Christian Retailing

‘Jesus Calling’ brand celebrates 10 million sold Print Email
Written by Jeremy Burns   
Monday, 17 March 2014 11:26 AM America/New_York

JesusCallingHC-webThe award-winning “Jesus Calling” brand has sold more than 10 million units. First released in 2004, Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling (Thomas Nelson) is currently ranked No. 3 on the Wall Street Journal Hardcover Nonfiction best-seller list. This is the 10th consecutive week the devotional has held a top-five ranking on the list, at one point reaching the No. 1 spot. USA Today listed Jesus Calling in the top 100 books of 2013, selling more copies than Lean In and Fifty Shades of Grey.

“Each year Jesus Calling sells more than the year before,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of HarperCollins Christian Publishing Gift Books, Tommy Nelson Children’s Books and New Media. “People love this book and many have purchased five, 50 or 500 copies to give to others.”

Best-selling author and missionary Young wrote Jesus Calling as a reflection of what she heard Jesus saying during her prayer time. Young describes the book as Jesus’ words of hope, guidance and peace placed in her heart based on the Scriptures. Compiling these messages, Young created a devotional written from the perspective of Jesus speaking directly to the reader. The 365-day devotional, now available in 26 languages, has consistently appeared on Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and ECPA best-seller lists. Young’s best-selling title has also been featured in the New York Times and Christianity Today.

“We often hear of how Jesus Calling has touched someone in a deeply personal way, helping them experience a more loving and peaceful relationship with God,” Minchew added. “It is an honor and privilege to work alongside Sarah on this life-changing book.”

The Jesus Calling 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition will be released this September, commemorating and celebrating 10 years of Jesus Calling touching lives. The 10th anniversary special edition includes more than 100 additional Scriptures personally selected by Young in a redesigned package.

The “Jesus Calling” line has expanded to other products, including devotionals Jesus Today, Jesus Lives and Dear Jesus; the Jesus Calling Devotional Bible; and for children, the 365-day devotional Jesus Calling for Kids and the Jesus Calling Bible Storybook (all Thomas Nelson). Jesus Today was named the 2013 ECPA Book of the Year. The multi-format product line also includes e-books, apps, audiobooks, calendars, greeting cards and music.