April 2024 | LISLE, IL—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced that two InterVarsity Press (IVP) titles—Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest and the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters—are among the finalists for the 2024 Christian Book Award® program.

“It is always a joy to recognize excellence in Christian book publishing through this award program, and this year’s finalists represent that very well,” said Jeff Crosby, ECPA president and CEO. “Books like these have the ability to transform lives, to shed light, to build bridges, and to foster faithfulness. We congratulate each of the finalists, their authors and publishers.”

Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again was selected as a Christian Book Award® finalist in the ministry resources category. Sharing her own story of practicing sabbath for the past twenty years, Ruth Haley Barton offers hard-won wisdom regarding the rhythms of sabbath, exploring both weekly sabbath keeping as well as extended periods of sabbatical time.

Drew Jackson, poet and author of God Speaks Through Wombs, said, “In Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, Ruth Haley Barton invites us into a holy place—what Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel called ‘a sanctuary in time.’ Barton profoundly weaves together disparate strands of the practice of sabbath-keeping into a beautiful quilt that tells us a story about ourselves—we were meant for wholeness, not just individually, but communally. Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest shows us that this gift from God is not just indispensable for the life of faith but also in our discovery of what it means to be human. Barton has given us a treasure—a must-read for anyone longing for freedom from the tyranny of endless work and overproduction.”

The other Christian Book Award® finalist, chosen for Bible Reference Works category, is IVP Academic’s Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship (Second Edition), edited by Scot McKnight, Lynn H. Cohick and Nijay K. Gupta.

David Lincicum, University of Notre Dame, said, “A staple of syllabi and a first stop for research, the original Dictionary of Paul and His Letters became a fixture in the landscape of Pauline studies. Much has changed in the past three decades, and this completely new dictionary, with contributions from no less than 141 scholars, provides an authoritative overview of the present state of Pauline scholarship. From Abraham and Adam to worship and wrath, and from classic theological topics to matters of pressing contemporary concern, the broad coverage of this remarkable project will be welcomed by novice student and seasoned scholar alike.”

The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters takes its place alongside the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (Second Edition) and the other volumes in the IVP Bible Dictionary Series as a unique presentation of the fruit of biblical studies—committed to Scripture, using the best of critical methods, and maintaining dialogue with both contemporary scholarship and the challenges facing the church.

Classic topics such as Christology, justification, hermeneutics, and book studies of individual epistles receive careful treatment by specialists in the field. Topics new to this edition—including Paul and politics, patronage, and interpretations from various historical and cultural perspectives—expand the volume’s breadth and usefulness. Over 95 percent of the articles have been written specifically for this edition.

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the highest quality in Christian books since 1978 (originally called the Gold Medallion Award). Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Awards are the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in religious publishing.

The winners in each category, along with the 2024 Christian Book of the Year®, will be presented at the ECPA Awards & 50th Anniversary Celebration, held the evening of April 30 in Chicago, during the ECPA Leadership Summit.

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles visit ivpress.com.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, 630.734.4013, kclayton@ivpress.com

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.—April 12, 2024—Renowned Bible study writer Cynthia Heald will release a new book on June 6, 2024, for women and men. It explores the everyday journey of becoming like Christ. Becoming Like Jesus: Reflecting Christ in Your Everyday Life is designed for personal or group use. Heald is the author of the Bible study series “Becoming a Woman . . .” which has sold more than two million in the series.

“Cynthia Heald is the kind of author you imagine in your head. She’s written these transformational Bible studies that have shaped the discipleship of generations of women,” says David Zimmerman, NavPress Publisher. “And then you meet her, and you realize that she has spent her life in pursuit of becoming like Jesus. And then you marvel at her in an entirely different way. We’re grateful for Cynthia’s long legacy and faithful witness.”

With the seasoned guidance of a lifelong faith, Cynthia shares the challenges and rewards of embodying Christlikeness, as well as her own imperfect, stumbling experiences in learning to become like Jesus. In this insightful, accessible, and thought-provoking book, perfect for your quiet time or for a six-week small-group study, you’ll find yourself inspired and encouraged to step into the simple yet powerful ways God molds us into the image of his Son.

In Becoming Like Jesus, you will find:

• Devotional reflections on the invitation to daily spiritual growth
• Thoughtful prayers and insightful quotations from godly writers
• Scripture references and Bible study reflection questions

For more information on NavPress titles, please visit www.navpress.com.

NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message® Bible, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®  Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

Contact: Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.—April 5, 2024—Two recent releases from NavPress have been named finalists for the 2024 Christian Book Awards®. The Christian Book Awards honor excellence in Bibles and Christian books.

According to their website, “The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the religious publishing industry. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the ‘best of the year’ in 12 categories.”

NavPress authors and titles are finalists in the following categories:

• Faith & Culture:
  Loving Disagreement, Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos
• Ministry Resources:
  Centering Jesus, Derek Vreeland

“Serious times demand serious books, and Derek, Kathy, and Matt have met the moment with these releases,” writes NavPress publisher David Zimmerman. “We’re grateful they’re receiving this recognition from the leaders of our industry at ECPA.”

Award winners will be announced on April 30 at the ECPA Leadership Summit in Chicago, IL.

For more information on NavPress titles, please visit www.navpress.com.

NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message® Bible, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®  Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

The Christian Book Award program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978, when it was called the Gold Medallion Award. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award program is among the oldest and most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.  ChristianBookAwards.com

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. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org, ECPA.org.

Contact: Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

 

Two-time No. 1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Reality TV Star, Outspoken Hero of Justice Now Has a New Role

Two-time No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, Dog the Bounty Hunter, aka Duane Chapman, reveals his most intimate stories in Nine Lives and Counting: A Bounty Hunter’s Journey to Faith, Hope, and Redemption (Nelson Books, HarperCollins Christian Publishing), a gripping memoir releasing April 16, 2024. As one of the world’s most legendary bounty hunters with a career that reads like a series of high-octane novels, Dog now invites readers into his real-life drama with this untamed tale straight from his heart.

The memoir is an odyssey of resilience, rebirth and relentless pursuit, as Dog bares his soul on every page. As the canine connoisseur of second chances, he doesn’t shy away from the grit—”Memories of the painful events that shaped my childhood… triumphs and failures from my days as a single dad… and my most essential lifeline – faith in Jesus,” says Chapman.

An audacious leap from beyond the screen, Nine Lives and Counting is Dog’s invitation to join him in the hunt for wisdom, comedy and the essence of life itself. Penned with the raw honesty and objective truth that has been the hallmark of Dog’s illustrious career, this isn’t just a book – it is a manifesto of survival and love.

In one of his darkest moments, Dog found himself on a new journey of healing and redemption. Not only did he come to see God’s hand in his life, from the prayers of a faithful mother when he was a child to how God guided his steps and protected him throughout his dangerous career, but he also found love and renewed purpose through a divine appointment. Now Dog has launched a ministry with his wife Francie, whom he married in 2021, and speaks and preaches nationwide.

“I will always hunt down fugitives to make them accountable to the law. Now I am also hunting down the outcast, the leper, the lame and the brokenhearted,” shares Chapman. “I am hunting the prisoner, the trafficked, the addict, the dysfunctional. I want to see them reborn and experience the redemptive love of Jesus. This is the Dog I was called to be.”

With each sentence, readers can walk alongside Dog through the harrows of crime and punishment, family and faith, and the fortuitousness of second and third acts.

Nine Lives and Counting is a bold call to the world to have a heart as boundless as the horizon – a horizon that marks the start of another chase, the beginning of new endeavors and an unwavering testament to the enduring human spirit.

Fans may watch the virtual Talk Shop Live event with Dog and his wife Francie to hear straight from the “Dog’s” mouth and pre-order signed copies via this link for the event at https://talkshop.live/watch/M2p5a23Ni8rU.

To embrace the hunt with all the latest news and information about Dog the Bounty Hunter and the release of Nine Lives and Counting, go to https://ninelives.dogthebountyhunter.com, Facebook and Instagram.

About Duane Lee Chapman:
Also known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, Chapman is an American television personality known for popular TV programs that follow his life and adventures as a bounty hunter. Dog is deeply involved in crime fighting and advocating for tougher legislation to curb crime. He is launching several media ventures, including a new TV show and podcast, and he is a New York Times bestselling author of two previous books. Dog operates Light Up the Darkness ministry with his wife, Francie, whom he married in 2021. They reside in Florida

ATTN MEDIA:
Duane “Dog” Chapman, Nine Lives and Counting: A Bounty Hunter’s Journey to Faith, Hope, and Redemption review and giveaway copies are available upon request. High-resolution cover artwork and other press materials are available now at https://app.box.com/v/DuaneDogChapman-Press.

For additional information, photos or to set up an interview, contact:
Maureen Hoganson, Hoganson Media Relations, MaureenHoganson@comcast.net, 615-542-4458
Lisa Beech, Director of Publicity, Nelson Books, Lisa.Beech@harpercollins.com, 719-439-9403

Dr. Axe Reveals Mindset Is Even More Effective Than Food as Medicine

NASHVILLE, Tenn (April 12, 2024) – W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, announced that Think This, Not That (April 2, 2024) by Dr. Josh Axe is a New York Times bestseller appearing at #10 on the self-help, how-to and misc. list as well as appearing at #18 on the USA Today bestseller Booklist.

Renowned doctor, writer and entrepreneur Dr. Josh Axe has helped tens of thousands of people across the globe become the healthiest versions of themselves. When clients have come to him in search of a fuller, more meaningful life, his message has been the same – it starts in one place: your mind.

In Think This, Not That (W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, April 2, 2024) Dr. Josh Axe unpacks the top twelve mental barriers holding people back from realizing their potential and becoming the greatest version of themselves, and contrasts each one with a new empowering mindset–undergirded with exclusive proof that mindset trumps all in living one’s healthiest, best life. Dr. Axe’s own personal story of healing after a devastating injury through mindset will compel every reader to try these techniques.

“Our mindset is the ultimate catalyst for change; it’s what propels us forward. It’s also what can hold us back,” writes Dr. Axe. “I carried this lesson with me when I became a physician. While I firmly believe in the healing potential of food as medicine, I discovered that nothing could match the transformative impact of mindset medicine. Not only did I teach my patients to “eat this, not that,” I also helped them understand the transforming power of the mind in how to “think this, not that.”

Dr. Axe has spent the past decade studying mindset, including time as a student earning his Master of Science in Leadership at Johns Hopkins, as a physician helping patients overcome physical and psychological challenges and as an entrepreneur leading and mentoring teams to grow. Think This Not That is a collection of what he’s learned and experienced to help readers begin to think, and live, at a higher level. Through science, stories, and strategies, each chapter will provide the tools it takes to create lasting change.

Dr. Axe is available for interviews and can speak to:

• 12 mental barriers keeping you from being your best self
• Mindset as medicine > Food as medicine
• Crave a more meaningful life? Start here
• The key to limitless leadership
• Axe’s personal story of recovering from an intense back injury, using natural remedies and a focus on mindset

Dr. Josh Axe is a leadership expert, entrepreneur, and physician. He earned his doctorate from Palmer College and earned his doctorate from Palmer College and his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. Josh is the cofounder and CVO of Ancient Nutrition and founder of DrAxe.com. His company ranked on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies two years in a row. He is the bestselling author of Eat Dirt, Keto Diet, and Ancient Remedies. Josh is the founder of Leaders.com, an online platform that provides the latest on breaking news, leadership, business, and wealth. He regularly teaches lectures and trains entrepreneurs on leadership, mindset, and self-development. Josh is married to his wife, Chelsea, and they have one daughter and another due this December. They live between Nashville, TN and Dorado, PR and enjoy cooking, staying active swimming and cycling, and prioritize time for their faith and family. His latest book, Think This Not That, is available nationwide.

Nashville, Tennessee – April 1, 2024 – W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is pleased to announce the promotion of Carrie Marrs to the position of associate publisher, and Lisa-Jo Baker to the role of senior acquisitions editor.

Marrs joined the company in 2004 with a background in biblical studies and psychology and has spent 20 years in editorial roles in Christian publishing. A bestselling author and editor, she has worked with Levi Lusko, Katherine Wolf, Dan Allender, Sadie Robertson Huff, Joel Muddamalle, and Shauna Niequist. Marrs is passionate about shaping the culture of healthy publishing teams, building relationships with authors, and working collaboratively to craft messages that inspire and empower readers. In her previous role as acquisitions editor, she played a pivotal role in acquiring and developing numerous bestselling titles. Her keen editorial eye and strategic vision have contributed to the success of many authors and their books. As associate publisher, Marrs will continue to lead with excellence, overseeing the editorial direction and publishing strategy for W Publishing.

Baker, formerly an acquisitions editor, has been immersed in the world of authors, culture makers, and publishing for over 15 years as a bestselling author herself and the longtime editor in chief of the community website (in)courage (which was home to authors Ann Voskamp, Lysa TerKeurst, and Annie F. Downs among others). Since joining W Publishing, she serves as the editor for Ann Voskamp, Demi Tebow, Charles Martin, Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth, and former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, among others. After years of leading, coaching, and editing writers Baker has developed a rich appreciation for the sacred work of championing creative visionaries alongside her deep desire to see them thrive and their books to form and inform culture. As senior acquisitions editor, she will continue to play an integral role in shaping the publishing program and identifying new voices to share with the world.

“We are delighted to promote Carrie Marrs and Lisa-Jo Baker to these well-deserved positions,” said Damon Reiss, VP and Publisher, W Publishing Group. “Their dedication, creativity, and talent have made a significant impact on our publishing program, and we look forward to their continued contributions to the success of W Publishing.”

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:  Allison Carter, W Publishing Group, allison.carter@harpercollins.com

Nashville, Tenn. (April 1, 2024) – Stephanie Newton, a HarperCollins Christian Publishing veteran, will become the Vice President and Publisher of the Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift teams. Newton will report to Laura Minchew, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of the Children’s and Gift Book Group.

In her new role, Newton will be responsible for driving publishing vision and long-range strategic planning; acquiring key authors; managing the publishing process; meeting financial goals; and maximizing the divisions’ extensive backlist. Newton’s goal will be to publish inspiring books that combine beauty and meaningful faith-based messages while facilitating business and operational strategies.

Newton joined Thomas Nelson in 2006 as a publicist, leading several major media campaigns for books such as the iconic New York Times bestselling Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent—a book that appeared on the New York Times bestsellers list for three consecutive years and was #1 for more than fifty-two consecutive weeks. In 2015 Newton became the marketing director of backlist content and crafted The Seasons Edition book line of high-designed classics. For the past four years, Newton served as Associate Publisher at W Publishing Group. In this position, she played a key role in signing authors such as Savannah Guthrie, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Kathie Lee Gifford, Demi-Leigh Tebow, Hosanna Wong, and Jinger Duggar Vuolo.

“Stephanie will be a tremendous leader of the Harper Christian Gift team,” said Minchew. “Stephanie has great experience in helping authors shape and develop bestselling books, maintaining meaningful author and agent relationships, and maximizing backlist development. She will do a great job guiding our outstanding and talented Gift team. I could not be happier to have her join us!”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Gift team,” said Newton. “I have long admired the meaningful books this team produces and the impact they make in the lives of their readers. The unique marketplace gift books offer allows us to share Jesus’s love in an accessible way. As publisher, I’m eager to lean into this space by offering dedicated leadership to our team, publishing partners, and readers, while continuing to inspire the world with our beautiful, significant books.”

About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

About Zondervan: 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, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is excited to announce that seven titles have been selected as finalists for the The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) 2024 Christian Book Award in five categories.

The finalists include:

• ESV Church History Study Bible (Bible category)
• ESV Teen Study Bible (Bible category)
• Job: Trusting God When Suffering Comes by Lydia Brownback (Bible Study category)
• Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ by John Piper (Christian Living category)
• Impossible Christianity: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time by Kevin DeYoung (Christian Living category)
• Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel D. James (Faith & Culture category)
• Knowing God’s Truth by Jon Nielson (Ministry Resources category)

The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles in twelve categories.  Winners will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration in Chicago on April 30, 2024.

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Contact: Callie Storch, cstorch@crossway.org

March 18, 2014 — Franklin Goldberg recently joined The Happy Writer Podcast with bestselling YA fantasy author, Marissa Meyer. The episode was dedicated to how authors and publishers can get their books into the hands and hearts of readers.

Topics of conversation included: how every book needs to be looked at individually depending on a complex set of variables, the most effective ways to market books, the difference between interruption and interception marketing, the complex Amazon advertising platform and why it can be worth the effort, the importance of search and keywords, how to leverage Facebook and other social media platforms, the importance of packaging quality and cover design, common marketing mistakes, and much more.

https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Contact: Franklin Goldberg, Amplify Marketing Services, 616-929-0105, info@amplifymarketers.com

Equipped to help men face the challenges of life, the CSB Men’s Daily Bible is filled with everyday wisdom for every man

The reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB), which captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, is now available in a Men’s Daily Bible, with notes edited by best-selling author Robert Wolgemuth, complete with contributions from respected pastors and Christian leaders, including Richard Blackaby, Kevin DeYoung, Bob Lepine, and Al Mohler to name a few.

As Holman Bibles Publisher, Andy McLean, says about the CSB Men’s Daily Bible, “The purpose is simple—to get the Bible and the life-transforming message it contains into the hearts of men. Paul tells us in 2 Cor 3 that when we intentionally look to Jesus and behold Him in His written Word, then we begin to look like Jesus more each day, and that is exactly what we hope for every man who uses this Bible. When Jesus wanted to explain deep truth, He often said, ’The Kingdom of God is like,’ then He’d connect this reality with something familiar to those who were listening. It’s what this Bible delivers. Stories and illustrations that unpack some of the good stuff of God’s word. We at Holman Bibles are incredibly honored to have been able to develop this in partnership with General Editor Robert Wolgemuth. Combining Robert’s love for sharing God’s Word with his extensive knowledge and experience in publishing allowed us to create what we believe will be a tremendous resource for individual men and men’s ministries across the globe.”

In the CSB Men’s Daily Bible, Wolgemuth invites men from every walk of life into a daily conversation with God’s Word, the goal is to become more like Jesus along the way.

“Imagine with me, a Bible that men will be able to access every day,” says Wolgemuth. “One they’ll want to use. A Bible filled with understandable explanations of this remarkable, ancient yet wonderfully contemporary Book. Here are helpful, motivating words to encourage a guy in his walk with God. A Daily Bible that’s like a conversation with a friend. No need to imagine this. It’s here.”

The CSB Men’s Daily Bible includes resources to help equip men to live boldly and courageously in the face of everyday challenges unique to them, including relevant topics like:

• Pride
• Comparison
• Marriage
• Parenting & Family Perfection
• Work
• Patience Consequences and more

“My hope is that men will find the features of this Bible to be encouraging, thought-provoking, and challenging,” says Wolgemuth. “The CSB Men’s Daily Bible is intended for ordinary guys to use on their own or to share with a friend in a way that’s easy to understand and is actually helpful.”

Holman Bibles – a subsidiary of B&H Publishing Group – 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”, the “CSB Tony Evans Study Bible” as well as the “Tony Evans One Volume Commentary,” and the “The She Reads Truth Bible”.