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, ministry leaders, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study brands, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Media Contact: Meredith Dunn, Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

Ada, Mich. (October 8, 2019)—Winners of the 2019 Carol Awards were announced during the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference gala in San Antonio, Texas.

Four Baker Publishing Group titles were selected as winning titles in their genre. A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House) won in the Historical Romance category. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House) took home the winning award in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category. Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon (Revell) was deemed winner of the Romantic Suspense category, and Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse (Bethany House) won the Speculative category. The Carol Awards were created to honor excellent Christian fiction.

For the complete list of winners, please visit https://www.acfw.com/carol/2019_carol_award_winners.

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A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764219863; ebook ISBN 9781493413614; $15.99)

Underneath Moriyah’s covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her. When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at a Levitical city of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face—and the unexpected allies she will encounter on her way.

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The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond
by Jaime Jo Wright
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764230295; ebook ISBN 9781493414734; $14.99)

Two women, separated by a hundred years, must unravel the mysteries of their own town before it’s too late and they lose their future—or their very souls.

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Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon
(Revell; ISBN 9780800727697; ebook ISBN 9781493415137; $15.99)

All is well until, one by one, people connected to Kristin Dane’s fair trade shop begin dying. Detective Luke Carter wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue—and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die . . . including Kristin?

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Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764232220; ebook ISBN 9781493416165; $15.99)

As she becomes more entrenched in Ravenwood’s dark past, Selene longs to find out the true reason behind her family’s gift, believing that its original intent could not have been for such evil purposes. But she is torn about upholding her family’s legacy. Selene’s dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations.

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

Contact: Ruth Anderson (616)676-9185 x8131  randerson@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Minnesota pastor Daniel Harrell named as new editor in chief, starting in early January

CAROL STREAM, Ill., Oct. 8, 2019 — Mark Galli announced his retirement as editor in chief of Christianity Today, where he has served in various editorial roles for the last 30 years.

“I’ve been EIC for about seven years now, and as it goes with many jobs, I think I finally understand what I should have been doing all along!” Galli said. “It has been quite a ride for the ministry, economically and journalistically. Some definite lows, to be sure, and some wonderful highs. Aside from a strong sense of God’s call, what’s given me most joy is the people I have worked with-men and women who are passionate about their faith and dedicated to their work, and have a sense of humor to boot.”

Galli will retire January 3, 2020, and will continue to write The Galli Report, a weekly newsletter discussing recent articles of interest. In April, Tyndale will publish his latest book, When Did We Start Forgetting God?: The Root of the Evangelical Crisis and Hope for the Future. Galli, who earlier served as a Presbyterian pastor and as an editor at Leadership Journal and Christian History magazines, is also the author of Karl Barth: An Introductory Biography for Evangelicals, Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder and Power of Christian Liturgy, and other volumes.

Christianity Today chief executive officer Dr. Timothy Dalrymple announced today that Galli will be replaced by Dr. Daniel M. Harrell, who has been senior minister of Colonial Church in Edina, Minnesota, since 2010. Before Colonial Church, Harrell was preaching minister for 23 years at Park Street Church in Boston. He holds a BA in Psychology and Religion from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College. He is also the author of How to Be Perfect: One Church’s Audacious Experiment in Living the Old Testament Book of Leviticus and Nature’s Witness: How Evolution Can Inspire Faith.

“Dr. Harrell brings to the role a profound understanding of the life of the church,” said Dalrymple, “along with a subtle mind and a beautiful writerly sensibility. I’m incredibly proud of everything Mark Galli has achieved, and equally excited about Daniel Harrell and the work he will do together with our outstanding writers and editors.”

“I believe he will represent CT extraordinarily well in his writing and in public settings,” Galli said, “continuing to demonstrate our commitment to beautiful orthodoxy.”

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 with 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: Ted Olsen, Editorial Director, tolsen@christianitytoday.com