Two years after leaving Paraclete Press, Jon Sweeney is returning to the non-denominational Christian publishing house as publisher and editor-in-chief. Sweeney, who will return to Paraclete September 1, previously held the same roles for 11 years, but left Paraclete to serve as editorial director at Franciscan Media in 2015.
"I'm delighted to be returning to Paraclete," Sweeney told PW. "From almost the moment I left two years ago, I found that I missed those valued colleagues, their terrific creativity, and the wide range of what Paraclete endeavors to publish. I'm convinced that they (we) hold a unique place in the publishing world, and I look forward to rejoining all of that come September."
After leaving Franciscan Media after one year, Sweeney joined Ave Maria Press as executive editor for trade books in May 2016. Sweeney will maintain the position until rejoining Paraclete in September, and following the transition, he will stay on as a consulting editor for Ave Maria.
The publishing veteran is also the author of books for Baker and Zondervan as well as Catholic publishing houses, including a forthcoming biography of Phyllis Tickle being published by Church Publishing, Inc. in February 2018.
“Jon’s publishing expertise and editorial skills will enhance Paraclete’s wide range of products that offer the gift of hope that changes lives,” said Robert Edmonson, president of the press, in a statement announcing Sweeney’s appointment.