New CrossHouse Books Website Indicative of Self-Publishing Industry's Success

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Nearly a year-and-a-half ago I wrote in this column about some of the amazing changes sweeping the book-publishing industry--in particular the dramatic move from traditional to self-publishing models. Much of the push toward this new model was linked to a desire on the part of authors to avoid the traditional "sieve" for manuscripts which limited the number of new books published each year, the interest of authors in controlling the end results of their books, decreasing costs, increased distribution opportunities and a book-price war between major retailers.

Since I last addressed the topic, the self-publishing industry has continued to thrive, especially with the expansion of the e-book market and continued dramatic increase toward online book sales.

Both the New York Times and Time magazine as well as most major newspapers and other media have run articles noting the historic shift and calling the triumph of self-publishing over the traditional model a revolution of monumental proportions.

Now, nearly eight years since we started our own self-publishing imprint, CrossHouse Publishing, we are proud to announce a new website dedicated solely to our self-published books: CrossHouse Books. The site resembles the original Hannibal Books' site--which will continue to offer the books published traditionally--so navigation will be familiar for those who have visited our site in the past.

The benefits to this site include better designation between our two imprints for the media and distributors, better tracking of book sales for ourselves and our authors and a stronger branding for our CrossHouse imprint. And, as always, every order benefits our customers because of free shipping and fair pricing.

Continue to keep a close eye on the publishing industry. Great things are happening; lots of changes continue to make their way into the arena.

--Louis Moore, President

KLMK Communications Inc.  

(parent company, Hannibal Books and CrossHouse Publishing)

Can't Travel to the Holy Land? This Devotional Will Take You There Spiritually

What do the key sites from the land of the Bible teach us about how to live our lives today? Pastor and acclaimed tour leader Dr. John DeLancey contends that one's own faith can be deepened by examining significant ancient sites of the Holy Land and deriving spiritual applications from them.

In his unique site-to-site devotional guide, Devotional Treasures from the Holy Land, Dr. DeLancey--drawing on a year of study in Jerusalem and two decades of experience in leading tours to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt--guides the reader through 68 ancient sites including both common and lesser-known locations. For each site, DeLancey offers a remarkable blend of historical, geographical, and Scriptural information. He begins by updating the reader on archaeological excavations and interpreting the authenticity of the discoveries at each spot. He then follows with sound devotional thoughts that can be gleaned from each place mentioned.

His descriptions cause Bible stories to spring to life as he gives thoughtfully informed analyses shared based on years of careful research and of interaction with the Holy Land. Devotional Treasures from the Holy Land forms an invaluable help to those on tour in Bible lands as well as those who can experience them only from their armchairs at home.

John DeLancey is a pastor and founder of Biblical Israel Tours, a ministry designed to help people have a firsthand experience of Israel and other Bible lands. He has led numerous tours of the Holy Land and has excavated at two archaeological sites in Israel. He holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Cedarville University, a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Seminary. He has studied for one year at the Jerusalem University College in Israel. He and his wife, Sue, have three children.

"Sharing Your Faith With Muslims" Receives Honest Reviews

In a time when the Middle East is under such turmoil and Christians are being persecuted in that region seemingly more than in years' past (or at least the persecution is more publicized than in the past), Christians in the U.S. can have a mix of emotions regarding Muslims. In Wade Akins' new book, Sharing Your Faith With Muslims, he explains how Christians should relate to Muslims--with love and respect--and how Christians should understand at least the basics of the Islam faith to better discuss Christ with Muslims. View or purchase the book here, or read the bloggers' reviews below.

A Life Better Than I Deserve
Radiant Light
Vic's Media Room
Blogs of Books

A Few Books in Honor of April Fools' Day

Since it's April Fools' Day, we thought you might enjoy a few ideas for books that will help you achieve true happiness or will just give you a few laughs.

God's Formula for Genuine Happiness
Have you ever wondered about how happy you really are? Questioned what it means to be genuinely happy? Or thought about exactly what you'd need in order to feel that way? Whatever you think of your current degree of happiness, you'll be encouraged by the simple, profound truths waiting within this book. Inside, Dr. Dan Crawford reveals the three clear-cut, scriptural ingredients to being happy.

Joy in the Journey
Traveling life's journey with the Lord Jesus Christ is not without bumps and pitfalls. Satan, our nemesis, dots the landscape with minefields of temptations and worldly allurements. When we study and obey God's Word and rely on God's Spirit, we know joy-unspeakable, unshakable, undeniable, unparalleled joy-joy in the midst of our circumstances and through the ups and downs and the twists and turns of life.

Mud Hen in a Peacock Parade
Go ahead and laugh. Jesus did. That’s what you will do while reading Dan Crawford’s Mud Hen in a Peacock Parade: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Heaven. He tells about church events, church people, and church leaders in a way that helps you see the humor instead of all the seriousness. Dr. Crawford believes Jesus enjoyed life. He imagines Jesus laughing with His disciples—or even at them. The author wants you to laugh, too. And you will laugh as you turn every page of this sparkling, hilarious book.

 On the 8th Day, God Laughed
Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor? Certainly not three-time Emmy Award winner Gene Perret, who's laughed his way through life while he has earned his living writing jokes for such illuminaries as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby and a host of others. On the 8th Day . . . God Laughed! is Perret's 17th book and contains 900 jokes, arranged alphabetically by topic and fully indexed, to make them readily accessible for writers, speakers, and yes--even preachers.

The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow
What kind of preacher is a good-natured practical jokester one moment and a monofocused, passionate soul-winner the next? This book of anecdotes from the life of popular South Texas pastor Joe E. Brumbelow shoots down the image of the straight-laced, stereotypical clergyman and shows the serious and funny sides of a minister, husband, father, outdoorsman, and friend.


Misadventures in Travel
God's ambassadors on foreign soil . . . or sheep among wolves? Were Paula and Van Edwards called to Brazil to help spread the Good News of Jesus . . . or to gather material for a new slapstick comedy act? These "late-in-life" missionaries often believed they might be undertaking a bit of both activities.