April 2024 | LISLE, IL—With a rich seventy-five year history of publishing titles and textbooks that have facilitated broader conversations taking place in the academy and the church, IVP Academic will soon offer another vantage point of the academic publishing process with a new podcast called Behind the Books. The first episode releases May 2.

The first season of Behind the Books will feature Scot McKnight, Lynn H. Cohick, and Nijay K. Gupta, the three volume editors of the second edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. After the deep focus on this foundational Pauline dictionary, Behind the Books will transition to IVP Academic hosts Jon Boyd, associate publisher and academic editorial director, and Alexandra Horn, academic marketing manager.

Horn said, “While it’s easy to judge a book by its cover, the pursuit of Behind the Books is to take the posture of curious learners and storytellers, while demystifying aspects of our industry that are oft observed as behind-closed-doors or only accessible to the few. Behind every book are many people, from authors to editors, contributors, designers, etc. This podcast seeks to see the human and humanity behind and within the publishing process, exploring the journeys and faith that brought us to this vocation.”

Boyd said, “Getting to talk with authors and other certified book nerds (that is, my IVP colleagues) is just about my favorite thing in the workday, so when Alexandra Horn pitched this idea, I was immediately all in.”

For the first eleven episodes of Behind the Books McKnight, Cohick, and Gupta will interview contributors to DPL2, IVP’s shorthand for the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, second edition; share insights from the writing and editing process; and look back to how the first edition of DPL started thirty years ago.

McKnight said, “When the door into the studies of today’s Pauline scholars is opened for all of us to enter, we learn why they write what they do. On the Behind the Books podcast you will hear firsthand accounts by the authors of why they chose to become scholars, how their faith impacts their writings, and why their writings can impact the church and the Christian life. Rarely do we get such personal and inside information about authors and their understanding of the apostle Paul.”

A one-of-a-kind reference, DPL2 is a thoroughly revised and updated version of the acclaimed 1993 publication. Since that groundbreaking volume was published, developments in Pauline studies have continued at a rapid pace, with diverse new scholars entering the conversation, new ideas and methods gaining attention, and fresh expressions of old topics shaping the present discussion. Classic topics such as Christology, justification, hermeneutics, and book studies of individual epistles receive careful treatment by specialists in the field.

Gupta said, “Most people experience DPL2 as words on pages, but what makes it fun for me as an editor is that the contributors are real people with fascinating stories and passions. Behind the Books offers a precious glimpse into scholars at work and play—the people, planning, and efforts behind the books we cherish!”

The featured DPL2 scholars for the first season of Behind the Books are

• May 2: An introduction to Behind the Books with hosts and DPL2 editors Scot McKnight, Lynn H. Cohick, Nijay K. Gupta
• May 9: Michael Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University
• May 16: Jeannine Brown, professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary
• May 23: Helen Rhee, professor of church history at Westmont College
• May 30: Chris Hoklotubbe, assistant professor of religion at Cornell College
• June 6: Amy Peeler, Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College
• June 13: Louise Gosbell, principal of Mary Andrews College
• June 20: Dennis Edwards, associate professor of New Testament, vice president for church relations, and dean of North Park Seminary
• June 27: Lucy Peppiatt, principal of Westminster Theological Centre
• July 4: Mike Bird, academic dean and lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College
• July 11: Dan Reid, developmental editor for IVP’s award-winning New Testament dictionaries

New episodes of Behind the Books will release every Thursday.

Boyd said, “The publishing process from beginning to end is more fascinating—and complicated!—than even most avid readers would expect, so we relish the chance to usher you backstage, so to speak. We’re going to make it both fun and educational.”

Check out the trailer for Behind the Books here: Behind the Books Podcast – InterVarsity Press (ivpress.com).

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

 

Ada, Mich. (April 22, 2022)—Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce it recently signed a third book with David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby stores.

“We’re thrilled to build upon the incredible success of Leadership Not by the Book and the forthcoming The Leader’s Devotional to collaborate on a major new project with David Green and Bill High,” said Brian Vos, editorial director for Baker Books. “They have a countercultural, biblical message to share about personal and family life—a life with deeper meaning and purpose—that will equip our brothers and sisters in Christ across the nation and around the world to lead lives that matter for eternity.”

The book is slated for Fall 2025 with a tentative title of The Legacy Life.

“I’m afraid we think too short-term and too small,” said Green. “I believe we are called to think and live a life that will impact generations. The Legacy Life will teach people how to live a life that makes a generational difference.”

Bill High will co-author the book with Green. Green is represented by Tom Dean, founder of A Drop of Ink.

“God looks at family as a multigenerational enterprise,” said Dean. “This new book will reset the definition of family: readers will be challenged, encouraged, and convicted to think about how they live each day and how it will impact their family for generations to come. I’m so honored to represent David Green and Bill High and this timely and practical book.”

Baker Books has a vision for building up the body of Christ through books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. Learn more at www.BakerBooks.com.

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

Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) has appointed Professor Beth M. Stovell, Chair of General Theological Studies at Ambrose Seminary, Canada, as the new editor for their Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series.

Professor Stovell joins David W. Baker as co-editor of the Apollos Old Testament Commentary (AOTC) series, replacing former editor Gordon J. Wenham on his retirement. Written by an international team of scholars, the AOTC series expounds the divine and human aspects of scripture, and emphasises the relevance of the Old Testament for modern readers.

Stovell is currently Professor of Old Testament at Ambrose University, teaching courses in Old Testament, Hebrew, and Biblical Theology, and overseeing seminar programmes in her role as Chair of General Theological Studies.

In her new role as AOTC editor, Stovell will work with Thomas Creedy, Editorial Director for IVP.

Creedy says: “Beth is a fantastic addition to the AOTC team. She is a scholar who embodies the sensitive exegesis and thoughtful biblical theology that the series is known for, and I look forward to seeing it flourish further under her work. I’m excited to see Beth interact alongside co-editor David Baker, with manuscripts already in the pipeline, and to see her work on David’s Genesis contribution to the series. We at IVP are so grateful to David and Gordon for their pioneering and faithful stewardship of the AOTC to date, and pray for God’s continued blessing on the work of the series”

Stovell says: “I am so honoured to come into this role. The AOTC has been excellently run by Gordon Wenham and David Baker for over 20 years. I want to honour what has come before, while offering my unique skills and experience as the series continues.  I am aware of the great responsibility and the great joy of offering my service in this way, and am proud to work with the well-respected scholars who are the authors of the AOTC series. When I think of the AOTC, I think of the values of inspiration and authority of Scripture, and how both the divine and human aspects of Scripture shape our understanding of who God is, who we are in light of Him, and what we should do with our lives, and how to engage with the world around us. For over two decades, this series has provided valuable international voices exploring the historical, literary, and theological depth of the Old Testament. I am so excited to be part of editing a series that reminds us all of the enduring value of biblical theology”.

About Inter-Varsity Press (part of SPCK Group)
Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) publishes Christian books that are true to the Bible and that communicate the gospel, develop discipleship and strengthen the church for its mission throughout the world.

We publish evangelical Christian books for the church and the world, including for academic audiences under the imprint Apollos. As a British publisher, we aim to be at the centre of the UK evangelical church’s conversation with itself and with the wider world. We also seek to have a global reach and impact through worldwide distribution, licensing and partnerships.

Our roots are in the university Christian Union movement. IVP started back in the 1930s as the publishing wing of UCCF. IVP is now a subsidiary charity of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK), an Anglican mission agency and publisher. Engaging students and the academy are still important to our mission, and we remain committed to publishing books true to the UCCF Basis of Faith. You can find some of our resources for students, produced in partnership with UCCF, here.

Press contact: Emily Beater, ebeater@spck.org.uk, 07494430503

April 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that Shane White has been named Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity.

White joins IVP with more than twenty-eight years of sales management experience, most recently as the Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity for Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

“As someone who has clearly left a lasting impression on those he has worked with in the past, Shane quickly rose to the surface in our search,” said Terumi Echols, President and Publisher at IVP. “We heard from numerous publishing professionals about Shane’s innovative ideas, knowledge of the industry, and his genuine interest in the people he works with. We are grateful for the skills and passion Shane brings to IVP and look forward to working with him to build on IVP’s long history as we expand our digital infrastructure, grow our publishing program, and move into Spanish-language publishing.”

White said, “I am honored to be joining the IVP team. For over seventy-five years, IVP has had a reputation for creating and publishing books that deepen lives in Christ. It is a privilege for me to contribute to this legacy of excellence. I look forward to collaborating with IVP’s dedicated staff, our esteemed authors, and our valued trading partners to expand our market presence and increase distribution.”

White’s career includes significant roles at Sourcebooks, Kidsbooks, and Harvest House Publishers, where he was instrumental in identifying and leveraging strategic opportunities to bolster business and ministry efforts.

LaRae Weikert, former Vice President of Editorial at Harvest House Publishers, said, “Not only is Shane White a seasoned sales professional, he is a creative and gifted product developer. During our time working together, he was responsible for finding several bestselling books and authors. Shane has an extensive knowledge of the book-publishing industry, and he has a keen sense of what books will sell well in the market. One of his best qualities is how much he loves brainstorming product ideas with authors, coworkers, and book buyers. Shane is sincerely interested in people and he makes relationships a priority, which is an incredible asset to any company. As an acquisition editor, I loved interacting with Shane about new products and authors to pursue for the publishing company where we worked.”

White’s first day as IVP’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity will be April 29.

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

 

A former counterterrorism official explores how modern evangelicalism and right-wing conservatism intermingled to form the combustible ideology that resulted in the January 6 attacks on the Capitol—and which threatens to destroy the American Church from within.

How did a Church that purports to follow the teachings of Jesus – the Prince of Peace – become a breeding ground for violent extremism?

When Elizabeth Neumann began her anti-terrorism career as part of President George W. Bush’s Homeland Security Counsel in the wake of the September 11 attacks, she expected to spend her life protecting her country from the threat of global terrorism.

But as her career evolved, she began to perceive that the greatest threat to American security came not from religious fundamentalists in Afghanistan or Iraq but from white nationalists and radicalized religious fundamentalists within the very institution that was closest to her heart – the American evangelical church. And she began to sound the alarm, raising her concerns to anyone in government who would listen, including testifying before Congress in February of 2020. At that time, Neumann warned that anti-Semitic and white supremacist terrorism was a transnational threat that was building to the doorstep of another major attack. Shortly after her testimony, she resigned from her role as Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention in protest of what she believed was then-President Trump’s failure of leadership and his stoking of the hatred, anger, and division from which she had dedicated her life to protecting her country.

Her worst fears came true when she witnessed the attack on the capital on January 6, 2021.

In Kingdom of Rage, Neumann explores the forces within American society that have encouraged the radicalization of white supremacist, anti-government and other far-right terrorists by co-opting Christian symbols and culture and perverting the faith’s teachings. While Neumann offers decades of insights into the role government policies can play to prevent further bloodshed, she believes real change must come from the within the Christian church. She shines a bright light on the responsibility of ordinary Americans – and particularly American Christians – to work within their families and their communities to counteract the narrative of victimization and marginalization within American evangelicalism. Her goal for this book is not only to sound a warning about one of the greatest threats to our security but to rescue the Church from the forces that will, if left unchecked, destroy it – culturally, morally, and ultimately quite literally. This is a book for anyone who wants to understand the unholy marriage of right-wing politics and Christian exceptionalism in America and who wants to be a part of reversing the current path towards division, hatred, violence and the ultimate undermining of both evangelical Christianity and American democracy.

Elizabeth Neumann served as the Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Neumann is an ABC News contributor and the chief strategy officer at Moonshot. She is based in the Denver, CO area.

A funny, thought-provoking memoir-in-essays about learning to understand—again and again—that we can’t earn God’s love no matter how many rules we follow or boxes we check, and learning to accept the grace that is freely given.

Growing up, Kimberly Stuart got really good at strapping on her spiritual tap shoes and trying to be a star for Jesus. She could sing all the songs, ace the sword drills, and know all the right theology. From earning creepy Jesus paperweights in her church’s faux Girl Scout program to trying to calm an actual storm on the Mediterranean, she was doing her best… and still found herself longing for something more. She didn’t mean to completely ignore the most beautiful tenets of her faith—the unwavering grace and tenacious love of God—but she did. Which, of course, was the problem. Her best was lackluster, and God wasn’t looking for a star performer anyway.

Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit), is an invitation for readers to spot unvarnished, amazing grace when they see it. With her trademark wit and transparency, Stuart brings readers through both big and small moments that teach us to cling to the fierce love of God instead of the flimsier versions we find elsewhere.

With unflinching honesty and relatable humor, Stuart encourages readers to take another look at unrelenting grace; why, contrary to the cultural narrative, we are not actually enough, and that’s good news; how we always, remarkably, have all the grace we need; and why this moment in history is the perfect time to extend no-strings-attached grace to an emotionally bedraggled, wary world.

Kimberly Stuart is a writer, speaker, podcaster, and dark chocolate obsessive. She is the author of eight novels. Stuart’s books have been featured in Cosmopolitan, Huff Post, and the Chicago Sun-Times. She and New York Times-bestselling author Bob Goff have coached hundreds of aspiring authors through their executive coaching, online courses, podcast, and live events in the San Diego area. Stuart has made her home in Minneapolis, Houston, Chicago, Costa Rica, Nebraska, and Iowa, where she now lives with her brave husband and three wily children.

Lake Mary, FL (April 12, 2024)—Embolden Media Group is honored to announce the appointment of Rebekah Von Lintel as literary agent. Rebekah is a respected and influential leader in the publishing industry, with over twenty years of experience. With a passion for fostering emerging voices and an unwavering dedication to excellence, her contributions have played a significant role in the success of numerous best-selling titles across various genres.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be joining Embolden Literary,” Rebekah said. “Their values and mission align closely with my own, successfully amplifying underrepresented voices and contributing to a more inclusive literary landscape. I look forward to continuing to serve authors and writers in this way.”

Rebekah joins Embolden Media Group after serving as editorial director for Baker Books for ten years, where she had the privilege of developing many award-winning authors, including NYT-bestselling author Mo Isom, Sheila Walsh, Sheri Hunter, Ruth Graham, Greg Laurie’s Jesus Revolution, and Wendy Speake’s The 40-Day Sugar Fast.

Rebekah’s love of books, passion for storytelling, and commitment to supporting talented authors will breakthrough in her work with Embolden Media Group as she seeks authors writing in nonfiction categories such as memoir and biography, narrative nonfiction; business, career development, personal time management; advice and relationships; mental health and wellness, mindfulness, self-help, personal growth; home decorating, organization; inspirational and religion and spirituality. She particularly responds to books that have an important cultural, social, or psychological focus, as well as young adult voices. Rebekah also looks for select gift books, lifestyle, or photography-driven books.

In fiction, she is interested in select upmarket, literary, and book club fiction, and stories that offer a new twist or retelling of some kind.

For children’s books, she will focus primarily on YA and middle grade, and her tastes vary broadly in those areas. She will also consider select children’s picture books.

“I am strengthened by Rebekah’s presence on our team,” said Jevon Bolden, founder and CEO of Embolden Media Group. “She is a force in the industry. Her outstanding industry knowledge and brilliance in discerning and developing compelling concepts and culturally significant trade books fits in seamlessly with our mission to see elevated and thoughtful books by creative and diverse voices published.”

Embolden Media Group is a boutique literary agency and publishing consulting firm representing some of the most engaging, transformative, and authentic voices in our culture including several USA Today, Publishers Weekly and ECPA best-selling authors. Founded in 2017, Embolden Media Group is a market leader in cultivating and amplifying the works of inspirational women, authors of color, and diverse creators through written, audio, and visual content.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: woodley.auguste@theawarenessagency.com

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Good Book Company is delighted to announce God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook and The Songs of a Warrior as finalists for the 2024 Christian Book Award®.

God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook (The Good Book Company, September 2023) is a finalist in the Children’s category.

Written by Carl Laferton and illustrated by Jennifer Davison, this children’s Bible for kids ages 2-6 contains both familiar stories, such as Noah and the ark, David and Goliath, and Daniel and the lions’ den, and lesser-known stories such as Jacob and Esau and Joshua’s farewell. Together, these 92 theologically faithful stories point to the one big story of the Bible: God making and keeping his promises to redeem his people.

The Songs of a Warrior (The Good Book Company, February 2023) is a finalist in the Young People’s Literature category.

Written by Katy Morgan, this dramatic retelling of the accounts of the first two kings of Israel follows the intertwining stories of Jonathan, David, Saul, and Michal documented in 1 and 2 Samuel. This exciting chapter book is a great way to help kids ages 8-12 engage with God’s word. They’ll be left thinking about what it means to trust God and realizing that only Jesus can really be the king God’s people need.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) annually presents the Christian Book Awards® program to honor the best books of the year in 12 categories.

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.

Carol Stream, IL (April 11, 2024) – Tyndale Momentum is pleased to announce that their book All My Knotted-Up Life received the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA’s) Milestone Double Bronze Sales Award for surpassing 250,000 books sold.

A New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestseller, All My Knotted-Up Life is an incredibly thoughtful, disarmingly funny, and intensely vulnerable glimpse into the life and ministry of a woman familiar to many but known by few.  The audio book, which is voiced by Moore, also made the New York Times bestsellers list.

“Beth’s memoir is the story of a woman who consistently clings to Jesus throughout a life marked by heartache, redemption, and a passionate calling,” says Karen Watson, Publisher of Tyndale Fiction. “Whether readers encountered this story in print or by audio, Beth’s familiar voice shines through in unforgettable ways. Tyndale is honored to have partnered with her on this wonderful book.”

Moore’s earlier works with Tyndale include: So Long, Insecurity (2010), which, along with the accompanying devotional and study guide has sold nearly 1 million copies;  The Undoing of Saint Silvanus (2016), Moore’s debut novel, which has sold more than 125,000 copies, and Chasing Vines (2020), which is approaching 200,000 copies sold.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Andrea Martin, Sr. Director of Public Relations & Author Relations, andreamartin@tyndale.com

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a trusted voice for generations of readers. Today, it is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale has proved a faithful guide, helping readers discover the life-giving truths of the Bible. Its mission is to open God’s Word to as many people as possible in language they can relate to and understand. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

Contact:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com