Pope Benedict’s writings helped many ‘relate’ to Christ

Pope Benedict XVI announced in mid-February that he planned to resign Feb. 28 after eight years leading the Roman Catholic Church.

“After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry,” the pope told cardinals gathered for a meeting to approve the canonization of new saints.

Elected in April 2005, Pope Benedict is the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII did so in 1415. 
Pope Benedict said he was making his decision “with full freedom.” 

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, is responsible to make preparations for a conclave to elect a new pope.

Born as Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict will dedicate his time to prayer and reflection upon his resignation, and will likely continue his writing, a Vatican spokesman said.

Daniel Kroger, Franciscan Media CEO and publisher, didn’t expect the pope’s resignation to have a major impact on what Catholic publishers publish.

“The obvious thing is that the resignation will create a window of opportunity for the Catholic press to explain that any pope may resign,” Kroger said. “In Benedict’s case, he seems to be following his own realization that he cannot function adequately to handle the Petrine ministry due to his failing health.”

Mark Brumley, president of Ignatius Press, one of Pope Benedict’s publishers, said: “If anything, people will continue to be interested in Pope Benedict’s writings, as they are John Paul II’s. But we’ll have a new pope, with writings of his own. That will increase interest in Catholic publishing.”

“Pope Benedict XVI, like his predecessor Blessed John Paul II, is a gifted, thoughtful pastoral and academic thinker,” said Therese Brown, executive director of the Association of Catholic Publishers. “His writing has influenced the way many people understand and relate to Jesus Christ through his powerful, multi-volume work on our Lord. His pastoral writings as the shepherd of the Catholic church have drawn the attention of many who might otherwise not have listened or heard the good news. 

“The work that the Holy Father began long before he was elevated to the papacy has continued through these years, and we would expect him to keep on writing and publishing as long as he is able,” she added. 

Gregory Erlandson, president of Our Sunday Visitor, publisher of many of the pope’s books and exclusive North America distributor of the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, called Pope Benedict a “great gift” for the church.

“He continued and made a centerpiece of his pontificate the New Evangelization first proclaimed by John Paul II,” Erlandson said. “He saw clearly that the church itself needed to be reinvigorated and renewed, and it was in this spirit that he assembled the recent synod of bishops in October. At the same time, he has been a great theologian pope, and he had his own agenda.” 

His pontificate will “be remembered for his writings, particularly his books on Jesus of Nazareth. He wrote with great intellectual and stylistic clarity, which made him one of the most accessible and widely read popes of the last century.”

The final volume in his international best-selling “Jesus of Nazareth” series is an exploration of the infancy and early life of Jesus. It was released in December by Image Books, the Catholic imprint of Crown Publishing Group at Random House.

Chris Weickert, director of the Catholic Retailers Association, expects some top sellers because of the transition.

“In the near term, it will likely promote greater interest in the writings of Pope Benedict, but as the conclave meets and selects a new pope, the attention will immediately turn toward that individual and any writings of his,” Weickert said. “Catholic retailers experienced this when Pope Benedict, who had written many books became pope. Those books immediately became top sellers as people sought to know his thinking and theology better.”

Christian retailers receive ‘no strings attached’ 42% break on books and Bibles from Tennessee distributor

Send The Light Distribution has launched a new discount program for Christian retailers called Simply 42, which replaces the $5k Advantage Program.

Instead of having to qualify for different discount levels based on purchases, all customers of the Elizabethton, Tenn.-based wholesaler who were formerly part of $5k Advantage will now receive a 42% discount on all books and Bibles, except “short discount” products such as homeschool and music, company officials said.

Mark Phillips, the distributor’s vice president of sales and marketing, said that customers have been waiting for such a program, which began  Feb. 11.

“Our Simply 42 is not an elaborate program, complicated discount structure or volume-driven incentive scheme that no one understands,” he said. “It simply gives our retail partners access to over 58,000 Christian books and Bibles at a 42% discount—no strings attached. The retailer doesn’t have to worry about what discount level they currently are at, it is simply 42%.”

He added that preliminary talks with customers indicated the program is “long-anticipated and will be very well received.”

“We believe with our East and West Coast distribution centers giving our customers one- to two-day service, free shipping on orders of 15 units or more and a straight 42% discount on a very broad range of Christian books and Bibles … allows Send The Light Distribution to serve the needs of our customers and enable them to maximize the benefits of using a distributor,” Phillips said. 

Send The Light President and CEO Glenn Bailey added: “Simply 42 will make it easier for our customers to qualify for our best discounts and know what they are getting in advance.”

Refreshed brand identity features the tag line ‘Delivering Your Story’

The Parable Group has announced the launch of its new corporate identity with the rollout of a new logo and tag line. 

The refreshed brand identity is the first in 28 years for the San Luis Obispo, Calif.-based marketing firm and presents the tag line, “Delivering Your Story.” The refresh correlates to several recent corporate shifts, including the merging of the company’s online display marketing division, Parable Agency—which offers digital marketing services to faith-based organizations—with the flagship side of the business. The Parable Group has also experienced increased interest in its data services, which has become a significant part of its business. In addition, the company has moved into digital products that include apps, electronic books and email services through SnapRetail. 

“Our new brand identity is the next step in communicating to both current and potential business-to-business (B2B) clients and stores that The Parable Group provides marketing solutions and services that are forward-thinking and effective,” said Steve Potratz, founder and CEO. “We want to illustrate to the industry that we are a kingdom-focused company with a strong commitment to helping retail stores and other Christian organizations tell their stories.”

In developing Parable Group’s new look, tone and direction, management and staff worked with customers and clients to build a brand that reflected their needs and expectations by identifying success stories, day-to-day experiences and areas where the brand could improve and better serve their needs.

Parable Group’s new identity aims to demonstrate its commitment to deliver innovative, industry-leading marketing solutions connecting products and services to Christian consumers. Along with a redesign of its logo, Parable Group plans to relaunch its corporate website in the months ahead, and a new sign will be erected in front of the company’s new headquarters at 102 Cross St., Suite 210 in San Luis Obispo. The company moved into its new building last November.

No change is planned for the branding of Parable Christian Stores and other business-to-consumer brands.

‘Every Word Matters’ Bible-centered tag line focuses company on publishing ‘more intentional’ content

B&H Publishing Group has launched an “overarching brand identity” with its Bible-centered theme, “Every Word Matters.”

First used in association with the company’s HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation and its emphasis on biblical inerrancy, the tag line has influenced every facet of B&H since the company began to grow under President Selma Wilson, who arrived in 2010. 

“Words really do matter,” Wilson said. “It is a huge responsibility to pay attention to our words as we use them to point toward God’s Word. Last year there were more than a million books published—a lot of noise. In response to that and to the reader’s benefit, B&H is now more intentional than ever in the content that we produce. We have a vision for reaching the world with purposeful words that will give people hope and encouragement, transform their lives and help them to be all that God has created them to be.” 

Beginning with titles published in April, Every Word Matters will become part of the B&H Books logo, appearing on all products in the Christian Living, Fiction, Leadership and Women categories. The essence of the phrase is also tied to tag lines for B&H Academic (“Because Truth Matters”), B&H Kids (“Every little Word Matters”) and B&H Español (“Porque cada Palabra importa”). 

Other B&H brands—Broadman Church Supplies, Holman Bible Publishers, Holman Reference, HCSB, CrossBooks, MyStudyBible.com and WORDsearch—will maintain their current identities while adhering to the spirit of the initiative. 

New and forthcoming titles from B&H include Brothers, We Are Not Professionals by John Piper; Experiencing God at Home by Tom and Richard Blackaby (May 1); Ever After by Vicki Courtney (June 1); The Love Dare for Parents by Stephen and Alex Kendrick (July 1); Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Matthew by David Platt (Sept. 1); Whispers of Hope by Beth Moore (Oct. 1); and Operation Christmas Child by Franklin Graham (Oct. 1).

Veteran author’s self-publishing venture draws mixed reaction from literary agents, authors and retailers

Jerry B. Jenkins, co-author of the “Left Behind” series, which has sold more than 63 million copies, has launched a custom publishing house called Christian Writers Guild Publishing (CWGP). 

Owner of the Christian Writers Guild, Jenkins has been against self-publishing in general, but he recently had a change of heart. 

He said CWGP, launched in January, will be different from other custom publishing houses in that it features “Published,” a six-month course whereby the new author is mentored by an experienced author. 

When students with works-in-progress complete the course, CWGP will publish their books, providing a copy editor, proofreader, cover and type designer, e-book formatter, printer, a package of promotion, and marketing and social media materials.

“This is different from self-publishing,” said Jenkins, who has written more than 180 books. “It’s mentored, coached and educated publishing. We come alongside through this course and surround them with seasoned industry professionals.”

“I’ve criticized self-publishing because so many end up with schlocky covers, typos and poor production quality,” he added. “CWGP is committed to providing writers with a valuable education and a great publishing experience.”

CWGP, though, drew mixed reaction from industry observers.

“This is a logical next step for the training and editorial services that the guild provides,” literary agent Steve Laube told Christian Retailing. “Writers are already spending a lot of time and resources taking guild courses and working with a guild mentor. Why not give that writer an option within an organization they already know and trust?”

However, author C.S. Lakin said she was leery of the new publishing venture.

“Since I make my living as a full-time professional writing coach, critiquer and editor, it seems to me and other editors that it’s way too expensive,” she said. “I help authors get published or self-publish for way less. I am wondering, too, how much say the author has in selecting a person to work with them and critique their work. So far that’s been the reaction across the board—good idea, but way too pricey.”

Karen Grosse, owner of Lighthouse Christian Books in Green Bay, Wis., said CWGP is a good idea.

“From past experience, I know we have quite a few local authors in our area and we have had book signings with them,” she said. “Their books sell, but they need a platform, and it sometimes helps knowing where and how to publish. It would be helpful for the authors and the stores if Jerry can work with both. 

“It would also be good if he could have a brochure available at stores about the service, and be up front about the costs,” she added. “Some of our local authors have paid more than they can afford to get a book published.”

Lorraine Valk, co-owner of Parable Christian Store of St. Joseph in St. Joseph, Mich., agreed.

“I have seen too many local authors self-publish and use their life savings to print books that are not ready to be published,” she said. “They need the fine-tuning, proofreading and cover art that will really make their works shine. Unknown authors have a better chance at being discovered by mainstream publishers if their books are edited and proofread first. If there were generous return privileges from Christian Writers Guild Publishing, I would stock some of these selections. If they are not returnable, I might not invest too deeply because of the risk in today’s tenuous market.”

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the guild has trained aspiring writers for more than 40 years by offering writing courses, with each student mentored by a published author. 

Full approval of the deal will make the new company ‘a truly global publishing group'

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the proposed merger of Penguin and Random House “without conditions,” according to a DOJ statement issued to their respective parent companies, Pearson and Bertelsmann. 

“We are very pleased that the U.S. Department of Justice has concluded its review and made a determination to clear the planned combination of Random House and Penguin without any conditions,” said Thomas Rabe, chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann. “This positive first decision by one of the antitrust authorities is an important milestone on the path to uniting two of the world’s leading publishing companies into a truly global publishing group.”

Last October, Pearson and Bertelsmann announced their plan to unite the two houses. Joining Penguin and Random House was thought to help the merged company gain more traction in the digital book market. 

“It will enable investments worldwide in new digital publishing models, in new distribution paths, products and services and in the major growth markets,” Rabe said.

The DOJ decision comes at a much faster pace than did its approval of HarperCollins Publishers’ acquisition of Thomas Nelson, which took approximately nine months.

Under terms of the new deal, Bertelsmann would own 53% and Pearson 47% of the new Penguin Random House company. After the merger is completed, the company will control more than 30% of all trade book publishing.

The WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group is part of Random House. Penguin Random House will encompass all of Random House and Penguin Group’s publishing units in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa, as well as Penguin’s operations in China and Random House’s publishers in Spain and Latin America. The German publishing group, Munich-based Verlagsgruppe Random House, will not be part of the group, but will remain with Bertelsmann. 

Chief executive officer of the joint venture will be Markus Dohle, now CEO of Random House, and John Makinson, Penguin CEO, will become chairman. 

Surpassing HarperCollins Publishers and Hachette Book Group in size, the newly formed company will control 25% of the book publishing industry, Rabe said.

The U.S. was the first country to approved the proposed merger, which is still under review by the European Commission, the Canadian Competition Bureau and other antitrust authorities around the world. Pearson and Bertelsmann expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2013.

Decision leaves computer giant Apple alone in fighting federal government’s civil antitrust case

Macmillan reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in its civil antitrust lawsuit accusing the nation’s five largest book publishers of colluding with Apple to raise e-book prices. 

Announced Feb. 8, the settlement, in which Macmillan—named in the April 2012 suit as Holtzbrinck Publishers—agreed to pay up to $20 million, leaves Apple as the only defendant standing in the case. The federal government charged the publishers and Apple with conspiring to force e-book prices several dollars above the $9.99 charged by Amazon.com on its Kindle device.

Under Macmillan’s settlement with the DOJ, the publisher will remove restrictions on discounting and other promotions by e-book retailers. It will also be prohibited from forging new agreements with similar restrictions until December 2014, Associated Press reported. 

“We settled because the potential penalties became too high to risk even the possibility of an unfavorable outcome,” Macmillan CEO John Sargent wrote in an online letter to authors, illustrators and agents. “Our company is not large enough to risk a worst-case judgment.” 

The Justice Department settled with Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Simon & Schuster and Penguin Group (USA) last year. Macmillan’s settlement is expected to be finalized in early July.

The trial against Apple is scheduled to begin in June. Barnes & Noble has sided with Apple out of concern about a monopoly by Amazon.

The publishers’ settlements in the case have not resulted so far in a noticeable decline in e-book prices, as publishers had feared, AP reported.

The DOJ’s lawsuit stems from agreements reached between major publishers and Apple in 2010 that allowed publishers to set their own prices for e-books, an effort to counter Amazon’s deep discounts of best-sellers.

The department and 15 states said Apple and the publishers cost consumers more than $100 million in the past two years by adding $2 or $3, sometimes as much as $5, to the price of each e-book. 

Macmillan also struck a deal to settle a similar suit brought by Connecticut and 32 other states.

Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen said the deal grants e-book retailers greater freedom in pricing the digital books and provides $12 million to compensate affected customers.