WaterBrook, an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group, has acquired speaker and founder of Our Everyday Parables Valerie Ellis’s WILD FAITH DEVOTIONAL FOR KIDS: 52 AMAZING ANIMALS THAT POINT TO ONE GREAT GOD, a nonfiction anthology of well-known animals such as flamingos, snakes, dogs, and cats along with lesser-known creatures like the capybara, glass frog, and rock-climbing goby — to help kids ages 7 and up celebrate God’s creativity and rest in His great love. The devotional is illustrated by Jennifer Bricking and is slated for Fall 2025 publication.

Acquisition went to Bunmi Ishola, Senior Editor, at PRH Christian Publishing Group for WaterBrook, by Annette Bourland at Bourland Strategic Advisors for the author and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates for the illustrator (world). For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin dcronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

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

February 28, 2025 — Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is thrilled to announce that Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive by Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson has been named Outreach Resource of the Year in the Counseling and Relationships category. This honor recognizes the book’s profound impact in addressing critical issues men face today and equipping them with tools to live with unwavering faith, courage, and purpose.

Fighting Shadows has resonated deeply with readers by confronting the false narratives—or “shadows”—that threaten to derail identity, relationships, and spiritual growth. Through a combination of raw storytelling, biblical truth, and actionable advice, Bethke and Tyson have created a guide that inspires men to break free from cultural pressures and step into their God-given potential.

“Jefferson and Jon’s work has been a source of transformation for countless readers and their families. This award further solidifies its place as an essential resource for personal and spiritual growth.”  said Andrew Stoddard, VP and Publisher of Nelson Books.

With topics ranging from vulnerability and emotional health to authentic leadership and spiritual depth, Fighting Shadows challenges men to redefine masculinity through the lens of their faith. It offers a bold roadmap for leading lives that are courageous, purposeful, and full of integrity.

Nelson Books is proud to celebrate this achievement and invites readers to discover why Fighting Shadows continues to inspire and empower men across the globe.

Contact:  Devin Duke, Sr. Publicity Manager, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com

 

Ada, Mich. (March 3, 2025)—Outreach Magazine recently announced the winners of their Resources of the Year. Baker Academic titles received three top honors. Brazos Press received one top honor and one recommended title. Bethany House also received one top honor.

Heading up the Baker Academic list was Crossing Cultures with the Gospel by Darrell L. Whiteman in the Missions and Cross-Cultural category. Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations by Justin A. Irving has been named one of two Outreach Resources of the Year in the Leadership category. A Short Guide to Spiritual Formation by Alex Sosler was named one of two winners of Resource of the Year in the Spiritual Growth category.

Brazos Press also had one title included and one recommended. Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga was named Resource of the Year winner in the Christian Living category. Strange Religion by Nijay K. Gupta was also recommended in the Culture category.

Bethany House also had one title included. The 100 Most Asked Questions about Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife by S. Michael Houdmann was named Resource of the Year in the Apologetics category.

Crossing Cultures with the Gospel by Darrell L. Whiteman
(Baker Academic, ISBN 9781540960467, Ebook ISBN 9781493429547, $27.99p)

Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations by Justin A. Irving
(Baker Academic, ISBN 9781540964809, Ebook ISBN 9781493442829, $26.99p)

A Short Guide to Spiritual Formation by Alex Sosler
(Baker Academic, ISBN 9781540966612, Ebook ISBN 9781493446353, $21.99p)

Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587436222, Ebook ISBN 9781493444946, $22.99c)

Strange Religion by Nijay K. Gupta
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587435171, Ebook ISBN 9781493444922, $18.99p)

The 100 Most Asked Questions about Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife by S. Michael Houdmann
(Bethany House, ISBN 9780764245794, Ebook ISBN 9781493452392, $17.99p)

Outreach Magazine announced winners in a range of categories, including Evangelism, Social Justice, Spiritual Growth, Counseling, Biblical Studies, and Apologetics. The complete list of recognized resources can be found here.

“We congratulate these authors on this recognition of their important works,” notes Jim Kinney, Executive Vice President of Academic Publishing. “Christians must engage a wide array of issues as they bring the gospel to bear on life in the twenty-first century. It is a privilege for us to publish these books that will help us do just that.”

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) 450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, March 3, 2025—WaterBrook, an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group, is delighted to share that Here Be Dragons: Treading the Deep Waters of Motherhood, Mean Girls, and Generational Trauma (Feb. 18, 2025) by Melanie Shankle, author and co-host of the Big Boo Cast, debuted at #5 on The New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestseller list and at #8 on the Nonfiction Print and E-book Combined Bestseller List.

In Here Be Dragons, Shankle—now a four-time New York Times bestselling author—presents a poignant, deeply personal story about trusting God to heal generational wounds so you can be a strong, loving presence for your teenage daughter.

Like a lot of moms, Shankle found herself in need of a parenting map when her teenage daughter, Caroline, entered her sophomore year of high school where she encountered relentless mean girls and brutal heartache. While trying to equip her daughter to deal with the toxic social dynamics of high school, Melanie was hit with a cruel realization: The shame, criticism, and verbal abuse she had endured throughout her own life was wrought by one particular mean girl—her own mother.

“Amazingly, this is not the book Melanie set out to write . . . yet it’s the message that poured out of her. It’s even better than what any of us—including Melanie—were expecting!” said Susan Tjaden, WaterBrook VP/Executive Editor. “We are thrilled it is resonating with readers in the way we had hoped.”

Reader reviews showcase their enthusiasm calling Here Be Dragons Shankle’s best book yet. With more than 120 reviews on Goodreads and a 4.86 rating, readers are saying  “I devoured it,” “I love this book from start to finish,” and  “there is so much truth, wisdom and encouragement to be found here.”

In celebration of Here Be Dragons, Shankle is doing  a nine-city book tour visiting stores across her home state of Texas, as well as in the South. Upcoming events include Monday, March 3, at Little Professor Bookshop in Birmingham, AL, with her podcast co-host Sophie Hudson; Tuesday, March 4, at Books-A-Million in Nashville, TN, with Sissy Goff and David Thomas; and on Thursday, March 6, at Blue Willow Bookshop at St. Thomas Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX, with Beth Moore.

Melanie Shankle is a four-time New York Times bestselling author of Here Be Dragons, Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You. She speaks at events nationwide and co-hosts the wildly popular podcast, The Big Boo Cast. Melanie and her husband, Perry, live in San Antonio, Texas, and are the parents of Caroline. www.melanieshankle.com

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

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

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—Paul L. Maier, beloved professor emeritus at Western Michigan University, ancient history scholar, and author of the #1 national best-seller A Skeleton in God’s Closet, passed away February 27. He was 94.

As the former Russell H. Seibert professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University, Dr. Maier taught on campus for fifty-two years and spent thirty-nine of those years as the campus chaplain. After his retirement in 2011, he retained the professor emeritus title. In 2018, he was honored for his legacy at the school with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who, an award that recognizes individuals’ achievements of greatness in their industries.

Dr. Maier was a staunch, vigorous, and engaging defender of the faith, considered an expert in apologetics. He was noted for using both secular and non-secular sources to confirm the authenticity of the Bible. He led countless tours to the Holy Land and other biblical sites. As a world-renowned author and international speaker, Maier wrote endless articles and books, both fiction and nonfiction. His books with Kregel include the nonfiction titles, Eusebius; Josephus: The Essential Works; Josephus: The Essential Writings; In the Fullness of Time later updated and retitled The Genuine Jesus; and The First Christmas; and two novels, Pontius Pilate and The Flames of Rome.

Dr. Maier wasn’t just a scholar and best-selling author, he was also Paul, a genuine friend to others. Longstanding Kregel employees remember his visits to Kregel to pick up books. He’d leave with his Triumph Spitfire so weighed down by cartons that the muffler would scrape along the driveway as he left.

“Dr. Maier has been one of our most significant and best-selling authors in our 75-year publishing history,” president Jerry Kregel said. “We first published Josephus: The Essential Writings back in 1988, and that was later released as the updated full-color Josephus: The Essential Works. Those and most of his other titles published with us, including some published in Spanish by our Spanish division Editorial Portavoz, are still in print after so many years. Combined, his books have sold well over half a million copies and continue to provide valuable historical context for readers worldwide. As a professor, chaplain, speaker, and author, he has left a tremendous legacy.”

Publisher Catherine DeVries said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Paul Maier at the Kregel home office a few times and witnessed his passion, dedication, motivation, incredible knowledge, and sense of humor with a sparkle in his eye, which I enjoyed most of all. He will be missed. I am grateful that his scholarship lives on through his books.”

Paul is survived by four daughters, ten grandchildren, two nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. His daughters shared, “Our precious papa is now in glory with our mom, his parents, his brother, his friends, and most importantly with our beautiful Savior, welcoming him home.”

With his investment in the students at WMU, his expertise in his writing, and his relationships with family and friends, Dr. Maier has left a legacy that points directly to the love and salvation that comes from Jesus Christ.

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.

Ada, Mich. (February 18, 2025)—I’ve Got Questions: The Spiritual Practice of Having It Out with God (Baker Books; ISBN 9781540904089; ebook ISBN 9781493449187; $26.99) by Erin Hicks Moon has been featured on Publishers Weekly’s Bestseller list, ranking #19 on Print Hardcover Frontlist Nonfiction. The ranking reflects sales for the week ending February 8, 2025, and is based on point-of-sale data from booksellers nationwide.

“Congratulations to Erin Hicks Moon and the talented team who launched I’ve Got Questions. We’ve been looking forward to sharing Erin’s message with the world for a while now and we’re really pleased it’s a national bestseller.”—Brian Vos, Editorial Director, Baker Books

When your faith as you know it has been commodified, nationalized, scandalized, and rebranded beyond recognition, is it even possible to recover the “good” of Jesus from this cluster of epic proportions?

Writer and podcaster Erin Moon has questions, and this book is her open letter for anyone who feels iffy, conflicted, or just downright devastated by this disconnect. With empathy, insight, and the therapy of memes and a good laugh, Erin maps out not a rigid prescription but an open-hearted pathway for you to reclaim what you once loved about your faith home and light a match to the rest.

Erin Hicks Moon is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller who helps people disentangle faith by creating a kind and curious community that welcomes honest doubt and questions. She is the Resident Bible Scholar and host of the Faith Adjacent podcast, and senior creative at Popcast Media Group. Her popular weekly newsletter, “The Swipe Up,” has garnered nearly 20,000 highly engaged subscribers, and she has written and produced several popular Bible study guides. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband and three children.

Baker Books has a vision for showing people a better way to live by publishing books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging.

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)450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (Feb. 19, 2025)—PRH Christian Publishing Group (PRHCPG) is delighted to announce the addition of Madison Trammel as Editorial Director of PRH Christian Publishing Group, reporting to Laura Barker, VP and Publisher, starting March 3, 2025. All nonfiction editors acquiring for the WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image and Forum imprints at PRHCPG will report to Trammel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Madison to the PRH Christian team,” notes Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher for PRH Christian. “His entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrated capacity for imprint growth, and vast knowledge and experience in the Christian marketplace over the last two decades bring exactly what we need as we expand the scope of our publishing program.”

For the past six years, Trammel has been serving as the Publisher of B&H Publishing’s academic team, where he has overseen the imprint’s publishing program from acquisitions and product development, vision casting and growth strategy, to budgets and management of the editorial team. The imprint has enjoyed great success and growth under his leadership. For part of that time, Trammel also served as Associate Director of the B&H Publishing Group on the Trade team. He was previously an acquisitions editor at HarperCollins Christian Publishing for eight years, commissioning a broad range of books, including spiritual growth, church ministry, leadership, apologetics, and popular reference titles. Trammel also oversaw an Issues & Culture line and a Spiritual Growth line at Moody Publishers, and he got his start in Christian publishing as an associate editor at Christianity Today.

Some of Trammel’s notable acquisitions include On the Resurrection by Gary Habermas, Urban Apologetics by Eric Mason (an ECPA Christian Book Award® Finalist), and God of All Things by Andrew Wilson (all Christianity Today Book Award Winners).

“It’s an incredible honor to be selected to lead the editorial team at PRH Christian, especially during this time of growth and change at the company,” said Trammel. “I look forward to working with the top-notch editors there to expand our publishing program, cultivating relationships with current authors and audiences with excellence while simultaneously pursuing new readers and categories. I’m especially motivated by Campbell Wharton and Laura Barker’s vision to broaden PRH Christian’s reach in the marketplace, providing a wider range of readers with notable books that enrich their spiritual lives.”

Trammel holds an MA in Christian History and Theology from Wheaton; a PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary majoring in Historical Theology; and is currently completing his MBA at Azusa Pacific University concentrating in organizational science. Trammel has also completed NYU’s Advanced Publishing course.

WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image and Forum Books are imprints of the PRH Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

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

NASHVILLE, Tenn., February 2025—Zondervan Books is thrilled to announce that New York Times Opinion columnist Ross Douthat’s latest work, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, has made its debut on the New York Times bestseller list. Believe ranked as number eight in Hardcover Nonfiction and number ten in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction after its release on February 11, 2025.

Douthat’s previous works have garnered widespread acclaim, and Believe continues his tradition of intellectual rigor—striking a chord with readers seeking understanding in an era marked by uncertainty and division. Known for his thoughtful exploration of spiritual topics, Douthat presents a persuasive case for belief in a skeptical age, arguing that modern science and reason make faith not only credible but essential. WORLD magazine calls Believe “a Mere Christianity for the 21st century.”

“Ross Douthat has long been one of our most perceptive and persuasive writers on issues of the greatest importance, especially matters of faith and belief,” said Webster Younce, vice president and executive editor of Zondervan Books. “We couldn’t be happier that Believe is resonating with so many readers at this particular cultural moment.”

Recently seen on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, The World and Everything in It, and The Sean McDowell Show, Douthat has offered clarity and insight amid the confusions of our age. His extensive knowledge of theology, philosophy, and current events weave a compelling web of understanding that invites readers to consider deeply the complexities of belief.

In celebrating this milestone, Daniel Marrs, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Books, remarked, “We are incredibly proud of Ross Douthat and the success of Believe, as well as the tremendous work of the Zondervan team. Ross is not only a talented writer but also a profound thinker who has extraordinary insight into the questions our readers are grappling with as they seek to understand the complexities of faith and culture in our world today. We trust that this book will resonate for years to come.”

A New York Times bestseller, Believe is now available at major retailers and on online platforms. For more information or for media inquiries, contact Rebecca Schriner at rebecca.schriner@harpercollins.com.

Ross Douthat has been a New York Times Opinion columnist since April 2009. Previously, he was a senior editor at The Atlantic. He is the author of The Deep Places; The Decadent Society; To Change the Church; Bad Religion; Privilege; and, with Reihan Salam, Grand New Party. He is the film critic for National Review. He lives with his wife and five children in New Haven, Connecticut.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:  Rebecca Schriner, Publicity Manager | Zondervan Books, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Rebecca.Schriner@HarperCollins.com

January 2025:  Whitaker Corporation appointed industry veteran Ned Clements to shape the future of Sales as Vice President.  Ned Clements has built a rewarding career in Christian publishing since 1996. A graduate of Vanguard University with a degree in Finance and Management, Ned has held influential roles at leading publishing houses, including Multnomah Publishers, Charisma House, and Destiny Image. As a seasoned sales executive, he has brought numerous national bestsellers to market.

With nearly three decades of experience in the book publishing industry, Ned brings a wealth of experience to Whitaker Corporation’s sales operations. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to driving innovation in sales strategies and delivering exceptional value to its customers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ned to our leadership team as Vice President of Sales,” states Robert Whitaker Jr., President of Whitaker Corporation. “His proven track record of driving growth, cultivating meaningful client relationships, and mentoring high-performing teams aligns perfectly with our company’s values and vision for the future. Ned brings a fresh perspective that will undoubtedly help us strengthen our market position and expand our reach.”

Looking ahead, Whitaker Corporation is confident that Ned’s leadership will be pivotal in achieving growth goals and further establishing the company as a leader in the industry.

“It is an honor to step into this role and become part of Whitaker Corporation and its family of companies. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team to build on their legacy of success, expand our reach, and continue serving readers with impactful, faith-based resources. Together, we will drive growth, foster new opportunities, and uphold the values that have made Whitaker Corporation a trusted name in publishing.” -Ned Clements

Whitaker Corporation announces well-known literary agent and former publisher Chip MacGregor as new Executive Editor.

“I am so thrilled to announce that we have hired Chip MacGregor to join the Whitaker team as Executive Editor,” says Christine Whitaker, publisher at Whitaker House. “I have worked with Chip over ten years, and he has brought Whitaker such a rich array of authors and content. He has been a personal mentor and friend to me over the years.”

Chip MacGregor refers to himself as a “book guy,” having spent nearly his entire life in the world of publishing after starting in magazines. A former publisher at Time-Warner and Hachette Book Group, he has more than twenty-five years’ experience as a literary agent and has completed more than a thousand book contracts. Over the past fifteen years, he has executed more book deals than any other literary agent in the United States, had dozens of books hit various bestseller lists, had twenty books made into a movie or documentary, and represented a handful of books that have been made into feature films. Chip is currently on the publishing board for JourneyWise and will work with both entities moving forward.

“I’m excited to be helping with acquisitions and contracts in this, the 55th year of Whitaker House Publishers,” Chip states. “I’ve done deals with Christine, I’ve worked with Managing Editor Amy Bartlett before — she is someone I know and respect — and I have long respected Whitaker Corporation President Bob and his work with Anchor. I’m genuinely excited to be joining the team and trying to add whatever I can to the group of people working at Whitaker House.”

In this new role as Executive Editor, Chip will be helping in acquisitions, project development, contract negotiations, and business development.