Actress’s Novel Series to IVP
Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial for IVP, has inked world rights for a two-book deal with actress, writer, and podcaster Keelia Clarkson, who was represented by Don Pape of Pape Commons. The first book in the contemporary fiction series is tentatively titled Avila Falls and is tentatively set for release in spring 2026. Ghostwriter Jane Caldwell must return home to tiny Avila Falls, Colorado, leaving behind a NYC life she thought she loved. But a night accidently spent in a bookstore with her high school crush reveals that the formerly-nerdy Jane and the former It Guy Noah have more in common than they expected. Book two, not yet titled, is scheduled to release about a year after the first book.
Convergent Takes Pair’s Next Picture Book
Victoria Robb Powers and Cameron Vickrey, (My Love, God Is Everywhere), founders of the Reverend Mamas blog about faith formation for moms who are also pastors, have signed a world-rights contract with Kimberly Von Fange, associate editor of Convergent for My Love, Keep Your Wonder, illustrated by Joanna Carilla. The authors and illustrator were presented by Jonathan Merritt at the Christopher Ferebee Agency. The picture book for ages 3-8 encourages children to celebrate the God of wonder, mystery, and grace. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027.
Tyndale Signs Two by Mental Health Expert
Trinity McFadden of The Bindery has negotiated a world-rights deal with acquiring editor Jon Farrar of Tyndale for a pair of books by Jacob Coyne, founder of Stay Here, a mental health organization, and a Christian content creator with more than 2.6 million followers. The first book is tentatively titled The Secret Life of Christians: How to Authentically Pursue Jesus, Especially When No One’s Watching and will release in 2026. The book will help readers break free from ambition and hidden sin and instead focus on finding Jesus in secret places, solitude, and the ordinary aspects of life, according to the publisher. The second book’s title and release date are undecided.
Two Books by DC Pastor to Multnomah
Aaron Graham, lead pastor of The District Church in Washington, D.C. will publish two books with Multnomah. The world-rights deal was negotiated between Bryan Norman at Alive Literary Agency, who represents the author, and Drew Dixon, executive editor at Multnomah. Seven Lies Christians Believe: Why They're So Deceptive, Dangerous, and Defeatable, scheduled for release in spring 2026, tackles the mistaken beliefs that lead increasing numbers of millennials and Gen Z Christians to move away from orthodox faith. It offers a path to engage culture without being co-opted by it, according to the publisher. The second book’s title and release date are to be decided.
