Though political books have traditionally not been big sellers at Christian retail, this election cycle has seen some stores paying more attention to the category.

Logos and Parable stores planned to highlight the March release Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw (Zondervan, March) in their spring catalogs. Because of the magnitude of this election, Logos stores decided to feature four political books in the group's spring catalog, said Becky Gorczyca, executive director of the Logos Association of Bookstores.

"There are some really good books that publishers put out this time," Gorczyca said. "They are worthy of attention." Gary Weyel, Parable marketing and communications strategist, agreed, noting that publishers are putting out a lot more product on political issues compared to previous election seasons.

While Parable stores haven't seen this translate into bigger sales yet, Weyel anticipated that catalog promotions will generate interest. "People have their eyes on (political) selections much more than in the past," he said. "We are still ramping up."

Awareness is "gradually building," said Woodley Auguste, senior publicist for FrontLine, a Strang Communications imprint whose latest titles cover a diversity of issues important to Christian voters, including the Middle East and the environment. "As we approach the election we are going to find more and more people seeking answers from a Christian perspective."

Read the full report on publisher and retailer plans for political titles in the June 9 issue of Christian Retailing.

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