November 2, 2011

News Roundup: The Murdoch News Corp ZonderNelsonCollins Bombshell Edition

Posted by Phil Groom under Christian Publishers, News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
[6] Comments 

Update, 3.15pm, Nov 02, 2011: “It’s business as usual” – response & reflections from Paul Wilkinson, Christian Book Shop Talk, Canada: HarperCollins to Acquire Thomas Nelson

Update, 10.30am, Nov 02, 2011: Follow up report from Christian Retailing, posted 01/11/2011: Thomas Nelson buyout ‘a vote of confidence for the industry’

MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES: the words of an ancient curse; and we in the Christian book and retail trade are certainly living in interesting times today with the growing challenge of digitisation (or should that be digitization?), major realignments within both our own sector and the wider trade, and the ever-shifting sands of the global economy destabilising large and small concerns alike. And the Big News of the Moment is one of those realignments as Thomas Nelson, one the USA’s biggest Christian/Inspirational publishers, looks set to be swallowed up into the abyss of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp alongside HarperCollins and Zondervan:

News breaks via Christian Retailing USA

The news broke via the USA’s Christian Retailing:

HarperCollins to acquire Thomas Nelson
MONDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2011 04:26 PM EDT

HarperCollins Publishers today announced it is to take over Thomas Nelson.

A subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp., HarperCollins said in a surprise statement that it had “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,” the company said.

No details of the terms were disclosed, nor was there any initial indication of how Thomas Nelson will fit under its new owner, also the parent company of Zondervan.

Eddie Olliffe tweets astonishment and concerns

The story was rapidly picked up by the ever-vigilant Eddie Olliffe, who tweeted his astonishment and concerns, kicked off a discussion in the Christian Authors, Booksellers and Publishers facebook group, and located the official HarperCollins Press Release:

The Bookseller fails to note Murdoch connection

Next came the Bookseller, with a brief summary of the official press release but, surprisingly, failing to note the Murdoch connection:

HC acquires Thomas Nelson
01.11.11 | Graeme Neill

HarperCollins has bought US religious publisher Thomas Nelson for an undisclosed sum.

The deal is expected to go through by the end of the year. Thomas Nelson currently publishes the US bestseller Heaven is for Real.

Brian Murray, c.e.o. and president of HarperCollins Worldwide, said: “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.”

Christian Marketplace speculates about possible job losses

Hot on the heels of the Bookseller’s report came a Christian Marketplace “Breaking News” ‘e-alert’ with speculation about possible job losses:

HarperCollins to acquire Thomas Nelson

It was announced on 31st October that HarperCollins Publishers 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 2011, is subject to regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions.

The impact of this impending acquisition on the world of Christian publishing is not yet clear but with both Zondervan and Thomas Nelson part of the HarperCollins/News Corp. family it is likely that some job losses will be inevitable.

Clearly one impact is that Rupert Murdoch now becomes the leading Christian publisher in the world, something which might not sit comforatbly [sic] with some ;people [sic] given News Corp’s. [sic] recent troubles following the ‘phone hacking’ scandal at the now defunct News of the World.

It also brings into the HarperCollins family such authors as Billy Graham, Max Lucado, Brian McLaren and also the current world bestseller ‘Heaven is for Real’ by Todd Burpo.

Eddie Olliffe asks tough questions: Is News Corp a ‘fit and proper’ entity to ‘own’ the Bible?

For the tough questions, however, we return to Eddie Olliffe, who — describing the announcement as “a bombshell” — asks whether News Corp is a ‘Fit and Proper’ entity to ‘own’ the Bible:

Book Trade – is News Corp a ‘Fit and Proper’ entity to ‘own’ the Bible?
November 1, 2011

Last evening, a bombshell exploded in the worldwide book trade with the announcement by HarperCollins in New York of their proposed purchase of Thomas Nelson USA (Publisher of Billy Graham, Max Lucado and the New King James Bible).

This is astonishing. News Corporation already owns Zondervan (the Publisher of the New International Version, on licence from Biblica USA) and HarperCollins (the Publisher of the Good News Bible).

I, for one, am not hugely keen on the news that an ethically discredited NewsCorp may shortly own two major USA Christian publishers; Zondervan & Thomas Nelson; thus – incredibly – making Rupert Murdoch the largest Christian publisher in the world, in control of many of the major English translations of the Bible!

I believe, in the light of the phone-hacking charges here in the UK, that NewsCorp is not a ‘fit and proper’ entity to control such a major percentage of English Bible translations. To me, this is extremely worrying.

As John Duncan said on Facebook today;

‘By my reckoning this now makes HC owners of the companies that produce the NKJV, a large percentage of the KJV (both Nelson and HC), the NCV, the NIV (US editions), the GNB, the ESV (UK editions), and some NRSV – rather a lot of bibles, really’.

Eddie makes a point of indicating his respect for the people he has worked with in the various companies concerned, but nonetheless the question and challenge remains: “this seems to be a really perilous and serious state of affairs.”

  • How should we as individuals — and as a trade — respond?

Reports Elsewhere (most recent first)

 

August 2, 2010

Collins Bible Companion

Posted by Phil Groom under Book Reviews | Tags: , , , , |
1 Comment 

Collins Bible Companion

Collins Bible Companion
The only book you need beside the Bible

Martin Manser (Editor)
ISBN 9780007339808 (0007339801)
HarperCollins, 2009 (720pp)
£25

Category: Bibles and Bible Guides
Reviewed by: Eddie Arthur

If you are looking for an introductory guide to the Bible, you could do far worse than get hold of the Collins Bible Companion. In a little over 700 pages, this colourful and well laid out book gives an excellent introduction to the themes and literature of the Bible. This isn’t the place to turn if you want to get to grips with the complexities of Hebrew poetry or to sort out in your own mind whether you are for Wright or Piper on Romans; but for someone who is new to the Bible this is a great place to start.

There are five main sections:

1. The Bible in its Setting: Which covers why the Bible was written, its history, geography and cultural setting. This includes an interesting little section on inspiration, a flow chart on how to read a passage in context and some good discussion on Bible themes which are not part of our everyday life; such as sacrifice and covenants. There is nothing earth shattering or novel here, but it is good stuff and easy to read.

2. The Bible Book by Book: This section is self explanatory. Each book of the Bible gets a brief introduction looking at questions such as authorship, purpose and audience. I was surprised to note that the introduction to Isaiah leaves open the possibility that there was more than one author of the book. While I have no personal position on this question (I’m not qualified to even think about having a position), I prefer it when introductory books are not too dogmatic about contentious issues.

Up till this point, the content is not that different to any of the excellent study Bibles which are available on the market and if this was all that the Collins Companion had to offer, I would not recommend it. However, the final three sections are rather different.

3. Bible Teaching This section examines some of the essential truths of Christianity, with a series of studies on subjects such as God, Salvation and the Church. Though they can be a little preachy, these studies are actually very good and would make really good material for individual or group Bible study.

4. Living the Christian Life: With the more theological groundwork laid in section three, there is now a series of studies on various aspects of Christian discipleship. I’m not convinced that this section is as strong as the one before it, but the material is useful.

5. Bible Reference: This section kicks off with a brief introduction to the main characters and places in the Bible. This is followed by a section on what the Bible has to say about hot topics such as abortion debt and war. To my mind, it is rather platitudinous. I’m not convinced that you can say anything worthwhile about the complexity of the biblical teaching on war in a hundred words. Far better (to quote Westlife) to “say nothing at all” than give a false impression that biblical teaching is simplistic. The last part of the reference section is a plan for reading through the Bible in a year, which is a rather good thing.

Lots of good, well renowned people say good things about the Collins Companion on the dust jacket; and the book deserves its plaudits. However, I do question whether this single big book is the best way to present the material in it. In reality, most people don’t want to have to cart a large book around with them in addition to their Bible, but if you are going to follow the studies in the Companion or the reading plan, that’s just what you will have to do. It might have made a far better series of paperback books than one big volume.

I have one big gripe about this book and that is on the cover. The Collins Bible Companion makes the claim that it is “the only book you need beside the Bible”. I don’t know what Collins were thinking when they came out with this silliness. This sort of over the top claim does no one any favours and makes the publishers look daft. This book can stand on its own merits and doesn’t need this sort of hubris.

Related Posts

Eddie Arthur, August 2010

Eddie Arthur is the Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators UK. Previously he has worked as part of the translation team for the Kouya New Testament in Ivory Coast and as the National Director for a Wycliffe partner organisation in Ivory Coast and Mali. He is married to Sue, a translation conultant who works in Madagascar. Eddie and Sue have two grown up children and are owned by a Springer Spaniel.

You can read more of Eddie’s thoughts on Bible translation and life, on his website kouya.net, or follow him on Twitter @kouya

Browse Inside the Collins Bible Companion

HarperCollins | Order from your local Christian bookshop or buy online at www.christianbookshops.org

Authors | Categories | Publishers | Reviewers | Titles

 

June 5, 2010

Weekend Knockabout: The Ultimate Christian Product Awards

Posted by Phil Groom under Book Trade Ramblings, Knockabout | Tags: , , , , , , , |
[24] Comments 

Roll up, roll up now ladies and gentlemen! Gather round now, please, for this weekend’s extravaganza: spring has sprung, summer is sizzling and it’s time for some marketing madness as we bring you [cue trumpet fanfare and roll of drums] The Ultimate Christian Product Awards!

Nick Page, eat your heart out: your writing career with HarperCollins is finished. There’s nothing left to write now. Vicky Beeching, your days as a worship leader are over: the best that can ever be has already been done. HarperCollins, Kingsway: you can both close down now. You have fought the fight, you have run the race: there are no more Christian books to publish, no more worship albums to produce. John Paculabo, you can relax at last: no one cares about your prices anymore because there’s only one product to sell!

As for us, as Christian retailers, we can sweep the shelves clear! Sweep them clear, I say, and fill them with these, The Ultimate Christian Products! Let’s go further: with only two products worthy of shelf space beside the Bible, let’s replace ourselves with instant-burn digital download POD vending machines: the only things to quibble over are the prices, but with the only staff overheads being the machine tenders’ wages, that shouldn’t be a problem. Amazon: you are history.

So fast forward to the Awards Ceremony, my friends: we have two entrants, one book and one CD:

Collins Bible Companion: The only book you need beside the Bible

Collins Bible Companion - The only book you need beside the Bible
The Best Hymns Album in the World ... Ever

The Best Hymns Album in the World ... Ever

But now, behold, a mystery!! Both products have been around for a while: the Collins “Only book you need besides the Bible” Companion came out in October last year; and Kingsway’s Best Hymns Album in the World… Ever was released in March this year — yet both publishers are still producing more stuff!

Could it be they don’t believe their own marketing spin? Could it really be nothing but hype?? No, no, my friends: this is reality!

And do we have a winner in this two-horse race? Indeed we do, ladies and gentlemen, indeed we do — and in time honoured tradition I can now announce the results. In no particular order, then:

HarperCollins, I am so sorry: you are out of the competition. Please step aside. I am so sorry: you’ve given us a magnificent product but it hasn’t quite made the grade. The judges love you, the audience at home love you — no, please, don’t cry. Step over there, please, my darlings. Thank you, thank you so much.

And so we come to the winner of this weekend’s show, and that winner is … [flashing lights, fireworks, orchestra in full swing] … patience, now, please ladies and gentlemen: the winner is Kingsway!!

Congratulations, my dears. Yes, you have won. Yes, it’s true, it’s really true: the Ultimate Christian Product award goes to Kingsway — but not for the Best Hymns Album in the World… Ever! No, for  a surprise new entry as the rolling banner that tempts us with Best Hymns Album in the World… Ever rolls around again to offer us:

Kingsway: You Have Shown Us: Songs of Mercy, Justice & Humility

Kingsway: You Have Shown Us: Songs of Mercy, Justice & Humility

Yes! Songs of Justice, Mercy and Humility! Yes, that’s it, take a bow. Yes, this award is really yours. Stand tall now, with pride! Stand tall!!

But wait, there’s more! Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to let you know that not only have Kingsway won the UCP award but they also want to share the proceeds of their marketing madness with you by offering all their own products at below their own RRPs!

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen: visit kingswayshop.com today and you can buy the Best Hymns Album in the World… Ever at Kingsway price, £12.99; Kingsway RRP, £16.99 and ‘pre-order’ You Have Shown Us: Songs of Justice, Mercy and Humility at Kingsway price, £9.99; Kingsway RRP, £12.99. That’s both albums, the winner and the runner up, for Kingsway price, £22.98, Kingsway RRP, £29.98: you save and Kingsway wins! Or is it the other way around? I truly don’t know.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you and goodnight. Goodnight from all of us at the Ultimate Christian Product Awards ceremony. Enjoy your evening. Thank you. Goodnight.

 

December 16, 2009

Publishers and Suppliers Supporting Retailers

Posted by Phil Groom under Christian Bookshops, Christian Publishers, Christian Suppliers, Info | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
[3] Comments 

Several publishers and suppliers have been in touch recently with details of action they’re taking to offer retailers extra support through the current period of uncertainty with STL and/or during the run up to Christmas. This post provides a round up of the information I’ve gleaned or received so far; it is, of course, far from a comprehensive list: comments are open for anyone who’d like to add to it. My apologies for the length of time it has taken to prepare this post.

Starting with STL themselves, STL UK have, as has been their habit for several years now, reduced their carriage-free minimum order level from £75 trade value ex-VAT to £50 from 1st – 22nd December. Full details in their trade email 01/12/2009 and on the STL Blog, Reduced FREE Carriage Offer. Daily cut off points remain at 2.30pm for email, fax and telephone orders or 4.00pm via stldistribution.co.uk (don’t be misled by their “4pm Electronic Orders”: STL do not regard email as electronic).

STL USA have upped their game in an attempt to fill in the gaps resulting from their divorce-in-progress from STL UK and are now offering free carriage to the UK with direct delivery to bookshops rather than transhipment via Carlisle, subject to a minimum order of 15 items. Basic info on the STL UK blog, more details from STL USA. Feedback on the service has been mixed.

Other Suppliers (A – Z)

Caritas Music Publishing offer a wide range of CDs and DVDs with no minimum order requirement and no charge for carriage. Normally new customers would be required to open a Trade Account first before placing orders, but at present customers may place their orders direct with Katharine Douglas and open a Trade Account later, subject to agreement to the company’s trade terms. Many order forms can be downloaded from the website, others can be supplied electronically or by post. See the Trade Customers / Agents and Dealers page or the Caritas Blog for more details.

Gardners have been reviewing their religious stock range and establishing direct links with publishers previously supplied via STL. SPCK and Zondervan, for example, are both well represented, and some hard-to-find Thomas Nelson titles (such as Ian MacNair’s Teach Yourself New Testament Greek) can be supplied Print-on-Demand. Their recently updated Religious Books Catalogue (pdf, 1.5MB) lists over 8,000 titles.

Gates of Praise have reduced their carriage free minimum order value from £50 to £30 throughout December. Publishers distributed include Charisma House, Creation House and Destiny Image.

IVP continue to offer one of the best delivery services to the UK Christian book trade, with no  minimum order level or small-order surcharges and in-stock items on orders placed before 12 noon despatched same day for next day delivery. With HarperCollins now added to their portfolio alongside Bible Society, Crossway, IVP USA, the Good Book Company and Piquant — to name just some of the publishers they represent — IVP provide a vital link in the evangelical supply chain. Download their trade flyer or visit their trade section for more info.

Lindisfarne Scriptorium is offering weekly specials to both trade and retail. Recent offers include cards at half-price, down to 75p each, selected books at reduced prices and their key book and music by Iona’s Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald available together for £19.99 instead of £29.98. Standard trade discounts are 30%-38%, 2% extra for pro-forma/card payments. For several trade outlets they offer 40% discount across the full range of products and if there is sufficient interest then a special card / print offer just for trade as well as generous discounts on the Life Journey range and Life in Christ range is available. To find out more, visit their Trade Enquiries page.

Norwich Books and Music: Like IVP, NBM offer an excellent service, with no  minimum order level or small-order surcharges and in-stock items on orders placed before 12 noon despatched same day — but not for next day delivery: delivery tends to take 3 to 4 working days. With HarperCollins now added to their portfolio alongside their own imprints (Canterbury Press and SCM), Church House Publishing, Darton, Longman & Todd and Epworth — amongst others — NBM provide an important link in the wider Christian supply chain.

Others out there include CLC Wholesale , Integrity-Provident Distribution and Ritchie Christian Media Supplies, of whom we’ll no doubt be hearing more in due course. All parties welcome to leave further details via the comments…

And finally, the Bible Society’s plans to gather the Christian book trade in January seem to be taking shape. The following information was sent out to the trade by email from Steve Briars earlier this month:

Stronger Together – Weaker Apart

… is a consultation and presentation day being organised by CRE/CBC in association with the Booksellers Association Christian Booksellers Group (BACBG), the Publishers Association Christian Suppliers Group and Christian Marketplace magazine.

  • Tuesday 12 January 2010
  • St Paul’s Church, Robert Adam Street, London, W1U 3HW
  • 10.30am for 11.00am – including buffet lunch – concluding by 2.00pm

Topics on the agenda include:

  • An Introduction to the new ChristianResourcesTogether Partnership
  • A Retailers and Suppliers Conference at the High Leigh Conference Centre
  • A Retailers Day at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park

Personal  invitations should be sent out before Christmas: responses are requested no later than Thursday 7th Jan 2010. Contact Steve or Mandy Briars at CRE for more information.

 

December 10, 2009

New Trade Distribution Arrangements for HarperCollins (Updated)

Posted by Phil Groom under Announcements, Christian Bookshops, Christian Publishers, Christian Suppliers, News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
[4] Comments 

Press Release: HarperCollins New Trade Distribution Arrangements

Bringing a longstanding exclusive distribution arrangement with STL to an end, HarperCollins have today announced new distribution arrangements to the UK Christian book trade. In a press release (pdf, 70kb) issued on Thursday, December 10, 2009, Sam Richardson, Head of Religious Publishing at HarperCollins, advised that new agreements had been reached with IVP and Norwich Books and Music, both of which will now carry the HarperCollins religious titles range. Stock is expected to be supplied to both distributors early next week.

Both IVP and Norwich Books and Music offer same day despatch for in-stock items on orders placed before 12 noon on weekdays, with no minimum order quantity or small order surcharge. Both companies accept orders by phone, fax or email. IVP offer a freephone order line, 0800 622968; Norwich offer online ordering via PubEasy.com. Disappointingly, however, unlike HarperCollins themselves, neither company currently offers online invoice payment via batch.co.uk.
Download pdf or read on for the full press release…

 

July 28, 2008

The Poverty and Justice Bible

Posted by Phil Groom under Guest Posts, Product Queries | Tags: , , , , |
[9] Comments 
The Poverty and Justice Bible

The Poverty and Justice Bible

Geoff Wallace writes:

We have customers asking us for the Poverty and Justice Bible published by the Bible Society at £12.99. However, Bible Society won’t sell it to us because they can only sell it to individual customers and not to the trade. They say that Harper Collins hold the copyright for the CEV text. Sam at Harper Collins says,

Hi Geoff, this is a bible society product and we have them special dispensation to create it using our material. We are trying to find a way to get this into the Christian trade through stl but currently the margin won’t work for any of us. But I will keep you informed of progress. Sam.

However, Bible Society are now offering it at £9.99 so there must be some margin in it somewhere.

The annoying thing is that the Bible looks really good and innovative and I am sure would sell really well and highlight issues that Christians need to face.

What do other shops think?

(Originally posted under ‘Feedback’)

John Duncan replies:

I have been asked about the Poverty and Justice bible on one occasion a few months ago – the customer didn’t actually want to order it so I had a look for it and found it on Bible Society website but didn’t follow it up. I think it would be a bible I would very much like to stock and I hope HC get their finger out.

(Originally posted under ‘Feedback’)

Which brings us back to Geoff’s question: 

What do other shops think? Should HC and Bible Society get their act together and release it to the trade? Would your customers be interested? I’m sure plenty of the students at LST would go for it. Official website here: www.povertyandjusticebible.org

Sam: come on, brother — I think you can do better than this! :)

 

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