June 5, 2023 Edition
Industry News
Elizabeth Sherrill, author and co-founder of Chosen Books, has died
Baker Publishing Group honors the legacy of Mrs. Elizabeth Sherrill, who passed away Saturday, May 20 at age 95. Elizabeth and her husband, John, launched Chosen Books in 1970. Elizabeth produced more than 30 books and 2,000 articles throughout her lifetime, bringing to life the stories of Corrie ten Boom ("The Hiding Place"), David Wilkerson ("The Cross and the Switchblade"), Brother Andrew ("God’s Smuggler"), and others.
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ECPA reflects on Sherrills’ contributions to Christian publishing
In 2018, ECPA presented to Elizabeth the Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her, and her late husband John’s, contributions to Christian publishing. ECPA president Jeff Crosby reflected: "It would not be an exaggeration to say that Elizabeth and John Sherrill's work as they formed Chosen Books, dramatically elevated the profile and impact of Christian publishing throughout that decade and beyond.”
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Christian bestseller lists posted for June
ECPA has released the monthly Christian bestseller lists for June 2023 in 15 categories based on Circana BookScan sales for the month of May. The top-selling book is “Disruptive Thinking” by T.D. Jakes with Nick Chiles (FaithWords).
ECPA’s member webinar series starts Friday
This Friday, ECPA will present a webinar with University of Cambridge emeritus professor John B. Thompson on Redefining the Publishers’ Role in the Digital Age. Thompson, who is the author of Merchants of Culture and Book Wars has devoted his academic career to studying book publishing, and will discuss the new challenges and opportunities for publishers as they seek to redefine their role in the digital age. Register
Program and registration announced for ECPA C-Suite Symposium
Registration is now open for the ECPA C-Suite Symposium, gathering C-suite industry leaders on September 17-19 in San Antonio, Texas. Speakers include Dr. Roger Parrott (Belhaven University), Dr. Michael Lindsay (Taylor University), Alejandro Mandes (Workforce Hope), Deborah Sáenz Gonzales (NavPress), Kathryn Scanland (Greystone Global), Kristen McLean (Circana), and more.
Staff Announcements
IVP Academic announces three editorial promotions
IVP Academic has announced promotions for three members of its editorial team, including Rebecca Carhart to associate academic editor, Colton Bernasol to associate project editor, and Zach Gordon to associate academic managing editor.
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Milestones
Tara-Leigh Cobble’s “Israel” becomes a Wall Street Journal bestseller
Popular Bible teacher and podcaster Tara-Leigh Cobble’s new book, "Israel," joined the Wall Street Journal’s bestseller list on April 29, 2023. Israel has claimed the No. 10 spot on WSJ's hardcover nonfiction bestseller list and the No. 9 bestseller placement on Publishers Weekly’s hardcover frontlist nonfiction list.
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Product News
Baker Publishing Group signs popular podcaster and Substack community creator
Baker Books is pleased to announce it recently signed a two-book deal with Erin Moon, the resident Bible scholar on The Bible Binge podcast and creator of the popular Substack newsletter The Swipe Up.
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Zondervan Books acquires professor and author John Inazu for “Learning to Disagree”
Zondervan Books announces the acquisition of John Inazu's new book, “Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect.” Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis.
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B&H Publishing releases guide for gender identity issues among women
In her groundbreaking new book, “To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond,” author and women’s ministry director, Katie J. McCoy PhD addresses gender identity.
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New video Bible study releases on 60th anniversary of MLK speech
A new video Bible study, “Share the Dream: Shining a Light in a Divided World through Six Principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” will release from HarperCollins Christian Publishing in collaboration with Urban Ministries, Inc., and The K.I.N.G. Movement on August 8, just prior to the 60th anniversary of Dr. King's historic "I Have a Dream" speech on Aug. 28.
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JourneyWise launches Christian discipleship resources across multiple platforms
JourneyWise, a multimedia network dedicated to helping people "Love Jesus and Love Like Jesus," will launch its first two books this fall with publishing partner Whitaker House. Releasing this September is “JourneyWise: Redeeming the Broken & Winding Roads We Travel,” authored by Dr. Shane Stanford, President/CEO of the Moore-West Center for Applied Theology and JourneyWise.
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NavPress releases next installments in Storyline Bible Study Series
NavPress will release the next two installments in the Storyline Bible Study series by Kat Armstrong in August 2023. The fifth and sixth offerings in the series are titled "Sinners" and "Saints."
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Media Announcements
Concordia Publishing House launches summer reading program
With Concordia Publishing House (CPH) ’s summer reading program, CPH Reads, kids will be challenged to dig into books and learn about Jesus’ grace. From May 31, 2023, through August 11, 2023, everyone who completes the reading challenge will be eligible for a chance to win prizes.
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Dr. Jackie Greene on Jesus Calling Podcast
Dr. Jackie Greene, co-pastor of Forward City Church with her husband, recording artist Travis Greene, recently joined The Jesus Calling Podcast to share how she struggled with her identity, until she started to live in the power of her individuality. Dr. Greene’s book, Permission To Live Free, is available from Thomas Nelson.
Author and TV host Ali Landry on Jesus Calling Podcast
Author and TV host Ali Landry recently joined the Jesus Calling Podcast to share her moving story of overcoming a heartbreaking betrayal in her marriage, and health issues that made her feel like she was living half a life. Landry’s book, Reshape Your Life, is available from Thomas Nelson.
Other News
INDUSTRY
- “Disruptive Thinking” by T.D. Jakes is a New York Times bestseller
- Religion Book Deals for May 24: NavPress, IVP, Multnomah, Baker
- Religion Books Preview for June: Barbour, Focus, Tyndale, Lexham
- PW Call for Information: Religion Memoirs, Biographies
- PW: Religion publishers address social issues facing a polarized nation
- PW: Spirituality Books Get Down to Earth...Literally
- PW: Grief Books Point to God and Gospel
- Writing For Your Life interviews ECPA's Jeff Crosby on his new book
PUBLISHING
- BISG Appoints Firebrand Technologies’ Joshua Tallent as Board Chair
- Open Road, IPG Strike Deal
- Authors Guild Introduces New Publishing Agreement Clauses Concerning AI
- AAP takes legal action in Arkansas and Texas related to banning books
- BISG webinar on June 6: Current State of Transportation for Books
- Retail leaders agree that sustainability will accelerate business growth
- U.S. Book Show: B&N CEO Says Chain Is in Midst of Significant Change
- AAP: US Book Publishing Revenues in 2022 Were $28 Billion
- US Sees Double-Digit Audiobook Sales Growth for 11th Year
- Print Book Sales Fell 5.5% Last Week
- Circana on US Book Sales: A Mother’s Day Bump That ‘Didn’t Materialize’
