22 February

Comedian, actor, writer, “Angry Retail Guy” Scott Seiss to publish debut book with Harper Celebrate

 THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS WRONG: An Unhinged Guide to Everything That Sucks About Work is on sale September 10, 2024

(Nashville, Tenn.) February 22  — Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus, has announced a forthcoming book with comedian, actor, former customer service employee, and writer Scott Seiss, creator of the viral “Angry Retail Guy” sketches. On sale September 10, 2024, The Customer Is Always Wrong: An Unhinged Guide to Everything That Sucks About Work (From an Angry Retail Guy) is a fully illustrated, hilariously cathartic ode to underpaid and overworked employees – and the customers who annoy them. 

Anyone who has ever worked in customer service (or any job, really) knows that everyone else—the customer, the boss, the company—is always right, and never the employee. The Customer Is Always Wrong expands on Scott’s ire-filled, laugh-out-loud viral videos, joyfully eviscerating not only overbearing customers, but every annoying aspect of work, including purposeless job interview questions, debatable brand values, phony mental health webinars, and the walking human trainwrecks that are our bosses. In The Customer Is Always Wrong, laugh (and maybe cry) at all the frustrating things that suck about work.

 “This is a literary rage room that people can flip through and laugh about in the back while their manager wonders where the hell they are,” said Scott. “I wrote it to celebrate the resilience and determination of workers everywhere—especially those in customer service who are often the hardest working (and most underappreciated) type of employee.” 

“Scott delivers the perfect combination of scorn, humor, and compassion in this book,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president and publisher, Harper Celebrate. “Anyone who has ever worked in an office, in retail, or had a day they’re not proud of as a shopper, will see themselves in these pages.”

Advance praise for The Customer Is Always Wrong includes: “Scott Seiss is a hilarious geyser of rage, cynicism and venom, all delivered with a Dundalk accent that could peel paint. I love him.” – New York Times bestselling author, comedian, and actor Patton Oswalt.

Scott’s signature rants, funny anecdotes, and absurd musings are paired with four-color illustrations in The Customer Is Always Wrong, a hilariously unhinged guide to all the things we wish we could say out loud at work . . . without getting fired. The Customer Is Always Wrong is available for preorder now. Find it wherever books are sold on September 10, 2024.

About Scott Seiss: Scott Seiss (aka “Angry Retail Guy”) is a comedian, actor, writer, and, of course, former customer service employee. He’s best known for his viral “Angry Retail Guy” sketches, which have garnered millions of views online. He’s headlined comedy clubs across the country, and, notably, has opened for Patton Oswalt, Joe Gatto, Roy Wood Jr., and Josh Wolf. He appeared in Cocaine Bear directed by Elizabeth Banks, as well as Randall Park’s directorial debut Shortcomings. Scott lives in Baltimore, Maryland, when he’s not on tour for his stand-up comedy. For more information, visit www.scottseiss.com. 

About Harper Celebrate: Harper Celebrate publishes projects such as daily readers; lifestyle books; cookbooks; journals; photography-driven books and anthologies; poetry; mindfulness; and occasion/holiday-focused books. 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, visit www.harpercollinsfocus.com.

Contact:  MacKenzie Collier, Publicity Director, Harper Celebrate, [email protected]

11 January

Stephanie Quayle shares powerful story of toxic relationship in new book WHY DO WE STAY?

Singer/songwriter Stephanie Quayle teams up with psychologist W. Keith Campbell to write intimate and practical guide to relationship recovery

January 11, 2024 (Nashville, TN) —Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus, has announced a forthcoming book with country artist Stephanie Quayle, on sale in April 2024.  WHY DO WE STAY?: How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Freedom combines gripping storytelling and clinical research from psychologist Dr. W. Keith Campbell to offer a compassionate and practical resource to relationship recovery.  New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt says, “Many of us know someone or have found ourselves in a relationship that we know isn’t right. [Stephanie] wrote this book to help others who might find themselves in a toxic relationship, and I know with Stephanie’s honesty and vulnerability, this book will do just that.”

When Stephanie lost her boyfriend in a plane crash, she faced intense grief and pain. Nothing compared, though, to the shock of discovering she had not been the only woman in his life. As her world unraveled around her, Stephanie realized that it had actually been unraveling from the start of their relationship—back when he promised her everything.  In WHY DO WE STAY, Stephanie shares her own story to explain how to spot a toxic relationship, how to get out, and how to heal.  With additional evidence-based advice from mental health expert Dr. Campbell, readers will find tips on identifying warning signs, narcissism, compulsive lying, and gaslighting; making changes; and finding healing and freedom.  

“I know what it’s like to be in the trenches,” says Stephanie. “I’m familiar with what it feels like to be shamed, blamed, minimized, disrespected, love bombed, and gaslighted, because I was in a toxic relationship for years.  I’m excited to welcome readers into my story because I want them to find the healing I fought fourteen years to find.” 

“Quayle writes movingly and transparently about the deep psychological scars experienced in a relationship and the many years it took to heal the subsequent wounds,” says Joshua Miller, PhD, psychologist and professor, University of Georgia. “Dr. Campbell, one of the world’s foremost experts in the study of narcissism, defines psychological terms and discusses strategies for coping with wounds left from these relationships.”

WHY DO WE STAY?: How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Freedom is available for preorder now.  Learn more at HarperCollinsFocus.com/Harper-Celebrate/Why-Do-We-Stay/.  Find WHY DO WE STAY on sale wherever books are sold on sale April 30, 2024.

About Stephanie Quayle: Stephanie Quayle is a touring recording artist based in Nashville, whose music resonates with audiences worldwide. Additionally, she’s a successful entrepreneur, proudly owning her own record label, Big Sky Music Group. Rolling Stone Country called her “an artist you need to know,” CMT named her as part of its “Next Women of Country” franchise, and she’s appeared on popular programs like “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and” The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” As an indie artist with two Billboard charted singles, “Selfish” and “Whatcha Drinkin ’Bout,” she has repeatedly performed at CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry. The Montana native has teamed up with recognizable brands like Wrangler, Harley-Davidson, Bass Pro Shops, Montana Silversmiths, as well as Lucchese Bootmaker in the creation of her exclusive boot line. Quayle’s latest album On the Edge chronicles her personal experience in a toxic relationship and the healing she’s gone through since —inspiring others and redefining her future. For more information, visit www.stephaniequayle.com.

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, visit www.harpercollinsfocus.com.

Contact:

MacKenzie Collier, Harper Celebrate, [email protected]

19 July

Dionne Warwick to publish gift book with Harper Celebrate

Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus, has announced a forthcoming book with six-time Grammy Award–winning musical icon Dionne Warwick.  Set to release in January 2025, the full-color book—tentatively titled What the World Needs Now: Messages of Love and Hope (But No Advice Cause No One Listens Anyway)—will include heartfelt, humorous, and wisdom-filled stories from Dionne’s personal and professional life, alongside positive affirmations—and classic Dionne-isms. 

“Harper Celebrate is giving me an opportunity to give you an insight into my feelings about love, joy, hope and inspiration,” said Dionne Warwick.   “Some quite serious and most with a touch of humor.  I’m excited to share with all of you!”

“Dionne is an iconic figure in American music and culture,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president and publisher, Harper Celebrate.  “We’re thrilled that she’s bringing her distinctive voice to the page.  Her signature sophistication, poignancy, and wit is electric.” 

What the World Needs Now was acquired for Harper Celebrate by Danielle Peterson.

About Dionne Warwick: Iconic entertainer Dionne Warwick is receiving a Kennedy Center Honor in 2023 in celebration of her 60 years in the business. Six-time Grammy winner and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dionne is recording a new gospel album, “Songs of Inspiration,” produced by her multiple Grammy-winning/Oscar-nominated son Damon Elliott and scheduled for a fall release. The album’s first two singles are a duet with Dolly Parton, “Peace Like A River,” which Dolly wrote and Damon produced. On Mother’s Day the second single, “I Kneel,” was released sung by Dionne and Damon and featuring Grammy-winning gospel artist and minister Donnie McClurkin. The “Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over” documentary is currently streaming on HBO Max.  Dionne has been dubbed the “Queen Of Twitter” for her outspoken comments on social media for which SNL does a recurring parody skit.

During her career, Dionne has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. She is the second most-charted female vocalist during the rock era and ranks #74 on the Billboard Hot 100’s “Greatest Artists of All Time.”  Warwick has been inducted into the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the R&B Music Hall of Fame and the Apollo Theatre Walk Of Fame. She has been a philanthropist throughout her career.  Two examples of which include the total proceeds from the royalties and sales of “That’s What Friends Are For” raising millions of dollars for AMFAR and her current work to mentor youngsters with musical talent through her Kind Music Academy. She is a former Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization.

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, visit www.harpercollinsfocus.com.

Contacts:

MacKenzie Collier, Publicity Director, Harper Celebrate

[email protected]  |  615.902.1645 

Maureen O’Connor, Maureen O’Connor PR LLC

[email protected]  |  818.399.4774 

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]

22 September

Harper Celebrate acquires new lifestyle medicine book from bestselling author Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson

Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson

(Nashville, Tenn.) — Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus, today announced the acquisition of Glow: 90 Days to Create Your Vibrant Life from Within, an integrative medicine daily reader with bestselling author Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, a pioneer of functional and integrative medicine.

Scheduled to release in summer of 2023, this beautifully designed book features Dr. Stephenson’s holistic 90-day VIBRANT strategy – a roadmap for living intentionally and joyfully and glowing from the inside out. Dr. Stephenson’s accessible VIBRANT plan incorporates mindfulness practices into daily rhythms, focusing on Voice, Intuition, Balance, Rejuvenation, Abundance, Nurturing, and Thankfulness.

“Dr. Stephenson’s whole-person approach to wellness is remarkable in both its scope and approachability,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president and publisher, Harper Celebrate. “Glow will incorporate Dr. Stephenson’s breadth of knowledge and positive spirit into an actionable formula readers can use to start and end their days—keeping them focused on being mentally and emotionally healthy, balanced, and achieving their goals.”

“It’s an honor to join the Harper Celebrate team alongside such an incredible stable of impressive and groundbreaking authors,” said Dr. Stephenson. “Part of the reason I left private practice was because I wanted to help more people than I could feasibly treat in a single day, week, or even month. First with Vibrant, and now with Glow, I’m thrilled to help people implement intentional living and across the globe. No matter where you are in your health journey, I hope that my new book will help you take that first step toward discovering a more joyful, fulfilled, and luminous you.”

Glow: 90 Days to Create Your Vibrant Life from Within was acquired for Harper Celebrate by Kathleen Breaux from Heidi Krupp at Krupp.

About Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson:

Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson is a recognized leader in functional medicine focused on integrative, regenerative, anti-aging, and natural medicine modalities. In addition to her functional medicine and anti-aging board certifications, she is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. Dr. Stephenson is dedicated to making integrative medicine concepts and optimal wellness accessible to all. She spent close to 15 years in private practice before she was named Chair of Functional Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She is also a board member for the American Nutritional Association, an ambassador for the American Heart Association, and the Vice Chair of Gateway for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding breakthrough cancer research and early stage clinical trials. She is the author of the national bestseller, Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow. She resides in the midwest with her husband and children. For more information visit VibrantDoc.com and follow Dr. Stephenson at instagram.com/drsjstephenson.

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 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 Harpercollinsfocus.com.

Media Contact:

MacKenzie Collier

Publicity Director, Harper Celebrate

tel: 615.902.1645

web: [email protected]

03 November

Harper Celebrate signs inaugural authors to its roster

Authors include actress and singer, Kristin Chenoweth

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 3, 2021—Harper Celebrate, the newest imprint of HarperCollins Focus, today announced the acquisition of three standout authors: Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer, Kristin Chenoweth; Daytime Emmy Award-winning television host and acclaimed pop-vocalist, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, and team therapist for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, Dr. Corey Yeager who was also featured on Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry’s The Me You Can’t See docuseries.

Kristin Chenoweth: Photo taken by John Russo

“When acquiring the imprint’s debut authors, we sought out people from diverse experiences and backgrounds who could help readers celebrate all aspects of life. Kristin Chenoweth, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, and Dr. Corey Yeager are all we could have hoped for and more.” said Michael Aulisio, vice president and publisher for Harper Celebrate.

Kristin Chenoweth, widely known for originating the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway smash-hit, Wicked, is an Emmy and Tony Award winner, with an expansive career in film, television, voiceover, and stage. She has performed to sold-out audiences across the world and currently stars in the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon!  Her hilarious and insightful gift book, I’m No Philosopher, But I Have Thoughts:  For Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us, with Harper Celebrate is set to release in winter 2023.

Chenoweth commented on the Harper Celebrate partnership, “I think we can all agree that what this tired world needs right now is one big celebration, and I’m so thrilled to partner with Harper Celebrate to do my part to bring a little hope, humor, and vulnerability to a world that’s in need of it. You bring the champagne, and I’ll bring my thoughts.”  

Adrienne Bailon-Houghton

Adrienne Bailon-Houghton is a Daytime Emmy Award and NAACP Image Award-winning television host, acclaimed pop-vocalist, lifestyle personality, producer, and founder of the jewelry brand XIXI, and luxury vegan handbag label La Voûte. She co-hosts The Real, a daily talk show on FOX Television stations. Bailon-Houghton launched her YouTube channel, All Things Adrienne, in 2018. Since its launch, the channel has grown to more than 1 million subscribers and has generated more than 62 million total views. Her lifestyle book, Happily Ever Adrienne: Celebrate Style, Beauty, Health and Hospitality All Year Long, is set to release in spring 2023.

“I’m so excited to be publishing with Harper Celebrate,” remarked Bailon-Houghton. “We are creating a book that will truly celebrate the essence of life – from the tips and tricks of fashion to the relationships that make life happy and rewarding.”

Dr. Corey Yeager

Dr. Corey Yeager, is a widely known and respected licensed therapist. He not only serves as the team therapist and life coach for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons but was also recently showcased on the Oprah and Prince Harry The Me You Can’t See docuseries on Apple TV+. Dr. Yeager is passionate about leading meaningful dialogue on the subjects of race and racism, which has led to collaborations with USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Saint Cloud State University, The Smithsonian Institute, and more. His book, How Am I Doing?:  40 Conversations to Have with Yourself  will help jumpstart a conversation on mental wellness and will release in fall 2022.

“I am very excited about the blossoming collaboration with Harper Celebrate,” said Yaeger. “The book we are creating will facilitate a meaningful conversation about mental wellness, with people working to better understand the most important person they know…themselves!

“Harper Celebrate was created to uplift and celebrate the people, occasions, interests, and gifts in our reader’s lives,” continued Aulisio.  “Kristin, Adrienne, and Dr. Corey perfectly exemplify the heart of this imprint, and I cannot wait to get their books in the hands of readers.”

For media inquiries, contact [email protected].