— Author Mosab Hassan Yousef attracted long lines for a signing of his bestselling memoir Son of Hamas (Tyndale House, Mar.), which has 125,000 copies in print. Tyndale booth staff estimated 250 people lined up for his signing.Yousef, son of a jailed founder of the Palestinian group Hamas, also spoke at an opening event on Sunday. The controversial Christian convert, disowned by his family, has attracted the attention of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and is scheduled for a deportation hearing today (June 30).
— Debuting at ICRS was Somersault, a consulting and publishing services company formed by five Zondervan veterans—John Topliff, Dave Lambert, John Sawyer, Jonathan Peterson, and Jeannette Taylor--who are partnering with the Grey Matter Group, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to offer “content creators, such as publishers, agents, authors, and ministry organizations with brand counseling, editorial direction, research capabilities, marketing strategy, Internet and social media presence, and a comprehensive portfolio of publishing assistance,” according to Jonathan Peterson, who carries the title Social Media Marketing/WOM/Publicity Evangelist.
— The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, which was left holding a $250,000 debt following an innovative but unsuccessful consumer-focused book show in 2009, has economized and trimmed debt, according to Mark Kuyper, president and CEO of the trade group. The group’s well-attended annual executive leadership summit met earlier this year at the offices of member publisher B&H Publishing Group in Nashville, slashed food costs, didn’t get stuck with a tab for unoccupied hotel rooms, and came out ahead a little on the conference, which focused on digital publishing.
— Former CBA president-CEO Bill Anderson was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 25 years of service to the association at the Sunday night Pacesetters event.
— Self-publishers were visible at a show that attracts authors wanting to pitch an audience of retailers. WinePress Publishing made its presence known through the purchase of large banners, ads, an exhibitor presentation, and author signings. Self-publishing in the Christian market is growing, as elsewhere; both Thomas Nelson and B&H have self-publishing divisions. PW will look at this phenomenon in its July 26 Religion Update special report.
— Big books from or about big names are on the launching pad, including:
Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity by Drew Brees with Chris Fabry (Tyndale, July 6). The Super Bowl MVP quarterback of the New Orleans Saints offers reflections on resilience.
The Faith and Values of Sarah Palin: What She Believes and What It Means for America by Stephen Mansfield and David A. Holland (Strang, Sept. 21). Strang senior publicist Woodley Auguste told RBL that Mansfield, who did a similar examination of George W. Bush, went to Alaska to do his homework on the polarizing former Republican vice-presidential candidate.
On the Right Track: Finding the Strength to Endure, Overcome, and Succeed by Marion Jones with Maggie Greenwood-Robinson (Howard, Oct.). Will a book by the jailed Olympic athlete, hard at work rehabilitating her image, be on Oprah’s reading list?
