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New Ventures, Trends at Christian Retail Show
From the debut of an e-reader, the premiere of a mini-series on the Bible, and the launch of a children’s imprint, to seminars on comics and children’s books, ICRS 2012 offered many new developments.
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Christian Retail Show Upbeat in Orlando
The International Christian Retail Show wrapped up last week in Orlando, Fla., with a small uptick in total attendance, a mood that was optimistic, and blasé reactions to the HarperCollins-Thomas Nelson deal.
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Christian Market Distributors Find Their Way in Changing Market
While e-book and Internet sales continue to challenge Christian book distributors, the digital transition offers something of a silver lining to companies serving the niche. Lower orders that don't meet publishers' minimums have forced many retailers to turn to wholesalers, while companies are also expanding their offerings.
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Family Christian Chain Launches E-Reader
Family Christian Stores--the largest Christian retail chain, with almost 300 outlets nationwide--has started selling its own e-reader. With a seven-inch screen, the Android-based edifi can also play music and videos and retails for $149.99.
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B&H Publishing Announces New Children's Imprint
Just before this week's International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Fla., B&H Publishing Group announced the launch of B&H Kids, a new children’s imprint.
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At Christian Retail Show, Talk of Harper’s Thomas Nelson Buy
At the recently concluded ICRS--the Christian retailers trade show in Orlando--there was lots of discussion about HarperCollins' purchase of Thomas Nelson. Reactions ranged from relief to shrugs to speculation about what the deal will mean for Nelson, for Harper’s Zondervan unit, and for the Christian publishing industry.
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Zondervan Realigns, Lays off Eight
On June 26, Zondervan laid off eight staffers, in what the company called a “realignment.” According to Zondervan, the eight positions that were eliminated were “primarily support functions.”
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More Religion Publishers Join Exhibitors at ALA
There were a dozen or so religion/spirituality specialty houses at the ALA annual conference this year, along with several general trade publishers with religion imprints or lines.
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June 2012 Christian Bestsellers: Adult, Children’s and Young Adult, Bibles
Your guide to the mega-sellers from Christian publishers.
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It Is Written: News in Bibles and Sacred Texts, June 2012
Giving the Qu’ran the study it deserves; the NIrV in the U.K.; Harper’s Catholic Bible debuts.
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From Meditation to Motorcycles: New Buddhist Voices
Buddhists across the age and edginess spectrum bring the tradition’s riches to seekers of serenity, wisdom, and healing.
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Short Takes: Religion Publishing News Briefs, June 2012
An Amish musical premieres; the Vatican chides another nun: a new press looks for books; a seminar for aspiring publishers; heaven scores again; bringing back Frank Slaughter; contests and accolades.
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Amanda Flower: Mild-Mannered Librarian Plots Murder
Buggies, bonnets, and bloodshed make a winning combination for Amanda Flower's Amish mysteries.
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Daniel Blackaby: A Writer in the Genes
Daniel Blackaby, who comes from an esteemed family of Christian authors, creates a new world for his first novel. And there is more to come.
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BEA & RBTE 2012: Books Take Audies, Franklins, and Other Awards
The Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit and BookExpo America were also occasions for the presentation of awards to religion/spirituality publishers.
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Growing a Brand, Staying True: PW Talks with Nikko Odiseos, Shambhala President
The recent acquisition of Snow Lion has solidified Shambhala’s position as the largest publisher of Buddhist books.
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BEA 2012: Catching the Mormon Moment
At BookExpo America, several publishers talked about positioning and promoting their books on Mormonism now that public curiosity has been piqued by the impending Republican nomination of Mitt Romney, the first Mormon to run for president.
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Reviews of New and Forthcoming Religion/Spirituality Books
Insights from two years in an urban classroom; a foe of apartheid who lost his hands to a bomb but brought healing to a nation; can a pagan follow Jesus?; the story of a train-wreck childhood and ultimate redemption; the Torah for teens.
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Religion Editor’s Note, June 2012
The enthusiasm and activity at the recent Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit and at BookExpo America were reminders that people are far from done with books.
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RBTE 2012: Smaller Trade Show Has Notable Absences
The 2012 Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit was notable for who wasn’t there—several key publishers and the majority of Episcopal booksellers. And now the show must find a new home.