(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) August 2018 – Elizabeth Johnston, known as the Activist Mommy to her millions of online followers, has amassed over 70 million video views on social media while speaking passionately on controversial cultural issues. Now, Worthy Publishing is pleased to announce that her debut book will release this February.

Written in her characteristically no-nonsense style, Not On My Watch: How to Win the Fight for Family, Faith and Freedom (Feb. 2019, $22.99, ISBN 9781683972617) will equip Christian moms, dads, grandparents and millennials to tackle the current cultural issues of natural marriage, free speech, the sexualization of children, abortion, and gender erasure.

“If you are tired of your values being trampled, then you must tread beyond your home and the four walls of the church to impact your culture for God,” says Elizabeth. “Our nation suffers from an open wound called sin, and God wants to use us to bring healing. May a movement of men and women shake off the fear of man and arise to the great task of preserving our nation and rescuing future generations.”

From the mom who exposed Teen Vogue and launched the global Sex Ed Sit Out movement comes a page-turner that is sure to convict and inspire like no other. As a mother who has made Christian activism a calling for her life and her family, Johnston courageously defends the timeless truths of God’s Word throughout Not on My Watch.

Elizabeth will be speaking on these timely issues as part of a panel at next month’s Values Voter Summit, held in Washington, D.C., from September 21–23. For additional details on the conference, visit ValuesVoterSummit.org.

Elizabeth Johnston aka the Activist Mommy is an activist vlogger who educates and inspires the public on the burning social and moral issues of the day that are important to families. She and her husband, Patrick, who is a medical doctor, author, and movie producer, have been pro-life ministry leaders for many years and home educators to their ten beautiful children. The growing threat to America’s children and the vicious attack on religious liberty is what dynamited Elizabeth out of her comfort zone to inspire a nation of belittled conservatives and Christians to “come out of their closets” and boldly take their country back. Elizabeth daily triggers the Left by confronting the lies of abortion, feminism, Islam, and the homosexual agenda with wit and snark as only she can, and she regularly posts viral commentary videos, which have netted over 70 million views. Elizabeth has been featured on many major media outlets, such as Fox & Friends, the New York Times, TheBlaze and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), as she has become a thought leader on topics of importance to families. The pulse behind all her activism and cultural commentary is her love for her family and her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Worthy Publishing Group is a privately held, independent voice in inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Worthy includes four imprints: Worthy Books publishes inspirational works addressing faith and culture, Christian living, fiction, biblical studies, and specialty Bibles; Museum of the Bible Books is a partnership between Worthy and the Museum, publishing books that reveal the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible; Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, gifts, and paper expressions; and WorthyKids/Ideals creates colorful, interactive children’s books, including VeggieTales and Berenstain Bears, for ages 1 to 9.

Nori Media Group (NMG), home to Destiny Image and Sound Wisdom, has acquired Harrison House Publishers, effective Sept. 1. Announced in a letter to partners, the deal includes the publishing rights, inventory and related assets to 1,100 titles.

“NMG will retain the Harrison House name and will continue publishing new titles under the imprint,” said Don Nori, CEO of Nori Media Group. “Brad Herman, a graduate of Andrew Wommack’s Charis Bible College and a 19-year veteran of the Christian publishing industry, will assume the duties of publisher for Harrison House.”

Herman was previously sales manager at Destiny Image.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to serve the Harrison House authors and customers,” Herman told Christian Retailing. “My background is word of faith, and I cut my teeth on Harrison House products back when I came to the Lord in 1990, so I have a passion to see this content continue to be available as well as to see new authors established in this market.”

Harrison House President and CEO Troy Wormell “will remain involved with the transition of Harrison House over the course of 12 months to ensure the best possible result for the authors, customers and the legacy,” Nori said.

In 1975, Buddy and Pat Harrison founded Harrison House, which has published and distributed more than 100 million books in 42 languages to more than 175 countries. The Tulsa-based publisher plans to release forthcoming titles from best-selling authors Andrew Wommack, Rick Renner and Germaine Copeland.

The purchase “will continue to strengthen Nori Media Group’s position as a resource for the consumer’s personal, professional and spiritual growth,” Nori said.

“It is the desire of Nori Media Group to see all Harrison House authors maintain the Harrison House brand,” Nori added. “The objective of Nori Media Group is to intentionally present both the Word and Spirit. Harrison House has been such a faithful representative and steward of those carrying a strong Word-based message, while Destiny Image has long embraced its assignment to carry messages with more of a prophetic, supernatural focus. We see this as a convergence of ‘Word and Spirit,’ which ultimately fulfills the prophecy of Smith Wigglesworth about the synergy of Word and Spirit. Yes, we aim to keep and build upon the Harrison House brand.”

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania-based Nori Media Group now has more than 2,000 titles in the nonfiction genre, representing the various streams within the charismatic church through its Destiny Image and Harrison House imprints and business/motivational titles through the Sound Wisdom line.

Jeremy Affeldt played major league baseball for fourteen years, finishing his career with the San Francisco Giants during their championship years of 2010, 2012, and 2014. In his upcoming book, Affeldt will share his story of a man finding his way home. Things on the field were nothing but smiles, but it was a much different story at home. Following the Series win in 2012 and the birth of their third child, everything fell apart, most of all Jeremy. He was scared he might lose it all. The book is scheduled to release in March 2020. World Rights were acquired by Andy Rogers, Zondervan Trade Acquisitions Editor. Affeldt is agented by Esther Feddorkevich of the Fedd Agency.

Affeldt is an active leader in the fight to end human trafficking and modern-day slavery, as well as an advocate to support and feed the hungry at home and around the globe. He is the co-founder of Generation Alive, a non-profit organization that works to teach and inspire a generation of young people to act by serving others. Since his retirement from professional baseball, he works as a television analyst covering the San Francisco Giants on NBC Sports Bay Area, and is heard weekly on KNBR Radio.

Colts Neck, NJ – August 22, 2018 – Representatives from several ECPA member companies played leadership roles at the inaugural Publishing in Color conference, the first spiritual writers’ conference specifically targeted at increasing the number of books published by writers of color. The conference took place June 19-20 at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Keynote speakers included Joyce Dinkins, Executive Editor at Our Daily Bread Ministries and Dr. Cheryl Price, Executive Vice President at Urban Ministries.  And Kelsey Bowen, Acquisitions Editor at Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, led the publishing discussion at the pre-conference retreat. The conference was organized by Brian Allain, former Director of the Frederick Buechner Center and owner of Writing for Your Life. In addition to Baker Publishing Group, Our Daily Bread, and Urban Ministries, conference sponsors included Christianity Today and InterVarsity Press.

Additional ECPA member companies participating included:

• Credo Communications
• HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Thomas Nelson
• HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Zondervan
• Penguin RandomHouse – Waterbrook & Multnomah
• Simon & Schuster – Howard Books
• Tyndale House

“I was thrilled with the turnout of African American writers, and their enthusiasm for this event. At Our Daily Bread we are following up with several promising attendees,” said Joyce Dinkins, Executive Editor, Our Daily Bread Ministries.  “Praise God!”

“From the perspective of a publishing house, I could not have been happier with the quality and diversity of the attendees and with conference overall,” offered Jenny Baumgartner, Editorial Director and Acquisitions Editor, HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

“Christianity Today made a significant commitment to this conference, sending four top editors. We were not disappointed!” said Andy Olson, Managing Director, Christianity Today. “It was such a valuable opportunity to connect with both seasoned and up-and-coming writers of color, writers whose voices need to be heard.”

Publishing in Color is a series of conferences for under-represented groups of spiritual authors such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/a Americans, and Native Americans. The goals of these conferences are to:

• Foster relationships between under-represented groups of prospective spiritual authors and representatives of spiritual book publishing companies, literary agencies, and spiritual magazines
• Provide networking and educational opportunities so that prospective authors can learn more about how to work with these publishers, agencies, and magazines
• Result in an increased number of books and articles published by under-represented groups

The next Publishing in Color conference will take place November 8-9, 2018 in the Chicago area at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, IL. Additional information about the conference can be found here: https://publishingincolor.com/publishing-in-color-conference-november-2018-elmhurst-il/

Keynote speakers for the conference include authors Dominique Gilliard and Sharon Koenig, and publishing industry veterans Joyce Dinkins (Our Daily Bread Ministries) and Cheryl Price (Urban Ministries). In addition to these keynote speakers, the event will feature many publishing house representatives speaking about various aspects of “how to get published” and will include ample time for networking and relationship building.

Publishing in Color has established a scholarship fund that will pay for selected individuals to attend this or future Publishing in Color conferences at no charge. The fund is currently accepting donations, and profits from the Publishing in Color conferences will be donated to this fund.

You can learn more about the Publishing in Color conference series at: https://publishingincolor.com/

About Writing for Your Life
Writing for Your Life is committed to offering a comprehensive set of useful resources and services to support spiritual writers. We offer in-person writing conferences and online webinars featuring leading spiritual authors and publishing industry experts. Authors discuss and teach about various aspects of spiritual writing. Industry experts offer advice on how to get published and how to market.  We also offer a variety of writer support services including book development, editing, book proposal review, marketing, and platform development. https://writingforyourlife.com/

About Publishing in Color
Publishing in Color is a series of conferences for under-represented groups of spiritual authors such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/a Americans, and Native Americans. The goals of these conferences are to: foster relationships between under-represented groups of prospective spiritual authors and representatives of spiritual book publishing companies, literary agencies, and spiritual magazines; provide networking and educational opportunities so that prospective authors can learn more about how to work with these publishers, agencies, and magazines; and result in an increased number of books and articles published by under-represented groups. https://publishingincolor.com/

For additional information contact Brian Allain at brian@writingforyourlife.com

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. has debuted its new logo.  Publisher Deb Haggerty states, “A new look was necessary to promote our mission of publishing positive books for the Christian market.” One of the few Christian-owned and operated traditional, royalty-paying publishing companies, Elk Lake has books for readers of all ages in a variety of genres. Elk Lake, headquartered in Plymouth, MA, publishes thirty to forty books a year. Recent book releases include, among others:

• World War II-era—Set for Danger by Ace Collins
• Humor—The Heart of Humor by Jeanette Levellie
• Contemporary—Hosea’s Heart by Linda Wood Rondeau and Manhattan Grace by Clarice G. James
• Children’s—If I Could Ask Jesus by Donna Wyland/Lynne Davis

All books are available on Amazon and through Ingram Services.

For more information, contact:
Deb Haggerty at Deb@ElkLakePublishingInc.com or call 508-746-1734

 

Inspirational Sports Drama Showcases Journey toward True Identity in Christ

CAROL STREAM, ILL.—August 23, 2018—AFFIRM Films in partnership with Provident Films has announced next year’s release of Overcomer, the highly anticipated sixth film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick (War Room, Fireproof, Courageous, Facing the Giants, Flywheel) in theaters throughout North America on Aug. 23, 2019. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendricks’ new venture tackles the vital issue of spiritual identity in a unique and fresh way.

In anticipation of the film’s debut, Tyndale House Publishers, in partnership with renowned writer Chris Fabry, will release the novelization of the movie’s captivating story based upon biblical themes from the book of Ephesians. Known for his rich character development and trademark lyrical prose, Fabry, who is a bestselling author of over eighty books for adults and children, will translate the Kendricks’ new movie into an inspirational novel of three characters’ journeys as each find and refine their true identity in Christ.

SYNOPSIS: Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a newfound friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.

When asked about the project, Fabry shared, “I’m so excited about tackling another great story with the Kendricks.” Regarding the process, he said, “I love asking questions about what’s going on inside the people you see on the screen, so the book will give you all of the film plus some deeper looks at the backstory and other meaningful threads that can’t fit into a two-hour film.” He also shared that while “telling a great story is our goal . . . our deepest hope for the novel is to connect readers with their true identity. Our prayer for Overcomer is that people will realize who they are in Christ.”

Director Alex Kendrick specifically requested Fabry’s involvement. “We have great admiration for Chris Fabry’s work and ministry heart. He was an absolute joy to work with on the novelization of War Room and was able to read the Overcomer script early and join us on set this summer to hear the message and heart behind this new film. We think he and Tyndale are the perfect partners for this project.”

Tyndale publisher Karen Watson said, “We are honored to be part of this successful team. The Kendricks always illustrate a theme that speaks to a timely spiritual longing in our culture. We know that Chris’s development of an ‘extended cut’ of the story line will enrich the experience of folks who love the film and can encourage others to see it.”

Overcomer is currently in postproduction and is directed by Alex Kendrick, produced by Stephen Kendrick and Aaron Burns, with executive producer Shannon Kendrick, and the screenplay written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. For more information on Overcomer, follow the movie on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at Overcomer Movie. For more information about Chris Fabry’s Overcomer novelization, releasing in July 2019, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.  Chris’s novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and The Promise of Jesse Woods, have won five Christy Awards™, an ECPA Christian Book Award®, and two Awards of Merit from Christianity Today. His eightieth published book, Under a Cloudless Sky, is a novel set in the coalfields of his home state of West Virginia. His books include movie novelizations, like the recent bestseller War Room; nonfiction; and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. Visit his website at www.chrisfabry.com.

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.

AFFIRM Films produces, acquires, and markets films that inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences around the world. Since releasing its first theatrical film—the Kendrick Brothers’ drama FACING THE GIANTS, in 2007—AFFIRM Films has released numerous quality faith-based films, including SOUL SURFER, based on the inspirational true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton; WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL, the sports drama inspired by the story of the De La Salle Spartans; WAR ROOM, which hit No. 1 on the domestic box office chart; RISEN, which followed the epic biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a nonbeliever; and was the faith-based marketing partner with Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures for their films MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN and the No. 2 faith-based film of all time, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL. AFFIRM Films also released ALL SAINTS in August 2017 and the animated film THE STAR in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, in November 2017.  AFFIRM released PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST on March 23, 2018, and will release the highly anticipated next Kendrick Brothers’ film OVERCOMER on August 23, 2019.  AFFIRM Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) company. AFFIRMFilms.com

Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

Provident Films, a division of Provident Music Group, develops, produces, and markets faith-based films. Nashville-based Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has served for more than three decades, worldwide, as a leader in inspiring entertainment.

Kendrick Brothers Productions is the company of brothers Alex, Stephen, and Shannon Kendrick that exists to honor Jesus Christ and make His truth and love known among the nations through movies, books, curriculum, and speaking. By prayerfully blending engaging stories with doctrinal integrity, the Kendricks seek to encourage and inspire viewers and readers with resources that impact their spiritual lives and strengthen their families and personal relationships.

Overcomer Novel PR Contact: Katie Dodillet,Tyndale House Publishers, 630-784-5275 katiedodillet@tyndale.com

Overcomer Movie PR Contact: Jennifer Willingham,Icon Media Group, 615-483-4729, Jennifer@IconMediaGroup.com

 

 

Book debuts in first week on New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Publishers Weekly lists

Nashville, TN (August 24, 2018) — Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God (Thomas Nelson) by Max Lucado debuts after one week of release on four national bestseller lists: The New York Times (#7 Advice, How-To & Misc., August 26). The Wall Street Journal (#7 Hardcover Non-Fiction, August  12), USA Today (#53, August 12) and Publishers Weekly (#11 Hardcover Non-Fiction, August 20).

“Max Lucado has his finger on the pulse of our nation. Unshakable Hope is exactly what we need today,” says David Moberg, Senior Vice President and Publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishers. “For all who who long for hope and encouragement, for a good word from a trusted pastor, Max delivers.”

Lucado launched Unshakable Hope, his 40^th adult trade title, with a special event at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The event was seen by more than 250,000 people via social media. Lucado was also featured on national media including Rick & Bubba, Fox News Radio, Moody Broadcasting, Life Today, Keep the Faith, and a drop-by on The TODAY Show. Media appearances continue this fall on Daystar TV, The Dave Ramsey Show, Extra TV, The 700 Club, and more.

Thomas Nelson sponsored a pre-sale campaign which benefitted the Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship International. Consumers who pre-ordered Unshakable Hope were able to donate a special ministry edition to these international ministries.

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

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

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

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

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

Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the addition of Katelyn Beaty to its acquisitions team in the role of Acquisitions Editor, Brazos Press. Beaty will secure new author relationships and participate in publishing strategy.

Beaty began her career as copy editor of Christianity Today, where she went on to manage the print publication and serve as the youngest and first female managing editor. She also cofounded the women’s website Her.meneutics (now CT Women) and served as editorial director of the This Is Our City documentary series. She is a writer, speaker, and editor with 10-plus years of experience in online and print publishing. Beaty has written for the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Atlantic, Religion & Politics, and the Washington Post and has commented on faith and culture for CNN, ABC, NPR, the Associated Press, and Religion News Service.

She released the book A Woman’s Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World in July 2016 with Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

“We are thrilled to add Katelyn to our Brazos Press team,” notes Jim Kinney, an executive vice president at Baker Publishing Group. “Her talent and abilities are widely recognized, and they will be on full display as she helps Brazos Press reach a new level of service to authors and readers.”

Brazos Press publishes books by noted Christian thinkers who help readers faithfully engage the complexity and wonder of life.

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

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton  (616)676-9185  smacnaughton@brazospress.com

August 15, 2018, Hanover, PA—Sheridan’s Pennsylvania print facility is adding two new HP presses to the production floor: an HP PageWide T240HD Color Print Inkjet system equipped with a Duplex Primer system and a Magnum InLine FlexBook Finisher, and an HP Indigo 12000 B2-format digital press.

These important additions address the growing demand to support the life cycle of books, whether it be with longer-run first printings, reduced print runs, or auto-stock replenishment (ASR) and zero-inventory programs.

The T240HD inkjet press, the second such press at the Pennsylvania site, will significantly increase capacity and the ability to meet the requirements and high demand of the growing POD book market. The Magnum FlexBook system will facilitate the production of high quality fused book blocks.

The Indigo 12000 B2 digital press is an upgrade for the facility. The 12000 will print covers and casecovers for both books and journals, and as a result of its increased sheet size capability, it will print larger spine bulks than were previously accommodated. It will effectively double cover capacity and output.

Installation of all new systems will be complete in the fall.

With these technologically advanced, high-production additions, Sheridan continues to demonstrate its commitment to book and journal customers requiring ultra short run capabilities. What began in 2003 with the acquisition of one digital Kodak press has, with this and previous expansions, grown into a digital print production department of seven digital presses, six of which have attached finishers. In addition to Sheridan’s growing digital footprint, the PA facility also produces a significant body of offset and web work for journal and book publishers.

Sheridan Vice President of Operations Paul Loy commented on what the equipment expansion means to Sheridan: “Our customers’ needs continue to guide our decisions, and this expansion in our digital department is no exception. We are thrilled to add these powerful HP units and the Magnum finisher to our production floor. The additional output will allow us to not only meet current customer expectations, but take on more work, specifically in terms of complete POD book programs.”

About Sheridan
Sheridan is a leading provider of print, publishing services, and technology solutions to publishers, associations, university presses, and catalogers. A division of CJK Group, Inc., Sheridan has five U.S.‐ based production facilities; each location has a market specialty that supports scholarly journals, books, magazines, reprints, or catalogs. www.sheridan.com

Contact: Susan Parente, Sheridan, Publications Marketing Manager, susan.parente@sheridan.com