13 July

Laura Bartlett named associate publisher for Zondervan Bibles

Grand Rapids, Mich. (July 13, 2021)— Zondervan today announced Laura Bartlett as the new associate publisher for its Bibles team, which publishes multiple Bible translations: the New International Version (NIV), New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the Amplified Bible (AMP).

Bartlett is an 18-year Christian publishing veteran, most recently serving as director for three Kregel imprints: Kregel Academic, Kregel Ministry, and Kregel Classics. In this role she successfully launched the 45-volume Kerux Commentary series, while acquiring new projects and leading a team of editors and marketers. Prior to this, she spent eight years serving in various roles on the Tyndale Bibles team. Bartlett holds a Master of Arts in theology from Wheaton College.

As associate publisher, Bartlett will manage multiple product lines within the Zondervan Bible publishing program; ideate, develop, and acquire new Bible products; and work alongside the editorial director to lead and grow the editorial team.

“Laura’s unique blend of Bible and academic publishing experience, broad industry relationships, and business management skills make her a natural pick for this role,” said Melinda Bouma, v-p and publisher, Zondervan Bibles. “Her proven ability as an agile publishing leader who is passionate about quality, biblical content excites me as she joins this industry-leading team!”

For more information about Zondervan Bibles, visit www.zondervan.com/bibles/ or follow @zondervanbibles on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact:  Chelsea Taff

              Manager, Corporate Communications

              tel:   615.902.2137

              web: [email protected]

10 February

Emily Tobin named marketing director for Zondervan Bibles

Grand Rapids, Mich. (February 10, 2021)– Zondervan today announced Emily Tobin’s promotion to marketing director for its Bibles team, which publishes multiple Bible translations: the New International Version (NIV), New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the Amplified Bible (AMP).

Tobin joined the Zondervan Bibles team two years ago and holds nearly 20 years of digital marketing experience. At Zondervan she has led marketing for the bestselling Beautiful Word™ Bible line, the NIV Verse Mapping Bibles with Kristy Cambron, and has focused on revitalizing the marketing efforts for evergreen Bible products such as the NIV Bible for Teen Girls, which is a top-five ECPA Bible bestseller.

As marketing director, Tobin will lead the strategic marketing efforts for the newly acquired Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible.

“For the past two years, Emily has proven herself to be an effective digital marketer, regularly surpassing industry standards as she employs new strategies to put our Bibles in front of new audiences,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Bibles. “Her wealth of experience and proven success make her the clear choice to steward the launch of the Thompson Chain-Reference® Bibles.”

Zondervan

Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different  genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is based in Grand Rapids, MI.  For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Chelsea Taff

               Manager, Corporate Communications

               tel:   615.902.2137

               web: [email protected]

25 March

Adventure Bible Brand Celebrates 10 Million Units Sold

Grand Rapids, Mich., March 2020 – Today, Zondervan Bible Group, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announced the Adventure Bible brand has surpassed 10 million units sold.

Created in 1989 by Dr. Larry Richards, The Adventure Bible is the best-selling children’s Bible in the country. Materials are written at a 3rd grade reading level for developing readers, so that all children can share and understand God’s Word. Its features bring the stories and concepts of Scripture to life.

“Zondervan has worked hard to make this special Bible friendly for early readers. The quality and trustworthiness of the features are of the highest standard, scholarship and creativity,” said Sue Richards, wife of Adventure Bible creator, Dr. Larry Richards. “Each volume is so colorful and attractive. Kids are excited to dig in and learn that the Bible is fascinating and speaks to all people whatever their age!”

Adventure Bible milestones include:

June 1989 – The Adventure Bible releases for the first time in full NIV text.

August 1994 –Adventure Bible is updated to The New Adventure Bible.

July 2000 – The New Adventure Bible receives an update and the NIrV translation is added. 

July 2008 – The New Adventure Bible is updated to its current edition.

February 2010 – It is released in Spanish for the first time.

July 2014 – It is released in the NKJV translation. 

September 2018 – The first Adventure Bible Polar Exploration Edition is released. 

May 2020 – The Adventure Bible will release for the first time in the NRSV translation. 

“As the current stewards of this important brand, we love to see kids get excited about reading their Bible regularly creating a lifelong love for God’s Word,” says Kevin Traub, senior marketing director, Zondervan. “One of my favorite aspects of this is hearing from current ministry leaders who read the Adventure Bible as a child and now use it in their ministry to teach the next generation.”

The Adventure Bible brand was expanded in 2013 and now includes Bibles, devotionals, Bible stories, I Can Read (early reader books) and apps. It is recommended more than any other Bible for kids by Christian schools, churches, and families.

“Our core commitment is to offer beautiful Bibles, in multiple translations, for all ages and stages. We are thrilled to fulfill that vision by publishing the Adventure Bible in multiple translations (NIV, NIrV, NKJV, with the NRSV arriving soon and an additional translation offering to be announced soon),” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Bibles. “With our ability to expand the Adventure Bible audience to more families by providing it in their translation of choice, we celebrate the ten million lives changed and eagerly anticipate millions more young lives impacted for years to come.”

***

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, 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, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:    Amy Bigler

                 Senior Manager of Publicity

                 tel:   616-698-3514

                 web: [email protected]

01 February

HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s Bible Group expands publishing efforts and new initiatives

(Nashville, TN) February 1, 2018—Today HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced a few key promotions within the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Bible publishing groups that reflect the company’s continued focus on the Bible.

John, Kramp, who joined HCCP in September 2014 as senior v-p of Bible Resources, has been named senior v-p and group publisher for Bibles. Additionally, Doug Lockhart who joined the company as senior v-p for Bible marketing and outreach in October 2014 has been named senior v-p for Bible marketing and new initiatives.  Lockhart came to HCCP from Biblica as president and CEO, owners of the New International Version translation of the Bible. Lockhart will continue to work with Kramp to lead Bible marketing, champion innovative strategies, and develop pivotal partnerships across the industry to enhance visibility for the New International Version (NIV), the King James Version (KJV), and the New King James Version (NKJV) translations.

For Zondervan Bibles, Melinda Bouma is being promoted to publisher. During her 10-plus year tenure with Zondervan Bibles, Bouma’s innovation, industry knowledge, and leadership have been essential to the success of the Zondervan Bible business. As publisher, she will build on her proven success of award winning product develop, acquisition, and publishing leadership by expanding the publishing portfolio of the NIV, the New American Standard Version (NASB), the Amplified Version (AMP) and other translations.

HCCP also announced the promotion of Daniel Marrs to publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. Marrs joined the Thomas Nelson Bible team in November 2015 as senior editor and was named associate publisher for the group in June 2016. With a strong theological background and editorial expertise, Marrs will lead the group as publisher, continuing to oversee acquisitions, author and title development, product ideation, and editorial development to grow the NKJV, KJV, and other translations.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprising both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups and 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 Grand Rapids, MI, Miami, FL and Spokane, WA. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.