February 8, 2021 Edition

Industry News

Media Do International acquires Firebrand Technologies and NetGalley, LLC

Media Do International, the US based subsidiary of Media Do Ltd., in Japan, today announced that they have acquired all of the shares of Quality Solutions/Firebrand Technologies and NetGalley from their current shareholders. Fran Toolan, founder and CEO of the companies, will remain on as CEO for a minimum of three years.

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Jennifer Gingerich named associate publisher for Nelson Books

Thomas Nelson announced today that Jennifer Gingerich will become the next associate publisher for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. Gingerich has spent more than fifteen years working within the publishing industry in writing, editorial, and content development.

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ECPA releases Christian Bestseller lists for February

As 2021 moves into its second month, the same two books top ECPA’s Top 50 Bestsellers for February, reflecting POS data compiled by NPD BookScan in the month of January. At #1 is Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst (Thomas Nelson). Coming in at #2 is the top selling book for 2020, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Moody Publishers).

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The Parable Group shares Annual State of Christian Retailing report

The Parable Group released its 2021 State of Christian Retailing report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. Progress, pandemic challenges, and important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead. Drawing on $58 million in sales data and 1.7 million consumer receipts reported to ParableConnect by 230 U.S. Christian retailers—along with nationwide survey results—the report highlights include: comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, analysis of year-end sales, strategies for retail growth, and stories of exemplary retailers.

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ECPA sets Virtual Leadership Summit dates:  April 27 to May 6

ECPA’s Spring Leadership Summit – the annual gathering of management teams in Christian publishing for connection and learning from world-class experts speaking on current industry issues and trends – will be held online in two daily webinars from April 27 to May 6.  The webinars will be held at 10 am and 2 pm on April 27-29 and May 4-6 – and include breakout sessions for discussion and connection.  Program information and registration will be announced soon.

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Product News

Christian publisher Urim Books introduces book series at Taipei International Book Fair

The 2021 Taipei International Book Exhibition moved online amid concerns over COVID-19. It adjusted its run, from the original offline plan to finish on January 31 to a new schedule which keeps its now all digital offerings available through May 31. The book fair was hosted by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan with the Guest of Honor country Korea. Christian publishing company Urim Books, an international member of ECPA, introduced two book series there.

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Baker Publishing Group signs two-book contract with author Shannan Martin

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that they have signed a new contract with Shannan Martin, author of “Falling Free” and “The Ministry of Ordinary Places.” Her first of the two books will focus on practical and tangible ways to love one another fully by engaging in the hard work of kinship and mutual belonging within vastly divided community.

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New Growth Press releases children’s book to help children understand that God cares for us even when we are sick

Being sick can be a scary thing, especially for children. “God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick” (New Growth Press/February 8, 2021) by Dr. Scott James shows both kids and their parents that God is right there with them in their time of need, even in the middle of a pandemic. Not only can they trust him to take care of them, but they also have the privilege of imitating him while caring for others.

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Media Announcements

Bible Gateway interviews Jemar Tisby, author of “How to Fight Racism”

What are biblically practical ways to conquer racism? How should we consistently interrogate our everyday actions to maintain a steady anti-racist posture? In what ways is the Christian faith the ultimate solution to racism as we embrace the implications of what Jesus taught his followers? Bible Gateway interviewed Jemar Tisby (@JemarTisby) about his book, “How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice” (Zondervan, 2021).

Read this interview.

Emmy® Award-winning journalist Paula Faris launches new podcast on EMF’s AccessMore

AccessMore, the premier podcasting platform from Educational Media Foundation (EMF) – parent company of K-LOVE, Air1, and WTA Media – announces the launch of The Paula Faris Podcast, a celebrity interview format, debuting today, Feb. 2, 2021. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Faris, The Paula Faris Podcast features weekly conversations with top name guests whose untold or under-told stories will inspire and equip listeners to become their best selves.

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Ben Higgins, author of new book “Alone in Plain Sight,” on Jesus Calling Podcast

Former Bachelor star and founder of Generous Coffee, Ben Higgins, recently joined the Jesus Calling Podcast to share how he had a moment in his childhood that made him realize that people’s stories are more complex than he ever thought possible, and that pain and suffering are interwoven with joy. After Ben’s following boomed from the publicity that being on national television brought, he realized he had an opportunity to use his platform for good, for change in the lives of those who desperately need it. That’s when he founded Generous Coffee, seeking to fulfill a purpose greater than himself and connecting with stories that truly mean something to us as humans. Higgins’ book, “Alone in Plain Sight,” is available from Thomas Nelson.

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