Penned by the president and CEO of nonprofit Buckner International and published by Iron Stream Media, Hope Now tears down the walls separating evangelism and social ministry.

(October 1, 2019) —Iron Stream Media and Buckner International announce the paperback release of Hope Now: Peace, Healing, and Justice When the Kingdom Comes Near by Dr. Albert L. Reyes.

Dr. Reyes is president and CEO of Buckner International, a 140-year-old ministry dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans, vulnerable children, families and senior adults. In Hope Now, he explores evangelism versus social ministry and works to tear down any existing walls that separate the joint biblical calling to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of people.

“The inspiration for this book flowed out of my own journey as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth,” said Dr. Reyes. “Somewhere along the line we built these walls between meeting the practical needs of people and meeting their spiritual needs. You had to choose between one or the other, a notion I reject. I believe these needs are two sides of the same coin, and in Hope Now I explain how both are not only doable but must be done.”

Hope Now offers encouragement for holistic ministry showing how and why evangelism can and should be combined with social ministry and social justice efforts. The book offers inspiration for all interested in serving others, especially social workers and those who work with senior adults, orphans and at-risk children.

“You are bringing Christ’s  kingdom near when you meet both the physical and spiritual needs of others,” said Dr. Reyes.

Dr. Reyes’s experiences from more than a decade with Buckner are apparent throughout the book, where he references some of the nonprofit’s programs designed to protect children and build strong families. These programs include foster care and adoption, family transition programs, community-based family preservation programs and retirement services for senior adults. Buckner also provides humanitarian aid and crisis relief to poverty-stricken children and families.

Each chapter of Hope Now includes questions for consideration and discussion.

About 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. With this in mind, Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, ministry leaders and nonprofits ranging from in-depth Bible study curriculum and Christian book publishing to custom publishing and consultative services. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study brands, Iron Stream Media provides web-based full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles and discipleship curriculum. Learn more at IronStreamMedia.com.

About Dr. Albert L. Reyes:
Dr. Albert L. Reyes is the sixth president and CEO of Buckner International, a faith-based, global nonprofit organization founded in 1879 in Dallas, Texas. Buckner International focuses on helping vulnerable children, families and seniors. Dr. Reyes is a former pastor and delivers sermons and keynote speeches at conferences and special events. With two doctoral degrees, Dr. Reyes is a lifelong learner and leadership development proponent. He is the author of two books:  Jesus Agenda and his latest, Hope Now. Learn more at AlbertLReyes.com.

Information Contacts:
Christopher Ruth
Director of Media Relations
Buckner International
630-536-9139 (cell)
cruth@buckner.org
 
Meredith Dunn
Iron Stream Media
Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

Palm Bay, FL: During the Awards Gala at the 2019 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference in San Antonio, Texas, ACFW announced its 2019 CAROL AWARD WINNERS for the best in Christian Fiction published in the previous calendar year. Also announced during the Awards Gala were winners of the Genesis Award for as-yet- unpublished-authors, and other significant honors within the Christian Fiction community.

Included was the ACFW 2019 Lifetime Achievement recognition, which was awarded to prolific author, Angela Hunt.

The ACFW 2019 Carol Award winners are:

Contemporary

• Where Hope Begins by Catherine West – HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Editors: Erin Healy and Becky Monds

Historical

• The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts – HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Editors: Jocelyn Bailey and Julee Schwarzburg

Historical Romance

• A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette – Bethany House (Baker) Publishing – Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jennifer Veilleux

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

• The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright – Bethany House (Baker) Publishing – Editor: Raela Schoenherr and Luke Hinrichs

Novella

• MissTaken Identity; The MissAdventure Brides Collection by Kimberley Woodhouse – Barbour Publishing – Editors: Rebecca Germany and Ellen Tarver

Romance

• Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh – Tyndale House – Editors: Stephanie Broene and Shaina Turner

Romantic Suspense

• Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon – Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing – Editors: Kristin Kornoelje and Jennifer Leep

Short Novel

• The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter by Jill Lynn – Love Inspired (Harlequin) – Editor: Shana Asaro

Speculative

• Mark of the Raven; Book 1 of The Ravenwood Saga by Morgan L. Busse – Bethany House (Baker) Publishing – Editors: Dave Long and Jennifer Veilleux

Young Adult

• Fawkes by Nadine Brandes – HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Editor: Becky Monds

Debut Author

• The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin – Enclave Publishing – Editor: Steve Laube

The 2019 ACFW Genesis Award winners (unpublished) are:

• Contemporary— Amanda Everett for Where Lupines Bloom
• Historical— Kendy Pearson for Voice of Thunder
• Historical Romance— Renee Ann Smith for If Dreaming Could Bring You Home
• Mystery/Suspense/Thriller— Matt Aynes for The Reaping
• Novella— Erin Gingrich for If Not for the Train
• Romance— Becca Kinzer for Dear Henry, Love Edith
• Romantic Suspense— Angela Carlisle for Secondary Target
• Short Novel— Sami Abrams for Saving Jess
• Speculative— Tanara McCauley for Tainted
• Young Adult— Elizabeth Mertz for Through Deep Waters

ACFW’s 2019 Editor of the Year honor was awarded to Raela Schoenherr from Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing).

ACFW’s 2019 Agent of the Year honor was awarded to Linda Glaz from the Hartline Literary Agency.

As an expression of gratitude for exceptional contributions, ACFW awarded the following:

• 2019 Mentor of the Year: Luana Ehrlich
• 2019 Volunteer of the Year: Heather Tipton
• 2019 Member Service Award: Emilie Hendryx Haney

ACFW congratulates each of these honorees as it celebrates Christian Fiction and the influence of storytelling. ACFW’s annual conference is representative of its investment to empower Christian novelists by inspiring them to join with God in the creative process, training them in the craft, and educating them in the publishing industry.

For more information about ACFW, contact acfwrelations@acfw.com or www.acfw.com.

 

 

Palm Bay, FL: At the Milestones Celebration Dinner on the opening day of the 2019 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, ACFW recognized members receiving Milestone Pins for reaching significant milestones in their publishing careers. Milestone pins were first awarded in 2018 to 52 members.

In addition to those 2018 pin recipients, those present at the 2019 conference who have reached levels of at least 25, 50, 75, 100, or 100+ published books (traditional and/or Qualified Independently Published) were:

• James Scott Bell: 50
• Vannetta Chapman: 25
• Suzanne Woods Fisher: 25
• Connie Fitzmartin: 25
• Cynthia Hickey: 75
• Kristi Holl: 50
• Angela Hunt: 100+
• Nancy Naigle: 25
• Allie Pleiter: 50
• Cynthia Ruchti: 25

Also honored during the Milestones Celebration Dinner were ACFW members whose writing careers have included novels that have reached the NYTimes, USAToday, ECPA, CBA, or PW bestseller lists, or have reached the Top 100 overall in Amazon Kindle or Paperback (paid) excluding anthologies, or have sold 75,000 or more copies. At the 2019 ACFW conference Milestones Dinner, 45 Honor Roll authors were so honored.

• Rick Acker
• Christy Barritt
• James Scott Bell
• Misty M. Beller
• Lynn Blackburn
• Hallee Bridgeman
• Kristy Cambron
• Robin Caroll
• Vannetta Chapman
• Colleen Coble
• Brandilyn Collins
• Mary Connealy
• Connilyn Cossette
• Rachel Dylan
• Nancy J. Farrier
• Miralee Ferrell
• Suzanne Woods Fisher
• Rachel Hauck
• Cynthia Hickey
• Pam Hillman
• Angela Hunt
• Denise Hunter
• Kelly Irvin
• Sarah Ladd
• Dana R. Lynn
• Debbie Macomber
• Lee Tobin McClain
• DiAnn Mills
• Tamela Hancock Murray
• Nancy Naigle
• Jolene Navarro
• Cara Putman
• Tina Radcliffe
• Deborah Raney
• Cynthia Ruchti
• Carrie Stuart Parks
• Sarah Sundin
• Jen Turano
• Carrie Turansky
• Becky Wade
• Susan May Warren
• Gina Welborn
• Cheryl Williford
• Karen Witemeyer
• Kathleen Y’Barbo

ACFW congratulates each of these honorees and thanks them for their faithfulness in telling stories with impact.

For more information about ACFW, contact acfwrelations@acfw.com or www.acfw.com.

Corporate office will host book sale from November 7 to 9

Carol Stream, Ill. (October 4, 2019)—Tyndale House Publishers, the largest independent Christian publisher in the United States, has called the Chicago western suburbs home for more than fifty years. From November 7 to 9, Tyndale will host its annual warehouse sale.

“We had an enthusiastic response from our community with our Tyndale Warehouse Sale, so we’ve made this an annual event. We also created a bookstore in our lobby to profile our new products and best sellers—a destination for individuals and churches to see and purchase our Tyndale products,” said Doug Walton, Vice President of Human Resources and Administrative Services.

During the last two years, customers who visited the annual warehouse sale had the opportunity to buy books and Bibles for their churches and ministries, as well as for themselves. Small group leaders at churches stopped by to purchase gifts and some purchased Bibles in bulk to distribute through their ministries. Some of the more popular categories that customers purchased were kids’ books as well as nonfiction titles.

From November 7 to 9, Tyndale’s annual warehouse sale will include discounts of up to 70 percent and will include overstock and scratch-and-dent titles, as well as outreach and giveaway Bibles. Raffle prizes will be awarded each day. Follow Tyndale on Facebook @TyndaleBookstore for the latest updates.

In addition, Tyndale’s bookstore is located in the lobby of its corporate office at 351 Executive Drive in Carol Stream. The store features new releases and bestsellers, while all books are discounted 30 percent. Store hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The warehouse sale dates are as follows:

• Thursday, November 7  — Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Friday, November 8, 2019 — Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 9 — Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $100 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Multnomah is excited to announce the acquisition of New York Times best-selling author Mark Batterson’s next work, Win the Day, to publish in January 2021, along with future trade books and creative products.

Author of such bestsellers as Chase the Lion, Whisper, and soon to be published Double Blessing (Oct. 15, 2019), and pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., Batterson wants to help readers realize their greatest, most audacious dreams one day at a time. In his signature and much beloved style, he draws on inspirational stories and principles from history, science, and athletics to help readers win each and every day.

To Andrew Stoddard at Multnomah by Esther Fedorkevich, the Fedd Agency (World).  For rights queries, contact Rachel Berkowitz RBerkowitz@prh.com.

Multnomah is an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House.

Pastor Robby Gallaty: He isn’t who you think he is

New book ‘Recovered’ shares how God radically saved Gallaty from addictions and called him into a life of discipleship

[NASHVILLE, TENN., October 7, 2019—] Robby Gallaty is most known for being the Senior Pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church, founder of the discipleship ministry Replicate, a nationally sought-after speaker and the author of seven books. But what many don’t know is that before finding God, he was addicted to drugs and alcohol, stole $15,000 from his parents to fuel his addictions and was in and out of rehab.

In his new book, “Recovered: How an Accident, Alcohol, and Addiction Led Me to God” (October 15, 2019, B&H Publishing), Gallaty finally shares the incredible story of how God radically saved him from a life of addictions and called him into a life of discipleship.

Gallaty says he penned his story not just to share the dramatic circumstances that led him to God, but also to inspire hope in readers who wonder if God is done with them, have messed up time and time again, are battling drug or alcohol addiction, have loved ones in the throes of addiction or just need to be reminded of the miraculous salvation found in the gospel.

“I’ve learned that sobriety without Christ is a dead-end street. My goal in ‘Recovered’ is to provide hope for anyone battling an addiction or anyone who knows someone currently struggling to get sober,” Gallaty said. “Prayerfully, those who read this book will be empowered to live a victorious life in Christ.”

Long Hollow used Gallaty’s testimony to promote their Easter services in 2016, using a fake political smear campaign, “He is NOT Who You Think He Is,” to grab attention through billboards throughout Nashville and create buzz around Gallaty’s Easter sermon. The campaign gained national media attention and resulted in 14,000 attendees to the church’s Easter services, doubling the church’s normal attendance of 7,000.

David Platt, bestselling author of “Radical,” discipled Gallaty in his early years of following Jesus, and wrote the foreword for “Recovered.” The book also includes an addendum, “Notes for Recoverers,” where Gallaty shares advice and lessons he’s learned since his recovery and reminds readers that all were once in darkness and needed salvation.

B&H is supporting the launch of “Recovered” with a presale campaign, national media tour and will also give the book to key people and their ministries to use. Gallaty will be speaking at several Celebrate Recovery forums in 2020.  Endorsements include John Baker (founder of Celebrate Recovery), Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Kay Arthur, Darryl Strawberry and many others.

“Anyone who has picked up a newspaper in the last five years knows our country is in a drug-addiction crisis. As someone who has lost family members due to drug and alcohol abuse, I want to know how to get people help, and this book points not only to the physical help needed to be freed from addiction, but also to the spiritual help needed to be made new in Jesus,” said Taylor Combs, Associate Publisher of Christian Living and Leadership.

For more information, visit recoveredbook.org

Robby Gallaty is the Senior Pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was radically saved out of a life of drug addiction on November 12, 2002. In 2008, he began Replicate Ministries to equip and train men and women to be disciples who make disciples. He is also the author of “Growing Up” (2013), “Firmly Planted” (2015), “Rediscovering Discipleship” (2015), “MARCS of a Disciple” (2016), “The Forgotten Jesus” (2017), “Preaching for the Rest of Us” (2018) and “Here and Now” (2019).

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.

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that The New City Catechism (Crossway, April 2017), published in partnership with Redeemer Presbyterian Church and the Gospel Coalition (TGC) has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales.

This short book lays out fifty-two questions and answers related to God, human nature, sin, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and more. Whether used devotionally, recited orally, or memorized over the course of a year, families, churches, small groups, and Christian schools will treasure this as a valuable tool for teaching the core doctrines of the Christian faith to children and adults alike.

“Catechesis is not just one more service to be paid for, but is a rich fellowship and mutual sharing of the gifts of God,” writes pastor and best-selling author Timothy Keller. “If we re-engage in this biblical practice in our churches, we will find again God’s word ‘dwelling in us richly,’ because the practice of catechesis takes truth deep into our hearts, so we think in biblical categories as soon as we can reason.”

The New City Catechism is available in print form and also as a mobile app and has expanded to include a suite of other related products:

• The New City Catechism Devotional (Crossway, April 2017) was published in conjunction with the catechism and sets forth fifty-two questions and answers along with related Scripture passages, commentaries, and prayers, all designed to build a framework for understanding core biblical doctrines.
• The New City Catechism Curriculum (Crossway, June 2018) expands the questions and answers of The New City Catechism into fifty-two engaging and informative lessons, helping children ages 8–11 better understand the truth of God’s word and how it connects to their lives.

“I’ve been overjoyed in recent years to see so many families renew their commitment to catechize,” said Collin Hansen, editorial director for the Gospel Coalition. “What could be more exciting than to see the next generation get to know God through this time-tested practice? Along with our longtime partners at Crossway, we continue to pray that God would use these means for gospel-centered reformation and revival in our churches today.”

The New City Catechism: 52 Questions and Answers for Our Hearts and Minds
Available from Crossway
RELIGION / Christian Life / Family (REL012030) ISBN 978-1-4335-5507-7
6″ x 7.25″ • Paperback $7.99 • 128 pp. Release Date: April 30, 2017

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.

Media Contact: Lauren Harvey, lharvey@crossway.org  1 (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031  crossway.org

New Interactive Companion Workbook to Release in November 

Grand Rapids, Mich. (October 2019) – As the Enneagram continues to grow in popularity, The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by international accredited instructor, Chris Heuertz has sold more than 100,000 copies since its release in September 2017. Far more than a personality test, Heuertz writes, the Enneagram is a sacred map to the soul. His book enables readers to understand the ‘why’ behind each Enneagram type and work with their type toward spiritual growth.

“While the Enneagram is undoubtedly trending in 2019, Chris has been learning from the best and developing his own groundbreaking insights in this field for nearly two decades,” says Stephanie Smith, Zondervan Books Associate Publisher. “We are thrilled to champion authors such as Chris who draw from so deep a well, and to see the wide resonance of readers who have found in The Sacred Enneagram a trusted guide for their growth journey.”

Heuertz was introduced to the Enneagram almost 20 years ago while working in the slums of Cambodia. “That’s when the Enneagram found me,” he says. His Enneagram journey has been influenced by work of Rohr and other Enneagram experts such as Helen Palmer, and Russ Hudson, as well as contemplative spirituality teachers such as Jean Vanier, Henri Nouwen and Thomas Keating. “More than any other tool, the Enneagram helps us get to the heart of who we really are,” Heuertz says.

Heuertz, an activist involved in humanitarian relief and anti-trafficking efforts in addition to his work as an Enneagram teacher, has been mentored by some of the great spiritual masters of our time, including Mother Teresa, with whom he spent time at her community in Calcutta, and his mentor, the Franciscan priest Fr. Richard Rohr.

The Sacred Enneagram has been featured in Magnolia Journal, the Rise Together podcast with Dave and Rachel Hollis and the For the Love podcast with Jen Hatmaker. Enneagram Monthly called The Sacred Enneagram “a breath of fresh air,” and the Englewood Review of Books said it has “optimism and hope infused throughout.” It has been translated into Korean and Portuguese.

Zondervan is publishing The Sacred Enneagram Workbook, an interactive companion to The Sacred Enneagram in November 2019. The workbook is designed to help readers grow in their spiritual life through understanding their Enneagram type. For review copies and interviews, please contact Robin Barnett at robin.barnett@hapercollins.com.

About The Sacred Enneagram:
Most of us spend a lifetime trying to figure out who we are, and how we relate to others and God. The Enneagram is here to help. Lies about who we think we are keep us trapped in loops of self-defeat. But the Enneagram reveals both the nine ways we get lost, as well as the nine ways we find our way home to our true self and to God. The Sacred Enneagram is their invitation to begin the journey of a life transformed.

About The Sacred Enneagram Workbook:
Whether you are looking to discover your type for the first time or take a deeper dive into your identity, The Sacred Enneagram Workbook is designed to help you grow in your spiritual life through the understanding of your Enneagram type.

The Enneagram offers a bright path to cutting through the internal clutter and finding our way back to who we are created to be. And The Sacred Enneagram Workbook creates the reflective space necessary to map your way home.

In this interactive companion to the bestselling The Sacred Enneagram you will discover:

• Where you find yourself in the Enneagram’s nine type profiles, and how to make sense of testing results
• How to move beyond counterproductive caricatures of your type toward true growth
• Tools and practices for breaking out of your greatest emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual challenges
• And ultimately, your type’s unique invitation and path toward a deeper journey with God

The Sacred Enneagram Workbook: Mapping Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth
By Chris Heuertz with Estee Zandee
Release Date: Nov 26, 2019
9780310358466
$12.99, 112 pages

Zondervan Books publishes books that ask big questions and bring inspiring insights. Part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the imprint works with gifted writers and communicators who engage readers with books about spiritual and personal growth, everyday living, memoir, family and marriage—topics that fuel life transformation through faith. Zondervan Books’ products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Their offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

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

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 2, 2019) — Longtime literary agent Jenni Burke has been announced as the new owner and president of D.C. Jacobson and Associates, effective immediately. Former owner and president Don Jacobson made the announcement following his appointment to SVP and Books Group Publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Harper Collins Focus.

“We began developing a plan to move Jenni into the presidency role earlier this year before my conversation with HarperCollins began,” said Jacobson. “Jenni has helped grow this agency from the ground up. There’s no one else to whom I could imagine entrusting this business.”

Burke stated, “Don’s HarperCollins colleagues and authors will be blessed by his strategic and caring leadership style.”

“I’m beyond thrilled for this opportunity to lead the agency into the future,” Burke said. “It’s been a natural transition, and the agency is in a great place, thanks to the foundation laid by Don and our talented team of agents. We will excel in this new season, and will continue to innovate in a rapidly changing industry, nurture and develop our beloved authors, and connect meaningful messages to readers around the world.”

Burke has worked with D.C. Jacobson and Associates since its founding in 2006. During her career, she has succeeded in finding key thought leaders and first-time authors and helping them develop national bestselling books. Her author roster includes Jess Connolly, Alli Worthington, Aaron and Jamie Ivey, Myquillyn Smith, Tsh Oxenreider, and Jessica Turner.

About D.C. Jacobson & Associates
D.C. Jacobson & Associates is a literary agency committed to guiding authors through the production and promotion of life-changing messages. The agency is distinguished by its exceptional book proposals which lead to exceptional books, and by the high level of author care provided to its clients throughout the publishing process. The company is based in Oregon. For information visit www.dcjacobson.com.

Media Contact:  Martin Raz, Director of Operations, mraz@dcjacobson.com  503-850-4800 ext. 100

ECPA PubU to debut “Emerging Leaders track” to develop, connect, and inspire future industry leaders

TEMPE, ARIZ., October 7, 2019 – ECPA has announced the recipients of the Emerging Leader scholarship program for ECPA PubU, the industry’s training and networking event for Christian publishing professionals.  Nominations were made by Christian publishers with a goal to invest in up-and-coming talent in their companies.

The scholarship program is sponsored by NPD Book and ECPA, who worked together to pilot the program four years ago.  So far, 35 emerging leaders have gone through the program, with 14 more now added this year representing 12 publishing houses.

These leaders will also participate in the Emerging Leader track at PubU, led by Randall Payleitner, Associate Publisher at Moody Publishers.  “We have developed six mini-sessions on the first day of PubU, taught by industry leaders, that will orient and inspire those newer to the industry,” states Payleitner.  “This is an excellent opportunity for newer publishing professionals to connect with others in their same stage and see their role within a bigger missional context.”

ECPA President and CEO Stan Jantz adds: “The Emerging Leaders program is critically important, not only to PubU, but also to the entire Christian publishing industry. Through their excellent work and dedication to the craft, these outstanding publishing professionals are helping the publishers they represent to create and innovate at the highest level.  We are grateful to the publishers who nominated these excellent candidates.”

ECPA PubU will be held November 5-6 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, and feature more than 40 workshops to choose among in six publishing topics: Digital Marketing, Design, Editorial, Reader Engagement & Publicity, Data, Delivery, Workflow, along with the track for Emerging Leaders.  The opening plenary session will feature Rabbit Room founder, musician, and author Andrew Peterson, with the closing keynote headlined by NYT bestselling author and Proverbs 31 president, Lysa TerKeurst.

We congratulate the following 2019 recipients of the PubU scholarship for Emerging Leaders:

Michael Belcher is the Marketing Manager for Lion Hudson Limited in the UK.  He is a talented marketer who is eager to learn and discuss new ideas.  His positive attitude and enthusiasm is easily transmitted to his team.  Michael is engaged in the process of reinvigorating our marketing plans and has much to offer Christian publishing throughout his career ahead.  He will greatly benefit from PubU in several ways, which will also benefit his team and our company.

 

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Caroline Clark is a Marketing Specialist for LifeWay.  As a new employee with a successful academic record, Caroline displays a high aptitude to learn, grow, and contribute to the growth of our brand and industry.  Providing experiences and opportunities for growth through PubU will allow her to contribute at a higher level to our organization, and to the mission of the industry.

 

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Karin DeHaven is an Academic Publicist for InterVarsity Press.  She brings a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of the theological academy to her work.  She holds an MA from Wheaton College and has also worked in accounting and as the assistant to the publisher for IVP.  She is deeply committed to her church and is training (again) for the Chicago Marathon.

 

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Erin Floyd is a children’s development editor for the United Methodist Publishing House. She is a grounded, thoughtful leader who challenges her teammates to think deeply and theologically about everything we create.  Her creativity, drive, and ability to collaborate inspires those around her. Erin’s future in Christian publishing is bright.  She is a budding leader who will benefit from her first PubU.

 

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Pete Ford is the Web Services Coordinator for Apricot Services.  He will graduate from Calvin University this winter and has worked for Apricot Services for five years.  He excels at each project handed to him, including building websites and developing backend technological resources for digital platforms. Pete is also an accomplished writer and he will be a lasting and influential voice in Christian publishing for years to come.

 

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Andrea Garcia is a Marketing Manager for Tyndale House Publishers, serving fiction authors.  She is the marketing champion for our “Crazy for Fiction” channel, plus she manages new book releases each season.  Andrea brings energy, enthusiasm, and a host of marketing experience in social media.  She is a versatile, strategic marketing manager to champion our fiction product line.

 

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Ben Howard is an Editor for the United Methodist Publishing House.  He possesses unique skills in observing and evaluating culture through a finely tuned biblical lens.  He is a lifelong learner, always reading, studying, and engaging with others in meaningful dialogue.  He is respectful of diverse opinions and open to differing viewpoints. He is also an excellent writer, and we are fortunate to utilize his insights and talents as we design and develop Christian products.

 

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Maila Kue is an Events Marketing Coordinator for InterVarsity Press. She is young, talented (started her own podcast!), new to publishing, and eager to learn. Because of her love for books, authors, and spiritual formation, Maila wants to apply her marketing experience and skills to Christian publishing. PubU will give her a wider exposure to publishing and broaden her perspective of the industry.

 

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Chelsea Moore is a customer service representative with Baker Publishing Group and also works as a freelance editor for Our Daily Bread Ministries.  She is a self-starter and has good insights and editorial skills.  She has worked in Christian publishing for two years and the PubU emerging leader program will expand her experience, skills, connections and industry knowledge.

 

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Breonna Rostic is a marketing manager and copywriter for Our Daily Bread Ministries.  She is a hardworking and creative marketer and writer who has contributed to the Our Daily Bread devotional, book compilation, and has collaborated on marketing promotions.  PubU would broaden her publishing experience, which would be a benefit to not only her, but to our company, and industry.

  

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Jackeline Saldaña is the Product Development and Acquisitions Manager for Editorial Portavoz.  Her experience at Portavoz has given her an excellent understanding of the Spanish speaking world in her role of acquiring and developing products for that market. Her exceptional public relations skills have been key for working closely with ministries and other partners in developing specialized products to meet their needs as well as those of the general market. Her most recent projects are: “A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible,” and the “True Woman Devotional Bible”—both first published in Spanish.

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Abigail Stocker is an editor for Lexham Press.  She has grown substantially in her role with the Lexham team over the past four years and is greatly trusted and respected by our editorial team.  She is a talented wordsmith and copy editor, the go-to person for style and English usage, and an accomplished typesetter.  She is now helping to lead our production editorial team.

 

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Mary Helen Thompson is a production assistant with Moody Publishers.  She started working at Moody after her graduation from Taylor University last year and quickly gained an understanding of our complex processes.  She now manages a segment of our reprints and has a passion for editorial.  PubU will offer her a broader understanding of industry trends, management perspectives, training and networking, to prepare her as a future industry leader.

 

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Sarah Welch is an Assistant Editor for Hendrickson Publishers.  She graduated from Gordon College in 2018 with a B.A. in English Literature and Language. As a recent college graduate, she has exhibited exceptional editorial aptitude in her first year in our company.  She has worked on scholarly Hendrickson titles and a variety of Rose Publishing products. While at Hendrickson Publishers, she has proofread over twenty books, acted as co-project manager on two Hendrickson titles, and written blog posts featuring new titles for the Hendrickson Publishers blog.

 

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About PubU
ECPA PubU is the industry’s “Publishing University” for Christian publishing professionals, taught by experts and industry leaders, and considered the premier training ground for the industry. In-depth sessions are offered in Marketing, Publicity, Reader Engagement, Editorial, Design, Data, Delivery & Workflow, and will debut a track for Emerging Leaders in 2019. PubU will be held November 5-6 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee and will feature 40+ community sessions and a plenary session with Andrew Peterson and keynote by Lysa TerKeurst. Full program details and registration are at ECPAPubU.org.

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

About NPD Book
NPD Book is the market leader in data and insights for the $24B US Publishing Industry. Through our portfolio of products and services including BookScan, PubTrack Digital, and Books & Consumers, along with our analysts’ unique industry expertise, we help our clients understand their performance, their consumers, and their opportunities and grow their businesses in today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape. NPD.com

Media Contacts:  Stan Jantz, ECPA President & CEO, sjantz@ecpa.org or 480-966-3998
Sheri Toomb, Marketing Manager, stoomb@ecpa.org or 480-966-3998