September 16, 2019 Edition
Industry News
ECPA board chair Byron Williamson transitions out of role; ECPA announces board reassignments
ECPA board chair Byron Williamson has decided to transition out of Hachette | Nashville, effective October 1. “I’m blessed in almost every way possible, among them the opportunity to serve on the board at least four times through decades past,” said Williamson. One year ago, Hachette acquired Worthy Publishing, founded by Williamson in 2009.
Read More...Concordia Publishing House celebrates 150th anniversary
Founded in 1869 as the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Concordia Publishing House celebrates 150 years of service to the Church. The yearlong celebration culminated in a celebratory worship service and luncheon on September 11, 2019.
Read More...Last week to nominate an Emerging Leader for PubU scholarship program
The Emerging Leaders scholarship program is the industry’s opportunity to invest in under-represented voices in the industry by sending them to PubU for training, connection, and inspiration on scholarship. Sponsored by NPD Book, the scholarship program allows recipients to attend PubU for only $99. The deadline for nominations is this Saturday, September 21.
Scholarship nomination form
New Emerging Leader track at PubU debuts six sessions for those newer to industry
Writers and publishers invited to register for Christian Fiction events on November 6
ECPA has announced the topics and speakers for the Art of Writing Conference and The Christy Award Gala, held November 6th in Nashville — bringing together writers, authors and publishing curators. These two events that follow PubU at Lipscomb University will feature four intensive seminars on writing and publishing in this rapidly changing industry – and an evening dinner gala honoring the year’s winners of The Christy Award® program in nine categories. Three finalists in each category will be announced this week.
Bundle pricing for both events are only $119. Register.
Staff Announcements
Gabriel Aviles hired as senior director of marketing for HCCP Spanish Language Division
HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) has announced Gabriel Aviles as the new senior director of marketing for their Spanish Language Division. Aviles comes to HCCP with more than 25 years of experience in marketing, brand development, content, and strategic consulting in the areas of music, television, film, and subscription video-on-demand.
Read More...Whitaker House announces new Sales Manager for Spanish Division
Bob Whitaker, Jr., president of Whitaker House, and Xavier Cornejo, director of the publisher’s Spanish Division, have announced the appointment of Mariana Tafura as the division’s sales manager. “We are extremely excited to have Mariana on our team,” said Cornejo. “She’s an internationally recognized and valued professional in the Hispanic Christian literary industry. We know that her extensive experience and outstanding talent will be very significant in the continued growth of our Spanish Division.”
Read More...Media Announcements
Zonderkidz author helped moderate Democratic Debate on ABC
ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis helped ask questions of ten Democratic Presidential candidates last week during the third Democratic debate of this year. Davis’ second children’s book, "One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different," released in August by Zonderkidz, following up on the success of her award-winning picture book "The World is Awake."
Read More...Zondervan author Ruth Soukup selected for TEDxMileHigh
Ruth Soukup, New York Times bestselling author of Do It Scared and Living Well, Spending Less, will speak at this year’s TEDxMileHigh on Nov 16 in Denver. The event’s theme is imagine, and it will feature a stellar line-up of speakers, a collection of fresh interactive exhibits and new technologies. TEDxMileHigh accelerates innovation and social impact through the power of big ideas, transformative live events, and empowered digital communities. Be prepared to think differently. For more information visit: https://www.tedxmilehigh.com/
NYT bestselling author David Platt to host “Something Needs to Change” worldwide simulcast
David Platt, pastor, international speaker, and founder of Radical Inc., is hosting the live Something Needs to Change Simulcast on September 18, 2019, at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia, from 7-8PM ET. For this worldwide event, leaders, individuals, families, small groups, and churches are all invited to experience the opportunity to reflect on the urgent spiritual and physical needs in the world and to consider how God has called them to be a part in making his goodness known.
Read More...Thomas Nelson launches the Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call
"Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young has sold more than 30 million units and touched an immeasurable number of lives. "Jesus Calling" readers share the devotional widely with friends, coworkers, family members, and more. Considering the sense of community that has grown from the devotional, Thomas Nelson has announced that it launched a new opportunity for people to connect through the Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call.
Read More...Zondervan author Rebecca Bender launches new podcast
Author of the upcoming memoir, In Pursuit of Love, Rebecca Bender announced her new podcast this week, From Hood to Holy. The show is focused on telling the untold stories of success, redemption, and transformation. In this 12-part series, Rebecca sits down with guests as they talk about the untold journey toward success. Raw and funny guests tell their personal stories of transformation. Guests include Candace Payne, Francia Raisa, Pastor Christa Smith and more. For more information visit https://rebeccabender.org/ or subscribe on itunes, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hood-to-holy-podcast/id1479036570.
Pastor and author Erwin McManus on Jesus Calling podcast: Finding peace in the midst of struggle
Erwin McManus is no stranger to asking deep question of God; and in the midst of his own struggles, he is able to feel peace. Erwin recently joined the Jesus Calling podcast to walk us through humanity’s lifelong struggle to find peace, and why God is instrumental in helping us win that battle to keep a grip on the hope that fuels us towards the places where God designed us to go. McManus’ book, The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace is available from WaterBrook. More…
Author Dominic Done discusses when faith fails on Jesus Calling podcast
Dominic Done is filled with questions about God. But today, those questions don’t fill him with doubt like they once did – in fact, Dominic has discovered those questions have led him into a deeper relationship with God. Done recently joined the Jesus Calling podcast to share his journey through faith and walk listens through practical ways we can address our own doubt. Done’s book, When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt is available from Thomas Nelson. More…
Bible Gateway interviews Winfield Bevins, author of “Ever Ancient, Ever New”
A generation of young Christians from different backgrounds and traditions are finding a home and deep connection in the church by embracing a liturgical expression of the faith. What are the roots of liturgy and how does it fit with scriptural worship? Bible Gateway interviewed Winfield Bevins (@winfieldbevins), author of Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Allure of Liturgy for a New Generation (Zondervan, 2019). Read this interview.
Bible Gateway interviews Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler, authors of “Risen Motherhood”
As a mom, do you assume Scripture doesn’t have much to say about the food you make for breakfast, how you view your postpartum body, or what school choice you make for your children? How should you apply the gospel to common issues you face every day so you can connect your Sunday morning faith to the Monday morning tantrum? Bible Gateway interviewed Emily Jensen (@EmJensenWrites) and Laura Wifler (@laurawifler) about their book Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments (Harvest House Publishers, 2019). Read this interview.
Product News
Baker Publishing Group signs contract with author and popular podcaster, Annie F. Downs
Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce the signing of a multi-book contract with Annie F. Downs. The first book, "That Sounds Fun," named after her successful podcast, will be an irresistible invitation to readers to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace fun, to chase fun, and to figure out what sounds fun to them.
Read More...NYT bestselling author Danielle Walker to publish memoir, "Food Saved Me," with Tyndale Momentum in 2021
Tyndale House Publishers has announced that Danielle Walker, author and photographer of the New York Times bestselling cookbooks "Against All Grain," "Meals Made Simple," and "Celebrations," will publish her memoir, "Food Saved Me: Find Healing and Take Back Your Life through the Power of Food," in March 2021 with Tyndale Momentum.
Read More...Bestselling author and speaker Kelly Minter releases first cookbook with acclaimed chef Regina Pinto
Bestselling Bible study author and acclaimed speaker Kelly Minter is set to release her first cookbook this fall, “A Place At The Table: Fresh Recipes for Meaningful Gatherings” (October 15, B&H Publishing).
Read More...Jennifer Kennedy Dean’s final written work releases with New Hope Publishers
Iron Stream Media announces the release of "Prized: Experience the Tender Love of the Savior" (New Hope Publishers / September 9, 2019), the final written work by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.
Read More...Other News
INDUSTRY
- Byron Williamson to Depart Worthy Publishing
- How Indies Can Fill the Void in Christian Retail
- August Religion Bestsellers: Daily Readings Dominate; ‘Overcomer’ Takes #1
- PW Call for Information: Books on Marriage, Parenting, & Family
- Upcoming biographies reveal the beliefs behind the personas of Mr. Rogers, Johnny Cash, and Queen Elizabeth
PUBLISHING
- In Filings, Audible Says 'Captions' Copyright Case Should Be Dismissed
- Audible Tells IBPA It Will Press Pause on Full Captions Rollout
- July Bookstore Sales Drop 5%
- Sourcebooks Posts Double Digit Six Month Sales Gain
- PW reports on DBW Nashville event
- African American Literature Book Club cuts buy links to Amazon
- Book Drive for Border Kids Kicks Off
- NPD reports top selling books, videos, games
- NPD Assessment of Tariffs’ Impact on Sales Across Categories
- Female Shopping Power: 5 Trends Worth Watching
INTERNATIONAL
- Resale of E-books Ruled Illegal in EU
- BookNet Canada’s First ‘State of Independent Bookselling’ Report: Print Revenue up
- UK Booksellers Association urges trade to examine impact of publishing on climate change
- Bookseller magazine introduces new fully compostable magazine wrapper
- Hachette UK equalises shared parental leave and embraces flexible working