Simons Inks Six-Book Deal with Thomas Nelson
Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literary Agency sold world rights to Thomas Nelson’s MacKenzie Howard, executive editor for Children’s and Gift Book divisions, for six projects by bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons (When Strivings Cease). The deal includes a children’s book, two devotionals, a trade book, a lifestyle book, and a video study curriculum that will be published across three Nelson imprints. The first book is a children’s title slated for publication in fall 2024 by Tommy Nelson. Subsequent projects are expected in 2025 and 2026.
A Retelling of Tamar’s Story
Blythe Daniel of The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. sold world rights to Paraclete Press editor Lillian Miao for a novel, Ahoti! The Story of Tamar, by Israeli tour guide Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and writer Eva Marie Everson. The book, which is scheduled for publication in October 2023, retells the biblical story of King David’s daughter Tamar, who is determined to reclaim her life and purpose after she is raped.
Chalice Signs a ‘Slow Burn’
Trinity McFadden of The Bindery sold world-rights to acquisitions editor Brad Lyons of Chalice Press for the tentatively titled Slow Burn: Lighting the Way Back to Yourself after Everything You Thought You Knew Burns to the Ground, to be published in fall 2023. Authors Sarah Carter and Corinne Shark share how they confronted corruption in their respective evangelical churches and nonprofits and found healing after losing nearly everything in the fallout.
End Game Press Focuses on Dads
Author and agent Blythe Daniel, her son William Daniel, and her mother Helen McIntosh sold world rights to End Game Press’ owner Victoria Duerstock for the tentatively titled I Love You, Dad! Words to Honor and Humor You, slated for publication in spring 2024 and timed with Father’s Day. The book is designed to give dads a boost of encouragement, and it features questions fathers can ask their child or teen to connect better with them, according to the publisher. Blythe Daniel of The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. represented herself, son, and mother in the deal.
Broadleaf Explores a Mind-Body Connection
Broadleaf Books acquisitions editor Lisa Kloskin took world rights from Hannah Bowman at Liza Dawson Associates to an untitled book by Dianna E. Anderson. The book will explore self-awareness and “the fear of the body in American culture,” according to Broadleaf, and it is scheduled for publication in fall 2024.
Whitaker ‘Speaks the Unspeakable’
Whitaker House’s publisher Christine Whitaker took world rights from Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary to Elizabeth Good’s Speak the Unspeakable: Real Talk on Secrets, Sex, and Being Set Free, to be published in fall 2023. Good—a pastor, therapist, and not-for-profit activist working with sex trafficking victims—builds on her work and experiences with the Real Talk program and curriculum designed to help the global church face and prevent sexual trauma and scandal.
Worthy Finds a Name for Pain
Jenny Baumgartner, executive editor at Worthy Publishing, bought world rights from Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary to Your Pain Has a Name: A Therapist’s Guide to Reclaiming Your Story by Monica DiCristina, a licensed professional counselor and host of the Still Becoming podcast. According to Worthy, the book provides therapeutic strategies and insights aimed at empowering readers to name and validate their experiences. Publication is planned for fall 2024.
