Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher of W Publishing Group, a Thomas Nelson imprint, announces the hiring of Joel Kneedler as associate publisher. Recently serving as a lead agent for Alive Communications, Kneedler brings with him a wealth of experience in a variety of publishing areas.

"Throughout his publishing career, Joel has exemplified a deep passion for meaningful author relationships and strong content development,” Baugher said. “For the many projects on which we have partnered together, he has been a key part of our strategic campaigns, and I know that he will be a valuable asset for our authors going forward. His background in publicity, marketing and acquisition will all be utilized in his new role as associate publisher, and we couldn't be more thrilled that he will be joining our team."

Prior to his work at Alive Communications, Kneedler was head of publicity for WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. He led the publicity campaign for The Prayer of Jabez, Multnomah’s major best-seller in the early 2000s.

In his six years as a literary agent, he has agented many high-profile releases, including Heaven Is for Real, which he discovered and developed after hearing about it from a friend at church. Other authors represented by Kneedler include Heisman Trophy winner and NFL star Tim Brown, Love Boat Captain Gavin MacLeod, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, Bayside Church pastor Ray Johnston and this fall’s release from W Publishing Group entitled Kidnapped by the Taliban by Dr. Dilip Joseph. Kneedler was also the lead agent for popular collaborators Lynn Vincent, Mark Tabb and Jim Lund.

Kneedler and his family will relocate to Nashville. 

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