Издательство Focus on the Family назначило David C Cook своим главным издателем

Colorado Springs Christian ministries: Focus on the Family hires David C Cook as its primary publisher Two large evangelical Christian media organizations headquartered in Colorado Springs for the first time are combining publishing efforts, which officials hope leads to increased market reach for both. David C Cook has signed a multiyear contract with Focus on the Family to be its “primary publishing partner,” the organizations announced last week. “It’s great because we’re super close to each other, and proximity can be a good thing with partnerships — to be able to sit down in a room together and talk,” said Linda Howard, executive publisher of David C Cook. The organization, based in Colorado Springs for 36 years, includes three divisions: David C Cook Christian book publishing, Group Publishing, which produces curriculum such as Sunday school and vacation Bible school materials; and Integrity Music, a Christian record and worship music publishing arm. Collectively, they form Cook Media Global. Last October Cook Media Global acquired the Christian record label Fair Trade Services, which now operates as an independent subsidiary and cornerstone music brand representing major Christian artists and worship leaders. David C Cook has made a name for itself in recent years with such books as The Action Bible for teens, which debuted in 2010 and has sold more than 4.1 million copies worldwide. The organization also is a publishing partner for “The Chosen” television series, creating companion Bible study guides. Cook’s most popular author is Pastor Francis Chan, author of the New York Times bestseller “Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God” and founder of Cornerstone Community Church in California. An accompanying DVD study series and podcast also are available. Cook publishes 65 to 70 books a year, excluding curriculum and music ministry materials, Howard said. Bringing focus into the fold will further enhance appeal for readers, she believes. For nearly 20 years, Focus on the Family’s primary publishing partner has been Tyndale House Publishers based in Carol Stream, Ill., said Tony Miller, executive director of content development and integration for Focus on the Family. David C Cook responded to a request for proposals for the role earlier this year, Howard said and rose to the top among other bidders. A primary publishing partner markets books and other written materials, sources printing, handles publishing and oversees distribution of materials, including online and in-store sales, Miller said. Focus on the Family, which will mark its 50th anniversary next year and has been in Colorado Springs for 35 of those years, also wants to expand curriculum offerings and extend its international business with biblical materials, he said. Plus, “David C Cook is in our backyard.” Focus produces the well-known Adventures in Odyssey, a drama and comedy audio series with accompanying books. More than 2 million copies have been sold throughout the series, Miller said. The release of an animated film is scheduled for next year. Focus also creates books and curriculum on topics related to marriage, families and parenting. Some of Focus’ children’s and adult books are available nationwide at Sam’s Club, Walmart, Barnes & Noble and Mardel Christian bookstore. Recent widely distributed books include last Christmas season’s “Manger Throne: Celebrating Christmas Through Song” by Tony Wood and the Dr. Fizzlebop books on faith and science for children, Miller said. There’s also a bookstore at its headquarters at 8685 Explorer Drive. Miller estimates that Focus will generate 16 to 18 books in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. “Our target market is the faith-based Christian reader, but the books are for anyone who’s looking for parenting and marriage resources and good content for children,” Miller said. The Christian publishing industry has struggled for years with technology interrupting the traditional system, coupled with unsteady church attendance and more people who say they are religiously unaffiliated. However, several areas are experiencing growth, Howard said. Those include Bibles, which have seen sales triple over the past decade, according to market researcher Circana. Last year, 19.1 million Bibles were sold in the United States, the company reported. Devotionals and Christian living materials also are hot. “People are really hungry now for hope in a world that can kind of feel hopeless if you’re not careful,” Howard said. “That’s the focus of so many of the things we do — resources for the church and to bring help for everyone in their daily lives.” David C Cook has started handling new material for Focus on the Family as it becomes available, she said. Other materials will transition to David C Cook production into early next year.