Tag: Michael Aulisio

 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]

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 

(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.

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]

(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]

Michael Aulisio appointed VP of Marketing

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 12, 2019—Today it was announced that Laura Minchew has been appointed to senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) and HarperCollins Focus (HC Focus). In her expanded role, Minchew will be responsible for the overall strategy for all children’s and gift books for both companies, a member of the executive leadership team, and reporting directly to the president and CEO of HCCP and HC Focus, Mark Schoenwald.

In this new role, Minchew will be leading the direction for Tommy Nelson, Zonderkidz, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift publishing as well as Blink YA books and launching the strategy and publishing program for children’s and gift products under HarperCollins Focus.

Under this expanded structure the companies will share best practices in marketing, editorial, design, and publishing operations on books that specialize in children’s and gift book products, while continuing to maintain the uniqueness of each consumer facing publishing imprint.   This approach optimizes expertise around complementary products and sets a strong foundation for creating children’s and gift products for the general market through HarperCollins Focus.

Minchew is a publishing veteran with more than thirty years in the industry. For the past seven years, she has led the Specialty Publishing division for HarperCollins Christian Publishing which includes the Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson Gift, and Zondervan Gift imprints. Under her leadership the company has published titles such as Jesus Calling by Sarah Young with sales of more than 30 million units, in addition to children’s and gift books with Max Lucado, Billy Graham, Joanna Gaines, Kathie Lee Gifford, Chris Tomlin, Emily Ley, Lysa TerKeurst, Bob and Lindsey Goff, amongst others.

Schoenwald commented, “Laura has a keen sense for what readers are searching for in terms of quality, content, and inspiration. The children’s and gift group publisher model will bring better awareness and positive collaboration between similar business operations, while continuing to create focus around the individual brands.”

“Our business is committed to inspirational children’s and gift publishing,” said Minchew. “We are investing in resources and working together to navigate the best approach to create a center of excellence that enables us to grow in a changing market. We will leverage our strengths to attract and support leading authors, illustrators and create new brands. Our future is bright, and I am extremely honored to have this opportunity.”

In addition, Michael Aulisio, former vice president of marketing for Tommy Nelson and Gift books for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, will become the vice president of marketing for the children’s and gift group of HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus, where he will set and oversee the execution of marketing across the children’s and gift divisions.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher and comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

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 is based in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com.