‘Ice Man’ Lands at Sounds True

Jennifer Y. Brown at Sounds True bought world rights from agents Jaidree Braddix and Celeste Fine of Park & Fine to The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete known as the “Ice Man” for his record-breaking endurance of cold temperatures. Hof, who was the subject of 2016’s What Doesn’t Kill Us (Rodale), will detail the health benefits of his techniques as well as a “vision for spiritual awakening and cultural evolution,” according to Sounds True. The book is expected to be released in September 2020.

WaterBrook Signs a Comedian’s Debut

In a world rights deal, executive v-p and publisher Tina Constable and lead acquisition editor Andrew Stoddard of WaterBrook bought the first book by stand-up comedian John Crist. In it, Crist will apply his sense of humor to observations of his Christian upbringing and the challenges of being a millennial. Albert Lee at the United Talent Agency represented Crist in the deal, and the yet-to-be-titled book is slated for publication in spring 2020.

Facebook Strategist Doubles Up at Zondervan

Acquisition editors Stephanie Smith and Ryan Pazdur and v-p of marketing Tom Dean of Zondervan signed a two-book, world rights deal with Nona Jones, head of faith-based partnerships at Facebook. The first book, Success from the Inside Out, is a guide to overcoming trauma and building a successful life, according to the publisher. It’s slated for publication in January 2020. The second book, From Social Media to Social Ministry, explores ways that churches can use digital opportunities for outreach, and it’s scheduled to be released in September 2020. No agent was involved.

WJK Starts ‘Practicing’

Jessica Miller Kelly at Westminster John Knox bought world rights to Practicing: Be the Change You Want to See in the World by pastor and blogger Kathy Escobar. The spring 2020 book will feature 10 practices, such as listening, that can deepen relationships with one’s self, others, and God, according to the publisher. Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Management represented the author in the deal.

Discovery House Finds a ‘Home’

Discovery House's Miranda Gardner bought world rights directly from father and son authors James Banks and Geoff Banks to One Prodigal Home. Scheduled for publication in spring 2020, the book tells the story of James’s prayers regarding his son’s heroin addiction, and Geoff’s eventual transformation into a youth pastor, according to the publisher.