Smartphone applications tied to new and popular titles from Francis Chan and Rob Bell offer ‘new level of accessibility’ Capitalizing on the latest technology, several Christian publishers have launched mobile applications tied to new and best-selling titles. In conjunction with the
July 5 release of best-selling author Francis Chan’s latest book, Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We Make Up, David C. Cook has created its first interactive mobile site, francischan.mobi. Accessible from any smartphone using QR (quick response) codes, the site provides visitors an audio excerpt from Chan’s third book read by co-author Preston Sprinkle, as well as Chan’s first two books from Cook—Crazy Love and Forgotten God. Visitors can also learn about Chan’s “Basic” film series, watch a video introduction to Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity and the Things We Make Up, connect with the author via social networking or purchase any of the products. “The uniqueness of a mobile site like this is that a customer … can instantly access Francis’ entire ‘library’ in one convenient place,” said Cook’s Vice President of Trade Marketing Ginia Hairston. Meanwhile, Thomas Nelson has launched a line of mobile apps for Sarah Young’s best-selling devotional Jesus Calling and Max Lucado’s newest devotional, Live Loved. Priced at $9.99 each, the apps are for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, with apps for Droid phones and tablets available this fall. Each app includes all of the devotions and scripture from the books as well as the ability to interact on social media platforms. “Apps offer a new level of accessibility for this devotional content,” said Nelson gift books publisher Laura Minchew. “I especially love the ease of sharing content via Facebook or Twitter and the immediate giftability of the apps.” Elsewhere, Zondervan has launched a mobile app of Rob Bell’s popular “Nooma” video series, which has sold more than 2 million units since it was released nearly 10 years ago. Available on iPhone/iPad and Android smartphones, the first and most popular title of the 24 short films, Rain, is free with each download of the app. “It has always been the goal of Nooma to be available in accessible, relevant formats,” said John Raymond, vice president and publisher of curriculum at Zondervan. “Creating an app for use on personal devices like the iPhone, iPad and Android keeps in line with the mission to have Nooma with you, ready to experience them by yourself or with others.” All 23 additional Nooma films—in high definition—can be downloaded within the app for $2.99. Nooma is the first mobile purchase app developed by Zondervan, and the first app launched for Android by the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based publisher and its parent company, HarperCollins.
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