Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group is thrilled to announce that Sarah Rubio has been promoted to Publishing Director, WaterBrook Children’s, effective immediately.

Rubio joined the WaterBrook Children’s program in the fall of 2020 as Executive Editor. Over the last five years, she has acquired and edited numerous bestselling and notable children’s books, including the New York Times bestseller God’s Masterpiece by Elisabeth Hasselbeck; WaterBrook’s first graphic novel, God With Us; The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor; and the forthcoming Heaven on Earth, an exciting collaboration between Randy Alcorn and Lisa Tawn Bergren, as well as Gabriel and the Guardians—graphic novel adaptations of an upcoming animated series. Rubio has also collaborated with PRH Christian’s adult publishing team to develop children’s books as part of several multi-book deals with authors such as Michael Todd, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jordan Raynor, and Mark Batterson.

In addition, Rubio has led the charge in expanding the WaterBrook Children’s program into middle-grade and YA fiction, including the Carrick Hall trilogy by Sarah Arthur. The first book in the trilogy, Once a Queen, was a Christy Award finalist, a Today Show “Read with Jenna Jr.” summer reading pick, and a Read-Aloud Revival mom summer reading selection.

“Sarah has vast knowledge of the Christian children’s market and an excellent eye for identifying up-and-coming voices. As Publishing Director, she will develop a new publishing strategy for our WaterBrook Children’s program and has already begun casting a vision for our next chapter,” said Campbell Wharton, Senior Vice President and Publisher, PRH Christian.

WaterBrook is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

 

Oct. 14, 2025 – W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishing, today announced a deal with Philip Anthony Mitchell, lead pastor of 2819 Church in Atlanta, Ga., for his debut book, Contend: Winning the War Outside and the Battle Within. The acquisition went to Kyle Olund, senior acquisitions editor for W Publishing Group, by Jevon Bolden, CEO and founder, Embolden Media Group. The book’s release date is to be announced.

In Contend, Mitchell, a renowned prophetic communicator and cultural voice, calls a drifting generation to awaken—to confront spiritual apathy and cultural compromise with trembling reverence and courageous clarity. Drawing deeply from the often-overlooked letter of Jude, he confronts the crisis within the Church in America and beyond, sounding an urgent call for believers to reclaim authentic faith, pursue inner healing, and carry forward the true gospel amid encroaching darkness. Mitchell equips readers with spiritual tools to stand firm both in the battle within and the war without.

“I believe we’re living in a tense and pivotal moment of American history where Christianity can tip toward revival or irrelevance. With that in view, I am elated to partner with the W Publishing Group team at HarperCollins Christian Publishing to release my long-awaited, forthcoming book Contend, a clarion call to the body of Christ,” said Mitchell.

“We’re thrilled to partner with W Publishing Group on this project. Their proven track record of publishing high-impact authors and their collaborative spirit made them the ideal choice for this next chapter in Pastor Philip’s ministry and the bold message of Contend,” said Bolden.

“We welcome Philip and his timely message to our publishing family,” said Damon Reiss, VP and Publisher of W Publishing Group. “Philip’s voice resonates with a boldness and conviction that is so needed in this moment. Contend is far more than a book—it is a rallying cry, a blueprint for spiritual courage, and a lifeline for those longing to see genuine revival and restoration in the Church. We believe its impact will be both immediate and enduring.”

2819 Church is a movement that has experienced explosive growth and stirred hearts across generations and platforms. With over eighteen years in ministry, Mitchell is recognized for his unwavering focus on biblical authority, his compassion for the broken, and his relentless pursuit of spiritual awakening. His personal journey of faith and restoration breathes authenticity and hope into every page of his work.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products 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, 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: Allison Carter, Sr. Publicity Dir., W Publishing Group, allison.carter@harpercollins.com

October 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that Charlie Can’t Sleep!, Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World, and The Common Rule Youth Edition have all been honored with 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.

Charlie Can’t Sleep! Trusting God When You’re Afraid of the Dark by Rachel Joy Welcher won first place in the religion/spirituality picture book category. Beautifully illustrated by Breezy Brookshire, this bedtime story not only acknowledges a child’s fear but also equips them with a biblical, comforting approach to tackle it. Charlie Can’t Sleep! reassures little ones that even in the quiet, scary moments, God sees them, hears their prayers, and stays by their side.

“Welcher’s good work provides a script for parents and other caregivers to vulnerably share that they also need to keep handing over their own fears to the God who never sleeps,” said Michele Morin, Bible teacher and writer. “Meeting our children’s fears with both sensitivity and good theology sets the stage for future conversations when bigger fears and more consequential issues are at stake.”

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer, written by Helen Lee and illustrated by Shin Maeng, won second place in the religion/spirituality picture book category. This book follows Kaylee and her grandfather, Halbi, as they read the morning newspaper. While reading they look for ways to pray for the children of the world. Featuring a Korean American family, this story gently guides children to recognize the brokenness in our world and to turn their hearts to God with the assurance that He hears every prayer—even when words feel hard to find.

Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Kaylee’s desire to be aware of the world around her, and to empathize with the suffering of others, is a beautiful model for young readers. . . . Maeng’s appealing cartoon images highlight Kaylee’s earnestness, and the ‘Kim Family Prayer Map’ gives their prayer practice a well-drawn sense of practicality. Children from many disparate places affected by both tragedy and joy are shown, giving a sense of how big and diverse the world is. An affecting story that will resonate with the faithful.”

The Common Rule Youth Edition: Growing Your Faith in a Distracted World by Justin Whitmel Earley won second place in the religion/spirituality chapter book category. This nonfiction book equips young people with tools to help them find peace and fulfillment through simple, intentional habits designed to foster freedom and rest. Earley draws on his own experiences to illustrate how small actions can lead to significant transformation.

Brook Mosser, president of Intentional Parents International, said, “In The Common Rule Youth Edition, Justin Whitmel Earley helps young readers by providing a practical and inspiring framework for navigating a noisy and distracting world. This resource will speak directly to the hearts of young people and give them fundamental tools for productive habit formation in life and faith.”

The Moonbeam Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to celebrate children’s books and lifelong reading. The purpose of the Moonbeam Awards is to highlight books that encourage children to be generous, compassionate, and to stand up for the rights of themselves and others. This year’s judges chose gold, silver, and bronze medalists in forty-five categories, covering the full range of styles and genres in English and Spanish.

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

Contact:  Anna Tjernstrom | atjernstrom@ivpress.com

American Christian Fiction Writers Lifetime Achievement Award Winner is Robin Jones Gunn

American Christian Fiction Writers is pleased to announce the 2025 award winners.  The awards were presented Saturday, September 6 at the annual ACFW Gala, which was held in Springfield, Missouri during ACFW’s annual conference. American Christian Fiction Writers is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction and helping writers expand their knowledge of the publishing industry. More information can be found at ACFW.com.

The winners are as follows:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Robin Jones Gunn
• Mentor of the Year – Misty Beller
• Agent of the Year – Rachel Kent (Books & Such Literary Agency)
• Editor of the Year – Michelle Levigne (Michelle Levigne Editing and Mt. Zion Press)
• Volunteer of the Year – Pat Takamiya
• Martha Rogers Member Service Award – Paula Peckham

2025 Genesis Awards

• Contemporary – Elizabeth Daghfal for Calls in the Dark
• Historical – Hannah Benson for Beyond the Red Curtain
• Historical Romance – Donna Yarborough for Grace Like Rain
• Mystery/Suspense/Thriller – Renda Knapp for What She Knows
• Novella – Tiffany Burgess for The Lilith Assignment: A Sifting
• Romance – Ruth Schmeckpeper for Restoration
• Romantic Suspense – Breana Johnson for Golden Bluff Ghost Town
• Short Novel – Tracy Del Campo for The Road to Hope
• Speculative – Elise Haroldson for Treeple
• Young Adult – Sharon Jeong Ide for Pear Blossom Academy

2025 Carol Awards

Contemporary
When the Wildflowers Bloom Again by Donna Jo Stone
Independent Author
Editor – Anne Victory

Historical
Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett
Kregel Publications
Editor – Janyre Tromp

Historical Romance
The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder
Barbour Publishing
Editor – Becky Fish

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Fatal Domain by Steven James
Tyndale House
Editors – Sarah Rische and Karen Watson

Novella
Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn
Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
Editors – Kelsey Bowen and Jessica English

Romance 
The Heart of Sugarcreek by Serena B. Miller
Independent Author
Editor – Brenda Kallner

Romantic Suspense
Double Take by Lynette Eason
Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
Editors – Barb Barnes and Andrea Doering

Short Novel
Waiting for Gilbert by Tasha Hackett
Independent Author
Editors – Crystal Nielson and Megan Schaulis

Speculative
Drawn by Light by John W. Otte
Independent Author
Editor – Megan Gerig

Young Adult
Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs
Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media)
Editor – Sara Ella and Lisa Laube

Debut Author
Protector by Megan Schaulis
White Crown Publishing
Editors – Janelle Leonard and Marisa Stokley

American Christian Fiction Writers also announced that best-selling, multi-published author and speaker Robin Jones Gunn was presented with their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

“The lifetime part of this “lifetime achievement” award should go to my husband. He pushed me out the door to my first writers conference and hasn’t stopped cheering me on and challenging me every step of the way for almost 5 decades. The “achievement” part I share with my agent and editor, Janet Grant whose careful touches to every book has made them better.  Acts 20:24 still rings true as I continue to write the stories God puts on my heart. “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus, the work of telling others, the Good News about the wonderful grace of God”. Says Gunn.

Robin Jones Gunn is the bestselling author of over 100 books with several award-winning fiction series including the timeless Christy Miller, Glenbrooke and Sisterchicks* novels. Her newest series is the bestselling Suitcase Sisters collection.  Robin’s popular nonfiction includes her memoir, Victim of Grace along with Praying for your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. She also has ten giftbooks and devotionals published along with fourteen children’s books and fifty articles. Sales of her diverse collection of books top 6.5 million copies.  In addition, four Hallmark Christmas movies were created from her novels. Many of Robin’s books have appeared multiple times on the ECPA bestseller list and have been both finalists and a winner of the Christy and Gold Medallion awards. She was honored to receive the Readers Choice Award twice from FHL of Romance Writers of America.  More information can be found at www.robingunn.com

Media Contact:  Jeane Burgess – Tall Oak Media, 918-630-9695 – jeane@mytalloak.com  

American Christian Fiction Writers is pleased to announce Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner as the new CEO. Turner is a multi-published author who has been part of ACFW since the beginning.

“Twenty-five years ago, the American Christian Romance Writers, as we were called back then, was born. Back then our family was small—just a dozen or so authors who loved Jesus and writing books—and I was one of them.  As most families do, ours has grown and changed over the years to embrace other Christian genres and a new name that reflected the varied genres of our members.  The one thing that hasn’t changed is our focus on training up generations of writers whose talents have been given to them by God and whose words will become books that change lives.  I am thrilled and honored to take the helm as CEO, formerly held for 19 years by the amazing Coleen Coble”, says Turner.

Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. Turner spins stories where the past never stays buried for long. When she’s not writing mysteries with a vintage twist and sometimes a dash of romance, Turner enjoys chasing down new travel destinations in her home state of Texas with her hero in combat boots, her husband Robert. Find out more about Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner at  www.kathleenybarbo.com.

Media Contact:  Jeane Burgess – Tall Oak Media, 918-630-9695  – jeane@mytalloak.com 

Aarhus, October 1, 2025 – The Grace Dyslexia Project, developed by 2K/Denmark in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, has won two major prizes at the Christian Resources Together (CRT) Awards 2025: Bible of the Year and Children’s Book of the Year.

The winning titles are:

• Bible of the Year:  ESV Holy Bible Dyslexia Friendly Edition (Crossway)
• Children’s Book of the Year:  Bella Finds Grace (Malcolm Down and Sarah Grace Publishing)

The project’s mission is to make reading more accessible for people with dyslexia, estimated to represent about 17 procent of the world’s population. By combining research-based typography with innovative layout principles, the Grace Dyslexia Project creates books that are easier to read while preserving the dignity, beauty, and authority of the text.

“Winning two CRT Awards is both a great encouragement and a recognition of the importance of inclusion in publishing,” said Klaus E. Krogh, founder of 2K/Denmark. “It shows that accessibility and high quality can go hand in hand, giving readers who have often been overlooked the opportunity to engage with the text. This recognition confirms our belief that accessibility strengthens the reach of the message.”

From Research to Impact

The Grace Dyslexia Project grew out of extensive collaboration between 2K/Denmark—a type design and design company specializing in typography and inclusive design—and the University of Cambridge, which contributed research on reading and accessibility. The project’s publications combine two key elements: the specially developed Grace font, which reduces visual strain, improves word recognition, and supports longer reading sessions; and a set of design and layout principles that ensure clear, easy-to-follow pages without overly long paragraphs or decorative elements that might distract or confuse readers with dyslexia.

The award-winning ESV Holy Bible Dyslexia Friendly Edition demonstrates these principles in practice by combining an academically trusted translation with accessible design that helps new readers engage deeply with the biblical text. Similarly, Bella Finds Grace by Sarah M. Grace introduces children to the message of faith through storytelling in a format that supports independent reading for children with dyslexia.

Looking Ahead

The CRT Awards come at a time when the Grace Dyslexia Project continues to expand. Several new Grace Bible editions are in development across Europe, with plans to extend into additional languages and markets. The long-term vision is to build a global library of accessible resources so that readers of all ages and abilities can engage with literacy and reading.

“Accessibility is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity,” Krogh added. “By rethinking how we design books, we can create resources that welcome more people into the community of reading. The CRT Awards inspire us to continue this work with even greater dedication.”

About the Grace Dyslexia Project

The Grace Dyslexia Project is an international initiative that combines typography, design, and publishing innovation to make texts more accessible for readers with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Developed by 2K/Denmark in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, the project partners with publishers worldwide to create Bibles and books that combine readability, beauty, and inclusion.

For more information about the Grace Dyslexia Project, upcoming publications, and partnership opportunities, please visit https://www.2kdenmark.com/grace-dyslexic-typeface-typeface

Media Contact: 
Klaus E. Krogh, CEO, 2K/DENMARK A/S
STENVEJ 25 1 / DK-8270 HOEJBJERG / DENMARK
PHONE: +45 8740 8000
klaus@2kdenmark.com
WWW.2KDENMARK.COM

Pastor Shane Bishop releases fifth Trail Guide to the Scriptures:  John

Trail Guide to the Gospel of John invites you into a step- by-step journey through the most theological of the four Gospels—and for many, the most beloved. With rich imagery, poetic depth, historical insight, and spiritual encouragement, Pastor Shane Bishop helps you navigate John’s layered message with clarity and confidence, so you can discover its treasures for yourself.

But reading John can feel like wandering through unfamiliar terrain. It moves from story to symbolism, from signs to sermons. And its most famous passages are often the most misunderstood.

That’s where Trail Guide to the Gospel of John comes in. With pastor, teacher, and fellow traveler Shane Bishop as your guide, you’ll explore this Gospel with fresh eyes.

• Acclimatize to Your Surroundings-Start with background info on authorship, audience, and historical setting to ground your reading.
• Recognize Key Landmarks-Identify major plot points and moments of revelation in Jesus’ ministry.
• Discover Cool Sights-Dig into meaningful verses, historical details, and theological
• Visit Scenic Overlooks-Zoom out to see the Gospel’s major themes and their relevance
• Get Tips for a Stronger Faith Journey-Apply what you’ve learned with takeaways and personal reflection prompts.
• Share What You’ve Discovered-Discuss with others using built-in questions for small group or personal use.

Shane Bishop previously published four other Trail Guides to the Scriptures through Invite Press: 1 & 2 Peter, Jude and James. He has also authored That’s Good News, The Ping Life and In Search of the Holy through Invite Press. For more information, about his latest work visit: invitemininistries.org

Trail Guide to the Scriptures releases October 14, 2025. Order today at inviteministries.org or wherever books are sold.

Shane Bishop has served as the Sr. Pastor of Christ Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois since 1997. With his strengths of vision casting, preaching, teaching, soul winning and leadership, Christ Church total weekend worship attendance has increased under his leadership from 200 in 1997 to over 3,500 in 2023.

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Ruth’s Need for a Redeemer: A Bible Study on Loss, Loyalty and Unexpected Love

Redemption isn’t a distant concept. It’s a reality that meets us in the middle of loss, transition, and everyday struggle. In Ruth’s Need for a Redeemer, author and teacher Stephanie Watson (Invite Press) guides women through one of Scripture’s most profound accounts of restoration. With wisdom, warmth, and practical insight, this seven-week study explores how God meets us in our deepest places of longing—and how His love restores what we thought was lost.

Releasing October 14, 2025, the workbook includes daily Scripture readings, thoughtful prompts, and space to reflect. Each session includes personal study, discussion, and then concludes with a short video to bring the participant even further in their understanding of Scripture and application for their life.

Whether you’re leading a group or walking through the material on your own, this study creates space for real conversations, spiritual insight, and deeper connection with God’s story. Designed for individual or group use, this workbook-style study includes:

• Daily Scripture readings and reflection prompts
• Space to write, process, and wrestle with your story
• Weekly video summaries to guide and inspire
• A clear focus on Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer

This is the first release in The Table, a new women’s Bible study ministry designed to nourish spiritual growth through Scripture and small group fellowship. Built for real churches and real women, The Table offers spiritually rich, easy-to-lead studies for every season of life.

For more information, visit: invite.pub/ruth

Stephanie Watson:  The Lord has given Stephanie a passion for women’s Bible study through her 11 years of participating in and leading with Bible Study Fellowship. Stephanie brought her love of Bible study to her home church and started a women’s Bible study ministry called The Table, where she currently writes and teaches. She is also deepening her knowledge and love for the Lord through classes at Dallas Theological Seminary, where she is working toward her Master of Arts in Christian Leadership.

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Good Guilt: Rediscover the Joy and Freedom of Repentance

What if repentance isn’t about shame, but about joy? In his new book, Good Guilt: Why Repentance Is the Rhythm of a Faithful, Joy-Filled Life (Invite Press), pastor Kelly McCuaig reclaims repentance not as a burden, but as a life-giving rhythm. Releasing October 14, 2025, the book offers readers a path to freedom, renewal, and deep joy in Christ.

Through biblical insight, pastoral wisdom, and real-life ministry experience, McCuaig challenges cultural assumptions about guilt and shows how repentance can become a daily practice that heals the soul and restores intimacy with God.

• Recover repentance as a rhythm – Discover why turning back to God is more than a one-time event.
• See guilt differently – Understand how guilt, rightly embraced, can lead to healing and
• Resist cultural avoidance – Learn how repentance helps us take responsibility in an age of denial.
• Strengthen the church – Restore a lost practice without legalism or fear, fostering authenticity and grace.

For more information, visit: invite.pub/guilt

Kelly McCuaig is a pastor and spiritual leader dedicated to equipping individuals and churches for growth. His insights are shaped by years of ministry and a passion for helping believers experience the transformative power of God’s grace.

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About Invite Ministries
Invite Ministries equips churches and individuals with resources for spiritual growth, leadership, and community impact. Through an innovative approach to Christian publishing, Invite helps people learn to live more like Jesus.

Contact:  Susan Mahaney, Exec.Admin., Invite Ministries, 214-291-8091, smahaney@inviteministries.org

Recent books by authors Daniel Im, Karen Stiller, and Christie Thomas were recognized as part of the guild’s annual awards program, which honors the best of Canadian Christian writing from the previous year.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 14, 2025) — A recent release from NavPress author Daniel Im was recognized at The Word Awards, an annual awards program hosted by The Word Guild to honor the best of Canadian Christian writing from the previous year. Im received the Writer of Colour Award for his 2024 book, The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World. Two other NavPress titles—Karen Stiller’s  Holiness Here and Christie Thomas’ Little Habits, Big Faith—were finalists in the Christian Living – Personal Growth category.

“I’m delighted to see these gifted authors recognized for their writing,” says Deborah Sáenz, acquisition editor for NavPress, which is a business ministry of The Navigators. “All three books offer deep insight and wisdom, enriching individual readers and strengthening the Church as a whole. The recognition is well deserved.”

Daniel Im (Edmonton, Alberta) is a pastor, Bible teacher, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. In The Discipleship Opportunity, Im offers a powerful, practical resource for church leaders seeking to navigate the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving, post-pandemic, post-Christian world.

“As I was writing this book, the question that was burning in my heart, my soul, and my mind was how we could be more faithful to Jesus’ Great Commission in this ‘post-everything’ world that we’re living in,” Im shared upon receiving the Writer of Colour Award. “I’m so grateful to hear all of the stories from the pastors and the church leaders who have […] told me the ways that they have changed the way that they disciple and preach and evangelize — because the ways that we used to do it don’t work anymore.”

Holiness Here by Karen Stiller (Ottawa, Ontario) and Little Habits, Big Faith by Christie Thomas (Sherwood Park, Alberta) were included on the 2025 Word Awards Short List as finalists in the Christian Living – Personal Growth category. Holiness Here invites readers to explore how holiness pervades the Christian life, even in its seeming mundanity. Little Habits, Big Faith offers simple daily practices to support children in their spiritual growth.

Founded in 2001, The Word Guild is a diverse and growing community of Canadian writers, publishing professionals, librarians, and others who share a passion for the written word and affirm a common statement of faith. The guild’s mission is “to organize and serve Canadians who communicate through the written word from a Judeo-Christian worldview, so that they can increase in faith and excellence and inspire all readers.” The guild’s annual Word Awards program “exists to encourage writers and recognize their accomplishments over the past year,” offering awards in three primary categories: Unpublished Works or Writers, Published Works or Writers, and Specialty Awards.

To learn more about The Discipleship Opportunity and other NavPress titles, visit NavPress.com.

About NavPress
NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message^® Bible, NavPress equips readers “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Since 2014, NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently-owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers. NavPress, the NavPress logo, and The Message ^® are registered trademarks of NavPress, The Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO.

About The U.S. Navigators
The Navigators is a ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus and helps people grow in their relationship with Him through Life-to-Life^® discipleship, creating spiritual generations of believers. Since its founding in 1933, The Navigators has upheld the mission “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Our Worldwide Partnership includes around 6,000 staff of 85 nationalities, serving in 123 countries. Navigators encourage spiritual growth across life stages, serving wherever people work, live, worship, and play: on college campuses and military bases as well as in urban neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, local communities, and hard-to-reach places. To learn more, visit www.navigators.org.

Contact:  Mariah Franklin, Marketing and PR Content Editor, (719) 594-2563, mariah.franklin@navigators.org

Abilene, TX — Earl Young, an Olympic sprinter, businessman, and cancer survivor, has entered a final race to save lives. Gold and Grace follows the story of Earl Young, who won Olympic gold in 1960 at nineteen, appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and embarked on a globetrotting finance career in the oil, gas, and precious metals industries.

His work abroad led him to serve as director of the Corporate Council of Africa, and he was active with the US Olympic and Paralympic Alumni Association, where he helped create a relief fund for Olympians in need.

At the age of seventy-one, Earl was diagnosed with a deadly form of leukemia. Doctors gave him only three months to live. The odds of finding a stem cell donor were one in twenty-two million. Miraculously, a woman living in a small village in Germany was a match. She stepped up and agreed to save his life. After a difficult recovery, Earl dedicated himself to passing on the blessings of his donor’s unselfish gift. He created Earl Young’s Team, a non-profit that recruits stem cell donors to help others stricken with deadly blood cancers.

Earl Young encourages readers to develop their God-given gifts and find their highest purpose in serving others, just as he has done: “I believe the most meaningful life is one of purpose, especially when our purpose is greater than ourselves.”

“The adage ‘Once an Olympian, Always an Olympian’ has never fit a world-class competitor better than Earl Young. He helped put his alma mater on the map with his athletic accomplishments, and saves lives through his tireless work to defeat blood-borne cancer. He has carried his gold medal, faith, and selfless spirit around the globe, telling his one-of-a-kind story about the urgent need to care for each other in small yet mighty ways.”
—Ron Hadfield, Editor Emeritus, Senior Writer and University Historian, Abilene Christian University

Earl Young became the youngest man on the US national track team to earn a gold medal at the Rome Olympics in 1960 following his sophomore year at Abilene Christian College. After placing sixth in the 400-meter dash, Young helped the 1600-meter relay team establish an Olympic and World Record with a time of 3:02.2.

After the Olympics, he returned to the classroom and completed his degree. For two more seasons, he ran track for the Wildcats. Young placed second in the 400-meter final at the NCAA championships in 1961. He anchored the Abilene Christian track team in key victories at the Texas Relays and the Compton Invitational. At the Pan-American Games in 1963, Young won gold with the 4×100 and 4×400 relay teams.

Gold and Grace
By Earl Young
October 2025, Softcover
224 Pages, $19.99
ISBN: 9781684264025

Media Contact:  Kaylin Graves, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — October 7, 2025— Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group announces the launch of its newest imprint, Align Insight, the first new imprint introduced under the Penguin Random House Christian division. The debut signals PRH Christian’s confidence in the growing demand for values-oriented publishing that bridges Christian perspectives with mainstream audiences.

About the Imprint
Align Insight will be a home for Christian authors and experts writing to a broad, general-market readership on topics such as self-help, lifestyle, psychology, relationships, memoir, and leadership. The imprint will publish books that offer insights, inspiration, and practical solutions to everyday challenges—works that subtly reflect Christian values without necessarily being overtly religious.

“We are seeing a segment of the market continue to gravitate toward books written by Christians for both Christian and general-market audiences,” said Campbell Wharton, Senior Vice President and Publisher. “PRH Christian is committed to expanding the scope of its program to reach even more readers, and the formation of Align Insight gives us an exciting opportunity to publish Christian crossover voices. In addition, we are utilizing the extraordinary strengths of our team across editorial, sales, marketing, and publicity—many of whom have experience reaching both Christian and mainstream readers. After announcing our growth strategy earlier this year, Align Insight is uniquely positioned for success.”

The imprint’s logo features two circles joining to form an alignment with a capital “A” at the center, symbolizing the partnership between authors and Align Insight. It conveys trust, focus, intentionality, and shared purpose in publishing timely, meaningful content.

Looking to acquire 8-10 books per year, acquisitions are led by an experienced team, including Madison Trammel, Editorial Director; Susan Tjaden, Vice President and Executive Editor; Kim Von Fange, Associate Editor; Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Editor; and Leslie Calhoun, Associate Editor.

Align Insight will debut its first title in fall 2026 with Vanessa Adekoya, a financial wealth educator and entrepreneur whose dynamic voice has already attracted more than 650,000 YouTube subscribers. Looking ahead to 2027, the imprint will launch with an exciting group of authors that includes actor Kellan Lutz, best known for his breakout role as Emmett Cullen in the global phenomenon Twilight Saga and now marking two decades in Hollywood, together with his wife Brittany Gonzales Lutz, a former model and actress; Dr. Jay Barnett, former Green Bay Packer turned sought-after speaker and certified mental health therapist; and Dr. Zoe Shaw, a licensed psychotherapist, author, relationship coach, and host of a popular podcast. 

About Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group
Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, reaches Christian readers through the imprints WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, Forum Books, Ink & Willow, WaterBrook Childrens, and its newest imprint, Align Insight.

Contact:  Beverly Rykerd, VP/Publicity Director, brykerd@penguinrandomhouse.com