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

Leading publisher deepens its presence in religious market to expand to new channels and audiences

(New York, NY—October 30, 2024)—Penguin Random House has announced the launch of the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a new standalone entity that builds on its esteemed evangelical Christian publishing program. With a renewed focus on market growth and a commitment to dedicating additional resources, this initiative aims to significantly expand readership, strengthen connections with audiences, and deepen its range of books and content offerings for the Christian readership.

Comprised of the Waterbrook, Multnomah, Image, and Forum imprints, this new publishing entity will be led by Campbell Wharton, who has been named SVP, Publisher. Wharton will newly be reporting into Manuel Sansigre, CFO of Penguin Random House.

Highly regarded for his experience and expertise in publishing across all aspects of the business, Wharton is perfectly positioned to lead the expanded Christian publishing program. He has led publications in multiple categories, including celebrity, music, pop culture, social justice, politics, business, religion, and current affairs, working with such notable authors as Tim Tebow, Daymond John, Michael Todd, Austin Channing Brown, Jennie Allen, John Mark Comer, Leanne Morgan, Justice Neil Gorsuch, Richard Rohr, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Reporting to Wharton will be Laura Barker VP, Publisher, who will continue to lead the WaterBrook and Multnomah editorial team of this new group. Ginia Croker, VP, Director of Marketing, and Beverly Rykerd, VP, Director of Publicity, and their respective teams will report to Wharton.

Based in Colorado Springs, Waterbrook & Multnomah has a long and successful track record publishing books that inspire readers to find rich, spiritual purpose in their daily lives, with practical guidance for applying Christian principles to the complexities of life today. The many categories include Christian Living/Inspiration, Health/Wellness/Relationships, Social and Cultural Commentary, Spiritual Formation, and Devotionals. Notable authors include John Mark Comer, Jennie Allen, Tim Tebow, Mark Batterson, Andrew Peterson, Latasha Morrison, Madison Prewett Troutt, Michael Todd, Jordan Lee Dooley, Rich Villodas, and Katie Davis Majors.

Image, a leading imprint of Catholic content, and Forum, an imprint of conservative thought leaders, will now be a part of the newly formed Christian Publishing Group. Those editorial teams will report into Barker. The Convergent publishing program, with its mission to publish books that draw on deep experience both in mainstream and Christian publishing with a focus on nour­ishing readers’ inner lives in the categories of spirituality, personal growth, self-help, relationships, social commentary, memoir, and lifestyle, will remain with the Random House Publishing Group. The imprint will join the Harmony and Rodale Books team with Derek Reed, Editorial Director of Convergent, reporting to Theresa Zoro, President of Harmony and Rodale Books and now Convergent, effective immediately.

Tina Constable has been named EVP, Business Development, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, also reporting to Sansigre. In this new position, Constable will draw upon her more than three decades in publishing to collaborate with Sansigre and Wharton on acquisitions, exploration of new consumer channels, and partnership opportunities including streaming curriculum and direct-to-church initiatives.

Lori Addicott, VP, Director of Christian Market Sales, will also serve as VP, Director of Sales, PRH Christian Publishing Group. Lori and her growing team will continue to serve as Sales representatives for all Penguin Random House Publishing titles in the Christian market and will be an integral part of the company’s growth strategy as it forges new partnerships.

“The Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group is an exciting home for Christian authors. As a new standalone division, we are going to be able to invest more deeply in our imprints, expand our content offerings, and ultimately be a place that services a wide range of Christian readers in innovative ways. Building on the incredible roster of authors already home to us, our growth strategy will underscore our commitment to readers and broadening our footprint in the evangelical publishing space. I am thrilled by this opportunity to take our Christian program to a whole new level,” said Wharton.

“This sector holds immense potential, and as we develop innovative strategies for this dynamic and growing marketplace, we are thrilled by the opportunities our renewed commitment to Christian publishing brings,” said Sansigre. “This focus not only enhances our position at Penguin Random House but also empowers authors and enriches the reading experience for countless readers.”

Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission to ignite a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson. As of April 1, 2020, Bertelsmann is full owner of the company. With more than 300 imprints and brands on six continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital English- German- and Spanish-language trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. With over 16,000 new titles, and more than 700 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 2024­­ ­­— Zondervan today announced that Webster Younce is stepping down from his position as Vice President and Publisher of Zondervan Books to take on a full-time editorial role at Zondervan as Vice President and Executive Editor. Daniel Marrs has been named as the new Vice President and Publisher of Zondervan Books. Zondervan is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the world’s largest Christian publisher.

“I have loved my four years as publisher of Zondervan Books,” said Younce. “I am proud of all that our team has accomplished on behalf of our authors and their books, and how well we are positioned for the future. I look forward to being part of where Daniel will take Zondervan going forward. But I am excited about returning to my first love, which is working daily with authors on their books as their editor and champion.”

Marrs, who previously served as the associate publisher for Nelson Books, also at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, will begin his leadership at Zondervan Books on October 28, 2024.

“Zondervan Books has an incredibly rich heritage as a leader in the Christian publishing space,” Marrs said. “It’s a tremendous honor to step into this leadership role and I look forward to working with Webb and the rest of this talented team to build on the great work they’ve already been doing. Together with our amazing agent partners we’re excited to continue working with authors to craft life-changing messages that honor God, encourage the church, and inspire believers in their walk with Jesus.”

Marrs’s seven-year tenure in publishing includes working as publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles (where he stewarded multiple Bible translations, including the New King James Version and the NET Bible), Vice President and Editorial Director for Ave Maria Press, and Associate Publisher with Nelson Books. As an editor, he has worked with multiple bestselling authors, including Dr. Anita Phillips (the New York Times bestselling The Garden Within), John Eldredge (Resilient), and Chris Hodges (Pray First). Titles published under his editorial direction include multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestsellers and ECPA Christian Book Award winners. Marrs holds a Doctor of Philosophy in theology and ethics from Baylor University, with minors in church history and philosophy. In addition, he earned a Master of Arts in theology from Talbot School of Theology.

Under Marrs’s leadership, the Zondervan team will be stewarding publications from many of today’s most influential Christian thought leaders, including Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life), Craig Groeschel (Winning the War in Your Mind), Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Boundaries), Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ), Justin Whitmel Earley (Habits of the Household), and Peter Scazzero (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality). Upcoming titles from the imprint include Ian Morgan Cron’s The Fix (January 28, 2025), Craig Groeschel’s The Benefit of Doubt (February 18, 2025), and Lee Strobel’s Seeing the Supernatural (March 18, 2025).

Don Jacobson, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for Harper Collins Christian Publishing said, “I’ve worked closely with Daniel over the past several years and have seen firsthand not only his talents as an editor who’s passionate about the written word but also an entrepreneurial business leader. Further, he demonstrates genuine care for the authors and books he publishes. I am excited to have him move into this new leadership role with Zondervan and believe that his strategic vision will build on Zondervan’s heritage while also guiding this imprint into an exciting new season.”

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:  Amanda Woods, Director of Publicity | Zondervan Books, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Amanda.Woods@harpercollins.com, 615-902-1277

 

(Nashville, TN – October 28, 2024) Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is excited to announce the promotion of Brigitta Nortker to the role of Associate Publisher. Since joining Nelson Books in 2016, Nortker has had a substantial hand in shaping the imprint’s editorial program and publishing portfolio. Most recently, she has served in the role of Editorial Director, where her strategic planning and thoughtful implementation have continued to elevate the quality of authorial and reader experience. She has worked with highly acclaimed and bestselling authors such as: Jason Wilson, Tori Hope Petersen, Shawn Johnson, and Ruth Chou Simons.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role at Nelson Books, where I will continue to strengthen our team and champion the work of our exemplary author and agent community,” said Nortker, “My years at HarperCollins Christian Publishing have been deeply formative and I’m excited to continue that journey in this new season of leadership.”

Andrew Stoddard, VP & Publisher of Nelson Books, expressed his enthusiasm for Nortker’s leadership. “We are so pleased that Brigitta will be stepping into this pivotal role as a part of the Nelson Books Leadership and Acquisition team. Her thoughtful and nuanced editorial approach is consistently appreciated by her authors and their agents. By proving time and time again that she understands the creative modalities and commercial mechanics of publishing, Brigitta has earned the respect of her peers and fellow publishing professionals across the industry.”

Simultaneously, Nelson Books is eager to announce that Paul J. Pastor will be joining the team in the role of Executive Editor.

Pastor has served critically acclaimed and bestselling authors such as: Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson, Rich Villodas, Justin Whitmel Earley, Faith Womack, Tauren Wells, Sho Baraka, Lee Strobel, Melissa Dougherty, Rod Dreher, Dr. Ben Carson, and many more.

Paul holds an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary and is a candidate for Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of St. Thomas. He is a widely published poet, essayist, and critic, and the author of several books. His writing and editorial work has won more than a dozen Evangelical Press Association awards, a prestigious Maggie award, and numerous awards from ECPA’s and Christianity Today’s respective book awards.

“I am thrilled and honored to be joining the world-class team at Nelson Books and am excited to strategically continue my work here at HCCP,” said Pastor, “It is truly a dream to have my calling and craft so closely align with my career. I am humbled by this dream opportunity to continue investing in top authors and culture-making books, and excited to serve this remarkable publishing program.”

Stoddard also shared his excitement about Paul joining the team: “Paul Pastor is a profoundly gifted acquirer and editor. Poll any one of Paul’s authors and you’ll quickly hear phrases like ‘thoughtful dialogue partner,’ ‘dynamic, creative ally,’ ‘deeply attuned and insightful,’ – the list goes on. I look forward to seeing all that he brings to market in his new post at Nelson Books.”

Paul will continue to work from his home state of Oregon, where he lives with his wife Emily, a classically-trained fine artist, and their three children.

Thomas Nelson, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., is a world-leading provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. The publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, children’s books, and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com or contact Lisa Beech at lisa.beech@harpercollins.com.

Ada, Mich. (Oct. 11, 2024)— . Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the addition of an acquisition editor and publicist for its Chosen Books Division.

Luverta Reames joined Chosen Books in September as an Acquisition Editor. Since middle school, Reames, has known she wanted to be part of the Christian publishing industry and has made it her focus. As a graduate of Pace University’s MS in Publishing Program in New York City, she provided editorial support for Embolden Media Group’s indie publishing services and the writing community, Pneuma Writers.

For two years, Reames served nine editors as editorial assistant at WaterBrook and Multnomah, the Christian imprints of Penguin Random House. In Spring 2023, she launched a weekly prayer series on social media designed to support and encourage authors and publishing professionals, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth within the industry. She resides in North Carolina.

Taylor Koziarz is the new Senior Publicist at Chosen Books. With a communications degree from UNC Charlotte, she brings a strong foundation in public relations and nonprofit marketing to her role. She previously served as a Public Relations Specialist at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, where she developed expertise in media outreach and strategic communication.

Having grown up with a Christian author as her mother, Koziarz has always been passionate about the world of publicity. A Charlotte native, she now lives on a farm just outside the city with her family.

“With a rich publishing legacy as our foundation and an exciting blend of established and emerging authors in our current catalog, we are also looking to the future at Chosen and considering how we can best serve the church as a leading publisher in the Charismatic market,” said Kim Bangs, Editorial Director for Chosen.

“Luverta brings a keen eye for relevant projects and powerful new voices in the spirit-empowered community as well as a passion for Chosen’s mission of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. And Taylor’s background positions her to serve Chosen authors with excellence with her breadth of knowledge in all forms of media—including and especially social media. To that end, we are thrilled to add Luverta Reames and Taylor Koziarz to our team this year.”

Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes well-crafted books that recognize the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and help readers live more empowered and effective lives for Jesus Christ.

Baker Publishing Group (Bethany House, Revell, Baker Books, Chosen, Brazos Press, and Baker Academic) is a leading producer of Christian resources that give insight and inspiration to readers worldwide. Our divisions reflect the broadest scope of topics, which includes fiction, self-help, inspiration, professional books, Christian living and academic titles.

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