Month: May 2018

(Nashville, TN) May 31, 2018—Today, Zondervan named Stephanie Smith as associate publisher and hired Andy Rogers as acquisitions editor for their nonfiction publishing division.

Smith joined Zondervan in 2014 as an acquisitions editor. Her first acquisition—Coming Clean by Seth Haines—went on to be a Christianity Today book of merit winner. Other notable acquisitions include Wild and Free by Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan, No More Faking Fine by Esther Fleece, and Kind is the New Classy by Candace Cameron Bure. Previously, Smith worked in editorial and content strategy for several organizations, including the Barna Group, Relevant Magazine, and Moody Publishers; she also built her own freelance business managing editorial and marketing campaigns for numerous publishers.

“We are thrilled for Stephanie to step into this new role at Zondervan,” says David Morris, vice president and publisher for Zondervan’s nonfiction publishing division. “She will continue acquiring exceptional authors, and now will also bring her visionary style to help lead and grow our mission well into the future.”

Additionally, Zondervan announced Andy Rogers as acquisitions editor filling the role formerly held by executive editor, John Sloan, now retired. Rogers joins the Zondervan nonfiction publishing group after working as an acquisitions editor at Our Daily Bread. “Andy brings steady critical thinking, solid editing, and confident leadership to his acquisitions work,” says Morris. “We know his expertise will be an invaluable asset to our team and will drive growth for our publishing program.”

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company’s products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

(Nashville, TN) May 30, 2018—Today, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced Heather Huston as the new senior director of marketing for their Specialty Division, with a focus on Thomas Nelson Gift, Zondervan Gift, and Tommy Nelson.

Huston comes to HCCP with more than 16 years of experience across marketing, communications, and programming, most recently serving as vice president of Marketing at Rural Media Group overseeing marketing strategy for RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and RFD-TV’s The American rodeo.

In her new role with HCCP’s Specialty Publishing division, Huston will be responsible for cultivating strong author and agent relationships, creating strategic vision for Specialty books, and assisting in long-range planning and team management.

“We are thrilled for Heather to fill this role on our team and gain her creative content and digital strategy and passion for storytelling,” says Michael Aulisio, vice president of Marketing for HCCP’s Specialty Publishing division. “We know her contributions will be invaluable to both our authors and their books.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to 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 the U.S., and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Guests’ personal stories and diverse backgrounds continue to drive the podcast’s success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 29, 2018) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that the Jesus Calling Podcast has surpassed one million downloads since it launched in February 2016. The podcast was created as a result of the success of the bestselling daily devotional, Jesus Calling, which has sold more than 22 million units since it was published in 2004. The weekly podcast, available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and other podcasting platforms, features stories from readers of Jesus Calling and illustrates how spending time with the devotional has made a difference in their lives.

“On a daily basis, we receive stories via email and social media about how Jesus Calling has touched a reader’s life,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president of marketing for gift books, Tommy Nelson children’s books and new media at Thomas Nelson. “The podcast has become a revolutionary platform that connects people around the world in one location to hear amazing stories from fellow readers as well as a diverse group of thought leaders – from music to sports to business.  We are thrilled this power of personal storytelling combined with these impactful devotionals is impacting people’s lives and faith.”

Recently, the podcast expanded to include video episodes from individuals such as Kathie Lee Gifford, Emily Ley, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, country star Collin Raye, and Lysa TerKeurst. Those episodes are also available via the podcasting platforms, Facebook, and the Jesus Calling YouTube channel, providing readers and listeners with an additional way to experience the content.

Future episodes will feature incredible personal stories from many other Jesus Calling readers around the world—readers whose lives have been transformed. Upcoming episodes include conversations with Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jeff Hostetler, NFL and Dancing with Stars champion Rashad Jennings, bestselling authors Rachel Hollis and Lisa Harper, and country groups Shenandoah and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Since it was published in 2004, Jesus Calling has expanded to encompass a line of products that includes adult devotionals, coloring books, children’s books, a Bible storybook, custom versions, and many other products. More information is available at www.jesuscalling.com.

Contact:          Stefanie Schroeder

Publicity Manager

615.902.1722

[email protected]

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, curriculum 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.

Award-winning author Kristy Cambron creates new series to unpack scripture in a simple, accessible format

(Nashville, Tenn.) May 8, 2018—Realizing the interconnectedness of scripture throughout the Bible requires a level of research and resource that many Bible readers feel they are lacking.  The assumption is this level of in-depth biblical knowledge falls to the academy, pastor, or theologian.  Award-winning author, Kristy Cambron, has set out to break the mold in a new verse mapping curriculum study series, released through Thomas Nelson.

Verse mapping helps unpack the context of scripture more simplistically to help readers have a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  The first two studies in the series, “Luke: Gathering the Goodness of God’s Word” and “Acts: Feasting on the Abundance of God’s Word”   will empower individuals to go beyond simply reading the Bible to researching and uncovering how to apply the Word in everyday life.  Cambron focuses on a five-step process to improve your study time with God through verse mapping:

• Verse: Select a verse to map
• Design: Write your verse in several translations and identify key words or phrases
• Develop: Look up key words and discover any underlying meanings
• Actions: Research and document the people, places and context referenced
• Outcome: Write a one- to two-sentence summary of what you learned and anchor the verse to your life

“We are so excited to partner with Kristy Cambron on verse mapping,” said John Raymond, vice president and publisher of Trade Curriculum for HarperCollins Christian Publishing.   “This creative new approach to Bible study will bring scripture alive for so many people and it will help HarperCollins Christian Publishing accomplish our mission of meeting the needs of people by publishing resources that promote biblical principles.”

In both studies, Cambron provides step-by-step instructions on what readers need and how to get started in verse mapping. Designed for independent study, all sizes of groups, and all age-ranges, verse mapping is for people who want more depth when studying God’s Word. Consisting of six video sessions each, both “Luke: Gathering the Goodness of God’s Word” and “Acts: Feasting on the Abundance of God’s Word” guide the reader through verse mapping a small section of scripture. The accompanying Bible study guide includes diagrams for verse mapping, discussion questions and group activity prompts.

“If you’re not a seminary-trained theologian by education, don’t worry—Verse mapping is for anyone with a heart to know the Word of God more,” writes Cambron. “What matters is not how much knowledge you have before you begin, but where the journey takes you. The goal is to experience a deeper, more personal walk with Jesus, with the Bible as the field manual on your story road with Him.”

For more information on verse mapping visit versemapping.com.

Nashville, Tenn., May 4, 2018 – Bestselling author and nationally known speaker, Annie F. Downs, has reached a milestone: 100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self, has sold more than 100,000 units.

The book released October 2017 and has become so popular that it is continuously flying off the shelves at these retailers: Amazon, Target, LifeWay, and Barnes & Noble stores.

“Annie comes alongside the reader as a friend and mentor, offering achievable steps to replace fears with courage,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of Gift Books, Tommy Nelson Children’s Books and New Media at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “We are so happy to see the success of this book and the huge number of lives it has impacted.”

Downs wrote 100 Days to Brave as a reflection of her own journey to stop allowing fear to hold her back. With honesty and relatable humor, the compilation of best-of writings and new pieces from Annie has helped readers embrace the path and the plan God has for them.

“My life changed significantly when I stopped listening to fear and started to believe that I could be brave. I’ve seen it in other people, and I see it in myself, that amazing doors open (and all the right ones have closed) when I choose to take the courageous next step. It’s what I hope for all my friends and readers – that bravery would be their first option, not the last,” said Downs.

Contact:  Angela Guzman

Publicist

tel:   (615) 902-2737

web: [email protected]

Annie F. Downs is an author, blogger and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God, and loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students and adults. Annie has written five other books: Looking for Lovely, Let’s All Be Brave, Perfectly Unique, Speak Love, and Speak Love Revolution. Learn more about her at anniefdowns.com and follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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.

 

HarperCollins Christian Publishing launches new online bookish community

(Nashville, TN)—Not long ago, a small group of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) employees sat commiserating. The problem was this: they were avid readers, pop-culture enthusiasts and Christians who had no community.

Why doesn’t a fun, engaging faith-based book community exist?  Was there a way to build a home for avid readers who just happened to also be believers? Could a bookish community be diverse, intellectual, witty and sharp, and still be uplifting?

There was only one way to find out.  Enter Page Chaser.

Page Chaser is a space for everyone stuck in the middle; a place where you can talk about Stranger Things and Max Lucado. Page Chaser promotes positive, intelligent conversations on diverse content that makes people laugh, think and engage, leaving negativity at the virtual door. Any reader who is interested in discovering great stories, inspiring conversations and, well, just great clean content will feel welcome.

Stephanie Newton, the Page Chaser brand ambassador summed it up nicely, “When dreaming up Page Chaser, we discussed the idea of, ‘The nicest corner of the Internet.’ It seemed imperative to us that, in a world full of cruel social internet content, we could be here, metaphorically handing out muffins and asking if you’ve read Neil Gaiman.  We’re not here to fight with you. We’re not here to lead a revolution. We just want to bring goodwill back to humanity – one book at a time.”

PageChaser.com is home to humorous editorials, listicles recommending books, current news as it relates to books, author Q&As and more. Page Chaser’s audiobook platform offers readers “First Listens” of new books, bonus materials and behind-the-scene glimpses of in-studio author recordings. The all-original content features new titles, some hidden gems and contributor all-time favorites, positioning it to be an important discoverability point for readers and reviewers.

Page Chaser has a multifaceted reach through different content platforms. To support its blog, @page.chaser is a highly curated Instagram feed where engaging questions are posed alongside high-quality photos. Page Chaser on Facebook boosts blog posts and shares audience-provoking material to grab the attention of future page-chasers.

Newton added,  “Page Chaser is a place for conversing, laughing, reading, and belonging. Around here we firmly believe that there are two things you can never have enough of: friends and books, and we hope to be your favorite gathering spot for both.”

To learn more, please visit PageChaser.com.

Company also received two Platinum Awards for titles selling more than one million units

(Nashville, TN) May 2, 2018—HarperCollins Christian Publishing announced today the company’s two publishing groups, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, received four Christian Book Awards®, cumulatively, including Sarah Young’s bestselling “Jesus Always” (Thomas Nelson) winning the 2018 Christian Book of the Year.

At this year’s ECPA’s Leadership Summit, held in Washington, D.C., Thomas Nelson was also recognized at the ECPA Awards Celebration on Tuesday evening, May 1, 2018, for two titles achieving major sales milestones.

The 2018 Christian Book Award winners include:

• “Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence,” by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson)-Christian Book of the Year
• “Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life Changing Truth for a Skeptical World,” by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, PhD (Thomas Nelson)- Bible Reference Works
• “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett, illustrated by Lorna Hussey (Tommy Nelson)- Children
• “The Bible’s Explorer’s Guide” by Nancy I. Sanders (Zonderkidz)- Young People’s Literature*

The Platinum Award for outstanding sales achievements, reaching more than one million units sold, was given to “Jesus Always” by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) and “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely” (Thomas Nelson) by Lysa TerKeurst.

In addition, HarperCollins Christian Publishing was honored to have eight additional titles to be named as award finalists in 11 categories:

• “Faithlife Illustrated Study Bible NIV” (Lexham Press, Zondervan)- Bibles
• “Kids’ Visual Study Bible NIV” (Zonderkidz)-Bibles
• “The Gospel According to Paul” by John MacArthur (Thomas Nelson)- Bible Study
• “God’s Great Love for You” by Rick Warren, illustrated by Chris Saunders (Zonderkidz)- Children
• “‘Twas the Evening of Christmas” by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Elena Selivanova (Zonderkidz)- Children
• “Goliath Must Fall” by Louie Giglio (W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson)- Christian Living
• “Standing in the Fire” by Tom Doyle (W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson)- Faith and Culture
• “The Story of Reality” by Greg Koukl (Zondervan)- Faith and Culture

“Congratulations to the authors and publishing team award winners of the 2018 Christian Book Awards,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Special congratulations and thank you to Sarah Young for winning the Christian Book of the Year while also being recognized for one million units sold within a year.  The Jesus Calling brand continues to impact millions of people around the world, a true testament to our mission. All named winners and finalists are illustrating the breadth of influence our publishing groups have in delivering life-changing messages to people searching for inspiration.”

For more information about Thomas Nelson, go to www.thomasnelson.com. For more information about Zondervan, go to www.zondervan.com. For more information about HarperCollins Christian Publishing go to www.harpercollinschristian.com.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to 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 the U.S., and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.