Month: November 2019

Nashville, Tenn. (November 19, 2019) — Thomas Nelson today announced Sara Broun as the new publicity director for the W Publishing division.

Broun has over thirteen years of publicity experience, most recently managing national publicity campaigns for authors including Rachel Hollis, Gary Sinise, Kerri Rawson, and Randy Travis. Prior to this, she spent ten years managing entertainment and live event PR for organizations including the Nashville Ballet and Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR).

In her new role as publicity director for W Publishing, Broun will oversee the team’s publicity strategy, determining the best approach for gaining the most effective, wide-spread media coverage through strategic campaigns, brand awareness, and author and media relationship building.

“The W Team is thrilled to have Sara as our new publicity director,” said Caren Wolfe, vice president of marketing for W Publishing. “Her experience, broad-reaching media relationships, and ability to work with authors in various stages of their careers will be a huge asset to our team.”

Thomas Nelson

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, 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.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director

                Corporate Communications

                tel: 615.902.1109

                web:  [email protected]

Jennifer Gott named associate publisher and Kristi Smith appointed senior director, marketing for Gift books

Nashville, Tenn. (November 18, 2019) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) last week appointed Jennifer Gott as the new associate publisher and Kristi Smith as senior marketing director for the Gift book publishing imprints, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift.  

Last week HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus announced together a new operational structure for a cohesive Children’s and Gift group, with Laura Minchew leading the strategy as the senior vice president and group publisher. Under the new structure, Gott will report directly to Minchew and Smith will report to Michael Aulisio, the v-p of Marketing for the group. Both Gott and Smith will focus their efforts on HCCP’s Gift books, which are beautiful, high designed products such as devotionals, journals, lifestyle and traditional gift books.

Gott is a twenty-year publishing veteran and has been with HCCP since 2011, most recently servicing as the editorial director for Tommy Nelson and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift books. In this role she directed the editorial strategy for authors including Sarah Young, Emily Ley, Sadie Robertson, and Louie Giglio, as well as bestselling Jesus Calling brands which together have sold more than 30 million copies.

In her new role of associate publisher, Gott will oversee editorial and acquisitions for the Gift team, work with key authors, develop strategy, and maintain the budget for Zondervan Gift and Thomas Nelson Gift.

“Jennifer has done fabulous work in mentoring and managing the editorial team, setting processes for workflow, and helping to deliver excellent books,” said Laura Minchew, senior v-p, Children’s and Gift Group publisher. “She has wonderful rapport with key authors and brands, and I can’t wait to see her step into her new role as associate publisher.”

Smith, also a twenty-year publishing veteran, joins the Gift team from her previous role as marketing director for W Publishing, a non-fiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, Smith has led marketing campaigns and brand development projects for high-profile authors including Billy Graham, Kathie Lee Gifford, Dr. David Jeremiah, and more.

As senior director of marketing for Gift books, Smith will cultivate author and agent relationships, spearhead strategic marketing plans, and work creatively to discover new markets for products. 

“Our team could not be more excited to have Kristi join us.  Kristi’s passion for the mission of inspiring lives has long driven her tremendous career with W Publishing and shows through in her marketing excellence and deep relationships,” said Michael Aulisio, v-p marketing, children’s and gift books. We absolutely can’t wait for her enthusiastic leadership and creativity to be applied to our gift books and authors.”

***

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher and 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.  

HarperCollins Focus, LLC. owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director

                Corporate Communications

                tel: 615.902.1109

                web: [email protected]

Michael Aulisio appointed VP of Marketing

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 12, 2019—Today it was announced that Laura Minchew has been appointed to senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) and HarperCollins Focus (HC Focus). In her expanded role, Minchew will be responsible for the overall strategy for all children’s and gift books for both companies, a member of the executive leadership team, and reporting directly to the president and CEO of HCCP and HC Focus, Mark Schoenwald.

In this new role, Minchew will be leading the direction for Tommy Nelson, Zonderkidz, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift publishing as well as Blink YA books and launching the strategy and publishing program for children’s and gift products under HarperCollins Focus.

Under this expanded structure the companies will share best practices in marketing, editorial, design, and publishing operations on books that specialize in children’s and gift book products, while continuing to maintain the uniqueness of each consumer facing publishing imprint.   This approach optimizes expertise around complementary products and sets a strong foundation for creating children’s and gift products for the general market through HarperCollins Focus.

Minchew is a publishing veteran with more than thirty years in the industry. For the past seven years, she has led the Specialty Publishing division for HarperCollins Christian Publishing which includes the Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson Gift, and Zondervan Gift imprints. Under her leadership the company has published titles such as Jesus Calling by Sarah Young with sales of more than 30 million units, in addition to children’s and gift books with Max Lucado, Billy Graham, Joanna Gaines, Kathie Lee Gifford, Chris Tomlin, Emily Ley, Lysa TerKeurst, Bob and Lindsey Goff, amongst others.

Schoenwald commented, “Laura has a keen sense for what readers are searching for in terms of quality, content, and inspiration. The children’s and gift group publisher model will bring better awareness and positive collaboration between similar business operations, while continuing to create focus around the individual brands.”

“Our business is committed to inspirational children’s and gift publishing,” said Minchew. “We are investing in resources and working together to navigate the best approach to create a center of excellence that enables us to grow in a changing market. We will leverage our strengths to attract and support leading authors, illustrators and create new brands. Our future is bright, and I am extremely honored to have this opportunity.”

In addition, Michael Aulisio, former vice president of marketing for Tommy Nelson and Gift books for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, will become the vice president of marketing for the children’s and gift group of HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus, where he will set and oversee the execution of marketing across the children’s and gift divisions. *

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher and 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.  

HarperCollins Focus, LLC. owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com.

Contact:          Casey Harrell

                        Senior Director, Corporate Communications

                        615.902.1109

                        [email protected]

Devotional continues to grow year-over-year, more than 15 years post-release

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 26, 2019) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that the Jesus Calling brand by Sarah Young has surpassed 30 million units sold since it was first published in October 2004. It remains one of the most successful devotionals of all time.

Since it was first published, this 365 devotional has expanded to include children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books, as well as other devotionals including ECPA book of the year Jesus Always. Its strong sales history, product diversity, and customer loyalty are unlike any other devotional on the market. It has been 15 years since publication and sales continue to grow year-over-year. In fact, from 2018-2019, sales increased five percent. But, this milestone represents a great deal more than sales alone.

“I’ve never seen a book connect with so many people in such a deeply personal way,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of Gift books and Tommy Nelson Children’s Books at Thomas Nelson. “Aside from the sales numbers—which are, of course, remarkable—what we value are the tens of millions of lives that have been impacted by Sarah’s work. Through her writing, study of the Bible, and prayers, people from all walks of life, all over the world, experience a closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus. Helping people develop a stronger faith is a benefit that is impossible to measure.”

The deep connection that readers feel to the content in Jesus Calling is evident across its various social media accounts, which total more than 1.5 million followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Readers regularly share their experiences with Jesus Calling on social media, and those experiences led to the creation of the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith Podcast, which recently surpassed 3 million downloads.

The podcast, available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, Spotify, 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. Guests on the podcast range from everyday readers to celebrities like Kathie Lee Gifford, T.D. Jakes, Reba McEntire, Rita Wilson, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels and Melinda Gates. And, there were so many stories that the podcast expanded to include video episodes as well, which have been viewed more than 8 million times.

To author Sarah Young, there is one word that comes to mind when she thinks of the success of the book.

“I consider this 30 million milestone miraculous!” Young said. “I can remember sitting at my desk in Perth, Australia—daydreaming about reaching the 100,000 milestone. It seemed like just a pipe dream at the time . . . The Lord has done great things for us.”

But, regardless of the various milestones, one factor that remains the same is that Young will continue to pray for her readers on a daily basis.

“I pray daily for readers of all my books, and I long for them to really grasp that there’s no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus,” she shared. “Also, I want readers to remember that Jesus is with us always and nothing can separate us from His Love!”

More information is available at www.jesuscalling.com.

# # #

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.

Contact:         

Stefanie Schroeder

Publicity Manager

615.902.1722

[email protected]     

Thomas Nelson fiction authors honored in five categories and hall of fame induction

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 8, 2019 — Thomas Nelson is pleased to congratulate all five of its fiction authors who received Christy Awards, including Patti Callahan for taking home the Christy Award’s top honor – Book of the Year for her novel Becoming Mrs. Lewis. The awards were presented by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) at the 20^th annual Christy Award gala held at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN on November 6, 2019.

In addition to Patti Callahan’s Book of the Year honor, Thomas Nelson fiction author and five-time Christy Awardee, James Rubart, was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame for his contribution to the craft.

Four other Thomas Nelson authors were recognized for their excellence in specific genres of Christian fiction, picking up Christy Awards in various categories.

• The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings in First Novel
• Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan in Historical Fiction (Tie)
• With this Pledge by Tamera Alexander in Historical Romance (Tie)
• Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock in Short Form
• The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson in Young Adult

“The Christy Awards celebrate and recognize excellence in the Christian fiction industry, and we are thrilled to see so many of our authors honored this year,” said Amanda Bostic, publisher for Thomas Nelson fiction. “Patti, James, Terri, Tamera, Melanie, and David are all talented storytellers who are using their gifts to spread hope and light into the world. We could not be more proud to publish them.”

To learn more about the Christy Awards, please visit www.christyawards.com.

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, 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.

Contact:     Casey Harrell

                   Sr. Director, Corporate Communications

                   tel:    615.902.1109

                   web:   [email protected]

A Moving Story of Two Fathers—One Whose Daughter Was Killed in the Bombing, and the Other the Father of Her Killer, Timothy McVeigh—and of Forgiveness and How Good Can Overcome Evil

Grand Rapids, Mich., Nov. 4, 2019 – Zondervan Books has contracted to publish Grace from the Rubble: Two Fathers’ Road to Reconciliation after the Oklahoma City Bombing, the riveting true story of two men who appeared destined to be enemies—but who instead formed an unexpected bond in the wake of terrorism and tragedy.

Written by Jeanne Bishop, Grace from the Rubble will release April 14, 2020, five days before the 25^th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Bishop is represented by Greg Daniel of Daniel Literary Group. World rights were acquired by Senior Acquisitions Editor Mick Silva.

The Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, was the deadliest attack of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, and it became one in a long line of violent attacks that have left communities across the nation searching for healing and hope.

Grace from the Rubble tells the intertwining stories of four individuals:

• Julie Welch, a young professional full of promise;
• Timothy McVeigh, the troubled mind behind the horrific event;
• Bud Welch, a father whose only daughter (Julie) was murdered; and,
• Bill McVeigh, Timothy’s father.

With searing details by first-hand witnesses (including the governor of Oklahoma), masterful storyteller Jeanne Bishop describes the suspenseful scenes leading up to that fateful day and the dramatic events after, as one father buried his daughter and the other saw his only son arrested and tried for mass murder. Vivid and haunting, this true story is rich with memories and beautiful descriptions of the nation’s heartland, a place of grit and love for neighbors and family. Bishop shares how murder affected her own family and led her to meet Bud and, ultimately, how they learned to see humanity amidst inhuman violence.

“With compassion for all who have been touched by tragedy, this poignant narrative will touch readers’ hearts with the astonishing forgiveness that led to an extraordinary friendship,” says Mick Silva, Senior Acquisitions Editor.

About the Author: Jeanne Bishop grew up in Oklahoma City and is a public defender and human rights advocate who has written for online publications including Huffington Post and CNN.com, magazines, newspapers, law journals and academic books. Her memoir, Change of Heart, chronicles the murder of three of her family members and her forgiveness of and reconciliation with their killer.

Grace from the Rubble: Two Fathers’ Road to Reconciliation

after the Oklahoma City Bombing

By Jeanne Bishop

Release Date: April 14, 2020

9780310357674

Zondervan Books publishes books that ask big questions and bring inspiring insights. Part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the imprint works with gifted writers and communicators who engage readers with books about spiritual and personal growth, everyday living, memoir, family and marriage—topics that fuel life transformation through faith. Zondervan Books’ products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Their offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:       

Robin Barnett                                         

Director of Public Relations                   

616-698-3251

 [email protected]

Trinity McFadden

Senior Manager of Public Relations

616-698-3331

[email protected]

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 7, 2019—Thomas Nelson today announced that Damon Reiss, former senior director for HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s (HCCP) custom and backlist program as well as the Christian bookstore key accounts and distributor channels, will become the v-p and publisher for its non-fiction imprint W Publishing. Reiss will lead the acquisition and editorial strategy in addition to marketing oversight for the imprint, reporting to Don Jacobson, senior v-p, Books Group publisher for HCCP. He will also be responsible for maintaining relationships with the strong roster of current W Publishing authors in addition to discovering and growing new Christian voices in the market.

Reiss has worked in the industry for nearly seventeen years, starting his publishing career as a tele-sales representative. In 2011, he began working for Thomas Nelson as a key account manager for Ministry Sales and in 2016 he was promoted to expand the company’s custom publishing program. As head of custom products, Reiss launched two line-extension programs, redeveloping and reengineering backlist products in an innovative way to appeal to new readers.  Reiss has continued to grow his career and industry acumen, collaborating with all in-house publishing teams on custom product initiatives, strategic promotional placement, and essential revised editions of books and Bibles. 

W Publishing has published the works of some of Christian publishing’s most impactful authors like Billy Graham, Dr. David Jeremiah, Louie Giglio, Levi Lusko, Emerson Eggerichs, Anne Graham Lotz, Pastor Robert Morgan, Lindsay Teague Moreno, and Jennie Allen. The imprint represents classic New York Times bestselling books Same Kind of Different As Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, The Noticer by Andy Andrews, Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo and more recent bestsellers including The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines, Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines, Racing to the Finish by Dale Earnhardt Jr., and The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford with Rabbi Jason Sobel. In October, the imprint released Nerves of Steel by Tammie Jo Shults, Captain of Southwest Flight 1380 and one of the Navy’s first female F/A-18 Hornet pilots.

“W Publishing’s historical significance is preeminent in the Christian market and to build off of this success and legacy is an honor,” said Reiss. “I look forward to leading this talented team and shaping the future of W.”

“Damon has proven to be a critical component of HCCP’s fabric,” said Don Jacobson. “His experience as part of our sales team has allowed him to understand authors’ work from an angle we often take for granted.  Damon’s strategy will bring fresh direction to the W Publishing team and he has a rich understanding and passion for all our authors. Damon’s leadership is perfectly fitting for W Publishing and we are excited for the days ahead.”

Reiss will begin his position as v-p and publisher immediately, working to develop a short transitional period for his current role in the company’s sales custom product and sales division.

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 multiples formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, 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 www.thomasnelson.com

Nashville, Tenn. (November 4, 2019) — HarperCollins Christian Publishing today announced the company has hired Philip Nation to lead as v-p, publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles. He will join the organization on December 2nd and report to John Kramp, senior v-p, Bibles and Spanish Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

In this role, Nation will oversee acquisitions, author and title development, and product innovation for the King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV), New English Translation (NET), International Children’s Bible (ICB), and other translations.

Nation has extensive experience in both publishing and ministry, having served in leadership at LifeWay Christian Resources for eight years in various capacities including ministry development, adult ministry publishing, and content development. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School, and has both written and served as the general editor on a range of projects, including The Mission of God Study Bible. Alongside this work, he has served in various pastoral roles for fifteen years, most recently as the director of advancement and global impact churches for the Baptist World Alliance.

“Philip brings a rare mix of publishing experience, theological training, pastoral ministry, and strong communication skills as a speaker and an author,” said John Kramp. “We’re excited for Philip to lead our Thomas Nelson Bibles team in its next phase of growth.”  

“I am excited and humbled to join the Thomas Nelson Bibles team, which provides the grand opportunity to engage people with beautiful and helpful formats of the Bible,” said Nation. “I’m grateful for the trust that HarperCollins Christian Publishing has placed in me to lead as we press toward the next era of growth in our industry. Joining this team of leaders is an honor and I look forward to many great years ahead.”

Contact:     Casey Harrell, Senior Director

                   Corporate Communications

                   tel:    615.902.1109

                   web:   [email protected]