Thomas Nelson and Zondervan were one of the first publishers to release titles for Apple's new iPad digital-media device at the weekend. The market is strong, with more than 300,000 iPads sold Saturday--the launch day for the device--and more than 250,000 e-books downloaded.

More than 1,200 Nelson titles, including Max Lucado's Fearless and Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover, were made available for download Saturday on Apple's digital book store--iBooks. "We are extremely pleased that Thomas Nelson has the largest collection of inspirational titles available on such a revolutionary reading device," Nelson CEO Michael Hyatt said.

More than 1,000 Zondervan titles were made available for download Saturday on iBooks. The Grand Rapids, Mich., publisher plans to release all of its future e-books in an iPad version and is working to release more than 150 additional books in the next three months, company officials said.

"As a division of HarperCollins, we are fortunate to play a major part in the iPad launch," said Steve Sammons, Zondervan's executive vice president of consumer engagement. "We are excited that ... Zondervan's titles will be available to an even broader audience."

Among the Zondervan books offered were three translations of the Bible, The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel and Take Three by Karen Kingsbury as well as best-sellers, including The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.

To celebrate the iPad launch, Zondervan launched a social-media campaign through Twitter and Facebook, giving away 50 $10 iTunes gift cards for the purchase of iBooks. Click here for more information on the Twitter promotion and here for details on the Facebook campaign.

Meanwhile, Zondervan is offering a free preview application of the Gospel of John from the NIV GoBible for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The Read it/Hear it NIVGoBible iPhone app was developed to make the Bible more accessible and enjoyable, Zondervan officials said.

The complete iPhone application retails for $44.99 and can be purchased through the Apple iTunes store by clicking here.

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