InterVarsity Press has signed a distribution and product fulfillment agreement with Longleaf Services that will take effect in September. The evangelical press said it decided to outsource its distribution and fulfillment functions to allow it to focus on its publishing and resource development areas, including seeking acquisitions and expanding its digital reach. The move will eliminate 13 backoffice positions within IVP by Sept 1.
Terumi Echols, president and publisher at IVP, said, that the change is part of a strategic plan to return to what she calls “IVP’s strength and its calling.” She says, “IVP is increasing its capacity to do what we do best, which is to create and publish resources that deepen lives in Christ to engage the university, church, and world.”
Plans for upgrading its editorial operations and resource development are in various stages of formation, according to the press. These include discussions of expanding the IVP Kids picture book line to include broader age ranges, the launch of a new Bible study format in winter 2024, author webinars, a video platform, and other video series that will accompany IVP books. The press is also looking for more Spanish-language projects as well.
“Working with Longleaf will allow us to invest our resources into developing IVP’s digital infrastructure, expanding into Spanish resources, and positioning IVP to seek acquisitions that expand the reach of IVP’s ministry to the next generation,” Echols says.
Justin Paul Lawrence, divisional v-p of marketing and sales, said that after a year of strategic planning “We’re ready to make this significant shift so we can better serve authors, readers, and booksellers. IVP is financially healthy, and we’re clear about our mission.”
