Petersen Moves to Nelson
Andrew Stoddard, v-p and publisher of Nelson Books, and Janet Talbert, executive editor at the press, secured world rights from agent Austin Wilson of Wolgemuth & Wilson to two new books by Tori Hope Petersen. Her debut book, Fostered, was published by B&H and appeared on PW’s Religion Nonfiction Bestsellers list last year. The first book in the deal, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, will be released in February 2025. It features Petersen’s struggle with codependency and her healing process in an effort to serve as a roadmap for others, according to the publisher. The second, untitled book is slated for publcation in 2026, and will be based on her branded phrase: “I love you already.”
Felicetti Sells Two to Eerdmans
Lisa Ann Cockrel, acquisition editor at Eerdmans Publishing, acquired world rights from Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary to two new books by author and Episcopal priest Elizabeth Felicetti (Unexpected Abundance). The first title, Saints of Mothers and Lost Things, is a memoir that embraces and then subverts the “cancer warrior” narrative; the second, Shouting and Doubting with John the Baptist, is a 40-day devotional inspired by the prophet’s fiery calls to repentance. They are scheduled for publication in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Brazos Finds ‘Work’
Tom Dean with A Drop of Ink Literary negotiated a world rights deal with Katelyn Beaty, editorial director of Brazos Press, for The Story of Your Work by Tom Nelson, president of Made to Flourish, a nonprofit that aims to helps church leaders equip congregants for life in the workplace. Slated for publication in spring 2025, the book offers a theological study of professional life, addresses changes in how Americans work—including hybrid models and gig economy, and explores “how God shapes our lives through our work amid change and precarity,” according to the publisher.
A Woodcut Artist Lands at Broadleaf
Broadleaf Books acquisition editor Valerie Weaver-Zercher bought world rights to Everything Could be a Prayer: One Hundred Portraits of Saints and Mystics by woodcut artist Kreg Yingst. The book will contain full-color block prints of 100 Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox mystics, contemplatives, and activists—such as Teresa of Avila, Howard Thurman, Black Elk, and Simon of Cyrene—paired with scriptures, meditations, and prayers. Yingst, who curates the popular Instagram account @psalmprayers, represented himself in the deal. The book is scheduled for publication in October 2024.
B&H Kids Celebrates Adoption
Lauren Groves, acquisitions editor at Lifeway Christian Resources/B&H Kids, acquired world rights from Karen Neumair at Credo Communications to All the Babies: A First Book About Adoption by Kate Rietema, to be illustrated by Holly Sterling, who was represented by Robbin Brosterman at The Bright Agency. The board book, for ages 0-5, aims to help families celebrate adoption “and how God makes every baby special,” according to the publisher. Publication is scheduled for October 2024.
IVP Kids Signs First Board Book
IVP Kids acquiring editor Elissa Schauer bought world rights to the publisher’s first board book, Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World by Tara Hackney. The book, for ages 3 months to 4 years, features updated lyrics to the classic song and colorful images of children around the world. Hackney, who did not use an agent, has traveled the world reading to and teaching children about God. The board book will release in winter 2025.
Brazos Gets ‘Fully Alive’ in English
Sophie Lambert with C&W Agency sold English-language rights in the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines to Katelyn Beaty, editorial director for Brazos Press, for Elizabeth Oldfield’s Fully Alive. The book is scheduled for publication in summer 2024, simultaneously with the U.K. edition. In it, Oldfield describes her path toward Christianity while drawing on classical teachings on virtues and vices. She is a senior fellow at Theos think tank, guest lecturer at the University of Birmingham in England, and creator of the Fully Alive Substack.
