Nashville publisher expects ‘even stronger growth’ for the rest of 2013

Worthy Publishing Group has announced strong first-quarter results with expectations  running high for even stronger growth to end the year.

“Compared to 2012 [first quarter] results, 2013 revenues are up 48%,” said Byron Williamson, president and CEO of Worthy Publishing. “Worthy is on track to exceed the prior year by 65% in only the company’s second year in commerce.

“Considering the enormous challenges book publishers and retailers face today, we could not have imagined the amazing opportunities that have come our way in the young life of the Worthy Publishing Group,” he added.

In November 2012, Nashville-based Worthy Publishing acquired the Ellie Claire Gift and Paper Expressions imprint from Guideposts. Response from Christian and mainstream retailers “has been very positive, company officials said. 

In April, Ellie Claire appointed Harry Blake, who worked for Hallmark and C.R. Gibson, as vice president of sales. An Ellie Claire journal also was selected as a finalist in the Lifestyle category at the National Stationery Show in New York City.

Worthy Publishing’s Freeman-Smith imprint, which experienced 20% growth in 2012, appointed Mark Gilroy as senior vice president and general manager earlier this year. Publishing industry veteran Troy Johnson was also appointed as Freeman-Smith’s national accounts director. 

Two Worthy Books titles have generated attention, including best-selling author Jerry B. Jenkins’ I, Saul, a historical novel to be released Aug. 27. Stephen Mansfield’s Killing Jesus has received national media coverage from Hannity, The Washington Post and other outlets. 

On Nov. 26, Worthy will release pastor David Jeremiah’s The Jeremiah Study Bible. A major event is planned for Madison Square Garden in New York City to mark the new Bible’s publication. 

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