(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that Daisy Hutton will lead Thomas Nelson’s global licensing team as the Vice President of International Licensing beginning on September 1st. Hutton, who has worked at Harvard Business Press for the last 5 years, has more than 10 years of licensing and international rights experience. She will be responsible for building and executing Nelson’s international licensing strategy.

“Our international licensing team has averaged 21% growth each of the last four years,” said Tod Shuttleworth, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Nelson’s Specialty and Global Publishing Division. “And we are seeing dynamic growth throughout our international divisions. Daisy’s extensive international experience will be an important addition to our team as we plan on the continued growth of Thomas Nelson’s global publishing.” READ MORE »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. was awarded nine of Christian Retailing’s 2008 Retailer’s Choice Awards. The awards were announced on Monday, July 14th at the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida. Thomas Nelson received more than twice the wins of any other publishing house and walked away with almost a third of the cumulative awards.

“There are two things about Retailer’s Choice Awards that make them among the highest honors in this industry,” said Michael S. Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “First, the awards are selected by Christian retailers, who work on the front lines to help Christians strengthen their spiritual journey. Second, the awards are judged on a product’s ability to inspire, encourage, and affirm Godly living. I am so proud of the entire Thomas Nelson team.” READ MORE »

(Nashville, TN) Two Thomas Nelson titles and their authors were named 2008 Christy Award winners at the ninth annual dinner and presentation held Saturday evening, July 12, 2008, at the Orlando Rosen Centre. The Christy Awards honor the best in Christian fiction in nine categories.

Stephen R. Lawhead was named winner of the Visionary category with Scarlet, Book 2 in The King Raven Trilogy. Lawhead lives in Oxford, England, and sent his gratitude through Jennifer Deshler, Director of Marketing, who was present to accept the award: “Thank you very much for this honour. I would like to express my appreciation to the fiction team at Thomas Nelson for their enthusiasm and support of my work. I think it is also customary at this point to thank ‘all the little people’ who made this possible, which in my case would include elves, dwarves, and assorted pixies and sprites. Thanks, guys: I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Charles Martin’s Chasing Fireflies was named the winning Contemporary Stand Alone title. “I was grateful just to be nominated,” commented Martin. “My wife’s mother read Catherine Marshall’s Christy in 1971. My wife was born a month later. Her mother named her ‘Christy.’ My story is not mine. It’s ours. She deserves it far more than I.” READ MORE »

Dramatic Audio Bible Takes Home Top Prize From ECPA

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. is pleased to announce that The Word of Promise™ New Testament Audio Bible has been awarded “Christian Book of the Year” by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) 2008 Christian Book Awards. Wayne Hastings, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for Thomas Nelson, Inc.’s Bible Group, accepted the award at a celebration ceremony Sunday night during the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Orlando, Fla.

The “Christian Book of the Year” award recognizes excellence and impact in Christian publishing. This prestigious honor is based on quality and excellence as judged by the Christian Book Award finalists, while including a sales component to represent the impact of the book on consumers. Out of 230 entries from 35 Christian publishers, The Word of Promise™ New Testament Audio Bible was chosen from the 32 top-scoring Christian Book Award finalists that represent the highest quality and greatest impact for 2008. READ MORE »

Latest Project, 3:16—The Numbers of Hope, Sells 3.7 Million Brand Units

(Nashville, Tenn.) Max Lucado, best-selling author and pastor, has signed a three-book contract with Thomas Nelson, Inc. The first of three adult trade titles will release in 2009. Thomas Nelson currently publishes 23 out of Lucado’s 24 adult trade books.

Max Lucado is pleased to continue partnering with his long-time publisher: “Teaming up with Thomas Nelson brings me such joy and excitement,” said Lucado. “It is an honor to partner with such an outstanding publishing house.” When asked what he specifically values about Nelson, Max added, “They epitomize integrity, quality, and creativity. I’m thrilled about our future together.” READ MORE »