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The article presents an examination into contemporary 21st-century Mormonism in the United States. introductory details are given noting the rise in popular and political culture references to the Church of Latter Day Saints since the 2000s decade due to the publicity of figures such as presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Discussion is offered evaluating the extent to which Mormon theology is changing to become more mainstream to U.S. Christian religious culture.

The article focuses on the increase in sales of devotional and prayer books in the U.S. in 2015. Topics include the number of publishers that publish religious titles, the demand for devotional literature in 2015, and the popularity of books on spirituality. Information is provided on the increase in sales of small-format books and the importance of book packaging. INSETS: Mindfulness and Meditation Go Mainstream;Holiday Books Sell Well Despite Logistical Limits.

The article presents profiles of various publishing professionals in the religion publishing industry, with particular emphasis on Christian publishing. Mark Schoenwald, president of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, discusses efforts to promote women to managerial positions. Mary-Kathryne Steele, president of publisher World Wisdom, discusses her efforts to promote multicultural children’s religion books. Carlton Garborg, president of BroadStreet Publishing Group, is also mentioned.

Features various spiritual retreat services in New England. Bethany Retreat House at the Community of Jesus in Orleans, Massachusetts; Wisdom House in Litchfield, Connecticut; Anglican refuge at Emery House in West Newbury, Massachusetts; Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts.

An interview with fiction marketers about the growing market for digital media is presented. Don Pape, publisher of trade books at David C. Cook, shares that 9% of their sales in 2010 were from new fiction releases. Mary Burns, vice president of publishing at Barbour, relates that their top subgenre is Amish fiction, with Wanda E. Brunstetter as their lead author. Nathan Henrion, national accounts manager at Baker Publishing Group, describes how they are using social media like Twitter to market their fiction releases.

An interview with different publishers is presented. Tina Weiner of Yale University Press reveals her bestselling backlist title for an academic audience. Henry Carrigan of Northwestern University Press addresses the challenges facing textbooks and specialized academic books in the religion category. Adam Glazer of Oxford University Press relates his experiences with textbook piracy.

Reports on the increasing popularity of Christian novels in U.S. publishing. Number of copies of the book 'This Present Darkness,' by Frank Peretti which were sold by 2001; Categories of Christian fiction; Information on the move of novelists to larger Christian houses; Discussion on finding new authors. INSET: Literary Faith Fiction Gains Ground.

Provides information on the religious book publishing industry. Information on the novel `Left Behind,' published by Tyndale House; Discussion on evangelical Christian novels; Romance genre in the Christian market; Details on visionary fiction.

The article discusses trends in American religious history books. Topics include an emphasis on globalism in the scope and methodology of American religious history books such as Robert Wuthnow's "Rough Country: How Texas Became America's Most Powerful Bible-Belt State," the use of race to display different aspects of religious history stories, and an increase in the interest and sales of books that focus on the evolution of the evangelical Christian movement. INSET: Mormon Studies Sees Steady Growth.

This article discusses strategies employed by religion publishers to assist with the marketing of advice literature about parenting in a flooded market. Topics include the targeting of specific audiences to create specificity, the importance of relatability in the establishment of author expertise, and the success of parenting books on publishers' backlists. INSET: HELP FOR DAD.

An interview with several Christian fiction editors about the growing popularity of the category of inspirational/Christian fiction is presented. Barbara Scott, senior acquisitions editor at Abingdon, tackles issues influencing the market growth of Christian fiction. Sue Brower, executive editor at Zondervah, describes trends in "bonnet fiction," about closed religious groups such as the Amish. While Shannon Marchese, senior editor at WaterBrook Multinoman Publishing Group, describes the trends in women's fiction.

Profiles several novelists with works about faith and religion. Sue Monk Kidd, author of "The Mermaid Saint"; Michele Claire Lucas, author of "Late-Life Debut"; Brenda Rickman Vantrease, who wrote "Illuminated."

Focuses on the advantages of using the Nielsen BookScan and STATS tool in tracking the sales of religious books. Views of John Helmus, director of sales analysis and market planning for Wiley, on the benefits of BookScan for his work; Importance of the tools to publishers; Comparisons between BookScan and STATS. INSET: If Wishes Were Horses.

Profiles several scholar/authors that focused on religion. Information on the book 'Redeeming the Dial: Radio, Religion, and Popular Culture in America,' by Tona Hangen; Discussion on Buddhism in the book 'Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West,' by Donald S. Lopez Jr.; Details on the book 'Cloister and Community: Life Within a Carmelite Monastery,' by Mary Jo Weaver.

Offers information on several books about religion. `Always We Begin Again: The Benedectine Way of Living,' by John McQuiston II; `The Prymer: The Prayer Book of the Medieval Era Adapted for Contemporary Use,' by Robert E. Webber.

The article presents an overview of the author's views concerning his Mormon faith. Several major points are outlined wherein he defends his position, refuting common stereotypical accusations of polygamy, political Republicanism, claims of stupidity, and the tendency among mainstream religious culture to not be called Christians.

American author Kenneth A. Briggs discusses his book "The Invisible Bestseller: Searching for the Bible in America." Topics include the waning influence of the Bible on American culture and politics, widespread ownership of Bibles in the U.S., and how the lessons of the Bible are counter to American values.

A panel discussion among industry veterans about the trends in Christian fiction publishing is presented. Topics covered include the popularity of romantic suspense, according to Karen Watson of Tyndale; the status of the Amish fiction market, according to David Lewis of Baker Publishing Group and the trends in historical fiction, according to Shannon Marchese of Waterbrook Multnomah.

The article discusses Timothy George, dean of Beesom Divinity School in Alabama and editor of the multi-volume Reformation Commentary on Scripture book series, published through InterVarsity Press. Reformation philosophers such as Martin Bucer and Wolfgang Musculus are included in the series, as well as some women and Anabaptist writers.

The article discusses Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann, who co-wrote the book "Living Countertestimony: Conversations With Walter Brueggemann," and who discusses religious historical criticism, publishing pressures on professors, and retirement.

This article discusses the efforts of many Christian publishers to penetrate the young adult (YA) book market in the U.S. It highlights some of the challenges facing publishers to obtain success in the market, including the need for skilled acquisition, a knowledge of the reader and a long-term investment. It also explores the challenge of selling electronic books and printed YA books online.

This article features the work of U.S. religious author and speaker Shane Claiborne. He has been featured on CNN, NPR and other national news stories for his stances on nonviolence, ecological responsibility and the radical redistribution of wealth. He wrote a number of books, including "Zondervan, The Irresistible Revolution" and "Jesus for President." Claiborne hopes that his work will foster discussion and a renewed sense of playfulness among Christians.

The article focuses on publishing houses that have started their own Christian young adult (YA) lines. In June 2008, Zondervan will launch its first-ever YA line, with nine initial titles by such authors as Bill Myers, Melody Carson and Bryan Davis. FaithWords, which decided in 2007 to try Christian YA since its parent company, Hachette, has been so successful in YA for the general market with the "Twilight," "Gossip Girls" and "Clique" series.

The article addresses the growing popularity of Christian books about sex. With a first print run of 75,000, musician Rebecca St. James's fall devotional, "Pure," promises to help young women with the struggle to remain virgins until marriage. One of the growing trends in the Christian marketplace has been a greater transparency about sex-related problems such as pornography addiction, sexual abuse and infidelity. Books for men on sexual addictions have become more specific and niche oriented. INSETS: Homosexuality: Christian Books on Both Sides;Dating in the Confessional Booth.

The article discusses the growing availability of books on home organization and home management from Christian publishers. According to author Kathy Peel, readers of home organization books, most of whom are active women ages 26 to 44, need concrete help in sifting through the clutter of their lives and finding what is really important. In September 2007, Thomas Nelson will release the third title in Marcia Ramsland's "Organizing for Success" series.

The article discusses the growing availability of books on Internet-driven social networking, which have been published for Christian parents. The publications include "MySpace for Moms and Dads: A Guide to Understanding the Risks and the Rewards," by Connie Neal, "MySpace, MyKids: A Parent's Guide to Protecting Your Kids & Navigating MySpace.com," by Jason Illian and "Generation NeXt Parenting: A Savvy Parent's Guide to Getting It Right," by Tricia Goyer. INSET: From Book to Zine for Teens & Tweens.

The article reports on the growing interest in film and television adaptations of religious novels in the U.S. Most major Christian publishing houses have at least one novel that has been optioned for film. Director Michael Landon produced and directed two theatrical releases for 2007, including Francine Rivers' "The Last Sin Eater" and Beverly Lewis' "The Redemption of Sarah Cain." Nelson Fiction has three of its original novels being adapted for release.

The article profiles Wall Street Journal reporter and editor Paul Barrett. Barrett began researching a series of four in-depth newspaper profiles of Muslims in the U.S. His book American Islam: The Struggle for the Soul of a Religion is one of the first to examine some of the specific tensions surrounding Islam in the U.S., including issues of racial diversity, the importation of Wahhabism, the growth of a fledgling Muslim feminism and political divisions over American foreign policy.

The article profiles author Stephen Prothero. Prothero thinks that Americans are suffering from religious amnesia. His forthcoming book, Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know aims to rekindle the smoldering remains of religious knowledge in the U.S. Moreover, he blames Christians themselves for the absence of any teaching about religion in the public schools.

The article features author Scott McKnight. The author has done academic titles with Eerdmans, Fortress, Westminster John Knox, Baker and Baylor University Press. In 2004, Paraclete has published his general-audience book The Jesus Creed. This book has enabled the author to find his wider audience and became a highly sought-after voice in the emerging church.

Presents the views of several fiction editors on funny faith fiction books. Karen Ball; Andy McGuire; Joan Marlow Golan. INSET: C.

Gives advice to scholars on how to move from writing solely for the academy to communicating to a much broader audience. Growth of religion as a category in 2003, according to the Association of American Publishers; Importance of a condense message for scholars who are serious about writing popular books; Suggestion of Brazos Press editorial director Rodney Clapp to potential writers; Ways on how to connect with the reader through story.

Highlights the CBA Advance, the annual winter show of the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) held on February 2-5, 2004 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Comments from Bill Anderson, CBA president; Changes in the show; Decline in the number of its total attendees; Challenges facing Christian retailers.

Profiles Stephanie Wellen Levine, a teacher at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Outcome of her quest for religious understanding; Plot of her book "Mystics, Mavericks and Merrymakers: An Intimate Journey Among Hasidic Girls"; Efforts of Levine in publicizing her book.

Reports on the 54th Christian Booksellers Association International Convention on July 12-17, 2003 in Orlando, Florida. Topics discussed; Speculation about the future of CBA Expo; Decline in the number of participating publishers; Reason for the decrease in the number of exhibitors.

Highlights the 12th annual Religious Booksellers Exhibit in Chicago, Illinois from May 27 to 30, 2003. Target participants of the exhibit; Analysis of the attendance at the exhibit; Reports of publishers on profits; Programs on publishing launched at the exhibit.

Presents an update on the CBA Expo convention in Indianapolis, Indiana from January 28 to 31, 2003. Decline in the participants and attendees of the exhibition; Views of CBA president Bill Anderson on the state of Christian bookselling industry in the U.S. in 2003; Concerns of Christian retailers over the bookselling industry in the U.S.; Other marketing consortiums that will hold its Christian product exposition in the U.S. in 2003.

Focuses on CBA Expo, the Christian Booksellers Association's winter convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 30-February 1, 2002. Drop in its attendance record; Total number of its exhibitors; Comments from Bill Anderson, CBA president on the attendance drop; Issues facing the industry.

Profiles several religious book authors in the United States. Peter Williams; Sarah Barringer Gordon; Pamela Klassen.

Presents information on the 52nd annual Christian Booksellers Association international convention in Atlanta, Georgia in July 2001. Status of book sales during the convention; Number of exhibitors and representatives that attended the event; Book titles featured; List of publishing companies awarded.

Focuses on the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit and BookExpo America (BEA) 2001 events for sellers and publishers of religious books. Estimated number of copies of `The Legend of the Candy Cane' that were sold; Trend at the BEA show; Booths of Paulist Press.