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

October 2024 | LISLE, IL—IVP Kids is pleased to announce that Zion Learns to See has received the 2024 Black Authors Matter Children’s Book Award in the religion and faith category. This annual award is sponsored by the National Black Book Festival and was established to honor excellence in African American literature.

Coauthored by father and daughter Terence and Zion Lester and illustrated by Subi Bosa, Zion Learns to See was also a finalist in the social justice category. Other honors include a 2024 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and a 2024 American Fiction Awards finalist.

Zion Learns to See: Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness is inspired by real life events. Zion joins her dad at his work at the community center one day and learns about people experiencing homelessness. As she recognizes that all people matter to God, Zion is fueled into action and initiates a campaign with her classmates.

Zion Lester shared, “Our family’s constant involvement in serving the community helped me to see those faced with homelessness as community members. I learned to see everyone, regardless of whether they have an address, with dignity by being in the community.”

“Without instilling values such as love, compassion, justice, dignity, mercy, and grace” said Terence, “we risk raising a generation indifferent to the hardships of others.”

Terence Lester received his PhD from Union Institute and University. He is a minister, speaker, community activist, author, and founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization. Zion Lester became interested in her dad’s work on a Saturday morning when she was seven years old. Since then, she has grown to become a community leader, writer, and speaker. She regularly serves with Love Beyond Walls and encourages other youth to volunteer, too.

”Zion Learns to See is a delightful read and a necessary nudge,” said Dorena Williamson, bridge builder and author of The Celebration Place. “In the Gospels, Jesus was filled with compassion when he saw people who were marginalized by society and religion. This book gives us an opportunity to be like Jesus and motivates readers to join Zion in seeing and loving our neighbors as fellow image bearers.”

For a complete list of children’s titles from IVP, visit ivpkids.com.

Contact:  Anna Tjernstrom, atjernstrom@ivpress.com

Carol Stream, IL. (November 4, 2024) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release Take What You Need, a collection of quotes from the writings of highly regarded and beloved author Aundi Kolber for encouragement on the healing journey. A beautiful gift for the hardest days, each page will remind readers of who God created them to be and that they are not alone on their journey to healing.

Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) and the bestselling author of the critically acclaimed books Try Softer and Strong like Water. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain.

Tyndale House Publishers acquisitions manager Jillian Schlossberg writes, “Aundi’s fierce compassion has touched so many on their healing journey—we’re excited to see how this new visual experience of her words will bring even more connection and flourishing to those who encounter them. What an honor it is to know and partner with Aundi in this work.”

This book contains

• gentle exercises for getting in tune with your body and feelings
• Scriptures to remind you of God’s truth for your life and meet you in your need
• timely and supportive prayers

Take what you need from these pages when it releases from Tyndale Refresh in February 2025. Contact Zoe Jethani (zoejethani@tyndale.com) for further information.

Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) and the bestselling author of the critically acclaimed books Try Softer and Strong like Water. She received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. Aundi has appeared on Good Morning America, speaks regularly at national events, and is a frequent podcast guest. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain.

Take What You Need by Aundi Kolbe
ISBN: 979-8-4005-0347-4
Hardcover: $19.99
February 2025 release
Tyndale.com

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact:  Zoe Jethani, zoejethani@tyndale.com, 630-784-5408

CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is pleased to announce a partnership with Batch for Books to simplify the invoicing process for independent bookstores.

Batch provides a simple, paperless solution to help independent bookstores more easily manage, organize, and pay invoices. IPG will send invoices to Batch, who aggregates all invoices into an easy-to-use portal. Booksellers can also make single payments through Batch for multiple invoices, and Batch will separate and send payments back to IPG and other participating distributors or publishers. The Batch portal is free for indie booksellers to use.

Fraser Tanner, CEO of Batch, said, “It’s great to welcome IPG to Batch as part of their commitment to working with the independent bookselling community to help them to sell more books. Batch is dedicated to working with bookstores and publishers to create efficiencies and reduce costs. IPG is joining the growing group of vendors who are stepping forward to improve and streamline the business of bookselling.”

“While IPG works hard to empower independent publishers and simplify their lives, Batch is doing the same thing for independent bookstores,” said Joe Matthews, CEO of IPG. “It’s a partnership that makes sense and will benefit the world of indie publishing.”

Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association (ABA), said, “For indie bookstores, Batch streamlines invoices, reduces data entry, and frees up time for other priorities like selling books! All for free. If every bookstore signed up, then every publisher signed up, Batch could change the industry. There’s always a reason not to do it, but participating is a vote for the future you want to see in the industry. This is the kind of innovation, efficiency, and technology that indie bookselling needs.”

The partnership went live for mutual customers of IPG and Batch on October 1, 2024.

About Independent Publishers Group:  Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing, and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.

About Batch for Books:  Batch was founded in 2000 by the Booksellers Association to serve the book trade and build better relationships between booksellers and publishers. Booksellers in over 80 countries use Batch, at no cost, to streamline invoice management and publisher payment processes, freeing up time to concentrate on their core mission of helping the public discover great books. Whether you manage a single store or run a global publishing company, Batch for Books will help your business to trade more efficiently.

Contact:  Julia Dillman | Corporate Communications
312.337.0747 | jdillman@ipgbook.com

Seamless Communication Tools Will Benefit Author/Publisher Relationships

SOUTH HADLEY, MA [October 29, 2024]: MetaComet® Systems announced today four new author relationship tools which will enhance the communications functionality of the company’s best-in-class Royalty Portal software.

Royalty Portal interfaces directly with MetaComet’s Royalty Tracker® system to securely share royalty statements and other critical, time-sensitive information between publishers and authors. The new features are designed to further streamline author/publisher communications, helping to save time, increase transparency, and strengthen their business relationships.

“We’re excited to launch these new author relationship features, which transform the Royalty Portal into a multi-functional communications hub,” said David Marlin, MetaComet President. “These tools further our mission to help publishers save time, money, and stress while improving relationships with their authors, through our reliable, easy-to-use, and secure royalty management solutions.”

The new Royalty Portal features include:

• Contract Storage: Publishers can instantly deliver contracts to authors and securely store them in a centralized, easily accessible location.
• Document Storage: Publishers and authors can both upload documents such as reports, artwork, manuscripts, and more for easy sharing, reference, and review.
• Author Self-Service: Authors can update their contact and other information directly within the system, saving time, back-and-forth communications, and possible errors.
• Messaging: Publishers can directly communicate with one or all of their authors through the portal about project updates, new opportunities, or any other news or information.

Royalty Portal’s new author relationship features are available now. For more information about Royalty Portal, visit https://metacomet.com/solutions/royalty-portal/

About MetaComet:  MetaComet® Systems launched its cutting-edge royalty management software in 1999 and every year since has invested heavily in refining its features, improving its ease of use, and enhancing its security. Hundreds of publishers, video game distributors, entertainment companies, life sciences companies, and others have transformed their operations with MetaComet. MetaComet is one of the few publishing software vendors that is SOC 2 Type II certified secure.

Contact: Beth Lewand, MetaComet Systems, (413) 536-5989 x101, blewand@metacomet.com 

Abilene, TX —Ancient Extravagance shows us that life is more than our accomplishments and what we do. The key to a life of meaning is developing our spiritual senses, which only come awake when we worship with others. That might seem like a waste of time, but in fact, these ancient practices have the power to wake up all parts of our lives—not just Sunday morning. Snider begins with a recovery of childlike wonder and story, reclaiming how prose, poetry, memory, and reflection heal and strengthen the soul. Next, he turns to melodies our grandmothers taught us, examining how they reach into our bones. He then reflects on what it means to eat meals with strangers and how a simple act of hospitality can gently inscribe love, generosity, gratitude, and hospitality in our hearts.

These seemingly insignificant practices are mustard seeds that grow into trees to create shade for the world. When we cease simply going to worship and start becoming the worship, we will discover the friendships, beauty, purpose, stories, and sacred moments that will save us and make us more human. Deeply meaningful and delightfully humorous, candid yet surprising, Ancient Extravagance will connect you with a more beautiful and meaningful life.

“At first glance this is a deeply humane book that builds on our life experience and demonstrates how the Holy Spirit turns it from water into wine. But on closer inspection this is a profoundly incarnate book that inspires us through example, argument, anecdote, and timely quotation to see God in Christ entering the intricacies of our mundane existence and raising up that existence into the heart of God’s eternal essence. As you read you will find the exalted in your life humbled and the humble in your life exalted.”
—Samuel Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, UK

Ryan Snider is a writer, pastor, thinker, and educator committed to nurturing spiritual growth, fostering meaningful connections, and telling a more beautiful story. He has spent his career in the church and higher education. Ryan lives with his wife, Danielle, and two children in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring the outdoors with his family. He also takes pictures and drinks a lot of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee. Find out more at ryancsnider.com.

Ancient Extravagance
By Ryan Snider
October 2024, Softcover
224 Pages, $17.99
ISBN: 9781684260836

Media Contact: Rachael Ray, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com