NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 1, 2026—Harper Collins Christian Publishing today announced that Susan Ligon, former principal of Ligon Group Consulting, will become the VP and publisher for W Publishing Group, a part of Thomas Nelson. In this role, Ligon will lead the acquisition and editorial strategy and oversee marketing for the nonfiction imprint, reporting to Don Jacobson, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. She will also be responsible for maintaining relationships with the strong roster of current W Publishing Group authors, in addition to discovering and growing new Christian voices in the market.

Ligon has worked in the industry for over thirty years, starting her publishing career at Word Publishing as a publicist and rising quickly through the ranks to VP of Marketing. For more than two decades, Ligon and her literary branding firm, Ligon Group, have managed some of the foremost brands in Christian publishing, including Max Lucado, Louie Giglio, Jennie Allen, Ruth Chou Simons, John Eldredge, Jesus Calling, and others.

The W Publishing imprint publishes nonfiction works at the epicenter of the Christian faith, creativity, and culture. Some recent successes include New York Times bestselling authors Dr. David Jeremiah, John Bevere, Savannah Guthrie, Louie Giglio, and Sarah Jakes Roberts. Previously published classics include mega-sellers Heaven Is for Real and Same Kind of Different as Me as well as Reverend Billy Graham’s publishing catalog.

“Having started my publishing industry journey at the historically significant Word Publishing, it is an unbelievable honor to now come full circle as VP and Publisher of W Publishing Group,” said Ligon. “I look forward to leading this exceptional team into the next phase of impact and success as we carry forward the legacy of W.”

Jacobson said, “I have had the privilege of working closely with Susan over the past seven years and have tremendous respect for both her leadership and her heart for authors and readers. Susan brings a rare combination of strategic insight, publishing excellence, and relational wisdom to everything she does. She is deeply committed to serving authors well, building healthy teams, and creating books that genuinely impact people’s lives. Susan leads with clarity, integrity, and vision, and I am excited to see her step into this important role with W Publishing. I believe her leadership will both honor the imprint’s strong heritage and help guide it into an exciting future.”

Ligon will begin her leadership of W Publishing Group on June 15.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing
HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) is the world’s leading Christian publisher and home to renowned brands Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. It also operates various digital platforms, including FaithGateway, ChurchSource, and Bible Gateway—the world’s largest Christian website. HCCP specializes in bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, children’s books, academic resources, curriculum, gift books, audio, and digital content crafted for the Christian market. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with an office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, HCCP is part of HarperCollins Publishers. For more information, visit HarperCollinsChristian.com.

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, Tenn. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com

Media Contact:
Franny Blanchard
franny.blanchard@harpercollins.com

May 21, 2026 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing has announced the following promotions:

Doug Lockhart is stepping into the new role of SVP, Business Development. Doug has done an outstanding job identifying and closing many of HCCP’s recent acquisitions, and his strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping our future. In this new capacity, Doug will focus on initiatives that drive growth and position HCCP for long-term success. Mark Warner and Russ Casenhiser will continue to report to Doug in support of continued growth initiatives.

Robert Bedenbaugh has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Trade Sales, for HCCP and HCF, reporting to Mark Schoenwald, President and Chief Executive Officer, HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Robert has been with HCCP for nearly 16 years, holding various roles, including managing key CBA accounts and overseeing the Amazon business. He became Vice President of Sales in 2021, successfully leading the Online Sales division, including Amazon, Christianbook, and all digital accounts. Under his leadership, online business has more than doubled since 2020. His direct reports will include Sally Driscoll, Sandy Harris, Wren Franklin, Ayannah Mers, Cami Miller, and Rod Schumacher.

Ayannah Mers has been promoted to Vice President, Online Sales, overseeing the Online Sales group. Ayannah joined HCCP in 2010 and played a key part in building the digital business. Since 2018, Ayannah has been part of the Amazon team and participated in the channel’s growth. In 2021, she advanced to Sales Director, taking on leadership of the Amazon team, and was most recently promoted to Senior Director of Sales. Patty Curtis, Nick Gilbert, Brad Poel, and Paul Vought will report to Ayannah.

Paul Vought has been promoted to Sales Director, overseeing the Amazon business. Paul has been with HCCP for almost ten years, beginning as a Telesales Representative before being promoted to Telesales Lead. In 2019, Paul joined the Custom Sales team as Sales Manager, where his analytical and problem-solving skills proved instrumental in improving efficiencies and revenue. Since joining the Online Sales team in 2021, Paul has consistently delivered strong results across the Amazon business, driving double-digit growth, improving returns, and strengthening deal performance. Laura Fernandez will report to him.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 27, 2026 — Cook Media Global, parent company of David C Cook Publishing, is pleased to announce Brock Eastman’s promotion to vice president and associate publisher of children’s media & The Action Bible brand.

Eastman brings 17 years of publishing and five years of organizational experience to this expanded role. He joined David C Cook in 2021 as director of digital product development and most recently served as senior director of The Action Bible brand.

“Brock’s experience and passion for storytelling, coupled with his desire to create meaningful content for kids and families, equips him well for this position,” said Linda Howard, executive publisher at David C Cook.

Eastman will continue to report to Howard and will lead the vision and direction for David C Cook’s children’s media efforts, while expanding The Action Bible brand. His responsibilities include working with teams on publishing strategy, product development, brand growth, marketing, sales, global licensing and new opportunities to reach children and families through books and media.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, collaborate and build alongside a talented team,” said Eastman. “There is a real opportunity in children’s media right now to serve kids and families in thoughtful, creative ways, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of that.”

A published author himself, Eastman brings firsthand perspective as both a storyteller and a parent of four. His career has included work in product marketing, children’s and parenting content, and brands such as Adventures in Odyssey. He approaches the work with creativity and care, always mindful of the lasting impact content can have on young readers.

“What continues to motivate me most is hearing how God uses content to draw children and families closer together and to Him,” added Eastman.“I’m grateful to play even a small part in that work.”

Nashville, TN – June 1, 2026 – Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, proudly announces the signing of Platinum-selling songwriter, artist, and cultural voice John Mark McMillan for his forthcoming debut book, Flirting with Enchantment, slated for publication in Spring 2028. Thoughtful, poetic, and spiritually resonant, the book explores faith, creativity, meaning, and the search for wonder in modern life through a collection of reflective prose and personal observations drawn from McMillan’s artistic and spiritual journey.

Widely recognized for his genre-defying music and poetic lyricism, McMillan has spent more than two decades cultivating a devoted global audience with songs that wrestle honestly with faith, beauty, longing, and the human experience. His writing brings that same thoughtful voice to the page, inviting readers into a contemplative exploration of Christian spirituality, creativity, meaning, and the search for a deeper life in an increasingly distracted world.

“For much of my life, songwriting has been a way to make sense of the world and my place in it,” said McMillan. “Writing this book feels like a new adventure, but it’s also a continuation of the conversations I’ve been having for decades through music. My hope is that these reflections help people rediscover the world as a spiritual place and find language for the deeper things they’ve been feeling all along.”

World rights were acquired by Paul Pastor, Executive Editor at Nelson Books.

“John Mark is a brilliant voice whose words are already beloved by millions. It is only natural that his creativity, insight, and thoughtful faith have the opportunity to be expressed in a book. Nelson Books is honored to be working with him on his literary debut, ” said Pastor. 

John Mark McMillan is a Platinum-selling songwriter and artist known for his thoughtful, genre-bending body of work and enduring influence on modern faith and culture conversations. Best known for the song “How He Loves,” McMillan has released multiple critically acclaimed albums throughout his career, cultivating a global audience drawn to his poetic exploration of spirituality, creativity, and the human experience.

About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is an industry leader in Christian nonfiction publishing. Nelson Books publishes a diverse array of leaders, experts, and creatives, crafting biblically informed and spiritually fresh books from a Christian perspective that enliven, educate, and encourage readers. The Nelson Books roster of bestselling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Tim Tebow, John Mark Comer, John & Stasi Eldredge, Jennie Allen, Jefferson Bethke, Bob Goff, Ruth Chou Simons, Tyler Staton, Jason Wilson, Christine Caine, and Zach Windahl.

Contact:  Lisa Beech, HarperCollins Christian Publishers, Lisa.beech@harpercollins.com

 

MAY 29, 2026 — Bethany Press Chief Operating Officer Zac Larson received the Rising Star Award from the Book Manufacturers’ Institute at the organization’s 2026 Spring Management Conference in Portland. The award recognizes emerging leaders in the book manufacturing industry who have made significant contributions to both their companies and the industry as a whole.

Larson stepped into a demanding role early in his career, succeeding a longtime colleague with nearly 50 years of experience at Bethany Press. In just three and a half years, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and adaptability. Since joining the company, Larson has mastered estimating, prepress operations, enterprise software systems, and Bethany’s internal information infrastructure.

He also introduced 3D printing technology into Bethany’s operations, developing practical solutions for replacing hard-to-source parts and creating design specifications for gears, shafts, and other critical production components. His ability to identify innovative, cost-effective solutions has strengthened operational efficiency across the company.

When Bethany Press installed a new HP inkjet press, Larson spent a week at HP’s Oregon campus studying both the hardware and software systems behind the equipment. That investment in technical knowledge helped improve production efficiency and maximize the capabilities of the new press.

Beyond his technical accomplishments, Larson has become a trusted resource across nearly every area of Bethany’s operation. Colleagues regularly rely on his expertise, problem-solving ability, and willingness to support others — qualities that have made him an invaluable part of the company’s continued growth and success.

About Bethany Press
Bethany Press is a book manufacturing company with a long history of service to the Christian Publishing industry.  For more information or to learn more about their offerings, please contact info@bethanypress.com.

About the Book Manufacturing Institute
The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) focuses on all aspects of book manufacturing through programs, conferences, interaction with other members, . The members of BMI have been providing leadership, council, and direction to companies who make up the book manufacturing supply chain for over 85 years. This provides great value to our members in that the

Children’s book by Marine Corps captain and Team USA bobsled pilot Riley Tejcek read to local students in Colorado Springs as the nation marks its 250th anniversary with a summer of literacy.

NESBIT, Miss. — May 29, 2026 — End Game Press is delighted to share that its children’s title If You Can Dream It, Be It by Riley Tejcek was featured at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs on Thursday, May 28, 2026, where Second Lady Usha Vance read the book aloud to a group of local students as part of her Summer Reading Challenge. Vance was joined for the reading by two-time Olympian and six-time world champion wrestler Adeline Gray.

The event was widely covered by national and broadcast media — including the Colorado Springs Gazette, KRDO, KOAA, and KKTV — and was featured by USA Wrestling on its verified Instagram account (@usawrestling), where the organization shared photos of Vance reading the book alongside its world champion Adeline Gray, captioned “A little wrestling and a lot of storytime.” The reading helped kick off the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge, a nationwide initiative launched to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary that encourages children to read 12 books between June 1 and September 4, 2026.

If You Can Dream It, Be It is an inspirational picture book that tells the true story behind the career of its author, Riley Tejcek — an officer in the United States Marine Corps and an Olympic bobsled pilot for Team USA. The book invites early readers to consider their own limitless potential, touching on athletics, military service, community service, and the courage to take chances. Its themes of perseverance, patriotism, and possibility resonate naturally with a national summer of reading tied to the country’s 250th anniversary.

A message from the publisher
“We believe in the power of a single book to help a child imagine a bigger future,” said Victoria Duerstock, Founder of End Game Press. “Childhood literacy is one of our passions, and we are honored that If You Can Dream It, Be It could play a part in the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge as families across the country celebrate America’s 250th year. Riley Tejcek’s story shows young readers that service, sport, and big dreams can all live in one life — and that’s a message worth sharing this summer and well beyond.”

Availability
If You Can Dream It, Be It (hardcover) is available now through major retailers and online booksellers, and is distributed to the trade through Ingram. Booksellers, schools, and libraries may order through their standard wholesale channels. The title is well suited for summer reading lists, classroom and library collections, and patriotic and sports-themed displays throughout the 250th-anniversary season. For trade, school, and library ordering inquiries, contact End Game Press at the address below.

About End Game Press
End Game Press is an independent traditional publishing house based in Nesbit, Mississippi, in the Greater Memphis area, publishing books across its imprints including Wren & Bear and Lil’ Liberty Books for children. The press is committed to quality storytelling that informs, inspires, and uplifts readers of all ages. Learn more at www.endgamepress.com.

Media Contact:
Victoria Duerstock
End Game Press, LLC
victoria@endgamepress.com
www.endgamepress.com

CAROL STREAM, Ill. — Tyndale House Publishers announces the retirement of Karen Watson, Fiction Publisher, whose nearly three-decade career at Tyndale has helped shape the publisher’s legacy of excellence in both fiction and children’s publishing.

Watson joined Tyndale in 1996 as an Assistant Acquisitions Editor and quickly became a driving force in the company’s publishing growth. Over the years, she served in several key leadership roles, including Acquisitions Director for Tyndale Kids and Women’s Nonfiction, Associate Publisher for Tyndale Fiction and Tyndale Kids, and ultimately Fiction Publisher, a position she has held since 2015.

Throughout her career, Watson has been known for her sharp editorial instincts, innovative product development, and steady leadership. In her early years, she helped expand Tyndale Kids children’s and youth publishing efforts, contributing to landmark projects including the Left Behind: The Kids series, devotionals, Bible storybooks, and gift and illustrated books. She also helped develop the groundbreaking packaging concept for the NLT Metal Bible.

In addition to her work at Tyndale, Watson served for several years on the board of the Christy Awards, supporting and celebrating excellence in Christian fiction.

Watson is perhaps best known for her passionate leadership and commitment to publishing impactful stories, helping bring bestselling titles to readers through relationships with some of the industry’s most beloved authors, including Francine Rivers, Joel C. Rosenberg, Beth Moore, Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Wingate, Jerry B. Jenkins, and the Kendrick Brothers.

Reflecting on her career, Watson shared, “One of God’s greatest kindnesses to me was the day He guided me through the doors at Tyndale. It has been one of the great joys of my life to work with creatives and encourage their God-given calling. I will be forever grateful for this journey.”

Tyndale is grateful for Watson’s significant contributions over the years and for the lasting impact she has made on authors, colleagues, and readers. Her steady commitment to publishing stories that matter has helped shape both Tyndale Kids and the fiction program, while supporting the company’s mission.

“There are some people who make everyone around them better. Karen is that rare person. Tyndale employees are better in skill and character because of Karen’s influence and mentoring. Tyndale authors and agents are better at their craft because of Karen’s publishing expertise and experience,” said Ron Beers, Chief Publishing Officer. “While we will miss her physical presence, Karen’s influence on Tyndale and the publishing industry will have lasting impact for and to God’s glory.”

Following Watson’s retirement, Stephanie Broene, Associate Publisher for Fiction, will assume the role of Fiction Publisher. Broene has worked alongside Watson in Tyndale’s fiction program for 20 years, helping guide the growth of its authors and publishing initiatives. She will continue leading the fiction team as it builds on the strong foundation Watson has established.

About Tyndale House Publishers
Since 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has positively impacted readers worldwide. Tyndale is one of the world’s largest independent Christian publishers, dedicated to making the Bible accessible in languages people relate to and understand. Tyndale publishes the New Living Translation (NLT) and other Bible translations, nonfiction books that offer Christ-centered insight, fiction that inspires, and children’s resources that help share God’s Word with the next generation. Tyndale’s independence enables it to honor its founding model through annual grants and donations to other charitable organizations around the world, totaling more than half of the funds generated through publishing operations.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

 

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Tyndale and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered and/or common law trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries in the USA and various other jurisdictions around the world. All rights reserved. See tyndale.com for a full list of trademarks owned by Tyndale House Ministries.

CAROL STREAM, IL —Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that Damon Reiss will join the company as chief publishing officer beginning Monday, June 1.

Reiss brings extensive experience as a publishing executive, with expertise in business growth, sales strategy, author development, acquisition strategy, and leading innovative publishing programs. He joins Tyndale following a twenty-three-year tenure at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, most recently serving as vice president and publisher of W Publishing. Throughout his career there, he also worked across multiple divisions on both the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan sides of the business.

The appointment reflects Tyndale’s continued commitment to strategic growth and expanding its publishing impact in the years ahead. Reiss’s leadership and industry experience will play a key role in helping Tyndale broaden its reach, strengthen author partnerships, and pursue new publishing opportunities.

In his new role, Reiss will oversee Tyndale’s publishing strategy and lead the company’s publishing teams as the organization continues its mission of making God’s Word accessible to as many people as possible through Bibles and books that equip, encourage, and inspire readers in their Christian faith.

“I am thrilled to have Damon join the Tyndale team as our new chief publishing officer. Damon’s passion for this industry is evident to anyone who interacts with him,” said Scott Mathews, CEO of Tyndale House Publishers. “He has a clear call on his life to do this work, and his experience with both books and Bibles will be an asset to our acquisition teams. His dynamic leadership, remarkable skill set, and mission fit make him the perfect choice for Tyndale.”

Reiss succeeds longtime publishing leader Ron Beers, who is retiring at the end of August after 39 years of faithful leadership and significant contributions to Tyndale’s publishing program and ministry impact.

“I am deeply honored to join Tyndale House Publishers and to build upon the extraordinary legacy established by Dr. Kenneth Taylor and the Taylor family. Their vision for publishing resources that help people encounter God’s Word has shaped generations of readers and remains profoundly important today,” said Reiss. “I also have tremendous respect for Ron Beers and the remarkable leadership he has provided in guiding Tyndale’s growth and impact over the years. I look forward to serving alongside Scott Mathews and the talented Tyndale team to continue advancing that mission with excellence, creativity, and faithfulness.”

About Tyndale House Publishers
Since 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has positively impacted readers worldwide. Tyndale is one of the world’s largest independent Christian publishers, dedicated to making the Bible accessible in languages people relate to and understand. Tyndale publishes the New Living Translation (NLT) and other Bible translations, nonfiction books that offer Christ-centered insight, fiction that inspires, and children’s resources that help share God’s Word with the next generation. Tyndale’s independence enables it to honor its founding model through annual grants and donations to other charitable organizations around the world, totaling more than half of the funds generated through publishing operations.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

 

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Tyndale and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered and/or common law trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries in the USA and various other jurisdictions around the world. All rights reserved. See tyndale.com for a full list of trademarks owned by Tyndale House Ministries.

CAROL STREAM, Ill.— Tyndale House Publishers has named veteran marketing executive Erica Bardeau as Acquisitions Director for Children and Youth, where she will oversee product acquisition, development activities, and publishing strategy for Tyndale’s product lines serving children, teenagers, and their families.

Bardeau brings a unique combination of corporate leadership experience and longtime

ministry involvement to the role. Her background includes marketing, sales, and consulting leadership for global brands including Procter & Gamble, Mars, and Danone, alongside decades of serving children and families through church ministry, youth sports, and education. She is passionate about the impact meaningful books can have in shaping the faith and character of young readers.

“We’re so pleased that Erica has agreed to join our Tyndale team,” said Amy Simpson, Publisher, Bibles, Kids & Spanish. “She brings a rich and varied set of experiences that will make her a strategic and creative leader for our work in introducing children and teens to a Christian worldview and inspiring them to pursue a personal, loving relationship with God, while being transformed by his Word.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Tyndale, where delivering meaningful, engaging content for kids and families matters so deeply,” said Bardeau. “I look forward to combining my experience in growth and brand strategy with a mission that helps young readers grow in faith, character, and understanding.”

Bardeau earned a degree in economics from Cornell University and an MBA from Northwestern University. She and her husband, Dave Bardeau, are the parents of three children.

Since 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has positively impacted readers worldwide. Tyndale is one of the world’s largest independent Christian publishers, dedicated to making the Bible accessible in languages people relate to and understand. Tyndale publishes the New Living Translation (NLT) and other Bible translations, nonfiction books that offer Christ-centered insight, fiction that inspires, and children’s resources that help share God’s Word with the next generation. Tyndale’s independence enables it to honor its founding model through annual grants and donations to other charitable organizations around the world, totaling more than half of the funds generated through publishing operations.

Media Contact:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls by M.J. Thomas Surpasses One Million Copies Sold

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 5, 2026) – WorthyKids announces that its bestselling chapter book series, The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, has officially passed the one million-copy milestone across all books in the series.

“The team at WorthyKids is thrilled about this amazing milestone for The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series,” says WorthyKids Associate Publisher, Peggy Schaefer. “These books have been a staple in many children’s lives, bringing the stories of the Bible to them in a fun and engaging way.”

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls is a nine-book series geared toward readers age six to nine and debuted in 2017. The chapter books follow siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history. Each book includes appearances from key figures from the Bible, as well as the Archangel Michael, who acts as their guide.

The stories share unique moments from the Bible, bringing to life well-known accounts such as the story of Creation, Noah and the Flood, David and Goliath, and many more. Once transported, Peter and Mary must search for clues to solve the secret of the scrolls, or they will be stuck in the past forever.

Mike Thomas grew up in Florida playing sports and riding his bike to the library and an arcade named the Cosmic Cowboy. He graduated from Liberty University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Bible Studies. When his son Peter was nine years old, Mike went searching for books that would teach Peter about the Bible in a fun, imaginative way. Finding none, he decided to write his own series. Mike Thomas lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with his wife, Lori; sons Payton and Peter; and their dog, Hank.

WorthyKids, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, publishes children’s books at the intersection of faith and family. WorthyKids books are crafted to delight and inspire, to plant seeds of faith, and to encourage young readers to be the best that they can be. The imprint publishes across a wide range of formats—from board books and picture books to early graphic readers, chapter books, and more. The award-winning list includes titles from VeggieTales, Joyce Meyer, Patricia Pingry, Allie Millington, Katherine Pryor, and many others. www.worthykids.com

Media Contact:  Ella Rose Murphy, Publicist, WorthyKids, ellarose.murphy@hbgusa.com