The Week's News in Christian Publishing

Zondervan Releases NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

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Contact:
Trinity McFadden, Senior Publicity Manager
tel:  616-398-3514 web: trinity.mcfadden@ harpercollins.com

(Grand Rapids, MI) August 19, 2016 – On August 23, decades of historical and cultural research on the ancient world will reach the Christian trade market in Zondervan’s NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Notes and resources handpicked by respected biblical backgrounds scholars John H. Walton (Old Testament) and Craig S. Keener (New Testament) now complement the New International Version of the Bible, the world’s most read and most trusted modern-English Bible translation. Newcomers to Bible study and veteran students of the Bible alike will find surprising insights into ancient culture on every page of the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.

“There is no such thing as a story or a teaching that doesn’t have a cultural setting,” say Keener and Walton in the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible’s author introduction. “That is not to say that a story or teaching is not relevant for another setting, but to remember that it comes to us from a particular place and in a particular language. . . . This Bible’s notes are meant to help readers hear and visualize the story closer to the way it was originally written, so they can get to know the people and places in the Bible more on their own terms.”

The robust study tools and features provided in the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Biblestand apart from other study Bibles by focusing on the cultural context of each passage. Notes, book introductions, and articles totaling approximately 15 volumes of content ground an additional 375 vivid full-color photos, illustrations, and maps, which draw readers in and bring the ancient world of Scripture to life. The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bibleincludes a concordance, cross-references, endnotes, glossary, index to articles, and the words of Christ in red. The new project includes nearly 400,000 more words of study tools than Zondervan’s groundbreaking 2005 NIV Archaeological Study Bible and dozens more maps, charts, illustrations, and graphics.

N.T. Wright, Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and author of many scholarly and lay-oriented books of biblical studies, says of the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, “How I wish someone had put a book like this into my hands 50 years ago.”

The notes of the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible are taken from the very best resources on Bible backgrounds, including the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. This superb scholarship provides added dimension to Bible study by explaining subtle nuances, idiosyncrasies, wordplays, and cultural references that we often miss but that the original audience would have understood instinctively.

The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible will help readers understand, at a deeper level than they ever have, stories and passages that they’ve read perhaps hundreds of times before. More information is available at www.ContextChangesEverything. com.

For more information or to request review copies or interviews, please contact Trinity McFadden at trinity.mcfadden@ harpercollins.com or 616-698-3514.

About Zondervan: Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as 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, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, with notes from Dr. John H. Walton (Wheaton College) in the Old Testament and Dr. Craig S. Keener (Asbury Theological Seminary) in the New Testament, brings to life the ancient world of Scripture for modern readers.

Product formats available in August 2016:

  • ISBN 9780310431589, (Hardcover), 2400 pages, $49.99.
  • ISBN 9780310080954, (Sage/Leaves Italian Duo-Tone™), 2400 pages, $79.99.
  • ISBN 9780310081043, (Sage/Leaves Italian Duo-Tone™ Indexed), 2400 pages, $89.99.
  • ISBN 9780310431602, (Brown/Tan Italian Duo-Tone™), 2400 pages, $79.99.
  • ISBN 9780310444442, (Brown/Tan Italian Duo-Tone™ Indexed), 2400 pages, $89.99.
  • ISBN 9780310431596, (Black Bonded Leather), 2400 pages, $79.99.
  • ISBN 9780310444435, (Black Bonded Leather Indexed), 2400 pages, $89.99.
  • ISBN 9780310431671, (eBook), $39.99.
  • ISBN 9780310444459, (Mobile App), $14.99.

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Shauna Niequist’s New Book, Present Over Perfect, Debuts on Four Major Bestseller Lists

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Published by Zondervan, Niequist explores simple, soulful living as a rich alternative to striving for perfection; features foreword by Brené Brown

Contacts:

Robin Barnett, Director of Public Relations
tel: 616-698-3251  robin.barnett@harpercollins.com

Kelsey Hulgan, Icon Media Group 404-754-3474 kelsey@iconmediagroup.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., August 19, 2016—Zondervan is pleased to announce that Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living (August 9, 2016) by Shauna Niequist will debut at #2 on The New York Times Advice, How-To, & Miscellaneous bestseller list for Aug. 28, 2016. Present Over Perfect also debuted at #1 on the Publishers Weekly Nonfiction list, #1 on The Wall Street Journal Best-Seller Nonfiction list and #8 on USA Today’s Best-Selling Books list

“We are honored to partner with Shauna on bringing the message of Present Over Perfectto the world,” said David Morris, vice president and publisher of Zondervan trade books. “We are thrilled that we exceeded our launch sales goal, and believe that accomplishment is an indication of the need for and strength of Shauna’s message.”

Zondervan worked with Niequist to create a dynamic book launch campaign that includes national publicity, extensive pre-order and influencer promotions and a special book launch simulcast. Niequist also spoke at the Global Leadership Summit hosted at Willow Creek Community Church outside of Chicago, which was viewed by over 300,000 participants across the world. Additionally, Niequist will headline The Belong Tour, a live event focusing on how to live a fun, faith-filled, purposeful life, with events in 12 major markets this fall.

Renowned scholar and researcher Brené Brown, Ph.D., wrote the foreword saying, “I believe the most powerful way to share what it really means to show up and be present is through story, and that’s Shauna’s offering with this book. Her gift to us is a collection of stories that are real, honest, and familiar in a way that is both comfortable and a little uncomfortable (like the truth can be).”

Present Over Perfect also has endorsements from Glennon Doyle Melton, Jen Hatmaker, Dr. Henry Cloud and Donald Miller, to name a few.

At 36-years-old the popular author and speaker found herself exhausted and isolated, fed up with the frantic life she had created. For the next three years, she chronicled her journey to trade competition, comparison and exhaustion for meaning, connection and unconditional love, and shares her experiences in the essays that comprise Present Over Perfect.

“This book is an account of my winding, messy journey from exhaustion to peace, from isolation to connection, from hustling and multitasking to sacred presence,” writes Niequist. “And this book is an invitation, too—a hand holding out across the pages, inviting you into that same journey, because it has been the greatest, most rewarding change of my adult life.”

With her trademark vulnerability, Niequist brings readers into the depths of her journey to find a life that resembled one she actually wanted to live: one of peace, connection and rest. Readers of all ages and stages are discovering some of themselves in Niequist’s words, a collection of essays that encourages them to leave behind whatever is keeping them from being present in life’s sacred, everyday moments.

Present Over Perfect encourages readers into the practice of presence in their relationships with their families and loved ones and a deeper experience of faith. In these pages, readers will be invited to discover their own paths to what Niequist has found to be a more fulfilling way of life.

About the Author
Shauna Niequist is the author of Present Over Perfect, Savor, Bread & Wine, Cold Tangerines, and Bittersweet. Shauna is a bookworm, a beach bum, an enthusiastic home cook and a passionate gatherer of people. She is married to Aaron, and they live in Chicago with their two boys, Henry and Mac. You can connect with her online at ShaunaNiequist.com.

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Humanitarian Disaster Institute Joins Crisis Publishing Coalition

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(Colorado Springs, CO) – Magazine Training International (MTI) is pleased to announce that Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI) of Wheaton College has joined the Crisis Publishing Coalition.

Coalition members are organizations and individuals who make up a board of reference for the Crisis Publishing Institute to be held 15 – 18 October, 2017, in Europe. Coalition members advertise the program to their constituents, recommend speakers, and serve as advisors to program organizers.

“We have seen first hand the powerful impact thoughtful reporting on faith issues can have on communities impacted by mass and humanitarian disasters,” says Dr. Jamie Aten, director of HDI. “At the same time, we have observed situations where media caused more harm than good.

“Overall, there has been a drastic increase in mass and humanitarian disasters. There is a significant need for a forum to better prepare religious reporting to tackle today’s global crises. This is why we’ve chosen to join the Crisis Publishing Institute coalition.”

“We are pleased to welcome Humanitarian Disaster Institute as a coalition partner for this institute.” says MTI President Sharon Mumper. “I look forward to working together in the future.”

The three-and-a-half-day Crisis Publishing Institute is designed for Christian writers, editors, and publishers who face the challenge of reporting on catastrophic events. Participants will learn how to discover and report the truth in complex, rapidly-changing situations and how to offer a biblical perspective to their readers. And, they will receive reliable background information on the crises about which they must write.

The Institute will offer three separate tracks with sessions on topics like guiding and caring for “War Zone” reporters, moving beyond the five “W’s”, staying safe in dangerous situations, photographing tragedy, coping with the emotional impact of reporting on tragedy, and tools for covering crises.

Other coalition members include Tyndale House Foundation, Evangelical Press Association, and COMIX35.

Tyndale House Foundation seeks to minister to the spiritual needs of people, primarily through literature consistent with biblical principles.

The mission of COMIX35 is to bring people to Jesus Christ through the visual storytelling media of comics.

The Evangelical Press Association is a professional association of Christian publications that strengthens evangelical periodicals through inspiration, instruction, and networking.

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Media Contact:

Sharon Mumper, President, (719) 598-9743 smumper@magazinetraining.com
More information is available at on our website and on Facebook.

The mission of Magazine Training International is to encourage, strengthen, and provide resources to Christian magazines as they seek to build the church and reach their societies for Christ. Over the last 28 years, MTI has offered some 65 conferences, courses, and seminars on-site in East/Central Europe, Asia, and North America. The online training program includes online courses, Webinars, free e-books, and training videos. In addition, MTI offers training manuals in more than 10 languages, DVD and MP3 courses, and a resource-packed website.

The mission of Humanitarian Disaster Institute is to equip churches and faith-based organizations to prepare for the unthinkable, care for the vulnerable, and cultivate resilience in times of disaster. Their mission is carried out both domestically and internationally through psychological research, training, and resource development. HDI focuses on the psychology of religion/spirituality disaster research, disaster ministry, disaster spiritual and emotional care, and refugee and trauma care.

The Christy Award™ Has a New Home at ECPA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(PHOENIX, ARIZ., August 18, 2016) Those administering The Christy Award™, the nation’s most prestigious award for Christian fiction, have entered into an agreement with the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) to assume ownership and administration of The Christy Award program beginning September 1, 2016.

Donna Kehoe, executive director for The Christy Awards LLC, has been working with ECPA to find a new home for the celebrated award program she has guided since its inception in 1999 when a dozen Christian publishers established a Christian fiction award to recognize novelists and novels of excellence in several genres of Christian fiction.

“For seventeen years, The Christy Award program has nurtured and encouraged creativity in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview, highlighted the power of story to communicate truth and change lives, and showcased the diversity of the fiction genres,” said Kehoe. “We are confident that ECPA not only shares these objectives but also will use its position and resources as a leader in the industry to give added breadth and depth to the reach of the Award.”

“We are honored and excited to be entrusted with The Christy Award,” said Stan Jantz, executive director of ECPA. “Christian fiction is a vital part of publishing, and this unique and respected program recognizes the most accomplished authors and their novels each year.”

The Award itself is named for and inspired by Catherine Marshall, described by the New York Times as “America’s most inspirational author” with more than 25 million copies of her books in print. Catherine Marshall’s best-known work, the novel Christy, has more than 10 million copies in print and is estimated to have been read by more than 30 million people. ECPA will operate The Christy Award program under license from Marshall-LeSourd LLC, owner of THE CHRISTY AWARD trademark.

As ECPA takes on the program, there is a keen awareness of the history and legacy of this award. “ECPA intends to operate The Christy Award program as a steward,” said Jantz. “Our mission is to protect, preserve, and advance the name and spirit of the Award in the manner it was first conceived.”

As new owners and administrators for The Christy Award, ECPA will continue to follow the guidelines for submission that have characterized the award. “We have been inspired by Donna Kehoe, who has faithfully and skillfully established The Christy Award as the premiere Christian fiction award program,” said Cindy Carter, who directs the awards and recognition program for ECPA. “Our team is looking forward to working with Donna and the other members of the program’s advisory board.”

Carter noted that ECPA’s Christian Book Award® program no longer includes a fiction category now that The Christy Award program is part of ECPA. The submission and judging process for The Christy Award will be distinct from the Christian Book Award, and the celebration event that recognizes The Christy Award recipients will be held at a different time and place than ECPA’s Christian Book Award celebration event.

“We’re anticipating the launch of a new celebration event for The Christy Award in 2017, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of Christy,” said Jantz. “By writing this new chapter in the history of The Christy Award program, we are excited to be shining a spotlight on the legacy of Catherine Marshall’s book as well as the importance of outstanding fiction books being written now and in the future by contemporary authors.”

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The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization, comprised of nearly 200 member companies worldwide, representing a combined revenue of nearly $1.4 billion. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building Networking, Information, and Advocacy opportunities within the industry and across multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org, ecpa.org, twitter.com/ECPA

The Christy Award™ is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction. The Christy Awards are online at ChristyAwards.com, facebook.com/ChristyAward, and twitter.com/ChristyAward

Media contacts:
Stan Jantz, ECPA Executive Director
sjantz@ecpa.org 480-966-3998
Cindy Carter, ECPA Awards & Recognition Manager
ccarter@ecpa.org 480-966-3998

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Christian Book Award® is a registered trademark of ECPA.

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