Simon & Schuster is to move Howard Books--its Christian imprint--to Nashville from West Monroe, La., effective May 1.

The move, announced earlier this week, comes after Christian publishing veteran Jonathan Merkh--who lives in Nashville--was named vice president and publisher of Howard Books, last month.

Meanwhile, John Howard--who continued to serve as vice president and publisher after Merkh joined Howard Books--announced his resignation Monday, effective May 1.

"John hasn't indicated what his plans are," Adam Rothberg, vice president of corporate communications for Simon & Schuster, told Christian Retailing. Howard's wife, Chrys, also stepped down as senior editor and creative director for Howard Books, Rothberg said.

"We are ... grateful to John and all the Howard staff for everything they have done to bring Howard Books this far," he added.

John Howard could not be reached for comment. Rothberg said it has not yet been determined how many of Howard's 21-member staff will move to Nashville.

"Nashville is very much (the) center of Christian publishing, so the idea is to have a greater profile and visibility, better access to authors and agents, and proximity to the more robust Christian publishing environment," said Rothberg, noting that Merkh had been working in West Monroe and Nashville for Howard Books.

Carolyn Reidy, Simon & Schuster's president and CEO, told the Howard staff in a memo: "For 40 years, Howard Books has stayed true to its mission to increase faith, inspire holiness and instill hope by publishing books of enduring appeal to the Christian reader. ... Your efforts have left us poised for future success and ready to act as caretakers of Howard's legacy."

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