Ten years ago, Tristan Publishing launched at the Upper Midwest Booksellers Association fall trade show with a single release, entitled, appropriately enough, Beginning by Warren Hanson, a prose poem about the combination of fear and excitement one feels when starting something new. This week, with 50 titles in print by the end of 2012, the publisher of inspirational books for all ages is building up steam for a blowout celebration, to be held this fall at its Minneapolis headquarters.

As far as publisher Brett Waldman is concerned, however, the party is beginning right here at BEA. Tristan is introducing six fall releases. “It’s always a joy to create a new author and to bring them to the world. That’s always exciting for us,” Waldman tells Show Daily, explaining that Tristan was launched in 2002 to publish books that contain messages that touch hearts and lives.

Include Papa’s New Home by Jessica Lynn Curtis (Nov.), Words to Live By by Sarah Kroenke (Nov.), and Hope Heals by Daena Esterbrooks and Sarah Kroenke (Nov.). Fall releases by veteran Tristan authors include peace in peace out by Joan Steffend (Sept.), What Really Matters by Warren Hanson (Nov.), and Home by Jodi Hills (Nov.).

Tristan’s four employees and stable of freelancers include Waldman’s wife of 10 years, Sheila Waldman, who left a high-powered job in corporate America four years ago to join Tristan as v-p of sales, marketing, and relationships.

“This little Tristan raided a Fortune 72 company,” Brett Waldman jokes, while discussing how mixing Sheila Waldman’s business acumen with his passion and publishing experience has resulted in success. The press’s bestsellers are A Cup of Christmas Tea by Thomas Hegg, with sales of 1.7 million, and The Next Place by Warren Hanson, 650,000 copies sold.