Thomas Nelson, Inc. Achieves Company Milestone

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A record-breaking achievement for Thomas Nelson, Inc., the world's largest Christian publisher, was revealed in the January 22, 2012 "New York Times" Best Seller lists -- Thomas Nelson titles hold 11 different best-selling positions.  This is the most the Company has ever held in a single week.

With six titles, spread across seven different categories, Thomas Nelson books hold more positions than all other Christian publishers combined.  One title, "Real Marriage" by debut authors Mark and Grace Driscoll, released on January 3 and has already achieved the No. 1 spot on the "Advice, How-To and Miscellaneous" list.

"Grace and I are happy to be a part of the Thomas Nelson family," said author Mark Driscoll.  "When the time came to choose a publishing partner, it was obvious that Thomas Nelson would be a great fit for us.  We're very happy with our decision, the early success of 'Real Marriage,' and to contribute to this type of unprecedented achievement." "Real Marriage" is one of four Thomas Nelson titles that appear in the No. 1 position within a category; another company milestone within itself. 

The book that has touched the hearts of readers around the world, "Heaven Is For Real" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent, has continued to be a No. 1 "New York Times" best seller for 51 weeks and has appeared on the list for a total of 62 weeks overall. Far exceeding all expectations, "Heaven for Real" was also recognized as Nielsen's 2011 "Adult Non-Fiction Book of The Year." 

Other Thomas Nelson titles on this week's "New York Times" Best Seller lists include "Nearing Home" by Billy Graham; "How Do You Kill 11 Million People?" by Andy Andrews; "December 1941" by Craig Shirley; and the "Heaven Is For Real For Kids" picture book by Todd and Sonja Burpo, also a No. 1 title with 12 weeks of "Best Seller" status.  

"For Thomas Nelson to hold 11 positions on 'New York Times' Best Seller lists demonstrates the impact of strategic publishing, focused effort and teamwork with our authors and retailers," Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson stated.  "Our books have consistently appeared on multiple best seller lists, both in the secular and the Christian market, but never to this extent.  We are excited by these results as we work to fulfill our mission to inspire the world." 

Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world's largest Christian publisher. The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation's leading producer of Christian live events. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelsoncorporate.com.

SOURCE Thomas Nelson, Inc.