Zondervan Nabs Dolly Parton Bio

Zondervan’s Carolyn McCready took world rights to a biography of Dolly Parton by Dudley Delffs entitled The Faith of Dolly Parton. Slated to go on sale in May 2018, the book delves into Parton’s Christian faith, including ten beliefs that have influenced both her country music career and her philanthropic efforts.

Hagerty Brings ‘Adore’ to FaithWords

Sara Hagerty (Unseen), who has done two previous books with Zondervan, is bringing her newest title to FaithWords. Adore, which is expected to go on sale in October 2019, explores ways to connect with God throughout the day, including during mundane tasks, according to the publisher. FaithWords’ Keren Baltzer bought world rights to the book from the author’s agent Mike Salisbury of Yates & Yates.

Levi Lusko Re-ups with W Publishing

The W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, acquired world rights to a third book with Levi Lusko (Swipe Right, Through the Eyes of a Lion), the evangelical pastor of the Fresh Life Church in Montana and Utah. The untitled nonfiction book is slated for publication in fall 2018 and will examine “the battles men and women face within themselves,” according to the publisher. Austin Wilson of Wolgemuth & Associates represented the author in the deal made with W editor Debbie Wickwire.

Fortress Press Signs A Double

Gregory Boyd (Cross Vision) landed a two-book deal with Fortress Press for Alien Perfection, an academic title scheduled to be published in 2021, and The Myth of the Blueprint, a trade book slated for publication the following year. Both books explore questions about whether God has a plan for every person’s life, also known as open theism or free will theism, in order to challenge the idea that the future is planned by God. The author was unagented in the world rights deal with acquisition editor Tony Jones.

IVP Takes ‘City and Kingdom’

Don Gates of Gates Literary sold world rights to IVP acquisition editor Anna Gissing for City and Kingdom (working title) by Jake Meador. Similar to recent titles The Benedict Option and Reclaiming Hope, the book features cultural commentary about modern American society, including teachings and practices that can lead to a greater sense of community, according to the publisher. City and Kingdom is tentatively scheduled for publication in winter 2019.

Whitaker Buys Amish Fiction Series

Whitaker House’s acquisition editor Bob Whitaker took world rights from Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency for Firestorm: The Amish of Mackinac County, the first book in a new series by Laura V. Hilton (Christmas Admirer). The new book follows Bridget Behr and her family who move from a bustling Amish community in Ohio to a remote part of Michigan in order to make a new start. It’s scheduled for publication in July 2018.