Net sales of religion books in July declined slightly (0.2%) on the same period last year, but year-to-date were up on 2010 by 11.5%, according to the latest figures available from the Association of American Publishers.

Solo artist TobyMac and groups Casting Crowns and Third Day have been nominated for Contemporary Inspirational Music’s Favorite Artist honor in the 2011 American Music Awards (AMAs). Mainstream recording artists Nicki Minaj and Pitbull announced the nominations Oct. 11 at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. Live.

CBA has added a new event to the January calendar to help stores prepare for the year ahead.

Next 2012: Meet the Challenge will be held in conjunction with The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market—the premier general market gift show—Jan. 12-13 in the Georgia capital.

Four-time GMA Dove Award Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant will make her acting debut this Sunday in the gmc world-premiere television movie, Decision.

“I'm so excited that my debut acting role was in a film that offers so much hope and stresses the importance of faith and family,” Grant said. “I was also honored to work alongside some wonderful people who were patient with me and helped this ‘rookie’ every step of the way.”

Bookstore leaders and suppliers will take time out to laugh when they meet for business at Christian Retailing’s Retailing ReBoot West in California next week.

Comedian Michael Jr. will be providing light relief with a special appearance at the two-day event being hosted by Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos. With television appearances including The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live, Michael Jr. has also featured in the “Thou Shalt Laugh” series sold in Christian stores.

As anticipated, the theatrical release of Courageous, the latest faith-based film from the makers of the hit movie Fireproof, has had an impact on book sales. Three related titles saw a spike in sales coinciding with Courageous’ Sept. 30 release at just over 1,100 theaters.

Top Provident Label Group artists are featured on the soon-to-be-released soundtrack to Sherwood Pictures’ fatherhood film Courageous. Available Oct. 18 at physical retail outlets, the CD features Casting Crowns’ current hit radio single and movie title track, “Courageous.”