B&H Tackles the Classics
In a deal brokered directly with the author, B&H’s publisher for specialty products Clarissa Dufresne bought a series of guides to classic literature by Karen Swallow Prior (On Reading Well), an English professor at Liberty University. Each volume will feature an introduction as well as supplemental information intended to help readers “achieve greater understanding and appreciation” for selected works of literature, according to the publisher. The first two books in the series will be guides to Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, both slated for publication in March 2020. Though subject to change, additional titles in the series will include guides to Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Tess of D’Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy.
In another world rights deal, B&H’s associate publisher Taylor Combs bought two books by pastor and former NFL player Derwin Gray. The first yet-to-be-titled book is slated for publication in June 2020 and will explore teachings on happiness found in the Book of Matthew, while the second untitled book will focus on the Lord’s Prayer and is expected to go on sale in fall 2021. Alex Field of The Bindery represented the author in the deal.
Brazos Doubles Up
Brazos acquisition editor Katelyn Beaty took world rights from Lisa Jackson of Alive Literary Agency to two books by Brenda Salter McNeil (Roadmap to Reconciliation). The first book, tentatively titled Becoming Brave, is slated for publication in summer 2020, and it will draw on the biblical story of Esther in order to urge readers to address modern-day systemic injustices, according to the publisher. Information about the second book was not available.
Zondervan Chooses ‘Love or Work’
Acquiring editor Mick Silva took world rights from Christopher Ferebee of the Christopher Ferebee Agency to a book by Jeff Shinabarger, the founder of the nonprofit Plywood People, and his wife André Shinabarger, a physician's assistant. Slated for publication in August 2020, Love or Work features the authors’ personal experiences as well as research and data on working couples intended to shed light on the impact careers have on relationships and families.
