May 20, 2024 Edition

ECPA announces speakers and registration for annual C-Suite Symposium, Sep. 15-17

Registration is now open for the ECPA C-Suite Symposium, gathering the industry’s C-suite executives on September 15-17 at the beautiful historic Glen Eyrie Castle & Colorado Conference Center in Colorado Springs around the theme, PUBLISHING BEYOND THE BOOK.

Speakers include Tod Bolsinger (AE Sloan Leadership) who will lead a two-part session on change management, and Cynthia Sherry (Chicago Review Press, Triumph Books) leading a session on the general trade; along with Marvin Campbell (The Navigators), Rick Rekedal (Belmont University), Bill Reeves (David C Cook), Bob Fryling (leadership consultant), Arianna Molloy (Biola University) and Daniel Jenkins (Lutheran Braille Workers).

Program and Registration

Christian fiction publishers and authors to gather in Chicago on Nov. 14 for Christy Award events

The Christy Award® program will host two in-person events this fall for authors and publishers and readers of Christian fiction.  The Art of Writing conference, an afternoon of publisher-driven seminars on Christian fiction writing, and The Christy Award Winners Gala will be held in Chicago/Downers Grove on November 14.  Both events follow the industry’s annual event, ECPA Publishing University, for Christian publishers.

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Early bird registration is now open for both events at TheChristyAward.com.

AAP StatShot reports US book industry flat in Q1 but religion publishing up

In its look at Q1 2024, the American publishers’ StatShot tracking analysis sees children’s and YA books under pressure in March with the Religious Press Performance up 5.2 percent in Q1.

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To participate in the ECPA collective upload to AAP and receive a monthly benchmark report, contact Jeff Crosby.

ECPA webinar series presents conversations with James Daunt, Carrie Bloxson, Craig Gipson

ECPA will present three free Focus webinars, each month this summer starting in June. ECPA members are invited to register for these important Friday conversations:

June 7  | How DEI is Shaping the Future of Publishing with Hachette Book Group’s Chief Diversity Officer Carrie Bloxson

July 12  | Application of the First Amendment to the Publishing & Distribution of Christian Books with Flagler Law’s Craig Gipson

August 9  | Reimagining the Retail Landscape with James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble

knk Software announces new partnership with Pandia Press

knk Software is pleased to announce its newest client partnership with Pandia Press. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as Pandia Press adopts knk Software’s title management system to modernize its operations.

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The Firebrand Group announces keynotes for inaugural Publishing Innovation Forum in Nashville

The Firebrand Group—a global collection of companies, including Firebrand Technologies, NetGalley, and Supadu Ltd—is excited to announce three inspiring keynote speakers for its inaugural Publishing Innovation Forum. All members of the publishing industry are invited to join these influencers, along with more than 20 additional expert speakers, during this three-day event, September 24-26, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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The Steve Laube Agency celebrates 20 years

The Steve Laube Agency announced it is marking their twentieth anniversary this week. The agency manages nearly 300 authors writing in the Christian industry and over the years has represented the publication of 2,500 new books with over 35 million copies sold.

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Journalist and religion correspondent Lauren Green on Jesus Calling Podcast 

Lauren Green, a seasoned journalist and the chief religion correspondent for Fox News Channel, recently joined the The Jesus Calling Podcast, exploring the intricate intersection of religion and journalism. Green’s book, “Light For Today,” is available from Broadstreet Publishing. Episode airs on May 23.

Duck Commander Willie Robertson on Jesus Calling Podcast

Willie Robertson, the CEO of Duck Commander and a familiar face from the Duck Dynasty television series, recently joined The Jesus Calling Podcast sharing a story about the transformative power of being there for one another. Robertson’s book, “Gospeler,” is available from Thomas Nelson.