Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher of the newly formed PRH Christian Publishing Group (PRHCPG), announced the development of the PRH Christian Publishing Group Creative Services team to be headed by Creative Director Kristopher Orr, reporting to Wharton.

A 20-year veteran of PRH, Orr comes from the Random House Advertising Operations team where he was the Art Director responsible for the marketing assets for WaterBrook, Multnomah, Ink & Willow, Image, Forum, Convergent, Harmony, and Rodale imprints. Before his time with advertising operations, Orr spent 15 years creating book covers and marketing materials for the WaterBrook and Multnomah publishing program.

Orr is putting together a team that will handle book jackets, ad/promo materials, branding, and other creative needs. He will also be joining the management team where his entrepreneurial thinking and brand experience will be excellent additions to the business as PRHCPG charts a course for growth. Newly reporting to Orr will be Sonia Persad, Associate Director, Art/Design and Elizabeth Shapiro, Associate Designer, Cover Press.

PRH Christian Publishing Group includes WaterBrook, Multnomah, Ink & Willow, Forum, and Image imprints and is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC

Nashville, TN—R.H. Boyd, a leader in educational materials, publishing, events, and faith-based content, is actively seeking passionate individuals to join our team. As we expand into new ventures and continuously enhance our technology, we welcome professionals with fresh ideas, problem-solving skills, and a passion for contributing to our mission. With nearly 130 years of service, we remain committed to uplifting and preserving Black culture, empowering communities through knowledge, and fostering meaningful change.

Our company values innovation, collaboration, and dedication, and we seek team members who share these ideals. Whether working in publishing, media, event management, or corporate support roles, we aim to create an environment where skills can thrive. We welcome candidates who are committed to excellence, are excited about making a lasting impact, and are ready to embrace the responsibility of carrying forward our legacy of service and leadership.

Joining R.H. Boyd means becoming part of a mission-driven company with deep roots in Nashville’s community. Our legacy is built on faith, culture, and education, and we want new hires who can contribute by bringing fresh perspectives and ideas. As we expand into new ventures and continue supporting our core business, we need forward-thinking, technologically advanced professionals who are problem solvers, team players, and dedicated to creating meaningful change. The ideal candidates will have a targeted emphasis on revenue generation, growth, and technology. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a company that honors the past while shaping the future, we encourage you to apply.

Current open positions include Director of Development, Director of Sales and Distribution Partnerships, Human Resources Manager, Editor, Proofreader, Inventory, Prepress Operator, and more.

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, flexible PTO, and professional development opportunities.

Interested candidates should visit www.rhboyd.com/careers to view current open positions and apply. For questions, please email us at careers@rhboyd.com.

R.H. Boyd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Contact:  Emmanuel LeGrair, marketing@rhboyd.com 

Finalist for Tennessee Book Award and The Christy Award®

An American Immigrant, a novel by Johanna Rojas Vann (WaterBrook, Aug 15, 2023), received two awards at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards, held on Oct. 19, 2024, in Los Angeles. Rojas Vann was awarded the Gold Award for Best First Book – Fiction and was honored with the Silver Award for The Isabel Allende Most Inspirational Fiction Book– English. The largest awards program in the US celebrating achievements in Latino literature, the program celebrated this year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal winners in 105 categories of Children and Young Adult Books, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Translation, and Mariposa books.

Rojas Vann’s debut novel was also recognized as a finalist in the first ever Tennessee Book Awards in the fiction category announced on October 21, 2024.

In addition, An American Immigrant is a finalist in the First Novel category at the upcoming ECPA Christy Awards to be held on November 14, 2024, in Chicago.

In An American Immigrant, a Colombian American journalist tries to save her career by taking an assignment somewhere she never thought she’d go—Colombia—in this heartwarming debut novel about rediscovering our family stories. Johanna Rojas Vann is a professional writer whose work can be found online and within numerous publications. She is a second-generation Colombian American, with dual citizenship, and lives with her husband and children in Nashville, Tennessee.

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

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

Ada, Mich. (Oct. 7, 2024)— New York Times best selling author Jon Acuff’s Baker Books have sold more than 250,000 copies.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate this major milestone with our friend and collaborator Jon Acuff,” said Brian Vos, Editorial Director of Baker Books. “It’s an honor for the entire Baker Books publishing team to pour into Jon’s incredible messages and share them with readers across the country and around the world. The exciting thing is, we’re just getting started.”

Acuff’s Baker Books include Soundtracks (2021) and All It Takes Is a Goal (2023). He’s also co-authored two books for teens with his daughter. L.E. and McRae, Your New Playlist (2022), and How Teens Win (2024).

Jon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including Soundtracks, Your New Playlist, and the Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. When he’s not writing or recording his popular podcast, All It Takes Is a Goal, Acuff can be found on a stage as one of INC’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers.

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

Contact:  Kelli B. Smith, ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

More digital options are forthcoming from Kingery Printing. The new digital stitchline is currently being installed—a uniquely designed piece from Hohner & MBO.

The new equipment includes an unwinder, cutter, and folder providing total versatility of downstream finishing options from the RICOH VC80000. The Digital Press Room now has the option of moving printed rolls to either the Hunkeler/Horizon BQ500 Perfect Binder, or to the MBO/Hohner stitchline. One of the really impressive capabilities added to this stitchline is the selective insertion of signatures or covers—offering vast customization and personalization options for Kingery clients.

To make room for the new bindery operation, a legacy press was retired, as well as the relocation of two existing stitchers. After the MBO/Hohner is operational, new bundling equipment will be added to multiple stackers and folders to keep up with increased volume and expedite KPC fulfillment procedures. This will round out Kingery capabilities to include:

• 1- to 4-Color Printing
• Variable Data
• Saddle Stitch & PUR-Perfect Binding
• Select Signature/Binding Options
• Unique & Targeted Pieces

Another sheet-fed press line is being installed in 2025, which will mean more logistical challenges for existing stitchers, folders, and box-making machinery. All of these changes are massive steps toward streamlining Kingery processes, minimizing downtime, and maximizing efficiency in the digital and offset pressrooms and binderies.

As always, none of these improvements and changes could happen without the dedication of operators learning and growing into their new positions. The Maintenance Department has done all of the literal heavy lifting in getting tons and tons of equipment moved out, moved in, refurbished, and/or installed. It is no small feat to keep a couple hundred thousand square feet of production floor, millions and millions of dollars in equipment, and 180 employees humming along printing amazing work.

So, what does all this mean for Kingery clients? These upgrades provide options for short-, medium- and long-run books, catalogs, trade show pieces, personalized direct-mail pieces, and special Sales Team products; quicker turn-times; greater flexibility in engineering the best production path to meet important end results; and finally, very targeted and personalized individual pieces. Ultimately, Kingery has built a platform providing exactly what you need—when you need it.

The WaterBrook imprint of the newly formed Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group announces the acquisition of nine titles coauthored by John Mark Comer and the team at Practicing the Way.

Each title focuses on one of nine core Practices that work together to form a Rule of Life for following Jesus in the modern world and is meant to be used in conjunction with a corresponding online video course from Practicing the Way.

The Generosity Practice and The Sabbath Practice are scheduled to release in December 2024. The remaining seven Practices—Fasting, Scripture, Community, Prayer, Service, Solitude, and Witness—will release throughout 2025 and early 2026.

Mike Salisbury at Yates & Yates represents John Mark Comer and Practicing the Way. World rights were acquired by Tina Constable, Executive Vice President, Business Development, of the PRH Christian Publishing Group.

Rights queries: Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

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

 

The November titles of Hodder Faith’s The Hodder Bible Commentary will be released on November 12, 2024. They are:

• The Hodder Bible Commentary: Joshua
• The Hodder Bible Commentary: Matthew
• The Hodder Bible Commentary: Psalms 42-89

The Hodder Bible Commentary is a comprehensive 50-volume, hardcover Bible commentary series published by Hodder Faith. Doctrinally sensitive and globally aware, its goal is to encourage a deepened knowledge and understanding of Scripture.

Accessible and insightful expository commentary explores the timeless message of the Bible and applies it to the challenges of today’s world. Written by a range of authors and supported by consultant editors from around the world, it represents a diversity of church and cultural contexts.

The first four volumes of the Hodder Bible Commentary (Ecclesiastes, Luke, Acts, and Mark) are now internationally available. With the full text of the NIV Bible interspersed with the commentary for easy reference, this series is ideal for preaching, teaching and personal study.

Psalms 42-89 by Tim Chester
Tim Chester is a senior faculty member of Crosslands Training, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. He has written over 40 books, has a PhD in theology and 25 years’ experience of pastoral ministry.

Joshua by Graham Beynon
Graham Beynon is Head of Local Ministries for the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches. He teaches at Oak Hill College, and has previously been involved in church planting and pastoring. He is the author of over a dozen books.

Matthew by Ben Cooper
Ben Cooper is the Deputy Director of the Cornhill Training Course in London. He trained for Anglican ministry at Oak Hill Theological College in London and has served in churches in Sheffield and London as well as pursuing post-graduate studies at Moore College in Sydney.

Contact:  Kaitlyn Shokes at kaitlyn.shokes@hbgusa.com

London, UK and Dulles, VA – 31 October, 2024 – Supadu and Books International are delighted to announce the launch of our eCommerce and fulfillment offering with Eerdmans Publishing, a family owned, religious publishing house located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This is the first go-live of the Supadu and Books International partnership that brings together Smart Buy Button technology and eCommerce capabilities to create a new fully integrated BI shopping cart for all Books International customers.

“This solution helps expand Eerdmans’s D2C ecommerce reach, allowing consumers to buy “any book from anywhere” with just one-click instant purchasing!” said Sarah Arbuthnot, Commercial Partnerships Director at Supadu.

Supadu Smart Buy buttons let publishers integrate one-click book purchasing capabilities across blogs, newsletter campaigns, marketing pages and social channels. This seamless shopping experience not only simplifies the process, but significantly reduces the likelihood of cart abandonment and ensures optimal sales conversion.

“Books International is excited to launch its D2C eCommerce solution in partnership with Supadu for Eerdmans Publishing. This significant addition to the suite of Books International capabilities provides Eerdmans with a fully integrated eCommerce experience, streamlining inventory availability, order and fulfillment processing, along with customer notifications with tracking details. This new offering represents our commitment to Eerdmans and Books International clients as we strive to deliver new technologies aimed at growing their D2C base and increasing higher-margin sales.” said David Hetherington, Vice President of global Business Development at Books international.

“Adding the Smart Buy buttons to the Eerdmans websites was a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to bring eCommerce to our new website. The integration with Books International, our warehousing and distribution partner, made the decision an easy one.” Will Bergkamp, Senior Vice president of Sales, Marketing and  finance at Eerdmans Publishing.

Supadu is the global, leading provider of website and direct-to-consumer eCommerce solutions for trade and academic publishers, and university presses. It has more than 270 customers serving publishers of all sizes including HarperCollins, Ingram, MIT Press, Princeton University Press, Casemate, and Manchester University Press. Supadu’s beautiful data-driven, accessible websites have been proven to enhance title visibility and sales.  To learn more about Supadu, visit www.supadu.com

Books International is a family owned and operated company, celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2024. The company provides fulfillment services and digital manufacturing services to companies worldwide. Processing millions of orders annually, Books International utilizes EDI, ecommerce, and traditional approaches to meet the diverse needs of its customers. To learn more about Books International, visit www.booksintl.com

Deeply rooted in the historic Christian tradition, ecumenical in spirit, and open to emerging dialogue between denominations and with other faiths, Eerdmans is committed to the life of the religious academy, to the church, and to the role of religion in culture, while continually diversifying its body of work so as to reach an even wider audience of academics, faith leaders, and general readers. Eerdmans also publishes books ranging from board books for babies to picture books, nonfiction, and novels for children and young adults under the Eerdmans Books for Young Readers imprint. For more information visit eerdmans.com.

A Free 10-Session Video Course Developed in Cooperation with Amplify’s Publishing Partners

October 31, 2024 – Grand Rapids, Michigan – Amplify Marketing Services LLC, a leading book marketing agency specializing in Amazon Ads, is excited to announce the release of the Author Advantage Series, a comprehensive 10-part video course designed to guide authors through every stage of the book journey—from ideation to successful launch and beyond.

Aspiring and established authors alike will benefit from the Author Advantage Series, which delivers expert insights and actionable tips in each 25-minute session. Topics range from crafting a compelling book title to 14 ways an author can contribute to their book launch.

The series not only serves authors directly but also provides valuable training for publishers to share with their current and prospective authors, helping them become better prepared to participate in the marketing of their books.

Video Sessions Include:

1. Welcome & Course Overview
2. Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
3. Making Your Book Proposal Pop
4. Nailing the Name: How to Choose a Compelling Book Title
5. How to Write a Dynamic Book Description: Summaries that Speak Volumes
6. Essential Elements of Eye-Catching Cover Designs
7. Book Launch Marketing Strategies & Best Practices
8. An Authors Guide to Book Launch Advertising
9. The Basics of Amazon Advertising for Books
10. Four Free & Easy-to-Use Software Tools Every Author Should Try

“The Author Advantage Series has been a high-priority project for Amplify over the last 6 months. We are grateful for each of the publishers who helped shape the content and our hope is that all who complete the course will be better informed, equipped, and prepared to succeed.” said Franklin Goldberg, CEO at Amplify Marketing Services LLC.

For more information or to access the Author Advantage Series for free videos and downloadable companion worksheets, visit https://www.amplifymarketers.com/authors.

About Amplify Marketing Services LLC
Amplify Marketing Services LLC is a leader in marketing support for publishers, specializing in Amazon Ads and strategic campaign development tailored to each book’s unique market. Over the last 5 years, Amplify has worked with 28 publishers to promote over 25,000 books in every genre (from children’s books to textbooks) and in every ad platform.

Media Contact:  Franklin Goldberg, CEO, Amplify Marketing Services LLC, info@amplifymarketers.com, (616) 929-0105

By Lauren Pratt

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Holman Bibles, in partnership with Grace Publications Trust, announced a new Anglicised edition of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

The Anglicised Bible was born out of an expressed desire from pastors, distributors and individuals for an English edition in their context within the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. B&H Publishing launched the first of its Anglicised text Bibles, including the CSB Church Bible and the Gospel of John, with plans to add at least three more to the Anglicised portfolio in the coming year.

“Our hope with the Anglicised Bible is to meet pastors and individuals in their context by making the Bible more easily accessible while still maintaining textual accuracy and integrity,” said Andy McLean, publisher for Holman Bibles. “We are excited to partner with Grace Publications in creating the Anglicised edition of the CSB along with our global Lifeway distributors with whom we are eager to launch even more editions of Anglicised text Bibles in the coming year.”

Holman Bible Publishers, the oldest publishing imprint in North America, released the CSB translation in 2017, which has gained increased use among pastors and individuals to become the fastest-growing English translation in the market. The CSB translation is the culmination of decades of work from 100+ scholars and 17 denominations to create a translation that aims to combine linguistic precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English.

In addition to including a digital reader version of the Anglicised Bible on csbible.uk, the CSB will also be available at several UK events in 2025. For more information about the Anglicised CSB, visit csbible.uk.

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

Holman Bibles is the oldest Bible publisher in North America, publishing high-quality Bibles and reference resources that are trustworthy, accessible and useful for the pursuit of lifelong discipleship. Print and digital releases include the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids and The She Reads Truth Bible and the Rainbow Study Bible with over 3 million copies sold. Holman Bibles is a subsidiary of B&H Publishing Group.

Grace Publications is a British Christian publisher, with a vision to publish ‘from the churches for the churches.’ Their authors are typically pastors who want to serve the average Christian and their church. Their publishing focus includes ministry, church life, and church history.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Aaron Earls, aaron.earls@lifeway.com