Worthy Publishing has acquired Freeman-Smith, a specialty publisher of gift books, devotionals, custom publishing projects, and other titles. In a statement, Worthy president Byron Williamson said, “Through our acquisition of Freeman-Smith, Worthy Publishing has gained immediate market share as well as the ability to produce top-quality specialty products for both our authors and our corporate partners.” Freeman-Smith will be an imprint of Worthy Publishing, with Ron Smith, who co-founded the company in 2000, as publisher.
Freeman-Smith has published several hundred titles, including the Prayer series and the Food, Fitness and Faith series. The company also has produced two titles in featuring the Veggie Tales characters in partnership with Big Idea Entertainment, and has produced exclusive products for the LifeWay and Family Christian chains, Parable Group member stores and franchises, Christian Book Distributors, Wal-Mart, and Sam’s Club, as well as for Howard Books/S&S’s HUGS inspirational series.
Stated Smith, “We will continue to publish exclusives for our partners as well as gift and specialty product that will be distributed through Worthy’s normal channels.” Worthy’s distribution partner, EMI, will distribute the titles to all retailers. Worthy’s first list launches this fall.
