Purity Culture Deconstructed
Stephanie Duncan Smith, executive editor of Baker Books, bought world rights to Recovering from Purity Culture by licensed psychologist and therapist Dr. Camden Morgante. The deal was brokered by Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary. Drawing on therapeutic tools, research, and personal experience, Morgante deconstructs five myths of purity culture and presents ways to help Christians repair the movement’s harmful effects, overcome shame, and reconstruct healthier faith and sexuality. The book is planned for fall 2024.
Natasha Smith brings more titles to IVP
Nilwona Nowlin, associate editor at IVP, has signed a two-book, world rights deal via Mary DeMuth of Mary DeMuth Literary with Natasha Smith (Can You Just Sit With Me?, IVP, Sept.) for the tentatively titled Black Woman Grief, with a projected spring 2025 release. The second book is still in the planning stages. According to Smith, the book “will bring hope and healing amid the grief that comes along with being a Black Woman in America.” Smith’s work has appeared in Focus on the Family and TODAY Parents.
Record Producer Turned Pastor to Pilgrim Press
The Pilgrim Press, the publishing arm of the United Church of Christ, has signed a world rights deal with Rev. Dr. Christopher Michael Jones for his memoir, A Sacred Storm. Jones, a theologian, a former multi-platinum record producer, and pastor, shares how God redirected the course of his life. It's planned for May 2024. No acquiring editor was named and the author is unagented.
Building the Church-Parachurch Partnership
Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary has negotiated a world rights deal with Al Hsu, associate editorial director for IVP, for a new book by Angie Ward (Uncharted Leadership, IVP, Aug.) titled The Whole Church for the Whole Word, scheduled for spring 2025 release. Ward, a regular contributor to Christianity Today leadership publications and director of the doctor of ministry program at Denver Seminary, explores the roles of church and parachurch leaders and challenges them to engage in generous partnerships.
Howard Takes Bible Adventure for Kids
Linda Howard, an associate publisher for children and youth at Tyndale House Publishers, has acquired world rights to Let’s Go Bible Adventures by Valerie Ellis, with Carolina Farias to illustrate. Written for ages 2-5, the book uses cars, trains, cement mixers, boats, hot-air balloons, and tractors to engage children in reading Old and New Testament Bible stories, with the message that things may change but God’s love remains constant. Publication is scheduled for early 2025. Annette Bourland at Bourland Strategic Advisors represented the author, and Mela Bolinao at MB Artists represented the illustrator.
WorthyKids Opens Board Book Series
Peggy Schaefer, associate publisher at WorthyKids, has bought, in a two-book deal, world rights to Baby Hope and Baby Courage by Maria Marianayagam and illustrated by Kat Uno. These are the first two installments in a board book series that introduces toddlers to biblical virtues. Publication for both is slated for spring 2024. Alice Fugate at the Joy Harris Literary Agency represented the author and Kayla Cichello at Upstart Crow Literary represented the illustrator.
