Having joined the leading Christian publisher from outside the industry in 2008--with executive positions in the technology world--Girkins makes the list for overseeing all of Zondervan's business operations and working with parent company HarperCollins "on strategic planning and cooperative operations initiatives."

The Top 50 list also includes Carolyn Reidy, Simon & Schuster president and CEO, and Judith Curr, executive vice president, publisher and founder of Simon & Schuster's Atria Books, whose authors include T.D. Jakes. The magazine said that its first annual list of women leaders honored those "who affect and transform how publishing companies do business, and what-and how-consumers read."

Asked along with others named to the list to share a tip, Girkins said: "Recognize that the industry is turning upside down. Bring in people who ... can bring a much-needed fresh perspective to the business ... people who are probably not from the publishing world."

She also recommended helping authors build their own brand. "Be prepared to support successful self-published authors, as many have ... a strong Internet following, and they can represent a great opportunity."