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Worthy Publishing touts strong first-quarter results Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Wednesday, 15 May 2013 11:20 AM America/New_York

Worthy Publishing Group has announced strong first-quarter results, "with expectations for even stronger growth at the close of 2013."

"Compared to 2012 [first quarter] results, 2013 revenues are up 48%," said Byron Williamson, president and CEO of Worthy Publishing. "Worthy is on track to exceed the prior year by 65% in only the company's second year in commerce.

"Considering the enormous challenges book publishers and retailers face today, we could not have imagined the amazing opportunities that have come our way in the young life of the Worthy Publishing Group," he added. "We are humbled and most grateful."

In November 2012, Worthy Publishing acquired the Ellie Claire Gift and Paper Expressions imprint from Guideposts. Response from both Christian and mainstream national retailers "has been very positive, company officials said.

In April, Ellie Claire appointed Harry Blake, who worked for Hallmark and C.R. Gibson, as vice president of sales. An Ellie Claire journal has been selected as a finalist in the best new product in the Lifestyle category of the National Stationery Show, to be held May 19-22 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Worthy Publishing's Freeman-Smith imprint, which experienced 20% growth in 2012, appointed Mark Gilroy as senior vice president and general manager earlier this year. Publishing industry veteran Troy Johnson was also appointed as Freeman-Smith's national accounts director.

Two Worthy Books titles have generated attention, including Left Behind best-selling author Jerry B. Jenkins' I, Saul, a historical novel to be released Aug. 27. Released May 7, Stephen Mansfield's Killing Jesus has received media coverage from Hannity, Piers Morgan Live, USA Today and The Washington Post.

On Nov. 26, Worthy will release David Jeremiah's The Jeremiah Study Bible. The new study addresses three questions about Scripture: what does it say? what does it mean? and what does it mean for you? A major event is being planned at Madison Square Garden in New York City to mark its publication.