Month: October 2022

12 October

Kristin Chenoweth to release gift book I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts with Harper Celebrate on January 17

(Nashville, Tenn.) October 12 — Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actress, singer, and New York Times bestselling author Kristin Chenoweth’s I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts: Mini-Meditations for Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us will be published by Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus, on January 17, 2023.

Photo of Kristin Chenoweth by John Russo

I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts is a high-design, colorful gift book packed with Kristin’s hilarious and insightful philosophical-ish musings on connection, creativity, loss, love, and closure, which appear alongside intimate stories from Kristin’s personal and professional life. 

“I think we can all agree that what this tired world needs right now is one big celebration,” said Kristin.  “You bring the champagne, and I’ll bring this book, which is my gift to you: a celebration of whatever makes this day joyful, a mini-vacation from whatever makes it a challenge.”

“When I first met Kristin, it was her warmth, humor, and friendliness that immediately made me feel like we’d been friends for years,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president and publisher, Harper Celebrate.  “That’s what is most exciting about I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts.  Through this creative and immersive book format, the reader comes alongside Kristin like a good friend to glean her thoughts on love, purpose, career, and more – all with the goal of adding a little more joy to life.”

Singer, songwriter, actress, and friend Ariana Grande provides an introduction. I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts will be available for purchase in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook with Kristin narrating on January 17, 2023.  

Kristin will celebrate the upcoming publication of I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts at a TalkShopLive pre-sale event LIVE at 6:00pm EST on Sunday, October 23, with guest host actress Kathy Najimy. Attendees who purchase a copy of the book during the TalkShopLive event will receive a signed book and commemorative holiday card.  For more information, visit talkshop.live/channels/kristinchenoweth.

I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts was acquired for Harper Celebrate by Danielle Peterson from Richard Abate at 3 Arts Entertainment.    

About Kristin Chenoweth: 

Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actress, singer, and New York Times bestselling author Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover, and stage. She received an Emmy® Award for her role in Pushing Daisies, won a Tony® Award for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and received a Tony® Award nomination for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked. Kristin has released multiple albums, including The Art of Elegance and For the Girls, and has performed to sold-out audiences across the world. Notable TV and film credits include Schmigadoon!, West Wing, Descendants, and her Emmy®-award nominated role on Glee; and Holidate, Deck the Halls, RV, and Four Christmases. She is the author of the bestselling books What Will I Do with My Love Today and A Little Bit Wicked. In partnership with the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (BAPAC) Foundation, she launched her annual Broadway Bootcamp for young Broadway hopefuls. Kristin is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Master’s degree in Opera Performance. She is an inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and in 2015 she received a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

About Harper Celebrate:

Harper Celebrate publishes projects such as daily readers; lifestyle books on topics like hospitality, home decorating, organization, and crafting; journals; photography-driven books and anthologies; poetry; mindfulness; and occasion-focused books such as holiday celebrations, graduation, and gifts for special persons. For more information, visit www.harpercollinsfocus.com/harper-celebrate.

About HarperCollins Focus:

HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company’s mission is to inspire the world with content that equips people to lead lives of significance, integrity and purpose. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information go to www.harpercollinsfocus.com.

Media Contact:  

MacKenzie Collier

Publicity Director, Harper Celebrate

tel:   615.902.1645

web:  [email protected]

03 October

HarperCollins Focus acquires Cider Mill Press Book Publishers

(October 3, 2022) Nashville, Tenn. — HarperCollins Focus today announced its acquisition of Cider Mill Press Book Publishers, an independent publisher of quality, high-design, gift books. Cider Mill Press specializes in cookbooks, elegant wine and spirits projects, humor books, and children’s classics, supporting Focus’ overall objective to expand its growing gift and children’s product offering. Cider Mill Press and Applesauce Press, the company’s children’s brand, will become imprints within the HarperCollins Focus portfolio.

As part of the acquisition’s close, Cider Mill’s founder, John Whalen Jr. will continue working with the company in a consultancy role.  Whalen Jr. is a 39-year publishing veteran who launched the company in 2005 after working for publishing houses such as Simon and Schuster, MacMillan, Running Press and the Perseus Publishing Group throughout his career. His son, John Whalen III, will join HarperCollins Focus as v-p, publisher of both Cider Mill Press and Applesauce Press imprints. Prior to the acquisition, Whalen III was responsible for all operational oversight, including production, purchasing, international and domestic import logistics, and digital optimization, cultivating sales relationships, and expanding its editorial reach into new markets. Whalen has been with the company full-time since 2018. 

John Whalen III, VP Publisher, Cider Mill Press and Applesauce Press

Whalen, Jr. said, “This is a great moment in Cider Mill’s history. This acquisition will help support the company’s outstanding growth and expedite its expansion into new distribution channels. Finding a partner that would understand the unique and creative nature of Cider Mill’s in-house publishing program, support the existing team that has been instrumental in its success, while providing a level of publishing talent, expertise, and established systems that the company could leverage for continued success was paramount. Within minutes of meeting with their team, both John III and I knew they would be the perfect partner. Naturally, I am incredibly grateful to turn the publishing reins over to my son, John, as he’s been an instrumental part of the Cider Mill Press history since its founding.”

Laura Michew, SVP Publisher, HarperCollins Focus Children’s and Gift Books

Laura Minchew, senior v-p, group publisher for HarperCollins Focus Children’s and Gift books will oversee the Cider Mill publishing operation within HarperCollins. “We are thrilled to welcome Cider Mill Press to HarperCollins Focus,” commented Minchew.  “Cider Mill is known for creative product development, high quality production, and excellent service that customers appreciate. John Whalen Jr. created a remarkable publishing program for Cider Mill.  John Whalen III’s passion and in-depth knowledge of the imprint’s products will allow us to continue their unique approach to proprietary and custom product development.  Their gift books, cookbooks, and creative children’s books, like the New York Times bestselling edition of The Night Before Christmas, are an excellent addition to the HarperCollins Focus growing content line.”

Current distribution and fulfillment agreements for Cider Mill Press will remain in place for a six-month period, including Simon and Schuster. Booksellers’ orders will continue business as usual, until further notice.

Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips Investment Bank acted as exclusive financial advisor to Cider Mill Press Book Publishers.

About HarperCollins Focus:

HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, based in Nashville, TN. The company works with a broad network of booksellers, appealing to readers with content that uplifts through celebration, culinary entertainment, community, family, optimism, humor, advice, and motivation. Current publishing imprints include Blink, Harper Celebrate, HarperCollins Leadership, Harper Horizon, Harper Muse, Harper Select, Cider Mill Press, and Applesauce Press. HarperCollins Focus is a HarperCollins Publishers company, which is a subsidiary of News Corp (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). For more information go to www.harpercollinsfocus.com.

Media Contact:  Casey Harrell  Vice President, Corporate Communications
[email protected]