April 23, 2018 Edition

Industry News

Baker Books appoints new Editorial Director

Baker Publishing Group announces a change to their editorial team with the appointment of Rebekah Guzman to the position of editorial director for Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Guzman’s appointment to the position follows the departure of Chad Allen, who is leaving the company to focus on serving writers in new ways.

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Africa Speaks conference convenes, helping to flourish the African publishing industry

Last month, delegates from nine African nations along with Brazil, France, the United Kingdom and the United States gathered on the campus on Trinity International University for the inaugural Africa Speaks conference. According to the organizers, the stated mission of the conference was “to facilitate a network of like-minded persons and organizations who will commit to working together to foster a flourishing African publishing industry for the enrichment of the Church and society in Africa and around the world.”

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PBS' Great American Read program includes industry titles in America's Top 100 Most Loved Books

PBS will soon kick off The Great American Read, and has announced America’s 100 most-loved books on their website.  Included are The Shack, This Present Darkness, the Left Behind series, and The Narnia Chronicles series.  Starting May 22, PBS will host the eight-episode program as a centerpiece for an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books.  Americans can vote on their most loved book throughout the program from May 22 until October 22.

For more information…

Nearly half a million accounts to receive #ReadGoodBooks news: 8 days remain

Eight days remain to join the #ReadGoodBooks social media campaign to spread the news about the transforming power of Christian books.  On May 1st, after the announcement of the Christian Book Award® winners at the ECPA Awards Celebration in Washington, D.C., a “Thunderclap” will hit half a million accounts with the news.  So far, nearly 500,000 are signed up with more expected.  Through a quick sign-up, participants allow Thunderclap to send a one-time-only post to their Twitter, Facebook, and/or Tumblr followers the evening of May 1st when the Christian Book Award® winners are announced during the awards program held at the ECPA Leadership Summit.

Join the campaign at https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/69295-the-readgoodbooks-revolution

Milestones

Emily Ley's "A Simplified Life" surpasses 100,000 units in just four months

Thomas Nelson announced that “A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living,” by Emily Ley, has surpassed more than 100,000 units sold. “A Simplified Life” is Ley’s second book with Thomas Nelson Gift, following the 2016 release of “Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy.” Together, Ley’s titles have sold more than 250,000 units, solidifying her place as one of Thomas Nelson’s breakout authors.

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CSPA announces Christian Indie Awards winners

Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA) is pleased to announce the winning titles for the 2018 Christian Indie Awards. The Christian Indie Awards honor books produced by small publishers and independent authors each year for outstanding contribution to Christian life.

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Media Announcements

Roma Downey discusses new book and recently departed co-star Della Reese

In her newest book, Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us (Howard Books), Roma Downey talks about how important it is to recognize the blessings in front of us each day. She also shares about the special relationship she had with her “Touched By An Angel” co-star Della Reese, who passed away last year, and the comfort she has in knowing that we’ll all be together one day in heaven.

More at jesuscalling.com/podcast/

Bible Gateway interviews Ginger Hubbard, author of “I Can’t Believe You Just Said That!”

Are you ever embarrassed or shocked by what comes out of your child’s mouth? Do you raise your voice, threaten, and coerce, but find yourself frustrated because nothing seems to work? Is there a simple, Bible-based plan that shows parents how to help their kids tame their tongues and walk in the transforming power of Christ?  Bible Gateway interviewed Ginger Hubbard about her book, I Can’t Believe You Just Said That!: Biblical Wisdom for Taming Your Child’s Tongue (Thomas Nelson, 2018).

Read this interview.

Rashad Jennings’ book tour for “The IF In Life” announced

During the tour for his debut book, “The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self”, former NFL running back and Dancing with the Stars Season 24 champion Rashad Jennings will share his inspiring story with fans across America in early May. Jennings will kick off his tour at his alma mater Liberty University during a special event open to students and the public.

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Bible Gateway interviews Brent Strawn, author of “The Old Testament Is Dying”

The Old Testament constitutes the majority of the Christian Bible and provides much of the language of Christian faith. Are churches and Christians dangerously neglecting it? Bible Gateway interviewed Brent A. Strawn (@brentstrawn) about his book, The Old Testament Is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment (Baker Academic, 2017).

Read this interview.

Other News