SVP and Group Publisher David Moberg announces intent to retire; Brian Hampton promoted to lead role

(Nashville, TN) –  HarperCollins Christian Publishing today announced a transition in publishing leadership with the announcement of senior vice president and group publisher David Moberg’s intention to retire at the end of the company’s fiscal year, in June 2019.   Brian Hampton, current senior vice president and publisher of Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, will be promoted to fill this role.  Hampton will begin overseeing all book publishing operations for both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan and the associated imprints* effective immediately.  He will sit on the company’s Executive Leadership Team and report directly to Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO.  Moberg will continue to hold a leadership role within HarperCollins Christian Publishing until his date of retirement, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities.

In this role, Hampton will set the strategy and direction for all trade, children’s, specialty, and curriculum publishing.  Hampton will be responsible for ensuring all divisions are meeting goals, developing new business initiatives, and managing relationships with key authors, retailers, distributors, and staff.

Hampton has served the company for 27 years in various editorial and leadership roles, helping to develop and publish several bestselling books including: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, and The Best Yes and Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst.  Most recently he is noted for signing breakout authors such as Bob Goff (Love Does and Everybody Always), Jen Hatmaker (For the Love and Of Mess and Moxie), and Rachel Hollis (Girl, Wash Your Face).  In addition to his role as publisher of Nelson Books, in 2017 Hampton led the launch of HarperCollins Leadership, a general market leadership imprint, in addition to the acquisition of the AMACOM trade book assets from the American Management Association.

“Brian’s track record of finding and developing great authors and content as well as leading and developing teams has prepared him for future success as the head of book publishing for HCCP,” said Mark Schoenwald.  “Brian’s decisions are strategic and analytical, and his product background gives him a keen sense about authors and manuscripts that will resonate in the market.   Brian has built invaluable relationships with authors and agents and is highly respected in the industry.  We are thrilled that he has accepted this next step in his career with us.”

Moberg will continue to work on special projects, mentor key staff, and provide guidance and counsel to the Executive Leadership Team during transition.  In addition, he will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association as vice-chair.  “This is an exciting time for both Brian and the company, and I appreciate the support shown to me throughout my career in publishing.  I am confident that Brian’s transition to group publisher will be smooth as he is more than prepared to take on this role.”

* Zondervan’s Church, Academic, Reference and Reflective publishing focus will remain with Stan Gundry, senior vice president and publisher and Zondervan editor-in-chief.  Bible publishing will remain with John Kramp, senior vice president and group publisher.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, Olive Tree Bible Software,  BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.   HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications,
615.902.1109   casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 10, 2018 – She’s Still There: Rescuing the Girl in You by Chrystal Evans Hurst has sold more than 100,000 copies since releasing in August of 2017.She’s Still There hit the Publishers Weekly Religion Bestseller’s List and the ECPA Christian Bestseller’s List shortly after its release.

Hurst continues to actively engage with readers though She’s Still There speaking engagements, her popular podcast and YouTube channel, media appearances – including an upcoming interview with Focus on the Family, and the February 2019 release of Show Up for Your Life, written for teen girls.

In She’s Still There, Hurst shows us that no matter where we’ve been, those young aspirations that originally defined our true selves are still buried deep inside our hearts, waiting to be revived. By asking probing questions and including supplemental materials such as worksheet assessments, chapter-recapping sections called “Reflections for the Rescue,” and more, Hurst pushes readers to look inward and rediscover gifts and passions––then begin cultivating them.

Chrystal Evans Hurst is a dynamic speaker, worship leader and writer. Through her blog Chrystal’s Chronicles, regular contributions to Proverbs 31 Ministries, a thriving social media platform and conferences across the country, Chrystal reaches hundreds of thousands of women with honest stories and fierce encouragement. She’s the bestselling author of She’s Still There and co-author, with her father Tony Evans, of Kingdom Woman. A mom to five, Chrystal lives outside of Dallas, Texas, with her husband Jessie. For more information, please visit www.ChrystalEvansHurst.com.

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Popular Speaker Pens Book about Using Influence to Eternally Impact the World

Carol Stream, Ill. (September 5, 2018) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that debut author Pam Tebow will publish Ripple Effects in May 2019 with Tyndale Momentum (ISBN: 978-1-4964-3131-8, $25.99, HC). In her book, Tebow uncovers and explores the motivating power of influence that each of us has on this generation and the next, no matter where we are planted in life. The book’s release, just in advance of Mother’s Day, will include a significant marketing budget as well as a national media tour. Her son, Tim Tebow, will join her for select appearances.

Tim credits his mom with being the key to his success—but Pam never expected that she would be known on a national stage. In her book, Pam instructs us on the difference we can make in the world, using the key we never knew we had—our influence. For most of her life, she was serving quietly and faithfully as a wife and a mom—choosing life for her child in the face of medical risks, answering the Lord’s call to mission work in the Philippines, and homeschooling before anyone knew what the word meant. But all along the way, her experiences—and her consistent, everyday choices to follow the Lord and to serve wherever He placed her—were creating unexpected ripples of influence throughout her family, her community, and her world. And they would end up extending far beyond anything she ever imagined.

Pam believes that every one of us can be influential—and that deep within a woman’s heart is the desire to use her influence for good. Pam encourages her readers to maximize their God-given opportunities for influence—and watch how far the ripples will spread.

Regarding this acquisition, associate publisher Sarah Atkinson said, “The first time I met Pam, I realized, This is someone with a special gift. Pam makes everyone she encounters—no matter who they are—feel valued, lifted up, and inspired. She simply exudes joy! You walk away from an encounter with Pam feeling like you can make a difference in the world. And that’s what her debut book, Ripple Effects, is all about. Sharing personal stories from her life and family, Pam speaks from the heart to equip other women to use their God-given influence to impact the world around them. It is an absolute privilege to bring Pam’s first book to the world, with the message that has made her such an incomparable wife, mother, speaker, and leader.”

Additionally, executive publisher Jan Long Harris shared, “What a privilege it is to partner with Pam Tebow on the book of her heart. Ripple Effects is both the story of how Pam discovered and used (ever so gently) the power of positive influence and an encouraging call to action for the rest of us. No matter who we are, where we are, or how insignificant we might be tempted to think we are, we have influence that we can employ for the good of those around us. It’s an important message, and Pam is a winsome messenger.”

Pam Tebow travels and speaks across the country, encouraging women to use the incredible influence God has given them to eternally impact their world. She has appeared on Good Morning America and has won national awards for her ministry work. Pam graduated with honors from the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. She and her husband, Bob, live in Florida; they have five grown children and eight grandchildren.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

Ripple Effects by Pam Tebow
ISBN: 978-1-4964-3131-8
Hardcover: $25.99
May 2019 release
TyndaleMomentum.com

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is one of the largest privately held Christian publishers of books, Bibles, and digital media in the world. Tyndale Momentum, Tyndale’s nonfiction imprint, is the publisher of many New York Times bestsellers and is known for integrity in building lasting personal relationships with authors and agents. Tyndale extends the ministry of its authors by contributing most of its profits to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Originally founded to publish The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon, Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people.

Bloomington, Minn. (September 7, 2018)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Dukes Lee to its acquisitions team in the role of nonfiction acquisitions editor, Bethany House Publishers. Lee will secure new author relationships and participate in publishing strategy.

Lee began her career as a news reporter for metropolitan newspapers. She is a speaker, part of the writing team for (in)courage, and the author of three books, including the soon-to-be published It’s All Under Control (Tyndale). She is also a mentor, coach, and encourager to many other writers. She and her husband are raising crops, pigs, cats, and two amazing humans on the Lee family farm in Iowa.

“We are thrilled that Jennifer is joining our team,” says Dave Horton, editorial vice president at Bethany House. “We believe her expertise and enthusiasm will help us serve authors and readers better than ever.”

Of her new appointment Lee remarks, “I am excited to serve as an acquisitions editor for Bethany House, and am eager to help bring great books into a world in need of hope.”

Bethany House publishes nonfiction books by evangelical authors that help readers forge deeper connections to God and others.

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

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

The Christian Book Award® program honors the “best of the year” in 12 categories, including Audio which was just added this year.  Submissions are now being accepted through September 30, 2018, for books, Bibles, and audio books, published from October 2017 to October 2018.  Submission categories are:

Uhrichsville, OH—Barbour Publishing is pleased to announce the launch of a daring new fiction series not for the faint of heart. True Colors will explore true, riveting stories of American criminal activity layered in historical romantic suspense.

This unique 6-book series will kick off in March 2019 with the release of The White City by debut author Grace Hitchcock. The main character in this fascinating read attempts to uncover the cause of the strange disappearances at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. This true-to-history story is based on the crimes of infamous serial killer H. H. Holmes.

Releasing approximately every other month by a talented team of authors, True Colors will satisfy a variety of fiction readers interested in American history, true crime, and romance. Each title and cover will feature a prominent color to tie in perfectly with the series name and create a strong brand presence.

Release Schedule for First Three Books:

• March 2019: The White City by Grace Hitchcock
  Setting: Chicago, IL; 1893 True Crime: Kidnapping at the Chicago World’s Fair
• June 2019: The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma
  Setting: Memphis, TN; 1932 True Crime: Baby snatchers
• August 2019: The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken
  Setting: Massachusetts, 1824 True Crime: Grave robbers

To learn more about the True Colors series, visit www.barbourbooks.com or view our latest catalog on Edelweiss.

Media Contact: Shalyn Sattler ssattler@barbourbooks.com 740.922.6045 X 109

In time for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Paraclete Press releases the first title in its new imprint for Franciscan spirituality. San Damiano Books will publish for children as well as adults, fiction and nonfiction, spirituality and practical theology, books by vowed Franciscans and laypeople/writers—all with a passion for the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare.

St. Francis and the Animals: A Mother Bird’s Story
by Phil Gallery, illustrated by Sibyl MacKenzie
(8.5×11, 32 pp. Hardcover / ISBN: 978-1-61261-973-6 / $17.99 / October 4, 2018)

“Stunning illustrations and engaging text. This book is sure to spark valuable conversations.”
—Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM, Franciscan Editor, St. Anthony Messenger 

If the animal kingdom can understand the life and teachings of the world’s most famous saint, so can children, who will be delighted by this simple, beautiful book for the ages.

Francis of Assisi In His Own Words: The Essential Writings, 2nd edition
by Jon M. Sweeney
(5×7.5, 160 pp. Trade paper / ISBN: 978-1-64060-019-5 / $16.99 / October 23, 2018)

“A very good translation of [Francis’] original writings, in words that we can now appreciate.” —Richard Rohr, OFM

Sweeney has expanded his bestselling compilation to include six additional writings such as: “The Form of Life He Wished for Clare,” “The Sermon to the Birds,” and “The Source of True Joy.” An expanded introduction and notes add historical and theological context.

Authors under contract for 2019 include two more books for children; Wendy Murray with a new biography of St. Clare; and multi-platinum recording artist John Michael Talbot reflecting on Francis of Assisi’s “Sermon on the Mount” by looking at one of the saint’s lesser-known writings, “The Admonitions”; and Amid Passing Things: Life, Prayer, and Relationship with God by new author Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR.

Based on the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 28, 2018 — Zondervan is pleased to announce the launch of a free six-week Bible study, “Trace the Themes: A Guide to Unpacking the Bible’s Major Motifs” (www.TraceTheThemes.com).

This new Bible study is perfect for Christian retail stores to host workshops for customers to discover how each theme of the Bible unfolds from Genesis to Revelation.

Zondervan has created everything a store could need to create and promote this workshop, including:

• Customizable PowerPoint slides for in-store monitors
• Promotional flyer
• Social media images

Assets can be access at www.bibl.es/biblicaltheology.

Retailers can contact their Zondervan sales representative to order a free event kit, which includes:

• One free hardcover copy of the new NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible to give away in a drawing at the workshop
• A pack of 25 study guides
• A 7-minute introductory video
• Detailed instructions for hosting a workshop

Based on the new NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, “Trace the Themes” features a 36-page study guide and six video introductions by Spence Shelton. Shelton is lead pastor of Mercy Church in Charlotte, NC, and previously served for 10 years with J.D. Greear as small group pastor at The Summit Church.

The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, which was previously published as the NIV Zondervan Study Bible, is the only study Bible built on biblical theology and is now lighter, thinner, and more readable thanks to Zondervan’s exclusive NIV Comfort Print® typeface.

Full of robust study features that allow readers to unpack God’s story, the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible allows readers to ponder the individual stories and themes of Scripture while observing how they all fit together in God’s grand biblical narrative. With three articles introducing Biblical theology and 25 articles unpacking key themes of Scripture, the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible equips readers to follow the progressive unfolding of God’s story. Helpful introductions to books and sections of the Bible combined with 20,000 verse-by-verse study notes will give readers a clearer understanding of every portion of Scripture. The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible goes on sale September 4, 2018.

About the NIV: The New International Version (NIV) is the world’s bestselling modern-English Bible translation—accurate, readable, and clear, yet rich with the detail found in the original languages. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research in order to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica, a nonprofit ministry organization, translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world. To learn more, visit www.thenivbible.com.

About Comfort Print®: Read on! Settle in and spend more time in the Bible without eyestrain. Comfort Print® is an exclusive new family of fonts expertly designed to allow your eyes to relax as they flow smoothly along the lines of text. Learn more at www.ComfortPrintBibles.com.

About Zondervan: Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Trinity McFadden, Senior Manager of Publicity, 616-698-3514, trinity.mcfadden@harpercollins.com

August 27, Newburyport, MA – Firebrand Technologies, a leader in market intelligence and technology services for the publishing industry, and long-standing ECPA partner, announces its acclaimed Community Conference and agenda. The conference will take place in the heart of the historic downtown district of Portsmouth, NH, on September 25–27, 2018.

Join industry colleagues, Firebrand team members, and special guests for an intense three days of practical training, innovative thinking, and in-depth discussion on topics that will impact your business.

The Community Conference this year will include two deep-dive Master Classes and four conference tracks that will help attendees get the most out of Firebrand’s tools and services, while expanding participants’ understanding of the publishing industry and current trends.

Attendees will benefit from Master Class topics including Eloquence on Demand and Reporting and Data Analytics. Four Session tracks include Eloquence, Strategic Planning and Business Development, Title Management Enterprise, and Marketing and Sales Analytics.

“Firebrand currently works with multiple ECPA member publishers that could directly benefit by attending the community conference”, says Robert Stevens, Firebrand’s Chief Community Officer. “The Eloquence on Demand Master class alone holds an incredible value and is included with the cost of the conference. If you are not currently working with Firebrand, this is a great chance to get to know us and join other industry professionals for pertinent discussions and an opportunity to network in an informal atmosphere.”

A diverse range of presenters and contributors, both from Firebrand and the community at large, include:

• Tom Gilbert, Director, Digital Products & Application Infrastructure, Lifeway Christian Resources
• Ashley Postlethwaite, Product Manager, Duke University Press
• Deb Nasitka, System Development Manager, University of California Press
• Michele Cobb, Partner, Forte Business Consulting
• Brian O’Leary, Executive Director, Book Industry Study Group (BISG)

For more information, please visit www.firebrandtech.com/conference. To learn more about Firebrand Technologies, please visit: www.firebrandtech.com, or email info@firebrandtech.com.

About Firebrand Technologies – Firebrand Technologies (www.firebrandtech.com) is dedicated to providing leading software and services to help publishers achieve success. Firebrand provides steadfast leadership and seamless information flow throughout the publishing process. Title Management Enterprise Software tracks titles from pre-acquisition through post-production, marketing and sales; our Eloquence on Demand service is the industry gold standard for implementing ONIX and maximizing control of how data and content reach the marketplace. Direct2Reader provides a platform for publishers to efficiently deliver secure ebook files for direct sales, bulk sales, digital exam copies, and promotions. FlightDeck offers the most powerful EPUB Quality Assurance and validation tool available. NetGalley is a premier pre-publication marketing and publicity service, which delivers secure digital galleys to professional readers.  Follow us on Twitter @firebrandtech

Contact:
 Steve Rutberg, Sales and Marketing Director, Firebrand Technologies, steve.rutberg@firebrandtech.com