Best-selling author signs multi-book contract with Hachette Book Group to 'extend his influence'

Leadership author John Maxwell is on the move, joining with a new publisher for his next book, due in the fall of 2011.

Maxwell recently signed a three-book contract with Hachette Book Group (HBG), leaving longtime publisher Thomas Nelson. The Five Levels of Leadership, based on a series of messages, will release through HBG's Center Street imprint.

"John Maxwell is the world's most influential authority on leadership," said Rolf Zettersten, senior vice president and publisher for Center Street. "His books and speeches on this topic have changed lives and entire organizations. It's an honor to work with him again, and we look forward to publishing his international best-sellers that will extend his influence."

Maxwell has released dozens of titles in the past two decades with Thomas Nelson, including Leadership Gold, Developing the Leader Within You and Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. Michael Hyatt, president of Thomas Nelson, cited the company's "long and productive relationship" with Maxwell, pointing to a strong backlist of the author's titles.

"Though he decided to go with another publisher for his next few books, we still have the bulk of his backlist and intend to be good stewards of that library of marvelous content," Hyatt said. "John and I have spoken since he made the decision, and our friendship remains solid. I am committed to doing everything I can to help him succeed in getting his message to as many people as possible."

Center Street also recently acquired mass-market paperback rights for some of Ted Dekker's previous novels and began releasing them last month. Adam (Thomas Nelson), Dekker's 2008 hardcover thriller, was one of the titles to be released.

Kevin Kaiser, brand manager for Dekker's management company Creative Trust, said the decision to go with Hachette for mass-market rights was to broaden the author's audience.

"It's a straightforward reason: to introduce Dekker thrillers to more readers," he said. "There is a vast audience that buys mass-market editions as a way of trying new authors without the cash outlay of a hardcover. Reaching out to them is a strategic move in growing Ted's brand, and we're excited to be partnered with the experienced team at Hachette."

Last year, Dekker exercised an option in his multi-year Thomas Nelson contract for an annual thriller released by Center Street. This year's title, The Bride Collector, was to be released this month. His next Thomas Nelson title, Immanuel's Veins, is scheduled to release Sept. 7.

Meanwhile, Thomas Nelson recently announced a new contract for three upcoming books by Andy Andrews, author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift, which includes two nonfiction titles and The Boy Who Changed the World—a children's book based on his 2009 release, The Butterfly Effect.

Matt Baugher, vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson, said he believed that the "best is yet to come" from Andrews and "we couldn't be more proud to continue our fortunate publishing relationship with him."

Apple's iPad reader welcomed as possible 'game changer'

As Apple's entry into the e-book reader market—the iPad—arrives, Christian publishers are looking to embrace what some are calling a "game changer" for the book world.

Zondervan and FaithWords are scheduled to offer books on the new device, with Thomas Nelson expected to be among other evangelical publishers joining in.

Announced in January and rolled out late last month, the iPad will work in conjunction with a digital book store, iBooks, and already has agreements with Hachette Book Group USA, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, MacMillan and Penguin Group (USA).

Karen Campbell, director of public relations for Zondervan, part of HarperCollins, said all Zondervan product would be available in the iBook store by July. FaithWords, a division of Hachette, will also have titles in iBooks.

Although a deal was not yet signed at press time, Thomas Nelson was also expected to join the group of Christian publishers with iPad offerings. Lindsey Nobles, director of corporate communications, told Christian Retailing that it's the company's "intention to sign a distribution deal, but we have not yet seen an agreement, nor has Apple shared details regarding implementation."

Mark Kuyper, president of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, told Christian Retailing that the new device has the potential to be a "game changer" for publishing. At the same time, part of its appeal lies in its ability to allow customers to carry along other media with their e-books.

"I think it's a really significant device in that it brings all of media into one portable unit that people prefer to see their media on instead of a phone," he said. "Where it's different from an e-reader is that e-readers are dedicated devices."

Kuyper also said that whereas Amazon had been setting prices for Kindle versions for sale on its site, early reports of Apple allowing publishers to set their own prices for their books for the iPad could have "significant ramifications" for the book industry.

Aaron Linne, digital marketing manager for B&H Publishing Group, said that in addition to the potential for digital book sales, the new device's integration with Apple's existing iPhone applications give it an advantage over other digital-media devices.

"Digital books are only a part of the iPad, proven to be a viable product through both the Kindle and Barnes & Noble nook," said Linne, noting that B&H released five successful iPhone applications connected to its books last year. "The advantage of the iPad is its ability to use all of the current iPhone apps, which can bring a new level of interactivity to the content."

Linne said he believed that even in the midst of the digital boom, there could be future opportunities for independent retailers to benefit.

"As the industry moves towards specific formats for digital products, it will be great to see how Christian retailers find ways to offer the digital versions both online and, more importantly, in their brick-and-mortar stores," he said. "Christian retailers have the huge advantage of a strong connection with their customer base, and being able to add the personal touch to digital purchases is something no online-only retailer can do."

In recent months, publishers have expressed frustration with the limited profit they receive through Amazon's pricing structure, which discounts digital versions of hardcover titles to $9.99 on the Amazon Kindle reader. The online retailer had a public dispute with MacMillan in February, which resulted in the temporary removal of the publisher's titles from Amazon's Kindle store.

Last year, Zondervan, Baker and Tyndale were among those offering Bible translations for the mobile reading device. Recently, Bethany House Publishers and Zondervan began offering free versions of some its best-selling titles from authors such as Beverly Lewis, Rob Bell, Brandilyn Collins, Tracie Peterson and Terri Blackstock, which topped Kindle best-sellers lists.

Widely respected figure was 'a visionary in Christian publishing' whose 'legacy will far outlive him'

Harvest House Publishers founder R.H. "Bob" Hawkins Sr., a widely respected figure in Christian publishing, died Feb. 9 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 87.

Hawkins received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and the Life Impact Award from CBA. Hawkins was instrumental in the establishment of ECPA, serving several terms on its board and as its president from 1985 to 1986.

ECPA President Mark Kuyper said Hawkins was "a visionary in Christian publishing whose role in developing Christian authors, publishing Christian books and leading ECPA remains a profound legacy for our industry," adding: "We are grateful to God for the calling he was obedient to. He will be missed."

George Thomsen, chairman-elect of CBA and manager of the Harvest Store at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., said Hawkins' impact in publishing Christian literature "has been far and wide, and a tremendous blessing to Christ's church."

He added that Hawkins' "commitment to faithfulness to the Scriptures in his publishing efforts is exemplary and is an inspiration to our industry." His legacy "will far outlive him, and we are thankful that Harvest House continues to operate in a way that typifies what Bob stood for and is honoring to Christ," Thomsen said.

Writing on his blog, literary agent Chip MacGregor noted that Hawkins helped develop The Christian Reader, was instrumental in launching the careers of James Dobson and Tim LaHaye, was the salesman "who almost single-handedly made The Living Bible successful," started Harvest House Publishers and "created countless, good Christian books." MacGregor added that it was "hard to list all of his accomplishments in Christian publishing."

Hawkins and his wife owned and operated two Christian bookstores before he went on to become the vice president of sales and marketing for Tyndale House Publishers. He started Harvest House Publishers in Irvine, Calif., in 1974 at age 52, working out of his garage and a small office, company officials said. Within two years, four Harvest House titles had sold more than 100,000 copies. Hawkins moved the company to Eugene, Ore., in 1981 because of the quality of life he envisioned it would offer for his staff.

In 1991, Hawkins, then 69, turned over the reins of the company to his son, Bob Hawkins Jr. Harvest House best-selling author Stormie Omartian said Hawkins was "a man of integrity."

Hawkins is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley, three children and four grandchildren. A memorial service was held Feb. 23 in Eugene, followed by a private burial.

Bill Simmons has stepped down as president and CEO of Berean Christian Stores, less than three months after leading the regional chain through bankruptcy.

His October resignation was a personal decision and not related to the business, said Deanna Gimelli, who with her husband, Joseph, bought the Cincinnati-based chain for almost $2 million in August.

A Christian remainder house based in the Midwest—which has a permanent showroom in New York City—plans to construct a multimillion-dollar distribution center to meet growing demand.

Jerry Bloom, president of Treasures Media—comprised of a 500-square-foot store, online business and wholesale arm—said he expects to break ground on the new facility in Racine, Wis., in March 2010. To be located in an industrial park, the 80,000-square-foot distribution center—expected to cost $3 million to $4 million—should be constructed by October 2010, he said.

A major era in the Christian products industry has ended with the sudden departure of the longtime head of the Christian retailers organization, Bill Anderson.

His resignation as president and CEO of CBA after almost a quarter-century caught many by surprise when it was announced by the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based group Oct. 30. No reason was given for his leaving.

A regional chain in the Pacific Northwest, Christian Supply Centers (CSC) recently downsized, closing eight of its stores in September. The chain, owned by Oregon industrialist Robert Pamplin, still operates five stores in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Jim Shelley, manager of the chain's store in Spokane, Wash., replaced former General Manager Gunnar Simonsen, who departed the company prior to the store closings. Shelley, who was not available to comment, will lead CSC with increased focus on the five remaining stores in cites such as Beaverton, Ore.; Spokane, Wash.; and Cour d'Alene, Idaho.

Distributor's initiative offers Christian bookstores 'a way to keep up' with publishers' new titles

STL Distribution North America (STLD) is anticipating the results of its new program to help stores keep on top of new releases.

The first shipment in the distributor's SNAP initiative went out in September. So far, more than 30 stores across the country have signed up for the program, launched at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in July.

SNAP—standing for STL New Auto Placement—offers a 43% discount on 10 new titles selected by STLD from several publishers, and automatically ships two copies of each.

"We were thinking that some of the major publishers have increased their margins so much that some of the smaller stores aren't able to really do business with them anymore," said Rick Regenfuss, STLD vice president of sales and marketing. "We thought that perhaps there was a place for us, where stores might outsource that part of their ordering to us."

The monthly selection, made by STLD staff, includes large and small- to mid-size publishers. "We choose what we believe are going to be the top 10 releases for that specific month," Regenfuss said.

Enrollment for the program is for a minimum of six months for stores with current STLD accounts, and the books can be returned if retailers are uncomfortable with the content or doctrine.

Dennis Lovvorn, owner of New Covenant Christian Bookstore in Shelbyville, Tenn., who signed up for the program while at ICRS, told Christian Retailing that it was too early yet to judge SNAP.

Though he has been in business 15 years, he thought that having help in identifying strong new releases could be useful. "When you are wearing 73 different hats, sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the new releases as well as you would like," he said. "It's just a way to keep up with them."

Meanwhile, Editorial Unilit has launched an "As Seen on TV" campaign—geared to assist Christian bookstores in promoting the sale of new Spanish releases and reach customers "straight to the heart."

"Currently, Christian booksellers are facing two realities: the global economic crisis and the abundance of new releases produced each month," said Editorial Unilit Vice President for Sales and Marketing Luis Fernandez Jr. "Which book do we choose, and how do we promote it among so many new titles? Considering the needs of the Christian population, we firmly believe that 'As Seen on TV' is the solution."

More than 200 bookstores throughout Latin America and the United States are taking part in the campaign, which features audiovisual materials offering customers information about the latest releases, company officials said.

Zondervan's Wal-Mart line , Nelson specials for Christian retail

Competition for Bible sales has heated up as the industry's two leading publishers introduce separate exclusives, new programs and revised products.

News of Zondervan's exclusive Wal-Mart editions launched in September prompted complaints from some Christian retail supporters disappointed by the move. Shortly afterward, Thomas Nelson announced a series of developments it said were "in direct response to the needs of Christian retailers and their customers."

Between them, the two companies have the lion's share of the Bible market, consistently dominating the best-seller charts with their New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV) libraries.

Zondervan's "Essential Bible Series" is available only at Wal-Mart through January 2010.

Featuring both first editions and repackaged best-sellers, the 12 titles include regular and large print editions of the NIV Study Bible, Large Print King James Version, The Busy Mom's Bible, The Adventure Bible and The Beginner's Bible.

"Wal-Mart appeals to shoppers because it's familiar and inviting, yet there was a clear opportunity in the Bible category to make the product more accessible and eliminate confusion," said Chip Brown, senior vice president and publisher of Bibles at Zondervan. The line "is presented in a simple and personal way to help make Bible selection easy, so that consumers can walk away feeling confident that they have put the right Bible in their cart," he added.

Commenting on the news at Christian Retailing's Web site, industry observers expressed concern that the decision would make it harder for Christian bookstores to compete with the retail giant.

"Thanks Zondervan," wrote John Samuels. "Now there's one more reason for customers not to visit their local Christian bookstore this Christmas season. When we're all out of business, is Wal-Mart going to sell the rest of your repertoire?"

One respondent defended the move. "Why all the hate towards Zondervan?" asked James Ring. "More people will see Christian products at Wal-Mart than will ever see them at a CBA store—and surely we want the world to read the Bible."

Nelson's efforts include six exclusive Bible editions for Christian retailers, switching its Bible range to a single ISBN system next year to make ordering easier and a new spinner-rack study-guide display that reduces the category's footprint.

The Christian retail exclusives—which will begin shipping next spring—include KJV and NKJV UltraSlim editions, the NASB large print MacArthur Study Bible and The Voice New Testament With Psalms and Proverbs.

Meanwhile, as Nelson debuted its complete The Word of Promise Audio Bible this fall, Zondervan has repackaged Inspired By... The Bible Experience, first released in 2007. The redesign emphasizes the celebrities involved in the production and features an 800 number on the cover that shoppers can dial to hear excerpts.

"We have given the project more of an overall entertainment look than a traditional Bible look," said Bran Scharp, Zondervan's vice president of Bible marketing.

The Christian imprint of general market publishing house Simon & Schuster (S&S) since 2006, Howard Books is repositioning itself as a trade book publisher in the "New York of Christian publishing," according to Jonathan Merkh, Howard's vice president and publisher.

The company has shifted from publishing gift books—Howard was known for its best-selling "Hugs" series among others—to focus only on trade titles.