(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA) MAI is pleased to announce LittWorld 2018 will again take place in Singapore, October 28 to November 2, 2018. “The world of publishing is changing, but the one constant is the need for excellent content,” MAI President John Maust said.  “At LittWorld 2018, global publishers and writers will look at fresh new ways to help today’s readers see and apply the power of the Bible in their everyday lives and to know the Word made flesh.”

Every three years, MAI convenes LittWorld, the only international conference of its kind, providing intensive training on strategic, publishing-related topics. More than 40 international publishing professionals will lead plenary sessions, small group workshops, devotionals and one-on-one consultations giving fresh vision and skills for heightened effectiveness.  The schedule also features ample time for networking and relationship-building. The last conference in 2015 gathered 278 Christian publishing staff and writers from 50 countries.

Bernice Lee, chair of the local host committee, says: “It is a great privilege and joy to be able to welcome you back to Singapore again. We had so much fun hosting the last Littworld in 2015 that we jumped at the opportunity to host it again. So many life-changing connections were made in the world of Christian publishing at our last Littworld, with new publishing houses birthed and cross-border collaborations begun. We are looking forward to so much more!”

Men and women from 94 countries have participated in the conference since it began in 1986. Through LittWorld, MAI has seen publishing houses born, new books conceived, and skills refined for more effective publishing. Inevitably, participants take away a new or reinforced commitment to publish books and articles by local authors in the heart language and culture of readers.

“I live where very few books are available and people generally don’t like to read. Sometimes it seems that developing literacy and nurturing authors is a vain endeavor,” wrote Jane of Tajikistan (not her real name due to security concerns). “At LittWorld 2015 I met many successful writers who have impacted their countries. I am inspired to continue raising up local authors, but also to share the Word of God with the next generation.”

Further details and registration will be available soon at littworld.org. For more information, email mai@littworld.org or call (630) 260-9063.

ABOUT MAI: Since our founding in 1985, MAI has advanced the Gospel by equipping local Christian publishers, editors and writers in 79 countries on 5 continents. These trainings have resulted in more locally published Christian books and articles written in the heart language and culture of the intended reader. littworld.org

WESTMONT, IL— Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center and the Billy Graham Chair of Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College, will publish two books with InterVarsity Press on the past, present, future, and trends of evangelicalism. The first book is set to release in the spring of 2019.

“Ed Stetzer is one of the church’s most perceptive thought leaders today,” said Al Hsu, senior editor for IVP Books. “He grounds his perspectives in cutting-edge research, and his work as a ministry practitioner and missiologist is deeply rooted in historic evangelical identity and mission. IVP is thrilled to partner with him in helping the church move forward in the midst of cultural complexity.”

Stetzer’s extensive research work and leadership experience, previously with Lifeway and currently with Wheaton College and the Billy Graham Center, has established him as a major contributor to conversations on the North American missional church, church planting, church revitalization, and Christian cultural engagement.

“Ed has a unique voice in evangelicalism that is grounded, thoughtful, and incisive,” said Helen Lee, director of marketing for InterVarsity Press. “He is the kind of author who reflects evangelicalism at its best, and we are honored to be working with him to bring his ideas to the church and beyond.”

Stetzer’s first book to be published, tentatively titled Evangelical Landscape, begins with a look back at evangelical roots and identity, proceeds to map out where the evangelical church is today, and shows how a robust evangelicalism will move forward. This includes showing how the church must stay true to evangelical distinctiveness and mission by engaging with cultural issues in biblically sound ways, while at the same time pursuing the common good and welcoming outsiders and the marginalized.

The second book, tentatively titled Entrepreneurial Evangelicalism, will look at ministry innovations and religious reconfiguration during the mid-1980s to 2010—a period notably marked by the continuing decline of mainline churches, eroding denominational loyalty, and the corresponding rise of large, evangelical nondenominational churches. Relying on the research arm of the Billy Graham Center, this book will present data collected through a large-scale phone survey of American Protestant churches and in-depth interviews with pastors of large churches and facilitators of ministry innovations. The book will examine three central questions:

1. What were the influential ministry innovations introduced by large, evangelical churches during the mid-1980s through approximately 2010, and how did they influence ministry paradigms and ways of doing church?
2. Who (individuals and organizations) were the influential innovators and thought leaders of this period?
3. What patterns can be discerned in the pathways and mechanisms used to diffuse these innovations to other churches?

“I am so glad to be partnering with InterVarsity Press as evangelicals think through important issues about who we are and where we go from here,” said Stetzer. “IVP is a publisher known for its passion for mission, and as we seek to live on mission in the world we find ourselves, I look forward to serving the church in partnership with them.”

InterVarsity Press has a long history of publishing books on the history of evangelicalism as well as its current developments and rising voices. Stetzer’s research and writing align well with the goals of IVP to “influence, engage, and shape the university world and our contemporary culture for the sake of Jesus Christ and his kingdom in the world.”

“Ed Stetzer’s work in the areas of research and missiology have made a tremendous impact on our understanding of the church, its impact and challenges, and its relationship to contemporary culture,” said Jeff Crosby, IVP publisher. “I am grateful for the chance to publish these projects and to link arms with Ed’s work at the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton. We look forward to a fruitful relationship in the years ahead.”

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church, and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Contact:  Alisse Wissman | 630.734.4059 | awissman@ivpress.com

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press is pleased to welcome Katelyn Beaty as a freelance acquisitions editor and to announce the promotion of Ethan McCarthy to assistant editor.

As a freelance acquisitions editor for IVP, Beaty will acquire six to eight books a year and work at IVP one day a week to meet with the publishing committee and editorial team about forthcoming titles. Beaty is an editor at large with Christianity Today, where she previously served as the magazine’s youngest and first female managing editor.

“Katelyn Beaty has proven her ability to find new voices and develop them in her work with Christianity Today andHer.menutics,” said Cindy Bunch, associate publisher, director of editorial. “The authors she has worked with in those settings sing her praises. We are eager to see her bring her skills to the book publishing world as she acquires new authors for us.”

Beaty is the author of A Woman’s Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home and the World (Howard Books) and the companion group study guide from Abingdon Press. She has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, andVox and has spoken at Q, the Festival of Faith and Writing, Jubilee, Movement Day, Princeton Theological Seminary, Biola University, Made to Flourish, and HOPE International. A native of Ohio and graduate of Calvin College, she lives in the Chicago suburbs, where she attends an Anglican church and enjoys running, reading, and the occasional karaoke outing.

McCarthy joined IVP in 2014 as an academic editorial assistant and was promoted to assistant project editor in 2016. He has worked on titles such as Liturgy of the Ordinary, Movies Are Prayers, and Embodied Hope. In his role as assistant editor McCarthy will acquire and edit new titles. He will also work closely with Beaty throughout the editorial process for the books she acquires.

“Ethan McCarthy has been an excellent and constantly growing contributor in the InterVarsity Press editorial department,” Bunch said. “He has already stepped in and developed a number of book projects. He brings insight, patience, and care to his work with authors. Promoting him into this new role working with authors was a natural next step.”

McCarthy did his undergraduate studies at Toccoa Falls College, where he majored in biblical studies and English. He got his MDiv at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and served as the editor of TEDS’s graduate student paper, the Graduate Scrawl. McCarthy has also been a staff writer at Christ and Pop Culture since 2013. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife and three children.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Contact:  Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

Grand Prize Winner Receives Skype Call with Tebow, Limited Edition Signed Bat, and Autographed Copy of Shaken: Young Readers Edition

Colorado Springs, Colorado – (October 5, 2017) In conjunction with the release of his new book, Shaken: The Young Reader’s Edition – Fighting to Stand Strong No Matter What Comes Your Way (WaterBrook, September 12, 2017), Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback and now professional baseball player Tim Tebow is launching a book report contest that is running from September 26, 2017, through January 8, 2018. Aimed at youth ages 10 to 15 years old, this contest encourages reading and writing and reminds them of their identity in Jesus.

Participants are invited to write a report, limited to one page with a maximum of 750 words, on how the Shaken: Young Reader’s Edition inspired or challenged them in their lives. The grand prizewinner will receive a limited edition, signed Tim Tebow “TT-15” baseball bat, a signed copy of Shaken: Young Reader’s Edition, and a Skype call with Tebow. The two runners-up will receive a signed, game-played baseball from Tebow and a signed copy of Shaken: Young Reader’s Edition. For official rules and details, visit www.WMBooks.com/ShakenRules.

Young readers of Shaken will be captivated and motivated by Tebow’s personal stories of highs and lows. With the enthusiastic voice and contagious positivity that he’s known for, Tebow inspires his young readers to believe that God is ready to do great things through them—in their families, their schools, and around the world.

“There is nothing more empowering, more life-giving and more exciting than having a strong identity,” says Tebow. “Jesus knew this, and He wants you to know it as well. When we are willing to let God define who we are, He will take what we have to offer and multiply it in ways and for a purpose that we cannot imagine. My prayer is that, no matter what you’re facing today, this book will help you discover an unshakable identity and a God-designed purpose for your life!”

• No purchase is necessary. All entries must be postmarked on or by January 8, 2018, and received on or byJanuary 15, 2018. Open to U.S. residents only. A winner will be selected on or about February 15, 2018. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
• Parents and teachers can access the book report application by visiting www.WMbooks.com/ShakenBookReport.
• For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com or www.timtebow.com/shaken.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tim Tebow is a two-time national college football champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and first-round NFL draft pick. After playing in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, Tebow joined SEC Nation on ESPN. He also contributes to a variety of other ESPN platforms. Tebow is pursuing a new professional career in baseball and recently signed a contract with the New York Mets. In October of 2016, he released Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms, an immediate New York Times best-seller appearing on the list for 11 weeks and was named ECPA’s Christian Book of the Year for 2017. Through everything, Tebow’s true passion is the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation, which he began in 2010. The foundation’s mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is fulfilling that mission every day by serving thousands of children around the world.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimTebow    Twitter/Instagram: @TimTebow

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
WaterBrook and Multnomah are imprints of The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission of nourishing a universal passion for reading by connecting authors and their writing with readers everywhere. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson, who own 53 percent and 47 percent, respectively. With nearly 250 independent imprints and brands on five continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Portugal, and Uruguay. With over 15,000 new titles, and close to 800 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 60 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.

Combining his parenting and longtime educational expertise, Dr. Kevin Leman offers help to parents in understanding their options as they wade through the confusing waters of today’s school choices in his new book, Education a la Carte (Revell).  Education isn’t a one-size fits all.  He lays out the different options and explains the pros and cons of each choice and how each individual child, including siblings, may thrive in a different educational setting.  Because the type of schooling pursued for a child is one of the most critical decisions a parent will make, understanding those choices and identifying your child’s unique skills and interests will be crucial to achieving a quality education.

Using his trademark humor and commonsense psychology, Dr. Leman will introduce parents to a menu of options to consider in making an informed decision.  He will help parents:

• learn how to capitalize on their child’s strengths, weaknesses, natural talents, and curiosity
• wade through the myriad education options – pros and cons
• find out if their child is ready for preschool or kindergarten
• gain perspective on grades and homework
• strategize just the right education options for their individual child

Dr. Leman wants to change the conversation about education from Parent: “So, what did you learn at school today?” Child: “Nothin.” to “Mom/Dad, guess what I learned at school today?”  He shows parents how to choose schooling options wisely that will provide academic excellence, real-life application and a perfect match for their child’s uniqueness.

Confirmed media includes:

• 700 Club – (Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) – Live interview Tuesday, September 5.  Will also interview onCBN News and the 7CI show while at CBN. link
• 700 Club Interactive:  link
• Fox & Friends – September 8 and 9 interviews canceled due to Hurricane Irma. These interviews will be rescheduled. New interview dates TBD.
• TCT-TV (Total Christian Television Network):  Recorded 60 minute interview on Thursday, August 10.
• The List TV:  Recorded 20 minute Skype interview with Monday, October 2 air date .  Airs in 47 markets nationwide.  The link to the segment on their website: http://www.thelisttv.com/the-list/what-your-birth-order-says-about-your-personality
• The Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlQrxKBg650
• The List TV:  Second 20 minute interview recorded in-studio on Friday, September 29 with air date to be announced.  Airs in 47 markets nationwide.
• KPDQ The Georgene Rice Show (Salem Radio Network):  Live 30 minute interview on Wednesday, September 13.
• WDCX The Neil Boron Show (Crawford Broadcasting):  Live 60 minute interview on Monday, September 18.
• Dottin the i:  Recorded 30 minute interview on Monday, September 18.
• WMUZ The Bob Dutko Show (Crawford Broadcasting): Talk radio syndicated in 9 major cities.  Live 30 minute interview on Monday, October 2.
• WTLN The Pat Williams Saturday Power Hour – Recorded 25 minute interview on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
• Moody Nashville Dawn in the Morning: Live 30 minute interview on Wednesday, October25.
• LifeQuest (LifeTalk Radio Network):  Recorded 25 minute interview on Wednesday, October 4.  Show airs nationwide and internationally.  Air date to be announced.
• In the Market with Janet Parshall (Moody Network) – Live 60 minute interview on Monday, September 11.
• License to Parent – Recorded 30 minute interview on Friday, August 18.  Interview will air close to release, with date to be announced.  Show airs on over 50 stations nationwide.
• Point of View Radio Talk Show – Live 60 minute in-studio interview on Tuesday, September 19.  Show airs on over on over 300 stations nationwide. 60 minute interview will air on Friday, October 9.
• Focus on the Family – Recorded 30 minute interview on Tuesday, December 12 with air date in January.  (A second 30 minute interview focusing on The Birth Order Book will recorded with air date in March.)  A Facebook Live will happen following the recording of the two interviews.
• Family Radio Network:  Recorded 5 minute interview on Tuesday, September 12.
• Chris Fabry Live! (Moody Radio Network):  Live 60 minute in-studio interview on Thursday, September 28.
• KBRT-AM The Bottom Line (Crawford Broadcasting):  LA area –  Live 30 minute interview on Monday, September 11.
• KDOV (Salem Radio Network):  Medford, OR –  Live 30 minute interview on Tuesday, September 12.
• WYLL-AM Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand (Salem Radio Network):  Recorded 30 minute interview on Tuesday, September 12.  Interview will air on Friday, September 15.
• Christian Audio:   30 minute interview recorded January 6.

Phoenix

• KTVK-3TV Good Morning Arizona: Live, in-studio, 4 minute interview on Friday, September 29.
• KTAR News The Bruce & Pamela Show: Live, in-studio, 30 interview on Friday, September 29.
• KPNX-TV Arizona Midday:  Recorded 5 minute interview on Friday, September 29.  Will air first week of October.

Pittsburgh

• KDKA-AM Morning Show (CBS Radio Network):  Top Talk Station, Pittsburgh, PA.  Dr. Leman will co-host with Morning Show Team on Wednesday, September 6 from 6:30-9:00 am ET.  Along with co-hosting, he will do 3 regular interviews focusing on Education a la Carte with morning hosts that morning.

Buffalo

• WBBZ-TV Daily Buzz 716:  Buffalo, NY – Live 45 minute interview on Thursday, September 7

Dallas

• WFAA-TV Good Morning Texas (ABC):  Live 4 ½ minute interview on Monday, September 18.
• KDFW-TV Good Day Dallas (FOX):  Live 5 minute interview on Tuesday, September 19.  See interview here
  http://www.fox4news.com/good-day/281862327-video.

Chicago

• WGN-TV WGN Midday News:  Live 4 1/2minute interview on Wednesday, September 20.  See interview here http://wgntv.com/2017/09/20/midday-fix-education-a-la-carte-author-dr-kevin-leman/
• WLS-TV Windy City Live:  Recorded 5 minute interview aired on Wednesday, September 27.  See interview here: link

Education a la Carte By Dr. Kevin Leman
ISBN #: 978-0-8007-2843-4, Hardcover
ISBN-10: 0800728432
Pages: 288 pages
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $17.99
Twitter: http://twitter.com/drkevinleman
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Kevin-   Leman/103340722313
Website: www.birthorderguy.com

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, educator and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. He has made house calls through hundreds of radio and television programs, such as Fox & Friends, The View, Good Morning America, Today, CBS’s The Early Show, The 700 Club, and CNN. A New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Dr. Leman has written more than fifty books about marriage and family issues, including The Birth Order Book, Sex Begins in the Kitchen, and Have a New Kid by Friday. Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and four grandchildren.

Just last week, Paraclete began shipping copies of That Baby in the Manger by Anne Neuberger and illustrated by Chloe E. Pitkoff. This new book answers the question: how can children of a variety of ethnicities in the 21st century identify with the baby Jesus who came to earth into a very different culture, centuries ago.

After reading this book, “you and your children will never look at a crèche the same way again. That Baby in the Manger is a wonderful starting point for family discussions on race, ethnicity and faith.” —Paul Canavese and Ann Naffziger, codirectors of GrowingUpCatholic.com

The story centers around a manger at an inner-city church — empty, as the Christ Child will be placed in it on Christmas morning. The empty manger causes a discussion amongst this multi-cultural group: it becomes clear that they are bothered by the statue of the baby Jesus that they remember, that doesn’t look like any of them. An inspired solution comes just in time for Christmas and shows how Jesus and his love came down for all of us.

As congregations and parishes become more and more diverse, this simple children’s book will be a welcome resource!

An extensive online discussion guide offers many additional discussion and activity possibilities for churches and families.

For more information:  Contact Sr. Antonia Cleverly
srantonia@paracletepress.com, (508) 255-4685 x 329​

Available Exclusively in Christian Standard Bible® Translation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 4, 2017) – Holman Bibles announces the She Reads Truth Bible has sold more than 100,000 units in its first six months of sales. One of the first Bibles to publish exclusively in the Christian Standard Bible® translation, the She Reads Truth Bible debuted on the ECPA Bestseller list for Bibles in May 2017, holding the top three slots. The She Reads Truth Bible has appeared on that list each month since its release, and sales are expected to strengthen during the holiday season.

The visionaries of She Reads Truth™ , Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams, chose the CSB translation exclusively for their She Reads Truth Bible. “Scripture is a glorious collision of beauty, goodness and truth, and we pray this Bible will represent that,” explains Amanda Bible Williams, Chief Content Officer of She Reads Truth™ .

Adds Raechel Myers, She Reads Truth™ CEO: “Our heart for the She Reads Truth Bible is not to add to or improve on the perfect and complete gift of Scripture God has given us. Rather, our heart is for everything we’ve included in this Bible to point back to God and His Word.”

In addition, the branded website for the Bible, SheReadsTruthBible.com, has surpassed more than 500,000 page views since its launch in March 2017.

“The Christian Standard Bible is a translation that is both accurate and readable” explains Trevin Wax, Bible and Reference Publisher for LifeWay Christian Resources. “We’re proud to have exemplary products available from day one, including the She Reads Truth Bible .”

The Christian Standard Bible, a newly revised translation from Holman Bibles, prioritizes both accuracy and readability, making it a trustworthy text for both pastors and church members. The CSB translation is available on all major Bible apps and portals. Full details on the CSB translation and Bibles are available at CSBible.com .

Holman Bibles is the publisher of The Christian Standard Bible ®, a newly revised translation prioritizing both accuracy and readability, making a trustworthy text for both pastors and church members. The CSB translation is available on all major Bible apps and portals. Recent CSB Bible products to launch include CSB Study Bible, She Reads Truth Bible, CSB Big Picture Interactive Bible, CSB Spurgeon Study Bible, CSB Reader’s Bible, and CSB Apologetics Study Bible. In addition, multiple publishers have licensed the Christian Standard Bible translation for use in new titles: David C. Cook in The Good Book project and Baker Publishing Group in several new projects including Journaling Through the Psalms, the CSB Study Bible for Girls and CSB Study Bible for Boys. Full details on the CSB translation and Bibles are available at CSBible.com.

Media​ ​Contact:​ ​Jana Muntsinger
Jana@mmpublicrelations.com  281.251.0480 or 832.247.9308

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR T.D. JAKES DELIVERS FLIGHT LESSONS TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS IN SOAR!

 New book shares how to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit

“If you’re tired of hovering in place and ready to expand your vision and fly to the next level, then it’s time to make your vision a reality.”—T.D. Jakes

#1 New York Times bestselling author and pastor of The Potter’s House, T.D. Jakes reveals how to build the uniquely personal vision within each of us into our special contribution to the world in Soar!: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up (FaithWords/Hachette Book Group, 978-1455553907, $ 25.00, October 10, 2017).  

Speaking to anyone with an entrepreneurial vision, Jakes offers tried and true principles to go from surviving to soaring. “You don’t have angel wings sprouting from your shoulder blades, possess super powers like the many heroes on our movie screens, or own a Cessna aircraft but if you have the desire for advancement in your life and you’re willing to risk the familiar comfort of where you are for the adrenaline-fueled thrill of where you want to be, then you can fly,” asserts Jakes. “Flight is possible even for those who are emotionally, financially and creatively fatigued. You can take your vision, build it into something remarkable, and reach heights you could have never imagined.”

Drawing on lessons learned in his own life as a pastor, investor, author, producer and all-around entrepreneur along with stories of other people, such as Oprah, Jakes shares concepts crucial to building a vision from the ground up, all related in a warm, inviting way using metaphors from the world of flight.

Jake will appear on The Today Show, Dr. Oz and will embark on a book tour with scheduled stops in New York, Washington, D.C., San Antonio, TX, Los Angeles, CA, and  Atlanta, GA.

TEMPE, ARIZ., October 9, 2017 – ECPA has announced the recipients of the Emerging Leaders scholarship program for ECPA PubU, the industry’s training and networking event for Christian publishing professionals.  Sponsored by NPD Book and ECPA, nominations were made by Christian publishers with a goal to invest in up and coming industry professionals identified as future leaders.  Nominees were considered based on their current and potential contributions to their companies.

“It’s a pleasure to support the Emerging Leaders program at PubU for the second year in a row,” expressed Kristen McLean, Executive Director of Business Development at NPD Book.  “We really believe in supporting and encouraging the development of the next generation of Christian publishing leadership at NPD, and we think PubU is the perfect opportunity to work with publishers to identify and nurture these fantastic candidates.”

The class of ten, selected from a strong pool of candidates, will be officially introduced at PubU and honored at the opening session, which will also feature a keynote by Gabe Lyons and the announcement of the Top Shelf Book Cover Award winners.

“The industry is already recognizing the positive effect of identifying and supporting the next generation of publishing professionals,” stated ECPA executive director Stan Jantz. “These are the voices we need to take Christian publishing into the future and we congratulate the 2017 class of industry emerging leaders.”

The PubU 2017 class of Emerging Leaders are:

Caitlyn Carlson started her work at David Cook as an intern from Cedarville University.  She was so thorough she was then offered a position as copy editor upon graduation. More recently she joined NavPress where she is an acquisitions editor.  She is married to Rob, a licensed family counselor, and mother to August.

Jeff Cooley is one of the most well rounded and passionate people in our industry. As part of the sales team, he serves as a conduit to so many different promotional initiatives including design, custom products, promotion planning, and product photography. “He is a true servant and I can think of no other as passionate about his craft. His team loves him for it,” says B&H Publishing’s VP of Marketing Dave Schroeder.

Janelle Coury is a Design & Layout Manager for Harvest House Publishers. “Janelle is a phenomenal designer with vision, passion, and excellent intuition, says Jennifer Butenschoen, Harvest House Director of Production and Digital Content.  “She came to Harvest House right after college and took off flying. Janelle’s professional, organizational and team development skills stand out immediately as she is all about making the process collaborative for the best results.  She is definitely an emerging leader in our industry!”

Christiann Da Silva came to LifeWay from the retail world wanting to have a greater impact on the lives of others through Christian literature.  His love and passion for a more global audience has been influential in the growth of LifeWay’s Spanish and Portuguese publishing initiatives.  “We’d like to invest in Christiann’s growth within publishing through the PubU emerging leader program,” states LifeWay Director Cristopher Garrido.

Trice Gibbons left a career in healthcare strategic business planning and product development to attend Vanderbilt Divinity School where he earned the Master of Divinity degree in 2013. After serving as a hospice chaplain and a brief return to healthcare, Trice joined The United Methodist Publishing House in 2016 as Marketing Manager with responsibility for three product lines—Covenant Bible Study, MinistryMatters.com, and Abingdon Press Leadership titles. Trice is an ordained ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and actively participates in the life of Nashville’s Second Presbyterian Church.

Chelsea Gonzalez is a Marketing, Sales, and Rights Assistant for Hendrickson Publishers, and an exceptional young professional who came from Harvard University Press.  She is bilingual and has been trained in multiple dimensions of publishing through her Master’s program and is now able to bring her skills into the Christian publishing sector.  “Though Chelsea has only one-year of publishing experience, I expect she will rapidly become a leader in our industry,” says Paul Hendrickson, general manager of Hendrickson Publishers.

Christy Lynch is a Production Manager for Abingdon/United Methodist Publishing House.  She has worked in book production for the past five years and is pursuing an MFA in creative writing (nonfiction emphasis) at the University of the South. She is swift and on the career path toward product acquisition and responsibility for a product line. “She has superb organizational skills and coordinates a team of six editors and a designer who produce sixty titles a year,” states her supervisor, Paul Franklyn, at The United Methodist Publishing House.

Amanda Martin is the Editorial Director at P&R Publishing.  She came to P&R as a production and editorial intern shortly after college.  She soon had opportunities to plunge into many areas of publishing and became involved in developing manuscripts.  Amanda’s rise to editorial director has been swift, and she realizes she needs development too: “I know I still have much to learn so I can serve my company well in the future.  I look forward to how PubU can help me to accomplish that.”

Brittany Sky is Senior Editor at the United Methodist Publishing House. “Brittany is a rising star and brings innovation, energy, and interpersonal skills that will propel her and our children’s unit to new levels,” states UMPH supervisor Marj Pon.  She is a strong leader with Lean training, and actively engages strategy and team development to improve product creation, efficiencies, and both sales and cost of goods improvements.

Tiffany Thomas is the Assistant Rights and Data Coordinator at InterVarsity Press.  She shifted careers to work in publishing a little over a year ago and has dived into learning about publishing and subsidiary rights with pleasure.  “Rights work requires a unique set of skills,” states IVP Sr. Rights & Contracts Manager Ellen Hsu.  “Tiffany is diligent and capable and shows a quiet perseverance and unflappable attitude and we’re excited to see how her career develops at IVP.”

###

About PubU
ECPA PubU is the industry’s “Publishing University” for Christian publishing professionals, taught by experts and industry leaders, and considered the premier training ground for the industry. In-depth sessions are offered in Marketing & Publicity, Reader Engagement, Editorial, Design, Data, Delivery & Workflow and Rights. In 2017, PubU will be held November 7-8 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennesee and will feature 42 community sessions and a plenary session with Gabe Lyons. Full program details and registration are at ECPAPubU.org.

About ECPA
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit 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

About NPD Book
NPD Book is the market leader in data and insights for the $24B US Publishing Industry. Through our portfolio of products and services including BookScan, PubTrack Digital, PubTrack Christian, and Books & Consumers, along with our analysts’ unique industry expertise, we help our clients understand their performance, their consumers, and their opportunities and grow their businesses in today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Media Contact: Stan Jantz, ECPA executive director
sjantz@ecpa.org  480-966-3998