Tag: Nelson Books

10 titles across seven categories honored as finalists

Nashville, Tenn., May 2023 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) congratulates its authors and publishing teams who were honored with five 2023 Christian Book Awards on May 9, 2023, at an awards ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee. These awards are presented annually by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) and honor the “best of the year” in Christian books and Bibles.

The five winning titles from HCCP are:

• Bible Reference Works – Early New Testament Apocrypha: Ancient Literature for New Testament Studies with Christopher Edwards, Editor (Zondervan Academic)
• Biography & Memoir – Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God by Tim Challies (Zondervan Reflective)
• Devotion & Gift – When You Don’t Know What to Pray: 100 Essential Prayers for Enduring Life’s Storms by Charles F. Stanley (Zondervan)
• Faith & Culture – Still Time to Care: What We Can Learn from the Church’s Failed Attempt to Cure Homosexuality by Greg Johnson (Zondervan Reflective)
• New Author – Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul by Jennifer Tucker (Thomas Nelson Gift)

In addition to the award-winners, 10 HCCP titles were selected as finalists across seven categories. The 10 HCCP finalists are:

• Bibles – NIV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible (Zondervan)
• Bible Study – New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series: Acts by Scot McKnight (HarperChristian Resources)
• Bible Study – The Women of the Bible Speak Workbook by Shannon Bream (HarperChristian Resources)
• Biography & Memoir – America, a Redemption Story: Choosing Hope, Creating Unity by Senator Tim Scott (Thomas Nelson)
• Christian Living – Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley (Zondervan)
• Christian Living – How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig (Zondervan Reflective)
• Devotion & Gift – You Can Count on God: 365 Devotions by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson)
• New Author – A Christian’s Guide to Planet Earth: Why It Matters and How to Care for It by Betsy Painter (Zondervan)
• Young People’s Literature – The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio with Tama Fortner; illustrated by Nicola Anderson (Tommy Nelson)
• Young People’s Literature – You Can Count on God: 100 Devotions for Kids by Max Lucado (Tommy Nelson)

“We are honored that these five titles have been recognized by the ECPA as some of Christian publishing’s best releases of the year,” says Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP. “From a record-breaking pool of nearly 400 entries, I’m proud of our winning and nominated authors who chose to partner with us, as well as our publishing teams for their commitment and focus to accomplish our company mission to inspire the world.”

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978, when it was called the Gold Medallion Award. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award® program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing

The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprints, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 29 million unique visitors each month.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For more information visit harpercollinschristian.com.

(Nashville, TN) August 18, 2022—Thomas Nelson today announced Andrew Stoddard will be joining as the publishing group’s new v-p, publisher of the Nelson Books imprint. Thomas Nelson is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the world’s largest Christian publisher.  Stoddard, who previously served as the editorial director for Waterbrook & Multnomah, Christian imprints for Penguin Random House, will begin his leadership at Nelson Books on September 7, 2022. 

“It is an honor to step into this role at Nelson Books, an imprint with such a rich cultural, literary, and spiritual heritage,” commented Stoddard.  “I am looking forward to working with the talented team and our thoughtful agent partners to champion authors with powerful, life-changing messages. I am committed to leading this imprint to publish creatively compelling, commercially impactful, and consistently faithful books for our readers.” 

As the publisher for Nelson Books, Stoddard will be stewarding today’s most well-known Christian thought leaders, including #1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst and international bestselling author Max Lucado, both with new titles releasing this fall—TerKeurst’s much anticipated Good Boundaries and Goodbyes (November 8, 2022) and Lucado’s Help is Here (September 13, 2022). Nelson Books is also home to many New York Times bestselling authors including Bob Goff (Undistracted), Christine Caine (How Did I Get Here?), John Eldredge (Resilient) and many more.   

Stoddard’s nine-year tenure in publishing includes acquiring and working with  New York Times bestselling authors John Mark Comer, Michael Todd and Tim Tebow. He has seen titles published under his editorial direction receive esteemed honors such as the ECPA Christian Book Award for Christian Living.  He consistently appears as a top ten Deal Maker in all Nonfiction Religion for Publishers Marketplace and has been ranked as the #1 Deal Maker in that category.   

Don Jacobson, senior v-p and group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing said, “It is my pleasure to now work with Andrew and welcome him to HarperCollins Christian Publishing. I’ve known Andrew for almost ten years and after identifying him early on as a rising star in our industry, I have kept a close watch on his career. Andrew’s strengths begin with his love for the written word and its ability to shape hearts and minds.  He is sincere in his dedication to authors, and he creates strategies that align with their ministry and organizational goals. Andrew is both strategic and a visionary; relational, genuine, and kind.” 

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

Contact: Casey Harrell  

VP, Corporate Communications 

[email protected] 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. , July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announces today that it will publish Collecting Confidence: Start Where You Are to Become the Person You Were Meant to Be by celebrated TV personality, style expert and award-winning entrepreneur Kim Gravel. Gravel has over 20 years of success in the entertainment, fashion, and beauty industries, including starring in the reality show Kim of Queens and two of the most successful brands on QVC in recent history.  The book was acquired at auction in a significant deal by Executive Editor Janet Talbert from Claudia Riemer Boutote at Red Raven Studio. The book, Gravel’s first, is scheduled to release in April 2023.

As a compelling entertainer, Gravel infuses colorful conversation and fun stories into everything she does. Her passion is to empower every woman to “believe in your own beauty.” Gravel founded Belle by Kim Gravel and Belle Beauty which are sold on QVC and hosts a bevy of number one shows on the network. In addition to her television work, she is an inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and former Miss Georgia. 

“I am excited to partner with the team at Thomas Nelson,” said Gravel. “It is my hope that Collecting Confidence will help everyone who reads this book start right where they are to become everything they were meant to be. It’s time to chip away the negative images and find the masterpiece that’s just waiting to be revealed.  I know there is greatness in every woman. You’ve been collecting it since the day you were born.  Deep down, you know that too! Life is an all-you-can-eat buffet, including dessert.  You don’t have to settle for the crumbs.”

Drawn from the ups and downs of her own life, from her Southern roots to becoming the Queen of QVC, Gravel’s first book will call readers to collect their confidence and remember who they really are when faced with trials and challenges.

“We are proud to partner with Kim Gravel on Collecting Confidence,” said Tim Paulson, VP and Publisher of Nelson Books. “She is an inspirational powerhouse dedicated to changing women’s lives. Her motivational message resonates with the empowering books, authors, and brands we publish which transform the lives of readers.”

For additional details or to schedule time to speak with Gravel, please contact Sarah Van Cleve at [email protected].

About Kim Gravel:

Kim Gravel is the host of a bevy of number-one shows on QVC and is a wildly successful entrepreneur, television personality, inspirational firebrand, life coach, podcaster, and leader in the fashion and beauty industry. In 2016 Kim partnered with QVC to launch her apparel line Belle by Kim Gravel, followed by the Belle Beauty cosmetic line a year later. In five years, Kim has grown her brands from zero to more than $150 million in annual sales. In 1991, Gravel was one of the youngest contestants to become Miss Georgia and later starred in the groundbreaking Lifetime Network’s hit docuseries Kim of Queens. Kim lives outside Atlanta with her husband, Travis, and two sons.

About Thomas Nelson:

Thomas Nelson, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., is a world-leading provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. 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, please visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Sarah Van Cleve, Publicist
[email protected]
(414) 469-8991

(Nashville, TN) April 27, 2022—Thomas Nelson today announced Brian Scharp as the v-p of marketing for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint.

Scharp is an experienced publishing professional with over 25 years of marketing experience, having served as the v-p of marketing for Zondervan Bibles as well as the senior v-p of global marketing for Our Daily Bread Ministries. While at Zondervan, his marketing campaigns were awarded the prestigious Effie Award, as well as recognized by Time magazine for exceptional innovation. At Our Daily Bread Ministries, he directed the successful transition of the organization from traditional print and broadcast to a digital organization with more than 10 million members on social, email, web, and mobile channels.

Scharp serves as an adjunct professor of marketing and business at Calvin University. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University and is currently completing his PhD in marketing from Northcentral University.

As v-p of marketing for Nelson Books Scharp will lead the marketing and brand strategies for the imprint, as well as take an active role in Nelson Book’s list planning and author development.

Timothy Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books commented, “Brian brings a wealth of publishing experience in the Christian market, having worked in top leadership roles with Zondervan and Our Daily Bread. I’m confident he will extend Nelson Book’s leadership in marketing innovation and deep collaboration with our authors.”

For more information about Nelson Books visit www.thomasnelson.com/nelsonbooks/, or follow @nelsonbooks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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.

(Nashville, TN) July 15, 2021—Thomas Nelson today announced Daniel Marrs as the new associate publisher for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of the publishing group.

In this role, Marrs will lead the editorial strategy for Nelson Books, overseeing the editorial process and helping to shape the acquisitions strategy for the imprint. He will also manage and develop the editorial production team.

Marrs is a seasoned publishing leader, having served most recently as the v-p and editorial director for Ave Maria Press and prior to that, as the publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles. While at Thomas Nelson, he spearheaded the launch of the New English Translation (NET), implemented the Comfort Print initiative across all Thomas Nelson Bible products, and worked with bestselling authors Max Lucado and John MacArthur on crafting Bible products with their unique commentary.

Marrs holds a Doctor of Philosophy in theology and ethics with minors in church history and philosophy from Baylor University. In addition, he earned a Master of Arts in theology with minors in biblical studies and philosophy from Talbot School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts in English literature with a minor in education from Shepherd University.

“We are so pleased to welcome Daniel back to Thomas Nelson and have him move into this leadership role for Nelson Books,” said Timothy Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books. “Daniel’s unique blend of publishing experience, theological expertise, and strong relational skills make him the perfect fit for this role. I look forward to how he will take our team’s editorial work to the next level.”

For more information about Nelson Books visit www.thomasnelson.com/nelsonbooks/, or follow @nelsonbooks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact:    Chelsea Taff

                 Manager, Corporate Communications

                 tel:     615.902.2137

                 web:   [email protected]

(Nashville, TN) February 4, 2021—Thomas Nelson announced today that Jennifer Gingerich will become the next associate publisher for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson.  Gingerich has spent more than fifteen years working within the publishing industry in writing, editorial, and content development.

As associate publisher, Gingerich will lead the editorial strategy for Nelson Books, overseeing the editorial process and helping to shape the acquisitions strategy for the imprint. She will also assume day-to-day management of the editorial production team.

Gingerich’s experience includes leading and directing content development for Ramsey Solutions and working with brands like Financial Peace University and Foundations in Personal Finance for high school and college students.  She has worked with titles such as the No. 1 New York Times bestseller Smart Money, Smart Kids by Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey and highly-rated The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity by Dave Ramsey.  Other projects include national bestselling titles Everyday Millionaires and Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan, and The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman.   Gingerich also spent four years at Thomas Nelson working with children’s products including Veggie Tales® VBS and Read & Share® Bible Preschool Curriculum.

Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books commented, “Jennifer has dedicated her entire career to the written word, crafting great books and building amazing teams.  We are thrilled to have her breadth of knowledge and experience on the Nelson Books team.”

Contact:    Casey Harrell

                  Sr. Director, Corporate Communications

                  tel:     615.902.1109

                  web:   [email protected]

Nashville, Tenn. (October 23, 2020) – Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced two promotions within its marketing staff.  Mark Glesne will be senior director of marketing for Nelson Books, specifically focusing on Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst author brands, and Stephanie Tresner will become a director of marketing for Nelson Books.

Glesne joined the Nelson Books team in 2017 to lead the brand and marketing management for the Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst books and brands. Since that time, he has led the strategy and launch of New York Times bestsellers including Unshakable Hope by Max Lucado and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst, along with USA Today bestsellers Anxious for Nothing, How Happiness Happens, and You Are Never Alone by Max Lucado. Prior to this, Glesne served as director of marketing and digital commerce at TOL, Inc. where he oversaw marketing strategy, vision development, and brand implementation.

“Mark has done a tremendous job working with two of our most important authors, Max Lucado and Lysa TerKerust, growing their brands and titles with innovative marketing,” said Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books.” He will undoubtedly take his leadership within Nelson Books to the next level in this new position.”

Stephanie Tresner joined the company in 2008, serving in various marketing and brand management capacities for Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, she has spearheaded innovative marketing campaigns for New York Times bestsellers including Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, A Serial Killer’s Daughter by Kerri Rawson, Scary Close by Donald Miller, A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans, and I Said Yes by Emily Maynard Johnson. 

“Stephanie demonstrates exceptional project management capabilities, builds trusted relationships with her authors, agents, and coworkers, and leads book marketing with creativity and deep institutional knowledge,” said Jamie Lockard, v-p of marketing for Nelson Books. “I am excited to see her step into this new leadership role as she takes on the marketing strategy and execution for many of our high priority projects.”

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:    Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager

                 Corporate Communications

                 tel:     615.902.2137

                 web:   [email protected]

Nelson Books imprint will release a new book line in association with COMPEL

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) (October 1, 2020)—Thomas Nelson, alongside New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, is launching a new publishing initiative that will mobilize the next generation of women Christian authors, through TerKeurst’s own COMPEL author training program. Recently, TerKeurst posted an initial announcement on her social platforms, as well as released a video with literary agent and manager, Meredith Brock, providing preliminary details about the publishing program.

TerKeurst and Brock will work together to identify and develop authors through their training program, then carefully select manuscripts to be presented to Thomas Nelson in a co-review process. Manuscripts that are further identified as commercially viable will be contracted and managed through Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. Books will be co-branded Nelson Books and COMPEL.

“This exclusive project will be the first of its kind for Nelson Books,” said Timothy Paulson, vice president and publisher of Nelson Books. “Lysa has been more than a bestselling author to our publishing family. She is a visionary leader who loves to teach others how to reach their goals and dreams of success. Lysa told us she wanted to help her community of women who have such incredible and inspiring messages that deserve to be read. The COMPEL book line is a concept that utilizes the strength of Lysa’s wonderful gift for writing and developing a resonating voice for her ever-growing readership, and the Thomas Nelson editorial, marketing, and distribution expertise to elevate new Christian authors, Bible teachers, and disciples of God’s Word.”

The first COMPEL training opportunity that has been designed for this new initiative—The Book Proposal Boot Camp—begins on October 18th and will be completed in January.  The COMPEL team will then begin their work alongside the Nelson Books team, with a goal to release its first book in the line in 2022.

For more information on COMPEL, go to the www.TheBookProposalBootcamp.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.

Nashville, Tenn. (July 6, 2020)—Thomas Nelson today announced Jessica Wong as the new associate publisher for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. Wong has spent seven years working in editorial for Thomas Nelson, most recently serving as the executive editor for Nelson Books.

As associate publisher, Jessica will lead the editorial strategy for Nelson Books, overseeing the editorial process and helping to shape the acquisitions strategy for the imprint. She will continue her market-leading acquisitions and brand author management work and assume day-to-day management of the editorial production team.

Jessica began her career at Thomas Nelson in 2007 as an editorial assistant and returned in 2014 as a senior acquisitions editor for Nelson Books. She has excelled in both acquisitions and author relationship management and is the trusted editorial strategist for top industry author brands, including Lysa TerKeurst (Uninvited, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, and forthcoming book, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget) and Jen Hatmaker (Of Mess and Moxie and Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire).

“I am thrilled for Jessica to step into this role. During her seven years at Thomas Nelson, she has proven herself as not only a gifted editor, but a savvy leader who is skilled at balancing mission and business considerations when evaluating projects,” said Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books. “I look forward to her taking on this new role where she will shape Nelson Books’ editorial functions and expand her influence on the imprint as a whole.”

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:    Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager

                  Corporate Communications

                 tel:     615-902-2137

                  web:   [email protected]

Nashville, Tenn. (March 24, 2020) — Thomas Nelson today announced Jessica Wong as the executive editor for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson.

Wong has spent a total of seven years in editorial at Thomas Nelson, beginning her career in 2007 as an editorial assistant and returning in 2014 as a senior acquisitions editor. In this role she served as the editorial leader for top industry author brands including Lysa TerKeurst (Uninvited, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, and forthcoming book, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget) and Jen Hatmaker (Of Mess and Moxie and forthcoming book, Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire).

In her new role as executive editor, she will continue to lead the editorial strategy for these major author brands, as well as help create continuity and top quality across the team to attract and retain leading authors.

“I am thrilled for Jessica to take the helm as our team’s executive editor,” said Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books. “I look forward to discovering new ways that Jessica can help lead us as a team, as her current leadership plays a crucial role at Nelson Books and, to a greater extent, all of the Thomas Nelson publishing imprints.”

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:    Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager

                 Corporate Communications

                 tel:     615-902-2137

                 web:   [email protected]