Tony Wales: Pioneer of Global Christian Publishing
Renowned publisher Tony Wales, co-founder of Lion Publishing, passed away on 28 October. Julia Cameron offers a tribute to his lasting impact.
In the realm of Christian literature, Tony Wales, alongside David and Pat Alexander, charted a new course with Lion Publishing, which uniquely targeted the general market rather than relying solely on Christian bookshops. Their mission was to reach audiences far beyond the church, particularly as the cultural shifts of the sixties led to a decline in biblical literacy.
Breaking new ground, Lion Publishing aimed to make Christian perspectives accessible in mainstream venues like WH Smiths and Barnes and Noble. They published a diverse array of books, covering topics from cookery to art, each free from religious jargon to appeal to a broad audience.
Joining the Alexanders in 1973, Tony Wales took on multifaceted responsibilities, ranging from book production to international sales. His role evolved as Lion’s catalogue expanded, eventually leading a team dedicated to forging international partnerships and extending their reach across continents, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Harnessing the potential of emerging color printing technology, Lion enabled global partners to insert translations into a shared design, ensuring high-quality production across different languages.
The publication of the Lion Handbook to the Bible in 1973 marked a significant milestone, with U.S. publisher Bill Eerdmans ordering 50,000 copies after previewing its proofs. This title has since achieved landmark status, selling over three million copies and being translated into 30 languages.
Another notable success, the Lion Children’s Bible, expanded into 40 languages, including Mongolian, where it became a bestseller shortly after its release. The Bible’s popularity in Mongolia coincided with the planting of the first church in 1991, highlighting its significant cultural influence.
Born in the Belgian Congo in 1944 to missionary parents, Tony Wales returned to the UK at age ten. Initially considering journalism, he shifted to publishing, starting with roles at Rupert Hart Davis and Thames and Hudson. By 22, he was Production Manager at IVP, later serving as a Travelling Secretary with the Inter-Varsity Fellowship.
He met his future wife, Sue Lightfoot, during a student conference, and they married in 1972. Sue would go on to become a researcher and lecturer in archaeology.
Lion’s strategy included collaborations with mainstream and diverse Christian publishers, translating works into approximately 200 languages. As a member of the Publishers’ Association, Tony contributed to its International Committee, involving himself in trade missions to China and India.
With David Alexander, he attended book fairs in Leipzig and Warsaw pre-Communism collapse, and Lion established a U.S. office under his guidance, maintaining strong ties with East Asian markets.
Upon retiring in 2008, Tony continued to impact the publishing world through Media Associates International (MAI), assisting publishers in economically challenging regions and advocating for financial sustainability.
His dedication to MAI included fundraising efforts, including unique initiatives like ironing neighbors’ clothes and organizing a charity walk. He also contributed to the creation of the widely-used guide, Profit & Purpose: A Global Publisher’s Guide for Financial Sustainability.
Tony Wales’ influence on global Christian publishing is profound, leaving a legacy of innovation and accessibility that resonates worldwide.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
