Imagine Zero.  Mobilizing the Local Church. Eliminating Bible Poverty for Everyone, Everywhere.

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX – In spite of the exponential explosion of data and unparalleled accessibility to information, there are an estimated 1.5 billion people around the world who still do not have a complete bible in their own heart language. Of the 7,000+ languages on the planet, only 670 have a complete translation of Scripture, and over 165 million people still do not have a single verse of Scripture in their native tongue.

So to “imagine zero people in need of God’s Word” seems an impossibility, but this mantra of the Seed Company is edging closer to becoming a reality. Celebrating 25 years of service dedicated to the translation of Scripture and the transformation of lives around the globe, Seed Company has launched a new initiative entitled Imagine Zero. With the mobilization and support of the local church, leaders aim to accelerate the translation of Scripture and eliminate bible poverty throughout the world within the next decade.

To achieve their objective, the Seed Company has convened summits in 15 cities around the country thus far this year and is slated to take the message of Imagine Zero to at least 10 remaining cities beginning in September this fall. In every location, leaders are anticipating the historical moment when Scripture will be available to every language group on Earth. During each 3 ½ hour session, pastors and other local church leaders are introduced to exclusive, Seed Company-commissioned research from Barna Group –Translating the Great Commission and participate in discussions on how they can better energize their congregations, better understand the millennial generation, and better work together to make sure life transformation takes place through Scripture.

“Together, we discuss the implications of this research for our churches and the Gospel over the next decade and beyond,” states president and CEO of The Seed Company, Samuel Chiang. “This isn’t a conference – this is a summit of pastoral leaders in the community who are committed to helping others find and follow Jesus.”

While attendees must register at the Imagine Zero website, each summit is available free of charge to pastors and other church staff and will be conducted in round table discussions lasting from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A complimentary lunch is also included. Each summit is hosted and facilitated by author, speaker, and ministry leader, Mark Matlock. Mark is the founder and president of WisdomWorks Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals, churches, and faith-centered organizations leverage biblical wisdom. He has been working with youth pastors and students for over two decades and has spoken to over one million teenagers in his lifetime. Mark also currently serves on the Board of Directors for The American Bible Society.

“Imagine Zero is the channel for the church to bring the bible to every language within a decade, as well as increase bible reading in their own congregations. In many ways, this entire event is a gift to the church,” offers Matlock. “It doesn’t matter what size church you are, the insights that will be shared will be applicable to the specific local context of each congregation. We truly want every church leader to be able to personally experience Imagine Zero.”

Upcoming Imagine Zero Summits:

• Washington, D.C.
• Jacksonville, FL
• Atlanta, GA
• Indianapolis, IN
• Detroit, MI
• Minneapolis, MN
• Raleigh, NC
• Columbus, OH
• Houston, TX
• Fort Worth, TX

Visit www.imaginezero.com to learn more and register today.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kregel Publications is excited to announce that Liar’s Winter: An Appalachian Novel by Cindy K. Sproles has won the 2018 Golden Scrolls Book of the Year awarded by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Associations (AWSA).

Presented at a ceremony on September 9 in Nashville, Tennessee, the Golden Scrolls were also awarded to winners in six book categories covering fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.

Cindy K. Sproles remarked, “I am honored and blessed that folks are beginning to notice the Appalachian historical culture. It’s both a thrill and a joy to be recognized.”

Set in the wild and beautiful Appalachian Mountains of nineteenth-century East Tennessee, Liar’s Winter follows the story of nineteen-year-old Lochiel Ogle who was born with a red-wine birthmark that her mountain community called “the mark of the devil.” The book is an unflinching yet inspirational exploration of prejudice and choice that has also been honored by the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year awards.

AWSA is an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries and consists of over 500 top female authors who both publish and speak nationally.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) September 18, 2018—Effective August 1, 2018, New Hope Publishers^®, an imprint of Iron Stream Media, is represented by Baker & Taylor Publishing Services—a premier worldwide distributor of digital and print books.

While New Hope has enjoyed long-lasting relationships with key national accounts and industry leaders like Christian Book Distributor and the Munce and Parable marketing groups, this new agreement will allow for deeper expansion into local independent stores thereby supporting the company’s mission to provide resources that advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Baker & Taylor for our sales and distribution,” said Ramona Richards, associate publisher of New Hope. “They extend our reach into a variety of new markets and retail vendors and strengthen our position in the marketplace. This partnership benefits all of us and enables more readers to discover our authors.”

“Our new partnership with Baker & Taylor Publisher Services allows us to reach more readers than ever before,” said John Herring, CEO of Iron Stream Media, citing the additional visibility gained with specialty retail and wholesale accounts, the gift trade, museums, and other businesses that buy and sell books. “Our focus remains on bringing high quality Christian content from passionate authors who desire to see readers grow closer to Jesus Christ.”

In addition, the historically direct-to-church, top-selling products of the Life Bible Study imprint of Iron Stream Media will now be available for the first time through general trade. This agreement with Baker & Taylor Publishing Services also opens the door for select Iron Stream Media titles to have representation into the ABA market and visibility at various ABA events giving fiction authors more exposure.

A publishing imprint of Iron Stream Media, New Hope’s books have received critical acclaim and won numerous awards. In 2009 and 2015, New Hope was chosen as publisher of the year by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). Representing more than seventy authors and more than two hundred individual works, New Hope is a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Created with premium materials, fine design and craftmanship; printed with exclusive Comfort Print® typefaces

Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2018 — Thomas Nelson and Zondervan are thrilled to announce the release of their new Premier Collection Bibles, on sale September 25, 2018.

Premier Collection Bibles feature premium materials, including:

• Full-grain black goatskin covers, which are hand-bound to the book blocks using an edge-lined construction for optimum flexibility and durability
• Beautiful, opaque 36 gsm European Bible paper, which is bound together with fine, strong thread using the Smyth-sewn binding method, just as high-end books have been crafted for hundreds of years
• Art gilding, which is a specialized process for treating the edges of Bible pages, applying both a rich dye and a metallic coating to create a stunning depth and finish as the pages are fanned out
• Generous yapp, which is the part of the leather cover that extends beyond the page edges, to protect the art gilding
• Encased in durable, 2-piece boxes and elegantly wrapped in protective paper for the ultimate gift-giving and unboxing experience
• Exclusive Comfort Print® typefaces, designed by leading font foundry 2K-DENMARK, which combine tradition with the best advances in modern typography, ensuring a smooth reading experience

CAROL STREAM, Ill.— September 20, 2018— Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that four Tyndale fiction titles and authors have been nominated for the 2018 Christy Award™ (www.ChristyAwards.com). The Christy Award™ celebrates excellence in the art of Christian fiction and honors the power of faith in story.

On September 19, 2018, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced the finalists for the 19th annual Christy Award™. Winners will be announced on November 7 at the Christy Award Gala at Lipscomb University’s Shamblin Theatre in Nashville, Tenn., hosted by bestselling Christian authors Francine Rivers, Charles Martin, Carla Laureano, and Cynthia Ruchti.

Tyndale House Publishers has four titles in the running for a 2018 Christy Award™, across four categories, as follows:

First Novel:

• Freedom’s Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli

Historical:

• Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

• Rule of Law by Randy Singer

Young Adult:

• The Delusion by Laura Gallier

Karen Watson, publisher of Tyndale fiction, shared, “We are always delighted when the excellent work of our authors is recognized. Tyndale’s long-term investment in bringing impactful stories and skilled, God-gifted authors to the marketplace is an important part of our mission.”

Linda Howard, associate publisher of Tyndale children and youth titles, added, “We are thrilled and honored to have our first book under our new YA imprint, Wander, nominated for a Christy Award. We look forward to attending the gala and supporting both the Christys and our author.”

For more information on Tyndale fiction titles, please visit www.tyndalefiction.com.

The Christy Award™ is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, Christy, which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing. ChristyAwards.com

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international nonprofit 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

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is the world’s largest privately held Christian publisher of books, Bibles, and digital media. Tyndale has published many New York Times bestsellers. The largest portion of its profit goes to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale was founded to publish Living Letters, which later comprised part of 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.

TYNDALE and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Industry veteran Catherine DeVries has joined Kregel Publications as publisher.

Catherine is a leader with extensive experience in Christian publishing and a proven track record of crafting best-selling Bibles, books, and ministry resources for all ages. She began her career with Zondervan/HarperCollins over 25 years ago, where she helped launch the NIrV translation and ZonderKidz. As brand manager at United Methodist Publishing House, DeVries worked on the Common English Bible.

Serving as publisher at David C Cook, Catherine was responsible for Sunday school curriculum lines, trade books, and ministry resources. She also became more deeply involved in global ministry initiatives, especially through The Action Bible, helping to transform it from a best-selling title to a collection of resources.

“My love for God and His Word are at the heart of everything I do,” says DeVries. “Through every format and for every age, I am passionate about helping believers grow spiritually with resources that fit their specific needs.”

Jerry Kregel, president and CEO of Kregel Inc., states: “We are very excited to have Catherine DeVries join us to guide our English publishing program into the future. While our industry continues to face significant challenges, we are confident of Catherine’s abilities to lead us through those challenges.

Nashville, TN:  Significant achievements in Christian Fiction were acknowledged at the 2018 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Awards Gala at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center during the annual ACFW conference on September 22, 2018. Among the honorees was prolific author and speaker Liz Curtis Higgs, recipient of the 2018 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award.

Of Higgs, ACFW CEO Colleen Coble says, “No matter how tight Liz’s schedule or the challenges she faces in life, she notices people and genuinely cares about them. Whether helping others grow in their writing skills or grow in their faith in Christ, Liz Curtis Higgs seeks God on their behalf.” Coble adds, “It shows in the depth of her stories, too.”

ACFW conference attendees—unpublished and published writers, editors, agents, reviewers, publicists, industry guests, and noted writing instructors—gathered from across the country and beyond for three days of education and inspiration. Keynote speaker Debbie Macomber, with more than 200 million copies of her books in print, delivered uplifting motivation for novelists. The conference culminated with the Awards Gala.

Honored for their contributions to Christian Fiction and to ACFW were:

• Mentor of the Year—Tina Radcliffe
• Agent of the Year—Jim Hart (Hartline Literary Agency)
• Editor of the Year—Andrea Doering (Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing)
• Volunteer of the Year—Dineen Miller
• Member Service Award Recipient—DiAnn Mills

The 2018 CAROL AWARD winners for excellence in Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year by category are:

Contemporary

• Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert, Tyndale House, Editors: Sarah Rische and Jan Stob

Historical

• Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson, Tyndale House, Editors: Stephanie Broene and Sarah Rische

Historical Romance

• A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander, Bethany House – A Division of Baker Publishing, Editor: Karen Schurrer

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

• Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Editors: Amanda Bostic and Erin Healy

Novella

• One Enchanted Noel from Enchanted: A Christmas Collection by Melissa Tagg, ACFW QIP, Editor: Terri Simmons

Romance

• A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, Editors: Andrea Doering and Kristin Kornoelje

Romantic Suspense

• Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman, FaithWords (Hachette), Editor: Christina Boys

Short Novel

• Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Editors: Ami McConnell Abston and Becky Philpott

Speculative

• Awakened by Morgan L. Busse, Enclave Publishing, Editor: Reagen Reed

Young Adult

• Betrayal of the Band by Sarah Tipton, Watershed Books (Pelican Book Group), Editor: Jamie West

Debut

• Freedom’s Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli, Tyndale House, Editors: Caleb Sjogren and Jan Stob

The 2018 GENESIS CONTEST winners for unpublished novels by category are:

• Contemporary: Jessica Brodie for The Memory Garden
• Historical: Kiersti Giron for Fire in My Heart
• Historical Romance: Elizabeth Ann Boyles for Dragonfly Wings
• Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: Leanna Lindsey Hollis MD for Avenged by Blood
• Novella: Grace Olson for Pineapples for Christmas
• Romance: Kathleen D. Bailey for A Hilltop Christmas
• Romantic Suspense: Michelle Aleckson for Riptide
• Short Novel: Laura C. Brandenburg for Harvesting Love
• Speculative: Gretchen E. K. Engel for The Barber Surgeon
• Young Adult: Gretchen Carlson for More Than Grit

Throughout the year, ACFW instructs, informs, and inspires storytellers, and works to build relationships within the industry among those who create, publish, talk about, sell, and promote Christian Fiction.

ACFW is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. ACFW’s mission is 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.

Find this release in its entirety at http://www.acfw.com/about/press_room.

Ada, Mich. (September 10, 2018)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce that Sue Smith is promoted to the position of executive vice president, Baker Book House, effective immediately. Sue’s responsibilities will continue at the company bookstore in Grand Rapids and will expand to include direction of the publishing/retail consumer website.

Sue arrived at Baker Book House in 1997 and accepted the assignment of store manager seven years later. She supervised the redesign and construction of the bookstore in 2012 and the successful launch of the website www.bakerbookhouse.com in collaboration with publishing leaders. Sue also served as CBA board director and chair for five years, ending in 2018.

Sue will join six publishing colleagues on the Baker Company Executive Management Team, with a mandate to support publishing and retail missions and operations.

“We are pleased to recognize the leadership that Sue Smith has provided, not only for our retail and publishing teams but also across the entire Christian bookselling profession,” said Dwight Baker, president/CEO of Baker Publishing Group.

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

Introducing Giving Company, A Not-For-Profit Global Faith And Family Media Network

ALPHARETTA, GA, Sept. 12, 2018 – Today, the Board of Directors of Giving Company (formerly iDisciple Holdings, LLC) announced the merger of four well-known faith-based brands under the non-profit umbrella of Giving Company: iDisciple, Christian Cinema, Family Christian and Dove.org (formerly The Dove Foundation). The merger creates a global faith and family media network that will serve the 90 million faith-oriented families in the U.S. and millions more around the world. Additionally, the nonprofit has formed iDisciple Publishing, a division that will release premium non-fiction books with an exciting range of authors serving the Christian community.

“Giving Company has assembled a trusted family of brands to provide a range of products and services that will cater to consumers’ needs for fresh, on-demand content,” said Giving Company CEO David Henriksen. “We are very excited about the unique position this puts us in to work with pastors, authors and publishers, independent filmmakers and major Hollywood studios, and Christian music labels to reach and connect with faith- and values-oriented families in our country. Together, we have significant potential to create a powerful engine to give to those who need it most.”

The merger provides an unprecedented opportunity for brands, ministries and organizations to connect with Giving Company’s nearly 3 million consumers through strategic media and marketing partnerships, new ministry initiatives and innovative product development. A 501(c)(3) organization, Giving Company will provide a variety of content and services to their core audience and offer brands a myriad of opportunities to engage with them—all while making a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged women and children around the world.

One benefit Giving Company consumers will soon experience is the conversion of the current iDisciple Premium subscription service to the Giving Membership, which includes content offerings from both iDisciple and Christian Cinema and will expand to include content from the other brands in the coming year. The Giving Membership will also provide users with unique opportunities to give back through their memberships.

“We want each of our brands to thrive, from the solid positions they’ve established with their media partners and consumers, while benefiting from collaboration as a newly formed family of multiple brands,” said Henriksen. “Our new team has limitless potential to lead the conversation to the faith-based market through traditional digital advertising, strategic planning, premium offer and product development, and creative consulting expertise. Giving Company is uniquely positioned to become a ‘one-stop shop’ for faith and family content needs.”

Most exciting to Giving Company’s Board of Directors is the ability to directly impact the neediest people in the world by operating as a nonprofit. With guidance from the Board, 100% of net profits will be given to charities that support underprivileged or marginalized women and children.

“This is the reason for our enthusiastic ambition,” said Rick Jackson, Board Chairman. “Everyone who does business with Giving Company, whether they are ministry partners or content subscribers, can be confident in their genuine support of important charities. We have an incredible opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the world through these businesses.”

Giving Company’s family of brands includes:

• Since 2013, iDisciple has leveraged content, data, and technology to lead people to a closer connection with God. Its mission is to daily connect people with God to make a global difference. To that end, iDisciple Publishing works with top-notch authors to publish premium non-fiction titles that point readers to God.
• Christian Cinema is a TVOD streaming service with the largest library of Christian film and episodic content in the world and offers a white-label platform service for other global broadcasters.
• Dove.org, formerly The Dove Foundation, is a 25-year-old brand known for the Dove Seal of Approval. Their famous content rating grid has helped families discover, discuss and decide about whether the content in movies and other entertainment is appropriate for and appealing to their family.
• Family Christian, formerly the brick-and-mortar retail chain, will be relaunching in the coming days as a digital content platform for women and families with an e-commerce offering. Stay tuned for more information on the exciting web relaunch of this iconic brand.

About Giving Company
Formed in 2018, Giving Company is a nonprofit global faith and family media network on mission to serve underprivileged and marginalized women and children around the world. The Giving Company family of brands includes iDisciple, Christian Cinema, Dove.org and Family Christian. For more information, visit www.givingcompany.com.