Tag: Laura Minchew

Grand Rapids, Mich. (July 15, 2020) — Zondervan today announced Megan Dobson as the vice president, publisher for Zonderkidz, the children’s imprint for Zondervan. She will begin on July 27 and report to Laura Minchew, senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP).

Dobson joins Zonderkidz after serving as publisher for ChristianAudio. Prior to this she worked for HCCP for nine years, holding positions in both sales and publishing. Dobson served for two years as director of mass market sales for HCCP, and later shifted her leadership to W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. As the imprint’s associate publisher, Dobson led the editorial team, helped drive business strategy, and acquired and edited works from authors including Lindsay Teague Moreno (Boss Up), Jess Ekstrom (Chasing the Bright Side), and Lisa Whittle (Jesus Over Everything). 

As Zonderkidz publisher, Dobson will drive the publishing vision, editorial process, and operational strategies and will ensure growth through strong financial and business leadership. Further, Dobson will acquire key books and maximize the extensive backlist, including industry-leading children’s brands such as The Jesus Storybook Bible and The Beginners Bible. She will be based in HCCP’s Grand Rapids, Mich. office, where the Zonderkidz program is predominantly located.

“It’s an amazing privilege to join the Zonderkidz team in producing inspirational books that speak messages of hope, truth, and love to children and their families,” said Dobson. “I am excited to lead this team into the future while continuing our mission to inspire the world.”

“I am thrilled to have Megan join us in the role of Zonderkidz publisher,” said Minchew. “She has a passion for children’s books and will bring creativity and business acumen to the role. Megan’s experience in leading successful teams in both publishing and sales, and her extensive knowledge of HCCP make her a perfect fit.”

Zondervan

About Zondervan:  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.

Contact:  Chelsea Taff

              Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications

              tel:   615.902.2137

             web: [email protected]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 18, 2020) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that How Great is Our God, by Louie Giglio, has surpassed more than 100,000 copies sold.

How Great Is Our God is a resource for faith and science to come together in a conversation. Written for elementary-age kids, it is packed with amazing scientific facts, scriptures, beautiful photography, and cool illustrations.

Exploring topics like space and time, the Earth and weather, the human body, animals, plants and more, parents will find that this can be a great compliment to home education science lessons or Bible-based curricula.

“Louie weaves science and faith together in a way that is both educational and fun,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “With parents now taking on the role of home educators, this is the perfect book for families to share the wonders of the universe and appreciation for God’s wild and amazing creation.”

With more than one million social media followers on his personal accounts, Giglio has grown a platform of more than just college students—reaching pastors, parents and adults around the world. How Great is Our God follows the success of his first children’s book, Indescribable:100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science which has sold more than 340,000 copies.

How Great is Our God (Thomas Nelson/Passion Publishing, ISBN# 9781400215522, Nov. 5, 2019) is available for purchase wherever books are sold.

About the Author:

Louie Giglio is Pastor of Passion City Church and the Original Visionary of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus.

Since 1997, Passion has gathered collegiate-aged young people in events across the US and around the world, and continues to see 18 to 25 year-olds fill venues across the nation in pursuit of lives lived for God’s glory. Most recently, Passion hosted 40,000 college students and their leaders in four venues linked together across three cities at Passion 2019.

In addition to the collegiate gatherings of Passion Conferences, Louie and his wife Shelley lead the teams at Passion City Church, sixstepsrecords, Passion Publishing and the Passion Global Institute.

Louie is the national-bestselling author of Not Forsaken, Goliath Must Fall, Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science, The Comeback, The Air I Breathe, and I Am Not But I Know I Am.

Louie and Shelley make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Tommy Nelson:

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.

Justification by Michael Horton named Theology/Ethics Book of the Year

(Nashville, Tenn.) December 12, 2019—Zondervan is honored to have four books recognized in the 2020 Christianity Today Book Awards, which were announced on December 10. Annually, Christianity Today chooses books in twelve main categories that are “most likely to shape evangelical life, thought, and culture.” 

The following Zondervan titles were recognized:

• Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World by Paul M. Gould – Award of Merit (Apologetics/Evangelism) Zondervan Academic
• One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different by Linsey Davis – Award of Merit (Children and Youth) Zonderkidz
• Spirit and Sacrament: An Invitation to Eucharismatic Worship by Andrew Wilson – Award of Merit (The Church/Pastoral Leadership) Zondervan Reflective
• Justification (2 vols.) by Michael Horton – Book of the Year – (Theology/Ethics) Zondervan Academic

“Given the criteria by which Christianity Today selects books for recognition, that three books from the Zondervan Academic and Zondervan Reflective imprints were given either Book of the Year or the Award of Merit recognition testifies to the wisdom and success of our commitment to publish well-researched and well-written works that model irenic discussion, represent a variety of viewpoints, and yet stay within the boundaries of our commitments to the historic doctrines of orthodox Christianity and biblical authority,” said Stan Gundry, senior v-p, Zondervan Academic and Zondervan Reflective publisher. “I would be remiss if I did not also give credit to our authors who earned this recognition—Michael Horton, Andrew Wilson, and Paul Gould.”

“We are delighted for this recognition of Linsey Davis’ One Big Heart, with the big message for children that God’s love connects all of us and makes us more alike than different,” said Laura Minchew, senior v-p, Children’s and Gift Group publisher.

To read the full 2020 Book of the Year Awards announcement from Christianity Today, please click here.

***

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.

Contact:

Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager

Corporate Communications

tel:   615.902.2137

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]     

In We Are the Gardeners, Joanna and the kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden

Nashville, Tenn. (Jan. 14, 2019) Magnolia co-founder and New York Times bestselling author Joanna Gaines will publish her first children’s book, We Are the Gardeners, on March 26, 2019 with Tommy Nelson, the children’s division of Thomas Nelson, the company announced today.

In We Are the Gardeners, Joanna and her kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. From their failed endeavors, obstacles to overcome (like bunnies that eat everything!), and all the knowledge they’ve gained along the way, the Gaines family shares how they learned to grow a happy, successful garden.

“The garden has always been a place that inspires me. There’s something about digging deep into fresh soil or watching new life burst from what was not long ago just a tiny seed that reinforces what a gift life is,” said Joanna. “I think that’s part of why my kids have come to love spending time in the garden just as much as I do. It can be a great teacher, if we pause long enough to notice all there is to learn. Where every day can be a lesson in hard work, and sometimes even in failure, but where there’s also growth worth celebrating. This book is our way of sharing what the garden means to us, and the many adventures we’ve had along the way!”

Children and their families will be able to start their own gardens, learn how to take care of plants, and enjoy the fruits of their labors together. As it turns out, trying something new isn’t always easy, but the hardest work often yields the greatest reward—there are always new lessons waiting to be learned in the garden!

“Joanna’s creativity has resulted in a gorgeous and splendid book,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of Tommy Nelson Children’s Books, gift books and new media at Thomas Nelson. “Families will delight in reading the story together, and create happy memories by starting their own gardens. What fun for children discover their green thumbs as a result of reading We Are the Gardeners!”

Julianna Swaney’s illustrations bring the Gaines family garden to life with colorful, whimsical watercolors in We Are the Gardeners, inviting readers to enjoy the beauty a thriving garden provides.

This will be the Gaines family’s fifth book with HarperCollins Publishers. Their previous books include The Magnolia Story (Thomas Nelson), Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff (Thomas Nelson); Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering (William Morrow Cookbooks); and Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave (Harper Design).

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.

Its message: Downsize and streamline to focus on what really matters

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 19, 2018) –Today, Thomas Nelson announced that A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living, by Emily Ley, has surpassed more than 100,000 units sold.

A Simplified Life is Ley’s second book with Thomas Nelson Gift, following the 2016 release of Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy. Together, Ley’s titles have sold more than 250,000 units, solidifying her place as one of Thomas Nelson’s breakout authors.

“Emily’s practical message of how to simplify the things that overwhelm us and make time for the things we love—who couldn’t use help finding that balance?” said Laura Minchew, Senior Vice President and Publisher for Gift Books, Tommy Nelson Children’s Books, and New Media at Thomas Nelson. “To see A Simplified Life  surpass 100,000 units in sales in such a short period of time is truly remarkable, and affirms that women are passionately and actively seeking this content.”

Emily has provided not only examples stemming from her personal experience, but also expert advice, given her role as founder and creative director of her business, Simplified®.

A Simplified Life contains 10 chapters on organizing finances, style, schedules, motherhood and beyond. Ley offers tangible and attainable ways to achieve a fulfilling and simplified life by removing life’s endless clutter—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

More information about Emily can be found at https://www.emilyley.com.

About the Author: Emily Ley is Founder and Creative Director of Simplified® by Emily Ley. She is also the creator of the bestselling Simplified Planner-a daily agenda for what matters most. Raised in Pensacola, Florida, Emily graduated from the University of West Florida with degrees in English, creative writing, and public administration and then went on to become the executive director of the city ballet. From there, she worked in nonprofit management and public relations before launching her brand in 2008. Following the success found at its online home, EmilyLey.com, the Emily Ley brand quickly grew to be carried in over 500 retail outlets across the United States and around the world. Emily has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best New Product-Desktop (for the 2015 Simplified Planner®) at the National Stationery Show as well as Top 10 Designers to Watch in 2015 by Stationery Trends Magazine. Now as a businesswoman, wife, and mama to three, Emily enjoys Friday pizza parties on the living room floor, strong cappuccinos with her college-crush-turned-husband, and making memories to savor for a lifetime with her twins and preschooler.

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.