BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The Evangelical Christian Press Association (ECPA) honored five releases from Holman Bibles and B&H Publishing Group, imprints of Lifeway Christian Resources, as winners in the 2025 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards.
“These awards honor the incredible talent and dedication of our design and editorial teams,” said Andy McLean, publisher for Holman Bibles. “Each cover reflects our commitment to not only treasuring biblical truth but also creating customer delight through beautiful, thoughtful designs.”
The Top Shelf Book Cover Awards recognize “the best book design in Christian publishing.” Winners were announced in an online event Oct. 31.
“Reading a book is not merely the reflection of sentences and paragraphs bouncing off our eyeballs,” said Devin Maddox, publisher of B&H Books. “Reading is a visually immersive, tactile experience from the moment we see a book cover across the room at our local bookstore, feel the spine in our hands and scan the typesetting. Well-published books are well designed, which is why Top Shelf Awards are important to recognize in our industry.”
Covers are judged by top designers in the publishing industry for their merits in appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking and quality of execution, according to the ECPA.
“I am constantly amazed by the passion and excellence our creatives bring to this kingdom work,” said Joey Kiker, director of Lifeway Creative. “These projects often take months or even years before they reach the hands of readers, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see their efforts recognized. We’re proud of them.”
Winners from imprints of Lifeway Christian Resources include:
“CSB Explorer Bible for Kids,” Underwater Adventure LeatherTouch
- Bible Category
- Holman Bibles, publisher
- Jeff Godby, art director
- Nate Farro, design and illustration
- Judge’s comments: “For a kids Bible, I was struck by how fun the cover is without it being so overly vivid….The deep-sea theme conveys the idea of exploring the unknown and is a nice visual parallel to introducing kids to the Bible.”
“CSB Jesus Daily Bible,” Brown Cloth Over Board
- Bible Category
- Holman Bibles, publisher
- Jeff Godby, art director
- Stephen Crotts, design and illustration
- Judge’s comments: “Here is a nice balance between the textured art and caseside, paired with the foil details which add reverence.”
“Home with God” by Kyle Worley
- Nonfiction Category
- B&H Publishing Group, publisher
- Susan Browne, art director
- Jeff Miller, designer
- Judge’s comments: “It’s hard to go wrong with this lovely, tasteful entry. The typography is classic and airy, complemented beautifully by a warm, inviting color palette that evokes a sense of connection and home.”
“Raised in Splendor” by Jason Alligood
- Nonfiction Category
- B&H Publishing Group, publisher
- Susan Browne, art director
- Jeff Miller, designer
- Judge’s comments: “This cover is deceptively challenging to execute—something we’ve all attempted at one point. Nicely done; it’s the kind of design you’d proudly display on your coffee table or give to a friend without hesitation.”
“The Storyteller’s Bible” by Kathryn Butler, illustrated by Aeden and Natalie Peterson
- Children’s Category
- B&H Kids, publisher
- Diana Lawrence, designer
- Cover illustration by Alida Massari and Diana Lawrence
- Judge’s Comments: “The illustration’s stylized rendering and warm palette lend a sense of both artistry and approachability. Combined with the hand-lettered typography, the cover feels tactile, timeless and truly special.”
ECPA is the trade association for Christian Publishing, dedicated to resourcing its members through networking, information and advocacy.
More information about the Top Shelf Award program can be found at topshelfaward.org.
High quality cover images can be found here.
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Holman Bible Publishers and B&H Publishing Group are both imprints of Lifeway. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Waggoner, Jill.Waggoner@lifeway.com
