"Heaven Is for Real" Best Seller Reaches One Million eBooks Sold

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has taken the publishing world by storm since its release in November 2010. In addition to being ranked near the top on numerous best seller lists, Thomas Nelson, Inc., reports that the book also has sold more than one million eBooks – the first Thomas Nelson, Inc., title to reach this sales mark. According to PubTracks, the only other two books to reach this mark are The Help and Water for Elephants – both titles that had the marketing support of a major motion picture (please note not all publishers report to PubTracks).

"From the beginning of the published book, there has been a special place for any release that passes the rare milestone of one million copies," says Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson, Inc. "Even today, few accomplish that feat each year. To have a book pass that milestone in the digital space alone is both an honor for Thomas Nelson and a sign of our expanding industry. It shows that an amazing story and strong word of mouth can still move millions of books, regardless of the chosen format. As a publisher, I couldn't be more excited about the growing discoverability of books and the power that the printed word still has to change lives."

"Heaven Is for Real" is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later while passing by the same hospital that saved him, Colton begins talking about his experiences during surgery and making a trip to heaven. The family didn't know what to believe, but soon the evidence was clear.

Written in the first-person narrative of Colton's father, Todd, with New York Times best-selling author Lynn Vincent, "Heaven Is for Real" walks readers through the revelation of Colton's trip, his parent's initial uncertainties and the lessons learned by such a small child.

For the week of April 8, "Heaven Is for Real" will be listed as the #1 "nonfiction paperback" on the New York Times Best Seller List – its 58th week (non-consecutive) in the top spot and a record for Thomas Nelson, Inc. The book has also reached No. 1 on the following lists since its release: USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, National Public Radio, Christian Booksellers Association and Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

"Heaven Changes Everything: Living Every Day with Eternity in Mind," a devotional reader, will be released in October 2012. A deluxe hardcover edition of "Heaven Is for Real" is one of a trio of products by the Burpo family released by Thomas Nelson, Inc in November 2011. "Heaven is for Real DVD-based Conversation Kit" features footage of the Burpo family talking about their experiences while offering discussion questions and suggestions for participants. "Heaven is for Real for Kids" offers Colton's incredible story for children ages 4-8 with breathtaking images and heartfelt content that helps parents talk to their children about heaven. It has spent three weeks on the top of the New York Times best seller list.

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. His wife Sonja is a children's minister, busy pastor's wife and mom. Colton, an active twelve year old, has an older sister, Cassie, and a younger brother, Colby.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times best-selling writer of "Same Kind of Different as Me" and "Going Rogue: An American Life." The author or coauthor of nine books, Vincent worked for eleven years as senior writer, then features editor, at the national news biweekly WORLD Magazine where she covered politics, culture and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lynn is also a lecturer in writing at the World Journalism Institute and The King's College in New York City.

Thomas Nelson, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, TN, is one of the leading trade publishers in the United States. The Company has become the world's leading provider of "inspirational" content, with product distribution in over 100 countries, including: books, eBooks, journals, audio, video, curriculum, digital applications for "smart" electronic devices and live events. For more information, please visit www.thomasnelsoncorporate.com.

SOURCE Thomas Nelson, Inc.