Month: February 2018

(Nashville, TN) It is with great sadness that HarperCollins Christian Publishing has learned of the death of Billy Graham.

“It has been a privilege to have Billy Graham as part of our publishing family,” says Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.  “His work here on earth has been unsurpassed and we are comforted that he is at the side of his heavenly Father.  Our world is forever impacted by the example he set as a follower of Jesus Christ, and for that we are grateful.”

“Despite the great publishing success that Billy Graham enjoyed for over fifty years, it was never about bestsellers,” says David Moberg, senior v-p and group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing Trade Books Group. “It was always only about one thing…the Gospel.  We have been blessed and inspired to have served as his publisher for many years and will always treasure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Since 1975, Thomas Nelson had been Dr. Graham’s majority trade book publisher. In that time the publishing group has partnered with Dr. Graham on numerous million-copy bestsellers including “Angels: God’s Secret Agents” and “How to Be Born Again.” In September 2015, at the age of 96, Graham released his last  book “Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond.” His two previous releases“Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well” (October 2011) and “The Reason for My Hope: Salvation” (October 2013), were both New York Times best sellers. Zondervan and HarperOne, sister company to HarperCollins Christian Publishing, co-published Dr. Graham’s autobiography, “Just As I Am,” in May, 1997.

“To have published Billy Graham is one of the most treasured experiences of my life,” said Matt Baugher, who worked as  Billy Graham’s publisher for ten years. “Billy Graham had one reason, and one reason only, to preach, teach, and write. That reason was the foundational gospel of Jesus Christ. He never watered down that message, yet was somehow accepted around the world by a wide variety of individuals, groups and belief systems.”

Billy Graham, the world-renowned author, preacher, and evangelist, delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and ministered on every continent of the world. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including “Angels,” “The Secret of Happiness,” “Peace with God,” “The Holy Spirit,” “Hope for the Troubled Heart,” and “How to be Born Again.”

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, CONTACT CASEY HARRELL

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprising both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups and Olive Tree Bible Software. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in Grand Rapids, MI  and Spokane, WA. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com

Nashville, Tenn. (Feb. 20, 2018) – The fifth annual Illumination Awards recognized five titles from the Gift and Tommy Nelson Children’s division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing in several award categories:

• Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation (Thomas Nelson), by Robert Morgan, Gold in Christian Living
• Unshakeable: 365 Devotions for Finding Unwavering Strength in God’s Word (Zondervan), by Christine Caine, Gold in Devotional
• Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence (Thomas Nelson), by Sarah Young, Gold in Devotional
• Love Heals (Thomas Nelson), by Becca Stevens, Silver in Self-Help/Recovery
• Lizzy the Lioness (Tommy Nelson), by Lisa Bevere, Gold in Children’s Picture Book

“It is an honor to our Thomas Nelson Gift, Zondervan Gift and Tommy Nelson Children’s publishing teams and to our authors to receive five illumination awards. Each of these excellent books offer an important and unique way to draw closer to God,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of Gift Books, Tommy Nelson Children’s Books and New Media at Thomas Nelson.

The Illumination Book Awards are designed to bring increased recognition to the year’s very best Christian books and their creators. With more and more people searching for inspiration and seeking answers to life’s tough questions, books dedicated to Christian belief and personal development are fast-growing segment of publishing and bookselling today.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=2281.

Contact:    Angela Guzman

Publicist

tel:    615-902-2737

web: [email protected]

Thomas Nelson is a world-leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For additional information visit Thomasnelson.com.

Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism to release January 2019

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 14, 2018 — Jemar Tisby, president and co-founder of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, has signed on to publish his first book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, with Zondervan in January 2019.

Tisby will reveal the chilling connection between the church and racism throughout American history. He will survey the many ways Christians have reinforced theories of racial superiority and inferiority, and he will provide motivation for readers to take a series of bold actions—which must be performed to forge a future of equity and justice.

Tisby has written about race, religion, and culture for The Washington Post, CNN, Vox, Christianity Today and The New York Times. He is the co-host of the Pass The Mic podcast, which is frequently rated as one of the top 100 religion and faith podcasts on iTunes.

Tisby is a PhD student in history at the University of Mississippi, studying race and religion in the 20th century, and he has spoken to thousands at colleges, conferences, and churches across the country on such topics as “Understanding the Heart Cry of Black Lives Matter,” “The Historical Politics of Race in America,” and “The Image of God and the Minority Experience.” In 2017, the Religion News Association recognized him for excellence in student religion reporting for his articles on the police-related killings of unarmed black citizens.

“I could not be more pleased to have Jemar publishing with Zondervan,” says Stanley N. Gundry, SVP and publisher, Zondervan. “For the last 35 years I have been committed to giving a publishing platform to African-American Christian leaders. Jemar’s voice and expertise is a welcome addition to this publishing program, and the message of this, his debut book, is urgently needed at this moment in our nation.”

The Color of Compromise was acquired for publication by Zondervan’s team responsible for Reflective books. Tisby is represented by Erik S. Wolgemuth of Wolgemuth & Associates, Inc. The Color of Compromise will be supported by national advertising and publicity campaigns.

About Zondervan:

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Zondervan Announces Acquisition of The IF in Life from Former NFL Running Back Rashad Jennings

Grand Rapids, MI – February 9, 2018 – In his debut book, The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self, former NFL running back and Dancing with the Stars Season 24 champion, Rashad Jennings, shares his inspiring story, imparts practical advice, and encourages readers to follow their dreams.

Growing up, Jennings was overweight, had poor vision, suffered from debilitating asthma, and held a 0.6 GPA—yet he still hoped to one day play in the NFL as a running back. To say the odds were stacked against him is an understatement. Through hard work and determination, encouragement and tough love from his brothers and coaches, and the support of mentors too numerous to count, Jennings became a record-setting NFL running back. During his eight-year NFL career, he played with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Oakland Raiders, and the New York Giants. And now, through the Rashad Jennings Foundation, Jennings is focused on inspiring youth by making education an enjoyable experience, providing mentorship, and encouraging an overall healthy lifestyle. In 2017, he helped more than 30,000 students through his foundation read over 167,655 books.

“Whether you realize it or not, certain moments in life, no matter how significant or small they seem, can change your path and have a positive impact on where you go and how successful you become,” said Jennings. “The IF in Life is about those “IF” moments that have shaped the man I’ve become and brought about the realization of my dreams. My hope for this book is that it brings motivation and inspires young people to become their best self.”

In The IF in Life, Jennings writes about the decisions that shaped his destiny, both on and off the field. From overcoming injuries and setbacks, to setting goals and dreaming big, his transparency about his journey will encourage readers to hold on to faith during uncertainty and remind them that greater things are waiting if you stay focused and believe.

“Rashad’s contagious spirit will inspire countless people to take notice of the ‘IF’ moments in their lives that can help lead them down a path to becoming the best they can possibly be,” said Annette Bourland, senior vice president and group publisher at Zondervan. “We are honored to be working with Rashad to share his message.”

Featuring photos from Rashad’s childhood, college years, and professional career, The IF in Life will be available online and in stores on May 8, 2018.  The book is available for pre-orders now.

About the Author: Rashad Jennings is a national personality. Throughout his successful eight-year career in the NFL, as well as his championship performance on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Jennings has gained the love and support of fans across the country. Today, Jennings is driven to make a national impact and lasting legacy. The Rashad Jennings Foundation is dedicated to inspiring youth by making education fun, providing mentorship for individual success and promoting health and fitness. Follow Rashad on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, @rashadjennings.

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins, is a world-leading provider of Christian communications and delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

 

(Nashville, TN) February 9, 2018—Today, Thomas Nelson announced Denise George as its new vice president of marketing for the W Publishing Group. George will report to W Publishing vice president and publisher, Daisy Blackwell Hutton, and will work closely with Hutton to develop both short and long-term publishing and business strategies for the imprint.

George comes to W Publishing with over 20 years of marketing experience in creative industries. For the past seven years, George has served as v-p of content and customer development at Creative Trust. Formerly, George spent over 15 years at Capitol Records in customer content development, artist marketing, and most recently in business development as v-p of strategic marketing. In her new role, George will oversee all marketing and publicity efforts for the W Publishing Group.

“Denise brings a fantastic blend of talent and brand management experience, direct-to-consumer experience, and leadership and management experience to this role,” says Hutton. “We believe Denise’s valuable marketing expertise and personal sensibilities will compliment our vision for W Publishing, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curricula, and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

(Nashville, TN) February 1, 2018—Today HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced a few key promotions within the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Bible publishing groups that reflect the company’s continued focus on the Bible.

John, Kramp, who joined HCCP in September 2014 as senior v-p of Bible Resources, has been named senior v-p and group publisher for Bibles. Additionally, Doug Lockhart who joined the company as senior v-p for Bible marketing and outreach in October 2014 has been named senior v-p for Bible marketing and new initiatives.  Lockhart came to HCCP from Biblica as president and CEO, owners of the New International Version translation of the Bible. Lockhart will continue to work with Kramp to lead Bible marketing, champion innovative strategies, and develop pivotal partnerships across the industry to enhance visibility for the New International Version (NIV), the King James Version (KJV), and the New King James Version (NKJV) translations.

For Zondervan Bibles, Melinda Bouma is being promoted to publisher. During her 10-plus year tenure with Zondervan Bibles, Bouma’s innovation, industry knowledge, and leadership have been essential to the success of the Zondervan Bible business. As publisher, she will build on her proven success of award winning product develop, acquisition, and publishing leadership by expanding the publishing portfolio of the NIV, the New American Standard Version (NASB), the Amplified Version (AMP) and other translations.

HCCP also announced the promotion of Daniel Marrs to publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. Marrs joined the Thomas Nelson Bible team in November 2015 as senior editor and was named associate publisher for the group in June 2016. With a strong theological background and editorial expertise, Marrs will lead the group as publisher, continuing to oversee acquisitions, author and title development, product ideation, and editorial development to grow the NKJV, KJV, and other translations.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprising both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups and Olive Tree Bible Software. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in Grand Rapids, MI, Miami, FL and Spokane, WA. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.