November 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that seven cover designs were chosen for the 2024 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

David Fassett, former Art and Creative Director at IVP, is credited with the designs for all seven award-winning covers. Shane White, IVP’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity, said, “David left a legacy of excellence in design at IVP, and we are grateful to ECPA for recognizing his tremendous work.”

During his time at IVP, Fassett said this about his design work: “I think a book cover should truthfully and clearly communicate the gist of the book in a way that is visually compelling with the goal of moving the intended reader to pick up the book (or click on it). The cover should also serve as a visual reminder of the experience that the reader had with the book.”

IVP’s 2024 Top Shelf Book Cover Award designs include:

• Creator: A Theological Interpretation of Genesis 1 by Peter J. Leithart
• Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss If We Only Read the Bible by D. Brent Sandy
• Hopeful Lament: Tending Our Grief Through Spiritual Practices by Terra McDaniel
• Lay Me in God’s Good Earth: A Christian Approach to Death and Burial by Kent Burreson and Beth Hoeltke
• Looking Up: A Birder’s Guide to Hope Through Grief by Courtney Ellis
• Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery in Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield by Sean McGever
• The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer by Julie Lane-Gay

Covers are judged by top designers in the publishing industry for their merits in appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking, and quality of execution according to contemporary design standards and aesthetics. The Top Shelf Awards focus solely on these artistic and technical merits, without considering sales performance, reader engagement, or market reach.

Winners are officially announced and presented with an award at ECPA’s annual PubU event, where the industry’s design community gathers to learn and network. Winning book covers and judges’ comments are featured at TopShelfAward.org.

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Good Book Company is pleased to announce that two books, Peace over Perfection, designer Drew McCall, and C is For Christian, illustrated by Emma Skerratt, have won 2024 ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Awards.

Carl Laferton, Executive Vice President for Publishing, says, “We are delighted that the ECPA has recognized the gifts of these designers. It’s a joy to have such a talented young designer as Drew as part of our team here at TGBC and to partner with inspirational illustrators like Emma. They have both used their skillful artistic expression to make the content of these books come to life.”

The Top Shelf Book Cover Awards celebrate the year’s best book designs in Christian publishing. The judge awarded C is for Christian’s Emma Skerratt in the genre of children’s book design and said, “The nod to a classic fairy-tale book design works really well here. This concept makes it feel like an instant children’s classic. The illustrations are detailed and delicate.”

In the category of nonfiction, Peace over Perfection’s Drew McCall received the following compliment from the judge: “Everything delivers here—the abstract visual mirrors the title of imperfection, while the touches of lettering give this a sense of personal.”

Top designers in the publishing industry judge book covers for their merits in appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking, and quality of execution according to contemporary design standards and aesthetics. The Top Shelf Awards focus solely on these artistic and technical merits.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

 

Lisa Victoria Fields, founder of the Jude 3 Project and author of When Faith Disappoints, offers a hopeful guide on what to do when a spiritual hero fails to live up to our expectations in When Heroes Fall.

Fields explores the thin line between admiration and worship and considers how to give space to grieve a hero’s fall, glean wisdom from a hero’s victories and failures, and ultimately learn how to focus hope on the only person who will not disappoint—Jesus.  The book is scheduled for publication by Multnomah in Spring 2026.

World rights were acquired by Kimberly Von Fange, Associate Editor, for the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, in a deal agented by Andrew Wolgemuth at Wolgemuth & Wilson.

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

Rights queries: Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

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