WESTMONT, IL—Carmen Joy Imes, author of Bearing God’s Name and Being God’s Image, has signed a contract with IVP Academic for the Fall 2026 release of a third book titled Becoming God’s Family.

Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, she is the author of Bearing YHWH’s Name at Sinai, Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends.

Imes is a regular contributor to The Well, a fellow of Every Voice, and serves on the advisory council for the Bible Literacy Conference. She is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature and serves on the board of directors of the Institute for Biblical Research.

Following up on her two previous books with IVP Academic, Becoming God’s Family is Imes’s call for the West to recover the “multicultural nature of the people of God and the way the presence of God dwells among us.”

Imes says, “The first book sought to recover the value of the Old Testament, particularly the law at Sinai, for believers’ identity and vocation. The second book, a ‘prequel,’ broadened the scope of inquiry to the identity and purpose of all humans by going back to Genesis 1–11. This third book aims to recover what in the West is a neglected dimension of biblical faith, hiding in plain sight from the beginning to the end of the biblical canon. Our Western individualism prevents us from appreciating the truly communal and multicultural nature of the people of God and the way the presence of God dwells among us. Biblical salvation is not just another and more effective means of self-actualization, as though God were freeing us from slavery to sin so that we could pursue our individual dreams unhindered. Rather, the Bible invites us into a group project and offers us a place to belong. Becoming God’s Family will offer a robust biblical theology of community, highlighting God’s intention to dwell among us collectively. When we attend to these themes in Scripture—God’s presence among the community—we discover that we were never meant to walk alone.”

Becoming God’s Family was acquired by Rachel Hastings, associate academic editor of IVP Academic. She said, “We need more books with a constructive and hopeful vision for the church, and I can think of no scholar more equipped for the task than Carmen. Her scholarly expertise coupled with her ability to speak in a way that resonates with both the academy and the church will undoubtedly make this book a valuable addition to her work in Bearing God’s Name and Being God’s Image.”

Carol Stream, Ill. — (August 17, 2023) —Try Softer by Aundi Kolber has surpassed 100,000 copies sold across all editions: paper, ebook, and audio.

In Try Softer, which released January 7, 2020, Kolber shows readers how God specifically designed their bodies and minds to work together to process their stories and work through obstacles. By highlighting the latest psychology, practical clinical exercises, and her own personal story, Aundi equips and empowers them to connect to their truest self and truly live.

Commenting on this author, title, and significant sales milestone, Jillian Schlossberg, Acquisitions Manager, shared, “The team at Tyndale celebrates this huge milestone for Aundi and Try Softer. It’s been such a joy to see Aundi’s message impact so many, gently guiding them further on their path toward healing. Her fiercely compassionate words and tenacious spirit offer our world a refreshing and compelling new lens, and it’s a privilege to be publishing this rare talent.”

Aundi Kolber is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA LPC), writer, and speaker in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She specializes in trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, and (in) courage. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain.

This is Kolber’s first book to achieve 100,000 units sold.

In addition to Try Softer, Kolber is also the author of The Try Softer Guided Journey and the recently released Strong like Water. In March 2024, she will release Strong like Water Guided Journey.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Amanda Woods, amandawoods@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 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.

Contact: Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) August 14, 2023 – Influential podcaster, highly sought after speaker, and content creator Tim Ross has signed a two-book deal with Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The first book is slated to release in February 2024 and will be a reimagined version of Ross’s 2020 bestseller, Upset the World. Packed with fresh perspectives and accessible, actionable advice, this publication aims to empower readers to upset the monotony of the mundane and enter into the powerful, authentic, upside-down life of the Kingdom of God.

Ross hosts the popular and rapidly growing podcast The Basement with Tim Ross and shares his message on his social media platforms @Upsetthegram and on TikTok as @Upsetthetok, where he shares bite-sized insights, motivational videos, and behind-the-scenes moments from his speaking engagements and creative process. Ross will be speaking at churches, conferences, and events nationwide and aims to upset the world with a sincere but subversive message of hope and the love of Jesus Christ.

“Nelson Books enthusiastically welcomes Tim Ross to our publishing program. Tim is a creative pioneer and visionary, a thought leader and pastoral voice, an advocate for truth and beauty,” said Andrew Stoddard, VP & Publisher. “Time and again, Tim demonstrates his ability to cut through today’s constant barrage of digital noise and offer tremendous comfort and challenge. We are eager to bring these powerful publications to market.”

“I am on a mission to turn people’s expectations upside down and leave them right side up, even when it comes to writing books,” said Ross. “I’m excited to bring Upset the World and my future book to readers and inspire them to change the world.”

Andrew Stoddard, publisher of Nelson Books, secured world rights. Curtis Wallace, Law Office of Curtis W. Wallace, PC, represents Ross.

About Tim Ross:  Tim Ross is a podcaster, social media influencer, author, preacher, and global Christian advisor. He also previously served as lead pastor at Embassy City Church. Together with his wife Juliette, they run their for-profit entities, including Upset the World, LLC., “The Basement with Tim Ross” podcast, their conferences, marriage ministry, empowerment sessions, and books. Married since 1999, they have two sons, Nathan and Noah, and currently live in the great city of Denton, Texas.
Learn more at https://www.upsettheworld.com/tim-ross | https://www.instagram.com/upsetthegram/

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 ThomasNelson.com.

Contact: Lisa Beech, Director of Publicity, Lisa.beech@harpercollins.com, 719-439-9403

THE COUPLE’S BOOK – WHY EVERYTHING THAT DOESN’T MATTER, MATTERS SO MUCH: THE WAY OF LOVE IN A WORLD OF HURT – WILL RELEASE IN MARCH 2024

NASHVILLE, TENN. (AUGUST 08, 2023) GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Charlie Peacock and his wife and author, Andi Ashworth have inked a book deal with Nashville-based W Publishing an imprint of Thomas Nelson, division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Harper Collins. The boutique imprint will release their new book, Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt, in March 2024.

“Harper Collins W has a history of publishing for both Christian-rooted communities and broader markets—an ethos that best mirrors our own history as creators and neighbors,” shares Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth. “We were also looking for a publisher with a staff diversity that looks a little more like our own diverse family. Finally, we just really liked them as people! It’s a fit for us and we are honored to have this new book in such good, artful, and skillful hands.”

Leaning on their life experience, Charlie and Andi created a book that gives the reader a hopeful and practical model for what it means to be a culture-maker and a Christian in a world at odds with itself. Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much is a collection of letters written directly to all who think deeply and care acutely about family, vocation, and the calling to love everyone, everywhere.

Book Information: 
Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt
Written by: Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth
Release date: 3/12/24
Publisher: W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, a division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Harper Collins

Register now to attend the Nashville Book Launch and others
Explore CharliePeacock.com
Publicity and Podcast Requests: Elizabeth Hawkins, W Publicity Manager elizabeth.hawkins@harpercollins.com

CHARLIE PEACOCK is a Grammy Award–winning, Billboard Chart–topping music producer, composer, and recording artist. He is a Co-Founder of The Art House, Wedgwood Circle, and Founder/Director Emeritus of the Commercial Music Program at Lipscomb University. Charlie has produced music for film and television, including A Walk To Remember, Chris Cornell’s “Misery Chain” from the soundtrack of 12 Years a Slave, and “Hush,” the title theme to the AMC drama Turn: Washington’s Spies. Named by Billboard’s Encyclopedia of Record Producers as one of the 500 most important producers in music history, Charlie is also a three-time recipient of the Gospel Music Award for Producer of the Year. His books include New Way To Be Human, At The Crossroads, and contributions to It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God and Mission: Africa: A Field Guide. Charlie has been married to Andi Ashworth for nearly fifty years and they have two grown, married children and four grandchildren.

ANDI ASHWORTH is the author of Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring. She is Co-Founder of The Art House in Nashville, where she served for over two decades through hospitality and mentoring, hosting a wide range of guests and organizations including Bono, Blood: Water Mission, International Justice Mission, The Gathering, and the ONE Campaign. Andi holds an MA in Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. As Editor-In-Chief of the Art House America Blog, she stewarded hundreds of essays from a variety of authors such as Tish Harrison Warren, Steven Garber, Sandra McCracken, Russ Ramsey, and Luci Shaw. Andi is most recently published in Wild Things and Castles in the Sky: A Guide to Choosing the Best Books for Children and A Book for Hearts & Minds: What You Should Read and Why. She has been married to Charlie Peacock for nearly fifty years and they have two grown, married children and four grandchildren.

Media Contacts:
Lori Mahon, lori@mergepr.com, 615.579.1266
Stacie Vining, stacie@mergepr.com, 615.260.4679

Grand Rapids, August 2023 – Best-selling author and theologian Mike Nappa’s “Reflections for the Grieving Soul,” (Zondervan), released on July 18, has vaulted to the #1 position in Amazon’s highly-competitive “New Release Christian Devotionals” category.

A testament, Nappa hopes, to the impact it’s having on readers seeking solace as they navigate the challenging journey of loss and grief.

“I’m grateful to hear it’s reaching people who need grace during a time of grieving. My prayer is that God will be noticeably near to every grieving soul, as he has proven Himself close to me in the midst of my own sorrow.”

A longtime literary agent and the author of over five dozen books, Nappa served in ministry and co-authored a number of those books with Amy, his wife of 30 years, before losing her to cancer in 2016.

The book’s placement on the platforms of two key figures such as Ann Voskamp and Sarah Young have significantly contributed to the book’s rising influence within the realm of Christian devotionals.

“Reflections for the Grieving Soul is an essential read for the heavy-hearted. Mike personally extends a hand to the reader by walking us through his own struggles and prayers, all the while leading us toward the hope we can find in Christ,” said Tiffany Curtis, Faith Editor at Crosswalk.com, “This is an honest look at the mourning process and will help a grieving heart at any stage to feel deeply understood.”

The book is available for purchase on Amazon and at all booksellers.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests with Mike Nappa, please contact:
Jones Literary
bookings@jonesliterary.com
512.720.2996

Friesens was pleased to hear of the joint venture between Timsons Engineering and CPI Corporation with the intent to build Timsons presses again.

Friesens presently operates 2 Timsons presses, a T32 and a T48, which have been workhorses in our single colour product line.  These presses have provided us with excellent quality and reliability, so we were disappointed when Timsons ceased production in 2015.

The TimsonsCPI announcement was perfect timing as we were seeking to upgrade. Friesens is thrilled to acquire the first press from this joint venture, and we look forward to its arrival in 2024.

We have a high degree of confidence in this investment, and in the venture itself. The subject matter experts we met at the factory buoyed our confidence that this was a good strategic investment and partnership.

Upgrades to the press include a new oil lubrication system in the print unit that allows for a 16% increase in speed, a new light-weight titanium chopper knife folder, new Baldwin impact Fusion blanket washing system and of course all new state of the art drives, motors, and a new operating software.

At Friesens, we help others share their best story with the world. We do this by combining caring and talented people with the latest technology to deliver a superior customer experience.

As an employee-owned business, we are committed to reinvesting in our operations. Not only for our own benefit today, but for the benefit of employee-owners of the future and the communities they call home. Our company has been in business for 115 years and we’ve never been more excited about the future!

If you have any questions about this release, please contact Byron Loeppky, Senior VP of Books at byronl@friesens.com or phone 204-319-8113.

 

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (August 9, 2023) – Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has announced that Jeff Johnson, Chief Administration Officer, will retire on September 29, after 37 years at the company. “Jeff Johnson has been instrumental in guiding Tyndale House Publishers and the greater Christian publishing industry during his many years of executive leadership,” said Scott Mathews, CEO of Tyndale House, “We are grateful for his contributions over the years and for all his efforts in furthering the mission of Tyndale House Ministries. He will be missed.” Johnson will continue to serve on the board of Tyndale House Foundation.

Jeff Johnson began his career at Tyndale as a stock runner in 1986. Johnson became Tyndale’s director of human resources and administrative services in 1988 where he oversaw three major building projects and coordinated the initiation of the 401(k) plan to replace the pension plan model for employees. In 1998, he was promoted to vice president of publishing services, and in 2004 was named chief operating officer. In 2016, Johnson was promoted to the role of president and chief operating officer.

During his tenure at Tyndale, Johnson played a vital role in shepherding initiatives that helped expand Tyndale’s catalog and contributed to the financial and ministry success of the company. It was his vision to create Tyndale Español in 2005 and to acquire Hendrickson Publishing Group in 2021. Johnson also recognized the potential for the page-recognition technology behind Tyndale’s Filament-enabled Bible, which earned a patent from US Patent and Trademark Office in 2021. Additionally, he helped lead a cross-departmental, company-wide effort to bring the product to market, and it continues to be one of Tyndale’s leading Bible lines today. Johnson’s vision also included the development of Tyndale’s e-commerce websites and the internal publication management system that manages the company’s daily operations.

In addition to his work at Tyndale, Johnson brought his expertise and experience to the ECPA board of directors for many years, serving as vice-chair and providing counsel and direction to this important Christian publishing consortium. “Jeff has always had a heart for service,” notes Sharon Heggeland, COO of Tyndale House. “He has always been mindful of Tyndale’s mission legacy, encouraging all of us at THM to serve one another.”

“My focus as a leader at Tyndale has always been on completing the Great Commission,” offered Johnson. “It is my hope that all publishers will honor the call to supply products and support authors and organizations that help fulfill this command from our Lord and Savior.”

A retirement reception to celebrate Jeff Johnson’s contributions will be held at Tyndale during the last week of September.

For media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@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 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.

 

Race to Kindness to Release May 2024

Grand Rapids, MI – August 8, 2023 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that 12-year-old Orion Jean, the 2021 TIME Magazine Kid of the Year, will publish a children’s picture book titled Race to Kindness, releasing May 7, 2024.

Illustrated by Darshika Varma, the book is inspired by Orion’s accomplishments of getting over a half million books donated to children and collecting over 100,000 meals for the food insecure in his community and across the country, all beginning when he was 9.

The book shows a boy who takes on small acts of kindness – like a smile or a wave – to bigger actions – where everyone matters and everyone can make a difference. Based on Orion’s Be K.I.N.D. initiative, the characters in the book use the letters in the word kind to “Keep your eyes open,” “Include others,” think about how “Nothing is too small” and to“Do something about it” when someone is struggling or facing a challenge.

This one book deal with Jean was acquired by Katherine Easter, Acquisitions Editor for Zonderkidz/HarperCollins, for world rights.

“Orion’s story was so inspiring to us and we want to help him reach more young readers with this message of kindness to do what they can, from wherever they are. Working with Orion and his family has been a true joy! His passion fits our publishing mission so well,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz.

More information on Jean and the new book can be found here:  www.racetokindnessbook.com  His profile as the 2021 TIME Kid of the Year when he was 11 can be found here:  https://time.com/6144632/kid-of-the-year-2021-orion-jean/ Orion makes his home in Mansfield, Texas where he looks forward to attending 8^th grade this fall.

The book is now available for pre-orders wherever books are sold. Advance review copies of the book and media interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com. A full media tour is planned for May 2024.

About the book:
Race to Kindness
Author: TIME 2021 Kid of the Year Orion Jean
Illustrator: Darshika Varma
9780310152552
Hardcover picture book, ages 4 – 8 (will also be available in audio and e-book)
Release date: May 7, 2024
Publisher: Zonderkidz

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact: Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com

Story of Abraham Lincoln’s Tenacious, Hilarious Son Releases Oct. 3, 2023
Perfect for Thanksgiving/Holiday Round-Ups

Grand Rapids, Mich. (August 9, 2023) — New York Times bestselling author, respected broadcast journalist and producer Raymond Arroyo continues his Turnabout Tales series with The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln, releasing Oct. 3, 2023, from Zonderkidz. The story of Abraham Lincoln’s rambunctious son is the second heartwarming, historic picture book in the series, following The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison, which debuted in March.

Ushering in the fall season, The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln introduces readers to the youngest son of the 16th President of the United States — a largely forgotten, but historically significant boy, who is responsible for an enduring national holiday tradition. Tad, who had a cleft palate that sometimes made his speech difficult to understand, was known for pulling pranks and wreaking havoc in the White House. This is the unknown story of the boy whose joyous presence became a source of comfort to his father during the nation’s darkest moments. Aimed at children, ages 4-8, and the young at heart, this keepsake picture book — illustrated by Jacqui Davis — captures the hilarious White House mischief of Tad Lincoln and reminds us of the importance of one child in the life of a father — and a nation.

Filled with Tad’s imaginative hijinks, The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln also paints the portrait of a doting, grieving father, who after losing his oldest son to a deadly fever, grows even more attached to young Tad. Against the backdrop of the Civil War, the 8-year-old provides moments of joy, laughter and hope to his father on his darkest days. In turn, his dad subtly teaches Tad important life lessons about mercy and forgiveness as he pardons real-life soldiers, toys and even a Thanksgiving Day turkey at the insistence of his son. In this “Turnabout Tale,” Arroyo explores how Tad’s beloved “Paw,” as Tad called the president, recognized wisdom in his son’s innate mercy and how, together, they created a national tradition that continues to this day.

“As his father reviewed pardons in his office, late into the night, Tad would often fall asleep next to his desk. Lincoln’s cabinet famously hated pardon requests to reach the president personally. He had a soft spot for those in distress — a sensitivity his personal losses only deepened,” Arroyo observes of the president, who granted pardons for more than 82% of the requests he received over the course of his four years in office. “His generosity and mercy, even amid a bloody war, is a constant theme of his presidency and a huge part of Tad’s story.”

It was Tad and President Lincoln who began the tradition of the White House Thanksgiving turkey pardon — a custom U.S. presidents still observe to this day — after Tad begged his father not to let the kitchen staff cook the bird he had adopted as a friend and playmate. Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, that same momentous year, which also saw the esteemed president sign the Emancipation Proclamation and deliver the Gettysburg Address.

The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln is the second installment in Arroyo’s Turnabout Tales series, which is slated to feature pivotal moments in more historic lives, each revealing “Challenges Faced, Paths Changed, History Turned.” Additional books in the series will be announced soon. This series was acquired by Zonderkidz Publisher Megan Dobson and Senior Acquisitions Editor Katherine Jacobs, from agent Chip Flaherty of Bamtrey Strategies.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln
By New York Times bestselling author Raymond Arroyo
Illustrated by Jacqui Davis
Hardcover w/ Jacket, $18.99
978-0310793823 October 3, 2023 On Sale

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raymond Arroyo is an internationally known, award-winning journalist, producer, and New York Times bestselling author. As a Fox News Contributor and Editorial Advisor to the top-rated, The Ingraham Angle, he has created the popular “Seen and Unseen” and “Friday Follies” segments that have become audience favorites. He regularly files national reports for Fox News and appears across the network. He is also a former CNN contributor.

As founding News Director, Managing Editor and Lead Anchor for EWTN News, he is seen in more than 400 million homes on six continents each week and heard on more than 600 AM/FM affiliates and a stand alone Sirius channel throughout the U.S. and globally. Arroyo established EWTN News and The World Over Live in 1996, which he hosts from Washington D.C. each week. Known for his penetrating interviews, Arroyo has interrogated the leading figures of the day. Highlights include: The first exclusive, sit down interview with Mel Gibson about his film, “The Passion of the Christ”; Mother Teresa of Calcutta; Placido Domingo; Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, a groundbreaking interview with comic legend, Jerry Lewis, and the first and only English language interview with Pope Benedict XVI. Arroyo has also worked for the Associated Press, The New York Observer and the political columnist team of Evans and Novak.

He is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He has acted and directed in New York and London. Arroyo has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Erin Burnett OutFront, Access Hollywood, and NPR. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and elsewhere.

Five of his adult books, including his biography of Mother Angelica, were all New York Times bestsellers. His first picture book, The Spider Who Saved Christmas, was also a New York Times bestseller. Additionally, he is author of the bestselling Will Wilder series for young readers. In 2015, Arroyo founded Storyented.com, a literacy initiative to inspire reading by connecting the world’s great authors and their readers. Arroyo resides in New Orleans and Washington D.C. with his wife Rebecca and their children.

https://raymondarroyo.com/ 
https://twitter.com/raymondarroyo 
https://www.facebook.com/ArroyoRaymond Literary Initiative: storyented.com 

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contacts:
Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com
Velvet Kelm, the media collective, velvet@themcollective.com, (615) 591-7989, themcollective.com

Former Executive Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at InterVarsity Press will begin new position on September 5, 2023

TEMPE, ARIZ., (August 14, 2023) – The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announces that Sally Sampson Craft will join its staff as Manager of Member Care. In that position, Craft will serve existing, new, and potential voting members and small press, international, and industry affiliates to foster strong member engagement and retention and to enhance the services ECPA offers to its community. She will also partner with other ECPA staff to launch a new quarterly onboarding webinar for new members.

“I am delighted that at a time when ECPA needed to fill this strategic position, someone with Craft’s experience in publishing and knowledge of ECPA was ready to make a change,” Cynthia Helblig, Executive Administrator and Office Manager, said. “Our entire staff is looking forward to working with Sally as together we serve our membership.”

During more than 35 years in Christian book publishing at IVP, Craft led a number of innovative turns, including launching the company’s website, shaping its digital publishing program, and nurturing its Every Voice Now initiative. Additionally, she was recognized for collaborating cross-departmentally on process improvements and for establishing and strengthening cross-organization partnerships. For the past several years she has served as a member of ECPA’s recognition committee.

“I’m looking forward to partnering with Sally Craft and to seeing the contributions she will make to our community, especially in the area of member care,”  Jeff Crosby, ECPA president and CEO, said. “Her 35 years of publishing experience at multiple levels of our industry, from copywriter to the executive level, has given her a strong background to understand and meet the needs of our community.”

Craft said, “It was a joy to work with Jeff Crosby during his years in leadership at IVP and, more recently, to work with the ECPA staff team and other publisher representatives as a member of the recognition committee. I look forward to this new chapter in my Christian publishing career, and I hope to serve ECPA and its members well in the years ahead.”

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

Media Contact:  Jeff Crosby, ECPA president and CEO, 630.989.0222 or jcrosby@ecpa.org