October 29, 2018 Edition
Industry News

New Christian Retail trade association formed
In response to changes in the industry, the Munce Group has announced the formation of a new trade association: Christian Retail Association, Inc. Christian Retail Association, Inc. is a non-profit ministry founded by Munce Group President Bob Munce in an ongoing effort to better serve independent Christian retailers.
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Tyndale House Publishers announce new look
Tyndale House Publishers was born more than fifty-five years ago from the passionate belief that the Bible was neither an outdated relic nor a cryptic riddle but rather the living Word of God, as relevant for the next thirty seconds as it has been for the ages. Tyndale recently went through a process of self-reflection to determine how to communicate with customers and readers alike the company’s mission and vision.
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Harvest House strengthens acquisitions and sales teams with two new hires
Harvest House Publishers announced last month the addition of two new hires to their acquisitions and sales teams. Joining the company in the role of Senior Acquisitions Editor/Sales Manager, Gift Trade, is Ruth Samsel, working in conjunction with the McKenzie publishing group. Seasoned veteran Chris Robinette joins the company in the position of Director of Sales/Corporate Business Development.
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Ligonier study: Majority of Americans say religious belief is matter of personal opinion
Most Americans say that religious beliefs are simply a personal perspective and are not related to objective reality, according to findings released today from the State of Theology survey. The 2018 State of Theology survey was conducted for Ligonier Ministries by LifeWay Research, which interviewed a demographically balanced online panel of 3,000 American adults.
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More than 200 industry professionals to gather in Nashville next week
Registration numbers have surpassed the 200 mark this past week for the upcoming ECPA PubU, held next week Nov. 6-7 on the campus of Lipscomb University. Forty-four sessions in publishing topics will be offered, including a keynote session by StoryBrand CEO and NYT bestselling author, Donald Miller. Program and registration is at www.ECPAPubU.org.
Immediately following PubU on November 7 in the same location, the Art of Writing conference will begin for storytellers, authors, and publishing curators. The afternoon sessions will inform and inspire writers and publishers in their craft before the big celebration that evening: The Christy Award™ Gala, featuring Francine Rivers, Charles Martin, Cynthia Ruchti, Sarah Arthur, Carla Laureano, and the announcement of the 2018 winners of Christian fiction’s premier award. For more information and to register this week, go to www.ChristyAwards.com.
Honors for Eugene Peterson

Eugene Peterson, beloved pastor and “Long Obedience” author, passes
InterVarsity Press: Beloved pastor and poet Eugene Peterson, 85, passed away Monday morning, October 22, a week after entering hospice care for complications related to heart failure and dementia. Peterson (1932–2018) wrote more than thirty books, including his widely acclaimed paraphrase of the Bible "The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language" and bestselling spiritual formation classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction."
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Eugene H. Peterson: A Life Well Traveled
NavPress: On October 22, 2018, at the age of 85, Eugene has completed his journey along the sawdust trail and has entered the life to come in “the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!” (Romans 6:1-3, The Message). He is survived by his wife, Jan, his three children, and many grandchildren.
Read More...- Christianity Today: Ministry Lessons from the Life of Eugene Peterson
- Publishers Weekly: Author Eugene H. Peterson Dies at 85
- New York Times: Scholar Turned Homespun Pastor, Dies
Media Announcements

Author and speaker Rachel Hollis on reaching for a better version of yourself
#1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Wash Your Face (Thomas Nelson), Rachel Hollis recently shared some deeply personal tragedies and triumphs along her journey to success on the Jesus Calling podcast. She explains how these seasons have been the motivation behind why she desires to challenge women to reach for a better version of themselves every day.

Bible Gateway interviews Greg Gilbert, general editor of the “ESV Story of Redemption Bible”
Do you view the Bible as a disconnected series of moral tales interspersed between impossible commandments, woven into a maze of mysteries that somehow produces a message about a nice Jesus in the New Testament to counter the mean God of the Old Testament (as Bryan Chapell, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, has phrased it)? Bible Gateway interviewed Greg Gilbert (@greggilbert), general editor of the ESV Story of Redemption Bible: A Journey Through the Unfolding Promises of God (Crossway, 2018).

Bible Gateway interviews Shannan Martin, author of “The Ministry of Ordinary Places”
Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to live a life of intention and meaning? Where do we begin? How can you best learn what it means to love and be loved right where God has placed you? Bible Gateway interviewed Shannan Martin (@shannanwrites) about her book, The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You (Thomas Nelson, 2018).
Product News

Carly Fiorina to release new book on personal growth and leadership with Tyndale Momentum
Tyndale Momentum will publish Carly Fiorina’s latest book, "Find Your Way: Unleash Your Power and Highest Potential," in April 2019. In her book, Fiorina explores how unlocking your highest potential is about discovering a path and the characteristics it takes to solve the problems you encounter. The book’s release will include a significant marketing budget as well as a national media tour.
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Bestselling NIV Adventure Bible releases in Polar Expedition edition
With over 9 million copies sold, the Adventure Bible brand is beloved by Christian schools, churches, and families alike. Now the #1 Bible for kids is available in an all-new, exciting, polar exploration theme!
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Faithlife releases Logos Bible Software 8
Faithlife, a technology and media company serving the Christian market, released Logos Bible Software 8 (Logos 8), the latest version of their acclaimed Bible software. With the bold changes in this latest release, Faithlife hopes to make Bible study a part of every Christian's daily life.
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INDUSTRY
- Religion Publishing Industry Responds to Sexual Harassment Revelations
- “On Reading Well” by Karen Swallow Prior (Brazos) makes PW's 'Best Books of 2018' Religion List
- Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis places #9 in PBS ‘Great American Read’
- Biblica Partners with Streetlights Team for Innovative Spanish-Language Bible Translation
- Eerdmans and SPCK Enter Distribution Agreement
- Religion Books for Kids Are On the Rise
- Religion Book Deals: October 24, 2018
- Religion and Spirituality Books Preview: November 2018
- MTI Holds Magazine Training Conference in Kenya
- ‘Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey’ Available Nov. 6 On DVD
- Died: Focus on the Family’s H. B. London; Inspired Pastor Appreciation
PUBLISHING
- What’s the Matter with Fiction Sales?
- 'To Kill a Mockingbird' Is PBS's #1 'Great American Read'
- Amazon Profits Soar Again, Despite Disappointing Sales
- Book business is strong, but rising real estate costs pose threat
- Rights Roundup: A Post-Frankfurt Look at New Rights Sales
- HarperCollins Launches YA Novel on Snapchat
- Scribd Bundles NYT With E-Books, Audio Books for $13/mo