Troy Johnson has been promoted to v-p and publisher of J. Countryman, the gift book division of Thomas Nelson. Johnson succeeds Countryman founder Jack Countryman, who has become publisher emeritus. Countryman will remain affiliated with the company in the role of signing new authors, author relations and new business development. Johnson, formerly associate publisher, will take over the day-to-day operations of the unit.
Johnson said J. Countryman will continue to focus on publishing inspirational gift books from Nelson authors and other Christian authors, as well as publishing some seasonal gift books. While the focus will remain the same, J. Countryman will cut down on the number of new titles it publishes annually, in keeping with Nelson's corporate strategy of putting more resources behind fewer titles. "You'll see a 'less is more' type of approach in our new title development," Johnson said, which will feature "giving more marketing support to our core backlist titles."
In other news from Nelson, the company has christened its political/current events imprint Nelson Current. Nelson has been searching for a new name since it severed its relationship with WorldNetDaily in August. The new name will appear on the imprint's November release Constitutional Chaos as well as on any reprints or new printings of backlist books.
