11 May

HarperCollins Christian Publishing Wins Five 2023 Christian Book Awards

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.

09 February

Bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons Signs New Multi-Book Publishing Deal with Thomas Nelson 

(Nashville, Tenn.) February 9, 2023 – Bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons has inked a six-project deal with Thomas Nelson, across three of the publishing groups’ imprints, and HarperChristian Resources. The multibook deal includes a children’s book, two devotionals, a trade book, a lifestyle book, and video study curriculum.  

The first book of the new deal will be a children’s book, Simons’ first, slated to release in the fall of 2024 with Tommy Nelson, the company’s children’s imprint. Thomas Nelson Gift, Nelson Books, and HarperChristian Resources imprints will also publish projects as part of the new deal. Subsequent project timelines have not yet been released, though expected to fall into the 2025 and 2026 calendar years.   

“Ruth—an artist, mother, speaker, and entrepreneur—intimately knows how to speak to readers,” said MacKenzie Howard, executive editor at Thomas Nelson for the Children’s and Gift Book division. “Working with her in this capacity is an incredible opportunity to elevate Ruth’s life-giving messages and stunning art. Our teams across Thomas Nelson are excited about utilizing our many and wide-ranging resources to collaborate on a dynamic interdisciplinary go-to-market strategy to position Ruth as a leading voice in Christian life.”   

“I’m honored to partner with Thomas Nelson and Harper Christian Resources for these upcoming projects and can’t wait for the Kingdom impact we’ll have together,” said Ruth Chou Simons.  

Simons’ book When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace was released on October 12, 2021, through Nelson Books.   

Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literacy Agency negotiated the book deal.   

About Ruth Chou Simons: Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. Learn more at RuthChouSimons.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 ThomasNelson.com.  

About Tommy Nelson: Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson offers a wide variety of high-quality products, designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them toward a closer relationship with Jesus. For more information visit TommyNelson.com

Media Contact:

MacKenzie Collier

Thomas Nelson Gift Books

[email protected]  

29 November

CHRIS TOMLIN TO HOST THIRD SEASON of JESUS CALLING: STORIES OF FAITH on UP FAITH & FAMILY and UPtv in 2023

Guests Include Amy Grant, Rev. Run & Justine Simmons, Tim Tebow, Travis Tritt, and David & Tamela Mann and more

Season 3 premieres on UP Faith & Family on March 2 and on UPtv on April 2

Photo of Chris Tomlin by Robby Klein

November 29, 2022 (Nashville, Tenn.) — Grammy winner and one of the most influential Christian artists in today’s era Chris Tomlin will host the new season of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith debuting in early 2023. Season three of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith will premiere on UP Faith & Family, the leading streaming service in uplifting entertainment, on March 2 and on the cable network UPtv on April 2.

The inspirational series, based off the bestselling devotional book Jesus Calling ® (Thomas Nelson), will share  stories of success, loss, heartbreak, and redemption told by people of faith from all walks of life that will inspire and encourage. Host Chris Tomlin kicks the series’ new season off with guests Amy Grant and Carlos and Alexa PenaVega.

“Personally, I have always felt the heartbeat of Jesus Calling is so in line with my calling… to help people have an encounter with God,” said Chris Tomlin. “So, to be able to share story after story of God’s faithfulness in so many lives as this year’s host is something I am honored to do.”

Text Box: Photo of Chris Tomlin by Robby Klein“We are delighted to have Chris Tomlin as host of the next season of Jesus Calling,“ said Michael Aulisio, Vice President and Publisher of the Jesus Calling brand at Thomas Nelson.  “Chris’ faith and energy are magnetic. We know viewers will be uplifted and inspired by the stories they see each week.” 

“We are thrilled to partner with Harper Collins to bring Jesus Calling to UP Faith & Family and UPtv as our uplifting brand promise uniquely aligns with this inspiring series. It’s a perfect addition to our programming offering,” said Hector Campos, vice president, content strategy and acquisition, UP Entertainment.

Season three guests include Tabitha Brown, Sonya Curry, Linda Davis & Lang Scott, Trent Dilfer, Andrew East & Shawn Johnson East, Danny Gokey, Amy Grant, Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper, Ben Higgins, Chris & Kelly Janson, Todd Hoffman, Jimmy Houston, Gary LeVox, David & Tamela Mann, Jordan Matthews, Eddie Montgomery, Rope & Candice Myers, Jordan Matthews, Granger & Amber Smith, Rev. Run & Justine Simmons,  Alexa Welteroth & Johnathan Singletary, Tim Tebow, Travis Tritt, Steve Wariner, Brett & Brad Warren, Bubba Watson, Paige VanZant, and Brett Young.  Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith is produced by Four Eyes Media.

UP Faith & Family will air season one of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith, hosted by Lauren Alaina,beginning January 1, 2023. 

ABOUT JESUS CALLING: Jesus Calling has sold more than 40 million units across more than 30 languages since its 2004 publication. The Jesus Calling brand includes children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books, a quarterly print and digital Jesus Calling magazine, The Jesus Calling Podcast, and an app available on both Apple and Android platforms. For additional information visit JesusCalling.com.  

About Chris Tomlin: Time magazine heralded Chris Tomlin as the “most often sung artist in the world” as its estimated that 20-30 million people across the world sing one of his songs every week in church services. Along the way, Chris has scored 17 #1 one singles at radio, placed 29 top ten hits (more than any other Christian artist), sold more than 12 million albums with 5.6 Billion career global streams, earned a Grammy, three Billboard Music Awards, 28 Dove Awards, became a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year honoree and an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year. In 2016, he was named one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1 Billion digital radio streams, alongside Justin Timberlake, Pitbull and Garth Brooks. Chris is also the first Christian artist to reach the Billion streams threshold on Pandora and was presented with their BILLIONAIRE award. His annual ‘Good Friday Nashville’ concerts have become a family tradition to many in Tennessee and this year he expanded a global audience by exclusively premiering his ‘Good Friday Nashville” live event on Facebook. As one of the most successful Christian touring artists today, Chris has sold-out venues everywhere including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Red Rocks in Denver and more. Chris recently set a career attendance record with an unprecedented concert at LA’s Banc of California Stadium.  For more information visit: ChrisTomlin.com or follow Chris on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

ABOUT UP Entertainment: UP Entertainment, home to UP Faith & Family, UPtv, AspireTV, AspireTV Life and Cine Romántico, is the destination for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. UP Faith & Family is the leading streaming service in uplifting entertainment and includes exclusive access to original productions from the UP Entertainment family of brands. UPtv is the trusted network for adults seeking positive programming with relatable stories about relationships, filled with love and laughter, through exclusive premiere movies, box-office hit films and beloved series. AspireTV is the premier network for Black culture and urban lifestyle programming featuring original productions in food, home and fashion. AspireTV Life is the first free ad supported streaming television (FAST) channel dedicated to sharing the experiences of the multicultural audience through cooking, fashion, travel, design and more. Additionally, UP Entertainment in partnership with PixL Dos, manages and distributes Cine Romántico, a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel featuring the best of Hollywood TV romance movies in Spanish. UP Entertainment’s award-winning pro-social initiative, “UPlift Someone,” has inspired over 200 million people to uplift others through its social videos and dedicated UPlift Someone Facebook page and website.

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 ThomasNelson.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

HarperCollins – [email protected]

Chris Tomlin- [email protected]

UPtv – [email protected]

10 October

International minister John Bevere signs with W Publishing Group

W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishing, today announced a one-book deal with bestselling author John Bevere. The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life is slated to go on-sale in February 2023. Bevere is represented by Esther Fedorkevich of The Fedd Agency. World rights were acquired by W Publishing Senior Acquisitions Editor Kyle Olund.

Along with his wife, Lisa, Bevere is the co-founder of Messenger International—a ministry committed to revolutionizing global discipleship.

“We are honored to lock arms with John and Messenger International to shepherd this important message to the world,” said Damon Reiss, Vice President and Publisher, W Publishing Group. “This book, full of John’s trademark bold, scriptural teaching, promises to be a positive disruption for readers looking for true intimacy with God.”

In The Awe of God, Bevere invites readers to take a fresh look at what it means to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. This healthy, holy, and largely forgotten virtue is the uncommon path to a more fulfilled and fruitful life. Written in 42 short chapters, readers are encouraged to go through it one day at time, or one chapter in the morning and another that evening. Each chapter contains “5 P’s” for reflection and application: Passage, Point, Ponder, Prayer, Profess.

Bevere is an international bestselling author who has written more than 20 books that have, collectively, sold millions of copies and been translated into 129 languages. Bevere lives in Franklin, TN, where you’ll find him loving on his grandbabies, playing pickleball, or trying to convince Lisa to take up golf.

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.

Media Contact:

Allison Carter

Director of Publicity, W Publishing

[email protected]

18 August

Thomas Nelson welcomes Andrew Stoddard as the new VP, Publisher for Nelson Books imprint 

Andrew Stoddard

(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] 

12 July

TV Personality, Entrepreneur and QVC Star Kim Gravel Signs Book Deal with Thomas Nelson; Inspirational Memoir to come April 2023

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.

Kim Gravel

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

06 May

HarperCollins Christian Publishing wins six 2022 Christian Book Awards

Thirteen titles across eight categories honored as finalists  

(Nashville, Tenn.) May 6, 2022 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) congratulates its authors and publishing teams who were honored with six 2022 Christian Book Awards. These awards are presented annually by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) and honor the “best of the year” in Christian books and Bibles. This year writtmarked the first in-person awards ceremony since 2020 and was held on May 3, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The six winning titles from HCCP are:

  • Bible Reference Work – A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ by Douglas J. Moo – (Zondervan Academic)
  • Children – Where’d My Giggle Go? by Max Lucado, illustrated by Sarah Jennings (Tommy Nelson)
  • Faith and Culture – How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby – (Zondervan Reflective) 
  • Ministry Resources – Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation by Peter Scazzero – (Zondervan Reflective)
  • New Author – Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures by Michelle Ami Reyes – (Zondervan Reflective)
  • Young People’s Literature – Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith by Levi Lusko, illustrated by Catherine Pearson – (Tommy Nelson)

In addition to the award-winners, the company had 13 titles named finalists across eight categories.

The 13 HCCP finalists are:

  • Bibles – NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible, General Editor, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. – (Zondervan)
  • Bibles – NIV Radiant Virtues Bible: A Beautiful Word Collection – (Zondervan)
  • Bibles – NRSVCE Illustrated Catholic Bible – (Catholic Bible Press)
  • Bible Reference Works – Old Testament Use of Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Guide by Gary Edward Schnittjer – (Zondervan Academic)
  • Bible Study – Beautiful Word: Revelation Study Guide by Margaret Feinberg – (HarperChristian Resources)
  • Bible Study – Forgiving What You Can’t Forget Study Guide by Lysa TerKeurst – (HarperChristian Resources)
  • Children – Indescribable for Little Ones by Louie Giglio, illustrated by Nicola Anderson – (Tommy Nelson)
  • Children – Near by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago – (Zonderkidz)
  • Christian Living – When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace by Ruth Chou Simons – (Thomas Nelson)
  • Devotion and Gift – Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story by Lysa TerKeurst – (Thomas Nelson)
  • Ministry Resources – Urban Apologetics: Restoring Black Dignity with the Gospel, General Editor, Eric Mason – (Zondervan Reflective)
  • Young People’s Literature – Anxious for Nothing (Young Readers Edition): Living Above Anxiety and Loneliness by Max Lucado and Andrea Lucado – (Tommy Nelson)
  • Young People’s Literature – Everybody, Always for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducic, illustrated by Diane Le Feyer – (Tommy Nelson)

Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP commented, “Since 1978, the ECPA Christian Book Awards have served as a hallmark of excellence for Christian books and Bibles. After two years of unprecedented challenges from shutdowns to supply chain issues, it is a testament to the resilience of our teams and authors to have 19 books recognized in the 2022 Christian Book Awards. Congratulations to our authors and publishing teams. This recognition is well-deserved!”

For more information on this year’s winners and finalists please click here.

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. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.​

27 April

Brian Scharp named vice president of marketing for Nelson Books

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

Brian Scharp

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.

15 July

Daniel Marrs named associate publisher for Nelson Books

(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]

06 July

Brian Dembowczyk named associate publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles

(Nashville, Tenn.) July 1, 2021—Thomas Nelson today announced Brian Dembowczyk as associate publisher for its Bibles team, which publishes multiple Bible translations: King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV), and New English Translation (NET).

Dembowczyk spent the last six years as the managing editor and publishing team leader for The Gospel Project, where he spearheaded the brand expansion into Korean, Spanish, French, and Vietnamese. He also led the significant growth of their weekly Bible study resource subscribers. Dembowczyk holds a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and is a Doctor of Philosophy candidate at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as an adjunct professor.

As the associate publisher, Dembowczyk will oversee the editorial strategy, ideate new projects, acquire authors, and serve as the main editor on thematic study Bibles.

“Brian brings a critical blend of scholarly insight, publishing experience, and pastoral love for God’s Word, which are all essential for success in this role,” said Philip Nation, v-p and publisher, Thomas Nelson Bibles. “I look forward to how his rich background will help steer our editorial strategy.”

For more information about Thomas Nelson Bibles, visit www.thomasnelsonbibles.com or follow @nelsonbibles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact:    Chelsea Taff

                 Manager, Corporate Communications

                 tel:     615.902.2137

                 web:   [email protected]