The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced 36 finalists in seven categories for the 2014 Christian Book Award program. In addition to the category awards, the 2014 Christian Book of the Year, will be bestowed upon one title from all nominees, according to overall impact in the marketplace.

“The Christian Book Awards program is the great equalizer: recognizing excellence among the year’s Christian titles whether the marketing budgets are large or small, the author is known or unknown, or the publisher size large or small,” said ECPA President and CEO Mark Kuyper.

Authors Richard and Renee Stearns were honored with two nominations for titles in the Children’s category and in Inspiration. Thomas Nelson had the highest number of finalists with seven titles, and small publisher Kingstone Comics received a first time nomination in the Children’s category for the graphic rendition of Randy Alcorn's Eternity.

Winners will be announced at the ECPA Awards & Anniversary Banquet on April 28 in Colorado Springs at Focus on the Family headquarters, the opening night of the ECPA Leadership Summit. ECPA will also celebrate its 40th anniversary that evening and include a reunion reception for industry alumni.

For the complete list of finalists, visit http://www.christianbookexpo.com/christianbookawards/finalists2014.php.