PubU will be held November 6-7 at Lipscomb University, Nashville

The industry’s premier training and networking event for publishing practitioners, ECPA PubU, will be held November 6-7 on the beautiful campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville.  The event will host more than 40 sessions about the industry’s most pressing topics in marketing, sales, publicity, editorial, design, rights, reader engagement, production, data, delivery, workflow, digital, and more.

This year’s program will also feature a closing keynote by StoryBrand CEO and author Donald Miller.

Each year, a “Brain Trust” of industry leaders is formed to recruit speakers, develop topics, and plan the event. Heading up this year’s Brain Trust is Dave Schroeder, VP of Marketing at B&H Publishing Group, who returns a second year to lead the program.

“We are so pleased to introduce the 2018 PubU Brain Trust and appreciate the return of Dave Schroeder’s enthusiastic and creative leadership,” states ECPA executive director Stan Jantz.

“This program is the most altruistic 24 hours in the entire industry because it is the culmination of hundreds of volunteer hours by 50+ volunteers, led by a core of publishing leaders, all sharing their expertise and connections for the benefit of strengthening each other and the industry.  How can anyone want to miss an experience like this?”

The following industry leaders will serve as the 2018 PubU Brain Trust:

• DAVE SCHROEDER, VP of Marketing, B&H Publishing Group (Marketing/Publicity/Sales sessions and Brain Trust Lead)
• JERRI HELMS, Sr. Director of Digital Marketing Strategy, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Reader Engagement sessions)
• MELINDA BOUMA, Publisher, Zondervan Bibles (Editorial sessions)
• JOSH DENNIS, Executive VP/Creative, Crossway (Design sessions)
• GEORGE ROACH, International Rights Manager, Tyndale House Publishers (Rights sessions)
• KRISTEN MCLEAN, Exec. Director of Business Development, NPD Book
  (Data, Delivery & Workflow sessions)
• JOSHUA TALLENT, Director of Outreach and Education, Firebrand Technologies (Data, Delivery & Workflow sessions)
• AMY GREEN, Fiction Publicist, Bethany House Publishers
  (Art of Writing conference held for publishers & writers after PubU)

PubU’s signature value is learning from industry colleagues and leaders through panels, Q&A, sessions, and discussions about best practices, case studies, and challenges they’ve faced and overcome. Early bird registration will open soon.

Sign up for program updates at ECPAPubU.org.

Museum Co-Founder Jackie Green and Daughter Lauren McAfee Discuss New Release on Women and Legacy

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2018—Jackie Green, co-founder of Museum of the Bible, and her daughter Lauren Green McAfee want women to know that their lives and legacies matter. In Only One Life, Green and McAfee tell the stories of past and present world-changing women and encourage readers to play a unique and irreplaceable role in the story of the world by intentionally investing their time and talents in the people they meet every day. They examine 12 characteristics of legacy through profiling 36 women who have and are leaving remarkable legacies, including biblical figures such as Queen Esther, Ruth, Mary Magdalene and Hannah as well as more modern role models like Rosa Parks, Queen Elizabeth II, Florence Nightingale and Christine Caine.

Green and McAfee will launch their book at Museum of the Bible as part of the museum’s regular speakers series. The hour-long program will be featured on Facebook Live atfacebook.com/museumoftheBible, and a book signing will follow.

WHAT
Museum of the Bible Speakers Series, Only One Life: How a Woman’s Every Day Shapes an Eternal Destiny book launch

WHEN
Tuesday, June 5, 6 – 7 p.m. ET, 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET Book Signing

WHERE
Museum of the Bible (Gathering Room), 400 4th, Washington, DC 20024

COST

• Free for museum members and those with a student ID as well as members of the press
• $5 for the general public

About the Authors:
Jackie Green, co-founder of Museum of the Bible, is a full-time homemaker who relishes her roles of wife, mother to six children, mother-in-law and “Gigi” to four grandchildren. Married to Steve for more than 30 years, Jackie actively supports him in his role as president of Hobby Lobby and chairman of the board of Museum of the Bible.

Lauren Green McAfee is a speaker and writer with a heart to engage others with the Bible. While pursuing her graduate degrees in pastoral counseling and theology, Lauren worked at Museum of the Bible from its founding days until its opening. Today, she works at Hobby Lobby as a corporate ambassador and is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Ethics and Public Policy. Lauren and her husband Michael live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

About Museum of the Bible
Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the history, narrative and impact of the Bible. Admission to the museum is free with a suggested donation of $15 per person. A fly-through of the museum is viewable here.
Website | museumoftheBible.org  Twitter | @museumofBible

Guests’ personal stories and diverse backgrounds continue to drive the podcast’s success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 29, 2018) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that the Jesus Calling Podcast has surpassed one million downloads since it launched in February 2016. The podcast was created as a result of the success of the bestselling daily devotional, Jesus Calling, which has sold more than 22 million units since it was published in 2004. The weekly podcast, available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and other podcasting platforms, features stories from readers of Jesus Calling and illustrates how spending time with the devotional has made a difference in their lives.

“On a daily basis, we receive stories via email and social media about how Jesus Calling has touched a reader’s life,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president of marketing for gift books, Tommy Nelson children’s books and new media at Thomas Nelson. “The podcast has become a revolutionary platform that connects people around the world in one location to hear amazing stories from fellow readers as well as a diverse group of thought leaders – from music to sports to business.  We are thrilled this power of personal storytelling combined with these impactful devotionals is impacting people’s lives and faith.”

Recently, the podcast expanded to include video episodes from individuals such as Kathie Lee Gifford, Emily Ley, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, country star Collin Raye, and Lysa TerKeurst. Those episodes are also available via the podcasting platforms, Facebook, and the Jesus Calling YouTube channel, providing readers and listeners with an additional way to experience the content.

Future episodes will feature incredible personal stories from many other Jesus Calling readers around the world—readers whose lives have been transformed. Upcoming episodes include conversations with Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jeff Hostetler, NFL and Dancing with Stars champion Rashad Jennings, bestselling authors Rachel Hollis and Lisa Harper, and country groups Shenandoah and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Since it was published in 2004, Jesus Calling has expanded to encompass a line of products that includes adult devotionals, coloring books, children’s books, a Bible storybook, custom versions, and many other products. More information is available at www.jesuscalling.com.

About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Stefanie Schroeder, Publicity Manager  615.902.1722  Stefanie.schroeder@harpercollins.com

(Nashville, TN) May 30, 2018—Today, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced Heather Huston as the new senior director of marketing for their Specialty Division, with a focus on Thomas Nelson Gift, Zondervan Gift, and Tommy Nelson.

Huston comes to HCCP with more than 16 years of experience across marketing, communications, and programming, most recently serving as vice president of Marketing at Rural Media Group overseeing marketing strategy for RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and RFD-TV’s The American rodeo.

In her new role with HCCP’s Specialty Publishing division, Huston will be responsible for cultivating strong author and agent relationships, creating strategic vision for Specialty books, and assisting in long-range planning and team management.

“We are thrilled for Heather to fill this role on our team and gain her creative content and digital strategy and passion for storytelling,” says Michael Aulisio, vice president of Marketing for HCCP’s Specialty Publishing division. “We know her contributions will be invaluable to both our authors and their books.”

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.

God and Hamilton coming June 7, 2018

Sisters, Oregon (June 1, 2018) — Many audience members leave Hamilton: An American Musical feeling they experienced something spiritual. This may be in part due to the transcendent nature of theatre, but it’s also due to the spiritual themes of Alexander Hamilton’s life. Kansas pastor Kevin Cloud explores these themes in his new book God and Hamilton: Spiritual Themes from the Life of Alexander Hamilton & the Broadway Musical He Inspired.

Cloud, like many, was deeply moved when he saw Hamilton on Broadway in the fall of 2016. “The night I saw the show, I found myself unexpectedly drawn into the presence of God,” he writes in God and Hamilton’s introduction. He went home and read Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. As he read, he continued to note and reflect on the spiritual themes of Hamilton’s life—the same themes he noticed in his own life and in Scripture. These reflections provided the basis of his book.

God and Hamilton’s twelve chapters focus on topics such as grace, equality, despair, and redemption. Details from the musical, both on the stage and behind the scenes, naturally spur further Scripture-based discussion of each theme. Mike Breen, author of Building a Discipling Culture, Covenant and Kingdom, and Family on Mission, praises God and Hamilton, saying, “Kevin portrays a wonderful example of how you can draw from contemporary culture to understand how God works with us on our own heroic journeys. I found his emphasis on God’s grace and faithfulness particularly inspiring and think that all who read it will come away with a better understanding of the challenges we all face. I cannot recommend it more highly!”

KEVIN CLOUD has always seen a deep connection between the arts and the spiritual life. He holds a music degree from the University of Kansas and a MDiv from Nazarene Theological Seminary. He currently pastors at Midwest Fellowship in Kansas City, where he lives with his wife, Allison, and their four sons, Samuel, Benjamin, Andrew, and Levi. Cloud’s new book, God and Hamilton, is published by Deep River Books and releases on June 7, 2018.

God and Hamilton
Kevin Cloud
ISBN: 9781632694775
Retail Price: $14.99
June 7, 2018
https://deepriverbooks.com/books/god-and-hamilton/

Deep River Books, founded in 2001, has become a leader in innovative publishing solutions for authors, with several books on various best-seller lists. Their unique mentoring approach to full-service partnership publishing has set a standard for excellence in production, marketing, and sales.

Contact: info@deepriverbooks.com

(Nashville, TN) May 31, 2018—Today, Zondervan named Stephanie Smith as associate publisher and hired Andy Rogers as acquisitions editor for their nonfiction publishing division.

Smith joined Zondervan in 2014 as an acquisitions editor. Her first acquisition—Coming Clean by Seth Haines—went on to be a Christianity Today book of merit winner. Other notable acquisitions include Wild and Free by Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan, No More Faking Fine by Esther Fleece, and Kind is the New Classy by Candace Cameron Bure. Previously, Smith worked in editorial and content strategy for several organizations, including the Barna Group,Relevant Magazine, and Moody Publishers; she also built her own freelance business managing editorial and marketing campaigns for numerous publishers.

“We are thrilled for Stephanie to step into this new role at Zondervan,” says David Morris, vice president and publisher for Zondervan’s nonfiction publishing division. “She will continue acquiring exceptional authors, and now will also bring her visionary style to help lead and grow our mission well into the future.”

Additionally, Zondervan announced Andy Rogers as acquisitions editor filling the role formerly held by executive editor, John Sloan, now retired. Rogers joins the Zondervan nonfiction publishing group after working as an acquisitions editor at Our Daily Bread. “Andy brings steady critical thinking, solid editing, and confident leadership to his acquisitions work,” says Morris. “We know his expertise will be an invaluable asset to our team and will drive growth for our publishing program.”

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company’s products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Paul Teutul, Jr., star of the Discovery Channel series American Chopper, has returned to television. New episodes of American Chopper began airing Monday, May 28.  The first episode featured Teutul’s book The Build: Designing My Life of Choppers, Family and Faith (WaterBrook, Nov. 7, 2017) as a tension point between Teutul Jr, and his father Paul Teutul, Sr.

In The Build, Teutul shares behind-the-scenes stories from the show and his life with intimate details of going from a troubled teenager to a worldwide reality TV star and a self-educated custom motorcycle designer.

Viewers of the original series were privy to not only Teutul’s creative genius in designing and building custom bikes but his difficult relationship with his father, which culminated in 2009 with Senior firing Junior. Today, Teutul is a husband and father. In 2009, he started his own thriving business, Paul Jr. Designs, where he creates innovative motorcycle designs for corporate clients, film productions and nonprofits. Faith has become an instrumental part of Teutul’s life and a defining part of his journey toward health and healing.

American Choppers airs Monday nights at 10 ET on Discovery Channel.  To watch online, visit https://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/american-chopper/.

For more information on The Build, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

This June, Koorong celebrates 40 years of service to the Body of Christ in Australia. The Christian book retailer first opened its doors on June 8 th 1978, as Australia’s first specialist Christian bookstore.

With a focus on giving Australians more immediate access to vital Christian resources, Koorong has been making a difference for four decades. As a result, it’s no surprise that Koorong has become more than just a retailer…

Recently, a woman returned to Koorong’s store in Penrith, western Sydney almost two years after her desperate first visit. Two years earlier, this woman had been on a train to the Blue Mountains with the intention of going into the bush and ending her life. But as she neared Penrith, she saw the Koorong sign with its dove logo on the rear of the building. For some reason, she felt compelled to get out of the train and go into the store to find out about God and what Koorong could possibly offer her.

At the store she met manager Warren and another staff member, who talked to her and prayed with her. Warren gave her a copy of Brennan Manning’s Christian classic The Ragamuffin Gospel, which explains that no matter what we have done, who we are or what we do, God’s love for us never changes.

Warren urged the woman to promise to read the book and not harm herself. That was the last Warren saw of her until she returned to the store with a smile and a couple of young children in tow. The woman thanked Warren and Koorong for the book, their prayers and their kindness.

She told him it had saved her life and was helping her find a full and satisfying life in Jesus.

Now, as the Christian bookstore celebrates its 40th anniversary, Koorong believes it’s a “reminder about how what we do impacts the Kingdom of God.”

Fast facts:

• More than 49% of Koorong’s customers are aged between 25 and 44.
• Baptists, Pentecostals, and Anglicans are the largest denominational groups that buy Christian resources through Koorong.
• There were nine(9) major English Bible translations available at Koorong in 1978. They now sell more than 30 major English translations and a plethora of foreign language translations.
• Koorong operates online as well as in 15 stores across Australia.

In August 2015, Koorong was acquired by Bible Society Australia; the company’s proceeds now assist with Bible translation, distribution and engagement, both here in Australia and around the world.

Other articles:

• New styles push up Bible sales – December 22nd 2017 – Eternity News https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/new-stylespush-up-bible-sales/
• Koorong CEO: ‘We like the notion that ideas can fight it out graciously on the shelves’ – June 8th 2017 – Eternity News https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/koorongceo-we-like-the-notion-that-ideas-can-fight-it-outgraciously-on-the-shelves/

To arrange interviews with Koorong’s Penrith Store Manager Warren Ward, please contact John Pearson:
National Media & Communications Manager, Bible Society Australia.
john.pearson@biblesociety.org.au Ph. 0438 771 269

Thomas Nelson Donating 1-for-1 Until Book Launch August 7

Nashville, TN (June 1, 2018) — For every pre-ordered copy of Max Lucado’s forthcoming book, Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God, Thomas Nelson will donate a special paperback edition to two specially-chosen international ministries.

Each pre-order purchase of  Unshakable Hope can be registered at www.UnshakableHopeBook.com through August 5. The purchaser chooses the Salvation Army or Prision Fellowship International for their donation. Thomas Nelson then ships special paperback books to the two ministries.

“Max Lucado and Thomas Nelson are proud to support these vital ministries which are providing hope to the most vulnerable,” says Mark Glesne, Marketing Director, Thomas Nelson. “We hope the message of Unshakable Hope will point hurting people to the unfailing promises of God.”

In Unshakable Hope, Lucado applies God’s promises to every area of life, including insecurities, disappointments, depression, illness, condemnation, and the question of evil in the world. With a storyteller’s gift and a pastor’s heart, Lucado points readers to a God whose promises are unchanging and whose love is beyond measure.

“Build your life on the promises of God. Since his promises are unbreakable, your hope will be unshakable,” Lucado writes. “The winds will still blow. The rain will still fall. But in the end you will be standing—standing on the promises of God.”

With more than 130 million products in print, Max Lucado is America’s bestselling inspirational author. His writings have been shaped into bestselling books, videos, devotionals, songs, greeting cards, booklets, Bible studies, commentaries and theatrically-released movies. Lucado has been featured on countless national media outlets including The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, NPR’s All Things Considered and Fox & Friends. Max and his wife of over 35 years, Denalyn, call San Antonio, Texas, home. Max has served the people of Oak Hills Church since 1988. www.maxlucado.com

Thomas Nelson is a world-leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR, jana@mmpublicrelations.com, 281-251-0480

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) May 2018 – Worthy Publishing is excited to share that since the release of the NKJV edition in 2013 and the NIV edition in 2016, Dr. David Jeremiah’s bestselling The Jeremiah Study Bible has sold a combined 526,000 copies, providing transformative teaching to hundreds of thousands of people.

Alongside the biblical text, the teaching of Dr. David Jeremiah creates a greater understanding of the complete biblical message – as he says, “what it says, what it means and what it means for you.” The result is a Bible that can be read and used by all Christians who want to grow in their faith by going deeper into God’s Word.

“Dr. Jeremiah is widely known by millions through radio, television, and best-selling books for his compelling Bible-teaching,” says Byron Williamson, President and Publisher, Worthy Publishing. “We’re so honored to have partnered with Dr. Jeremiah on his legacy Bible study resource, which has been embraced by people of all ages and denominations.”

Sold in hardcover, genuine leather and LeatherLuxe® editions, both the NKJV and NIV offer features to provide applicable teaching and preaching insights, including unique book introductions, 8,000+ study notes, side bars, articles, maps and charts.

Dr. David Jeremiah is the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. Messages preached in the pulpit at Shadow Mountain form the basis of Turning Point, his international radio and television ministries. The outreach of Turning Point Radio and Television programs is now worldwide. Dr. Jeremiah has authored more than 50 books. Among some of his most recent are: A Life Beyond Amazing, I Never Thought I’d See the Day, God Loves You: He Always Has—He Always Will, What Are You Afraid of? Facing Down Your Fears With Faith, Agents of the Apocalypse, and Agents of Babylon. In 2013, Dr. Jeremiah published The Jeremiah Study Bible, a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand version that was over 40 years in the making. Dr. Jeremiah is much in demand as a speaker because of his commitment to the truth of the Bible and his special ability to help people understand how to apply biblical principles to everyday living. Dr. and Mrs. Jeremiah are parents of four children and grandparents of twelve.

Worthy Publishing Group is a privately held, independent voice in inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Worthy includes five distinct imprints: Worthy Books publishes inspirational works addressing spiritual growth, biblical study, faith and culture, biography, fiction, and specialty Bibles; Museum of the Bible Books is a partnership between Worthy and the Museum, publishing books that reveal the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible; Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, gifts, and paper expressions; Worthy Inspired publishes inspirational and devotional books; and WorthyKids/Ideals creates colorful, interactive children’s books, including VeggieTales and Berenstain Bears, for ages 2 to 8.