It is an incredible privilege to be a publisher of a Christian publishing company. I love books and all things print! From my earliest days I always have enjoyed sitting in a library surrounded by books.

I was reflecting the other day on just how much books have shaped my life and my thinking. On my desk right now are five new books that I am reading. In addition, there is a set of special books on the shelves of my library that are like good friends, always available to provide me with their counsel when I need it. I can’t imagine life without reading or without books. Publishers who have gone before have had a part in shaping my spiritual life and world view!

The opportunity to watch a new book develop is very impressive. The labor of authors wrestling with a message that God has placed on their heart and then entrusting that work to our NavPress team is a sacred thing. Then to watch our publishing pros take that message and create a finished product, a new Christian book! Wow! This is truly a labor of love!

It is the highest honor to be given the opportunity to produce practical, spiritual resources for the body of Christ. Thanks for allowing me to write this brief personal word to you and to ask: What do books mean to you?

“There is no end to the publishing of books….” Ecclesiastes 12 (The Message)

The Barna Group reports in a recent study that a number of significant differences in Bible reading habits exist between generational groups. One very interesting section of the survey focused on the six ways the Mosaic generation differs from older generational groups.

Mosaics view the Bible as:

Less Sacred: The Bible is not considered sacred by a smaller group of Mosaics.

Lees Accurate: Mosaics consider the Bible less accurate than older generations viewed it.

More Universalism: Over 50% of Mosaics believe the Bible teaches the same spiritual principles as other sacred books.

Less Engagement: Mosaics are less likely to read the Bible as part of their regular schedule.

Bible Appetite: The good news is that Mosaics express a greater desire than other generational groups to learn more about the Bible.

As we reflect on these survey results. it is interesting to note that the Bible is still  the No. 1 top-seller for Christian publishing houses. So how do we help the younger generation discover and experience the power of God’s Word?

So you want to write a book? Congratulations! There is no greater satisfaction than completing a book writing project. I personally understand this because I have written five books and numerous articles in my career. I wanted to take time to send a word to those who aspire to write.

Writing is an art form. It is a very personal, emotional experience. Here are some things to keep in mind as you aspire to write:

Allow your true personality to come through in your work.

Write the way you feel.

Find your passion and life message and seek to put your thoughts together in a way that move you emotionally and spiritually.

Write when you are ready. Write in the daytime or the nighttime or whenever you feel compelled to share your heart, mind, and thoughts with others.

Don’t worry about the opinions of others. Begin with a clear understanding of who you are and what you want to say.

Writing is an expression of your person. Writing is an adventure, a journey!

Throw yourself into it. Our world needs fresh new thoughts from a new generation of writers!

Since the release of the Kindle, the e-book world has grown incredibly fast. Purchases of content for e-book platforms has exploded! Take the time to study the graphic attached to this post. It is unbelievable to see the rapid increase in e-book devices.

Electronic book sales have been growing at a rapid clip, from an estimated $20 million in 2003 to $113 million in 2008, according to the Association of American Publishers. Even during these hard economic times, e-book sales continue to grow. NavPress has seen a large increase in e-book sales of our resources through this channel.

The e-book universe is evolving! Greater options and better technology are good news for publishers who are prepared for this new, emerging channel.

Well, my publishing friends, are we ready for this opportunity?

It seems early to be talking about Christmas, but October is almost here, and that means Christmas is just around the corner. Shopping for friends and family can be the most stressful part of the holiday season. Crowded shopping centers and the hunt for the perfect gift for every person on the list can drive anyone crazy.

To help you avoid a holiday meltdown, NavPress has launched “The 12 Weeks of Christmas.” We’ll be offering a new deal each week from now until the last shipping day of the 2009 holiday season. The best part is that we tell you all the specials in advance so you can plan ahead!

Head over to our Christmas 2009 page to browse the upcoming deals!

With the rise of numerous technological tools and social media, can we be sure that literacy is still growing? Are we losing the battle with the younger generation? Will the three R’s be reduced to the two C’s (Connect, and Click)? A study such as the Stanford Study of Writing is building a case that we may be in the midst of a writing revolution!

Fact 1: Young adults are writing more now than in any earlier generation. Technology allows people to write at levels not seen in previous generations. It seems that everyone has become a writer! Those Facebook, Twitter, and IM’s add up!

Fact 2: Technology and social networking will only improve the levels of literacy for future generations. After all, how can you update your social media sites if you can’t read and write? Looks like those of us in publishing should be encouraged by such news. A whole new group of writers is coming!

What do you think?

Recently I was interviewed for Outcomes Magazine and talked about technology issues and the church. I have posted the interview to provide readers with an opportunity to consider the issues that church leaders are facing regarding the use of technology.

I really believe we need a new generation of digital missionaries! Join me if you feel the call! Let me know your thoughts about the interview.

Here is another example of the power of social media and its impact on our world: Facebook is closing in on 200 million users! Take a look at these Facebook visualizations. It is amazing to observe the spread of social networking worldwide. No part of the planet is exempt from the growth of virtual social networks. The world has been united virtually. Who could have imagined this even twenty years ago?

I am often asked as a publisher and leader of a Christian publishing company about the future of publishing. Depending on the person asking the question, whether industry insiders or just concerned friends or peers, there seems to be an underlying anxiety and suspicion that publishing is coming to a sad end!

Perhaps it is my personality, or my outlook on life in general, but as a publisher I am actually more excited about the future of publishing than at any other time in my more than twenty years in the industry! Perhaps you are asking what gives me such optimism?

• Hard times accelerate change in old publishing models and new models emerge.
• Challenging times force publishers back to their core business.
• These times provide incredible technological channels to share content with consumers.
• Authors look for real partnerships with a publisher beyond money to a focus on the ministry.
• Fresh voices and content emerge throughout the Body of Christ ready for publishing and distribution.

Just wanted to write a word to encourage my friends in the Christian publishing world. Yes, times have changed and will continue to change, but the opportunities are all around us!

The cries regarding the the demise of print media seemed to have increased during these recent economically troubled times. With newspapers and magazine businesses closing and print advertising losses increasing, it seems that print media troubles are growing rapidly.

But perhaps these times really are opportunities to think in fresh new ways about the delivery of content in multiple platforms and media formats. I recently stumbled on a very insightful blog post that anyone interested in publishing, media, or these changing times should take the time read.

Here is the question I’ve been thinking about: Is it too late for print media or can we save it from extinction? And if so, how?