“It is a simple and pure message from the experience of a four year old child: ‘Jesus really loves children. And He loves You!’ ” says Laura Minchew, Senior Vice President of Specialty Publishing at Thomas Nelson. “What a delight to see this message resonating with so many families.”

While the original trade book Heaven Is for Real was narrated by Colton’s father Todd, Heaven Is for Real for Kids (Tommy Nelson, ISBN 9781400318704, $14.99, November 2011) shows children what heaven is like through the eyes of young Colton Burpo. When he was nearly four years old, Colton experienced a burst appendix; it was during his emergency surgery that Colton visited heaven.  Aided by illustrator Wilson Ong, Colton vividly shows children what he saw in heaven and shares an important message: Jesus really, really loves children. The book features a letter to parents and a Q&A section that answers questions kids frequently have when they finish Colton’s story. In December 2011, the app Heaven Is for Real for Kids released on all Apple platforms.

The Burpo family is represented by Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications.

Heaven Is for Real for Kids is one of a trio of new products by the Burpo family released by Thomas Nelson. Heaven Is for Real deluxe edition is also available to provide a hardcover, gift-able version of the best-selling trade book. A Heaven is for Real DVD-based Conversation Kit features footage of the Burpo family talking about their experiences while offering discussion questions and suggestions for participants.

About the Authors:

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan, a volunteer fireman, and works with a garage door company. His wife, Sonja, is a children’s minister, busy pastor’s wife, and mom. Colton, an active 12-year-old, has an older sister, Cassie, and a younger brother, Colby.

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Tommy Nelson, the children’s division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., publishes a wide variety of high quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while pointing them to a personal relationship with God. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Contact: Amy Kerr

Publicist

615-902-1722

akerr@thomasnelson.com

After a holiday season in which sales of e-reading devices reached an all-time high, Thomas Nelson is pleased to be offering something special to e-readers. “The digital market allows for novels to be released sooner to readers in e-only or e-first editions. As readers experiment with different formats to read their novels in, we are doing so as well,” says Allen Arnold, Sr. VP and Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction.  “We’re excited to bring this novel to Diann’s readers and to introduce her to new readers through the various digital channels.”

Hunt also joined  Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and Kristin Billerbeck, to write “Smitten,” also now on sale in print and digital editions.  Representing a ground-breaking first-time collaboration for these four seasoned authors and friends, Smitten is the perfect Valentine’s Day read and is the focus of several retail promotions for the season.

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Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher.  The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events.   Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, TN)–Since its release in 2004, sales momentum for Jesus Calling continues to build. The devotional that has landed on countless retailer bestseller lists recently surpassed a milestone: Jesus Calling has now sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide.

In addition, the entire Jesus Calling brand of titles, including Jesus Calling for Kids and the Jesus Calling Devotional Bible, has sold more than 3.5 million units.

“After Jesus Calling was made available to the public, I was astonished to hear people say, time after time, each day’s reading seems to be written just for me,” recalls author Sarah Young as she reflects on the success of Jesus Calling.

“What an honor it is to watch God at work, drawing people closer to Him through the pages of this book,” says Laura Minchew, Senior Vice President of Specialty Publishing at Thomas Nelson. “I heard a recent story of a woman so touched by Jesus Calling that she purchased 23 copies to give to every member in her family.”

Young’s writing continues to impact lives throughout various media. Jesus Calling is now available in a large deluxe edition that features big, black print and Scriptures written out after each devotional entry. Jesus Calling was released as an app in 2011, giving on-the-go readers access to the full-text book with the ability to share quotations or gift the app to friends. More than 18,000 people have “liked” the Jesus Calling Facebook page; these followers receive daily inspirational messages, and they can post positive messages to encourage others in the Jesus Calling community.

Readers can look forward to the release of Young’s newest devotional Jesus Today: Experience Hope through His Presence, scheduled to release in Fall 2012.

After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down what she believed He was saying to her through Scripture. Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her devotionals.  They are written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to the reader, thus the title Jesus Calling.  It is Sarah’s fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in ever increasing measure.

Publisher Laura Minchew is available for interviews.

About the Author:

Sarah Young is quietly leading millions of men and women worldwide on a journey of intimacy with Christ. Sarah and her husband have traveled extensively, planting churches and counseling.  They currently are ministering to a Japanese-speaking community in Perth, Australia.

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Thomas Nelson, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, TN, is one of the leading trade publishers in the United States. The Company is the world’s leading provider of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with product distribution in over 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is a national leading producer of live events. For more information, please visit http://www.thomasnelson.com.

For more information, please contact:

Amy Kerr

Publicist

615-902-1722

akerr@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) – Four-year-old Colton Burpo’s trip to heaven and back has been read by more than six million people through the New York Times best-seller Heaven Is for Real. Now, his incredible journey is available in an entirely new format: an interactive children’s app. Available on Apple platforms, the $6.99 Heaven Is for Real for Kids app allows children to engage more deeply with Colton’s message: “heaven is for real, and you’re going to like it!”

Created by developer Author Mobile™, the Heaven Is for Real for Kids app is an interactive storybook experience that allows children ages four to eight to read, play and share the messages from Colton’s journey. The app features:

·       Colton Burpo narrating the story

·       Voice recording capability, where multiple voices can be saved reading the book

·       Beautiful artwork crafted by the book’s illustrator, Wilson Ong

·       Whimsical sound elements that bring story pages to life

·       An FAQ section for kids’ most common questions after finishing the book

·       An activity section, featuring coloring pages and jigsaw puzzles

·       Ability to gift the app to others

“This delightful app, with strong messages of faith, comfort and hope, makes a perfect gift for kids,” said Laura Minchew, Senior Vice President of Specialty Publishing at Thomas Nelson. “Parents and grandparents will enjoy the ability to record their own voice reading the story.  How cool it will be for kids to share postcards, coloring sheets and puzzles via email or Facebook.”

“We are honored to partner with Thomas Nelson to produce the Heaven is for Real for Kids application,” remarked Jake Press, founder of Author Mobile™.  “Along with other children’s books and devotional apps, fans will enjoy the collection of applications we have coming in the future.”

Heaven Is for Real for Kids is one of a trio of new products by the Burpo family released by Thomas Nelson. Heaven Is for Real deluxe edition is also available to provide a hardcover, gift-able version of the best-selling trade book. A Heaven is for Real DVD-based Conversation Kit features footage of the Burpo family talking about their experiences while offering discussion questions and suggestions for participants.

LAURA MINCHEW FOR THOMAS NELSON AND JAKE PRESS FOR AUTHOR MOBILE

ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.

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Author Mobile™, a brand that provides electronic mobile platforms for the world’s leading book publishers, develops for many categories of books including children’s books and devotional applications. The brand is owned and operated by Jake Press Agency, Inc.

Thomas Nelson, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., is one of the leading trade publishers in the United States. The Company is the world’s leading provider of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with product distribution in over 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is a national leading producer of live events. For more information, please visit http://www.thomasnelson.com.

For more information, please contact:

Amy Kerr

Publicist, Thomas Nelson

615-902-1722

akerr@thomasnelson.com

“I have known Angela for several years,” said Bryan Norman, Associate Publisher, “and have always been impressed by her vision for new voices and content development. She has signed significant deals and has an impeccable record with key authors and agents throughout the industry. She is a premiere talent, and it’s an honor to have her join our ranks.”
Scheff will focus primarily on the Spiritual Growth category signing both major authors and new voices.

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Thomas Nelson, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, TN, is one of the leading trade publishers in the United States. The Company is the world’s leading provider of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with product distribution in over 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is a national leading producer of live events. For more information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Bryan Norman
Associate Publisher
tel: 615-902-2321
fax: 615-902-2747
web: www.thomasnelson.com

Minchew served as publisher of the Children’s Book and Education division, where she held a very successful record for growth and innovation. In 2009, Thomas Nelson’s Gift division was absorbed within her role and in 2010 she was asked to lead the Family Entertainment division.

Minchew and her team have consistently led the Company with the highest returns on invested capital, efficiently using its resources to obtain these results. Her team’s strong performance continues with the current #2 NY Times bestseller “Heaven Is For Real for Kids” and PubTrack’s consistently top five Christian seller “Jesus Calling”.

“Laura has demonstrated leadership by building a top notch team, creating outstanding product, and delivering superior results,” stated Tod Shuttleworth, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for Global & Specialty Publishing. “Laura’s hard work and dedication have made the Specialty publishing division a very successful entity for Thomas Nelson.”

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Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events. The Company provides multiple forms of “inspirational” content including: Bibles, books, eBooks, journals, audio, video, curriculum and digital applications for “smart” electronic devices, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Carrying endorsements from Max Lucado and Priscilla Evans Shirer, Harper has proven to be anything but stereotypical; she is said to be a master storyteller who uses pop culture references to connect the dots between the Bible era and modern life. Currently a sought-after speaker and Bible teacher, Harper is featured on the Women of Faith tour using her anecdotes and comedic wit to spiritually connect with women nationwide.

“As an effort to continue our spiritual growth within Live Events,” states Carol Nygren, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Live Event Management, “we wanted Lisa to join our team to incorporate a group dynamic that focused on making the Gospel even more relevant to our work and relational environment. Lisa was the missing piece in our puzzle and we are happy to have her join the family.”

Harper’s resume includes six years as the director of Focus on the Family’s national women’s ministry as well as having written ten books and several Bible study curriculums. “I am delighted with the opportunity to play a small role within the Live Events team,” said Harper. “God has given us a grand stage through which to share the amazing story of divine grace and my role is to make sure Jesus is the hero of every tale we tell. I feel very blessed to be able to integrate who I love most into my everyday job! ”

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Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, based in Plano, Texas, is the leading nationwide producer of Christian live events. It host to the Women of Faith and The Revolve Tour in over 28 cities across the United States, inspiring women to grow in faith and spirituality. For more information on these events, please visit www.womenoffaith.com. Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the largest Christian publisher in the world. For information about Thomas Nelson, please visit www.thomasnelson.com.

“What an honor to have this talented and dedicated group as part of the Thomas Nelson family,” says Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “Through this campaign, our Bible Marketing Team continues to carry out the company’s mission, to inspire the world. The King James Bible is an integral part of Thomas Nelson’s foundation and this team has done a great job to educate consumers about its history and cultural influence.”

Competition entrants include media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies. The entries are judged by the international organization Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

“Our marketing team well deserves having this spotlight shone on them,” says Gary Davidson, Thomas Nelson Senior Vice President and Bible Group Publisher. “Their exceptional creative programs are some of the best I’ve ever seen. I’m very proud of the work they do to spread God’s Word.”

It was 407 years ago that King James of England gathered 54 of the best biblical scholars and linguists of the day to create a new translation of the Bible. Thomas Nelson’s campaign to share the anniversary included the Bible Legacy Event at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, a worldwide satellite media tour, partnerships with the History Channel and Salem Media Group, and recently a promotion on the CBS Times Square Jumbo Screen. A web site dedicated to the celebration – www.KJV400celebration.com – launched an online version of the Bible Legacy showcase, encouraging millions of people to view ancient biblical relics.

“It was a lot of hours and a lot of work, but it was worth it,” says Blake Aldridge, Senior Marketing Director of Thomas Nelson’s Bible Group. “The King James Version changed how the world viewed the Bible, and its legacy of language lives on today. We wanted everyone to understand how important that Bible translation is to their everyday lives, whether they realize it or not. It was a huge challenge, but this group likes challenges.”

The group’s efforts reached close to 63 million viewers through paid promotions, and countless more through publicity efforts in print, online, radio and television. Innovative design work by Thomas Nelson’s design team brought the past and present together in beautiful products that will be kept for generations. This award recognizes the dedicated perseverance of all those who worked for months to keep this version of God’s Word in the hearts of the world.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of a campaign that celebrates such a time-honored translation as the King James Version,” says Lindsay Williams, Bible Group Marketing Specialist. “This has been the largest campaign I’ve been a part of during my time at Thomas Nelson, and it’s been exciting to work on something with such a phenomenal reach! It’s been neat to see people’s reactions as they begin to understand how this translation has stood the test of time and influenced history for 400 years.”

Thomas Nelson Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher, with a mission to “inspire the world.” The company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.ThomasNelsonBibles.com for more information.

For image files, interview opportunities and more information, contact Julie Belschner, publicist, at jbelschner@thomasnelson.com or at 615.902.2244.

NEW YORK, NY (October 31, 2011) – HarperCollins Publishers today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Thomas Nelson, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of the calendar year, is subject to regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions.

Thomas Nelson is one of the leading trade publishers in the United States.  The Company provides multiple forms of inspirational content including: books, Bibles, e-books, journals, audio, video, curriculum and digital applications available for download on “smart” electronic devices. It has published some of the bestselling books in the industry, including the current #1 bestseller Heaven Is For Real, and the books of many popular authors, such as Billy Graham, Max Lucado, and Dave Ramsey.

“Founded in 1798 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Thomas Nelson shares a long and rich heritage with both New York’s Harper Brothers and Scotland’s William Collins & Sons. It is thus with great pleasure that I look forward to welcoming Thomas Nelson to the HarperCollins family,” said Brian Murray, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Worldwide.  “HarperCollins’ global print and digital publishing platform, which includes e-book distribution into more than 175 markets, Print-on-Demand, Digital-to-Print at Retail, and worldwide marketing reach provides an opportunity to further expand the readership of Thomas Nelson’s distinguished authors.”

“Additionally, Thomas Nelson adds further balance to our existing publishing programs. Its broad inspirational appeal is a good complement to Zondervan, which will continue to publish books consistent with its mission,” added Murray.

“We are excited to be joining HarperCollins Publishers,” said Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “We believe this transaction represents an attractive strategic fit for our company. With HarperCollins’ resources and capabilities to draw on, we will capitalize on the many opportunities in this rapidly changing world of publishing.”  Thomas Nelson’s financial advisor was Peter J. Solomon Company and legal  counsel was Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

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About HarperCollins Publishers
HarperCollins, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world, is a subsidiary of News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins has publishing groups around the world including the HarperCollins General Books Group, HarperCollins Children’s Books Group, Zondervan, HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins Canada, HarperCollins Australia/New Zealand and HarperCollins India. HarperCollins is a broad-based publisher with strengths in literary and commercial fiction, business books, children’s books, cookbooks, mystery, romance, reference, religious and spiritual books. With nearly 200 years of history HarperCollins has published some of the world’s foremost authors and has won numerous awards including the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, the Newbery Medal and the Caldecott. Consistently at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement HarperCollins is the first publisher to digitize its content and create a global digital warehouse to protect the rights of its authors, meet consumer demand and generate additional business opportunities. You can visit HarperCollins Publishers on the Internet at http://www.harpercollins.com. 

About Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Thomas Nelson, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, TN, is one of the leading trade publishers in the United States.  The Company is the world’s leading provider of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with product distribution in over 100 countries.   Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is a national leading producer of live events.  For more information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com. 

Contact:     Casey Francis

Nashville, Tenn. – It was 407 years ago that King James of England gathered 54 of the best biblical scholars and linguists of the day to create a new translation of the Bible.  It was 7 years ago that Thomas Nelson gathered more than 100 of the best biblical scholars and linguists of today to create a new translation of the Bible.  The King James Bible was completed in 1611; The Voice was completed in 2011.

Thomas Nelson released The Voice New Testament on Oct. 1. The full Bible is at the printers, due to be released in March 2012.  “Creating a new translation is unbelievably complicated and difficult,” says Gary Davidson, Thomas Nelson Vice-President and Bible Group Publisher. “Every translation of every word from the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic needed to be checked and rechecked. After the artists and authors wrote their verses, it was all checked again. Whether 1611 or 2011, the process is much the same.”

The original biblical verses were written by more than 40 different human authors – scholars, pastors, writers, poets and songwriters. The Voice recreates that, also using writers, poets and songwriters as well as pastors and scholars. It gives back the poetry and drama of the original writings that have been homogenized out through the centuries.

“We spent days negotiating the words,” says David Capes, Thomas Nelson Research Professor at Houston Baptist University. “These texts, some are 2,000 or 3,000 years old. We (the scholars) needed the writers to help us get the grit. The Bible is not rated PG. There are unsavory characters doing unsavory things. But we believe these are our spiritual ancestors. When I read about David, I know I am his kind.”

The King James Version was meant to be read aloud to a people who often couldn’t read. The Voice, too, is meant to be read aloud, to a people who are looking for a new way to learn God’s Word – to a people who have become, according to many, biblically illiterate. The Voice will entice readers; they will read chapters and books without realizing it’s been an hour, or two, or three.

“It was as though Matthew was speaking to me,” says Steve Decker, professor at Middle Tennessee State University, with a degree in secondary education from Tennessee Technological University and a Master’s of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, talking about The Voice. “Before I knew it I was into Mark and it was a different voice. It was as though they were talking to me in person.

“It was an unparalleled experience. It’s a bit like getting a high-definition television – the clarity of it. It’s a unique way to experience God. It’s been said that the Word of God is like a lion – you just open the cage and let it out and it can take care of itself.  In The Voice, you’ve let the lion out.”

Why “The Voice?”

The Voice, the very God through whom all was created, is called logos in Greek and has been translated as the “Word,” but truly is the expression of God: the logic, the verbalization, the speaking, the Voice. John tells us it is this Voice who creates the heavens and earth. God Speaks and worlds are born. As Genesis tells it, the cosmos begins and is shaped by God’s Voice. John could not agree more, but his unique insight comes as he identifies Jesus as that Expression or Voice.” – commentary found in The Voice New Testament

“While the ancient term logos does mean the Word, there is much more held in that expression than what we, in our time, immediately think of,” says Frank Couch, The Voice editor and Thomas Nelson Vice President for Translation Development. “In ancient Greek it literally meant the expression of an idea. The concept and the fullness of its expression is the point here and not the unique arrangement of letters.”

Hence The Voice – God is always speaking to us, vibrant and alive in the here and now.

“You will hear God as He whispers His love to you.” – Chris Seay, President Ecclesia Bible Society and scholar involved in The Voice translation

Chris Seay was the original driving force behind the translation. For many years as a pastor in Houston, he wished for a Bible translation that would be easy to understand and could be acted out by those wanting to better understand God’s Word. A friend finally said to him that maybe he was the one to make this happen. Thomas Nelson came on board with the idea, and seven years later a new force has been born, a force to spread God’s Word in a new generation in a new way.

“Our culture has changed, the times have changed,” Couch says. “This is a fresh expression of the passion, humor, grit and beauty of Scripture. It allows readers to see themselves in the story. It lets the truth and wisdom of Scripture come through.”

Visit The Voice on Facebook; visit www.HearTheVoice.com and follow The Voice on Twitter @HearTheVoice – pre-release verses are being posted frequently.                                                                                

Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher.  The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events.   Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com. 

Available for interviews:

Frank Couch, The Voice editor and Thomas Nelson Vice President for Translation Development

Chris Seay, President Ecclesia Bible Society and scholar involved in The Voice translation

David Capes, Thomas Nelson Research Professor at Houston Baptist University

Gary Davidson, Thomas Nelson Vice-President and Bible Group Publisher

Other scholars and writers as schedule permits