A New Look at King David
Brazos Press editorial director Katelyn Beaty has taken world rights to the tentatively titled Decentering David by Liz Daye and Kate Boyd. Day was represented by Morgan Strehlow of the Bindery and Boyd by Barb Roose of Books & Such. Release is planned for fall 2027. The book, per the publisher, flips the script on King David, showing that he was corrupted by worldly power and that God, not David, is the hero of the story. Daye is a hospital chaplain and Bible teacher and Boyd hosts the Untidy Faith podcast. Together they host the I Read Something Bad podcast.
Willett Poetry to Paraclete
Lillian Miao, director at Paraclete Press, acquired world rights to a book of poetry by Mischa Willett entitled This Gift Card Has Already Been Redeemed. Willett, director of the new MFA program in creative writing at Whitworth University, is the author of two previous books of poetry. The new collection negotiates biblical worldview with contemporary poetics. Publication is set for October 2026. The author represented himself.
Prayer Advocate to WaterBrook
Trinity McFadden at the Bindery has negotiated world rights with Susan Tjaden at WaterBrook in a two-book deal with Marcus Stanley, an internet prayer advocate with more than 1.6 million Instagram followers. The first title, releasing in 2027, is Praying Like Your Life Depends On It, which shares his suffering and trauma after being shot eight times and points readers to healing and the love of God. The second is an untitled 365-day prayer book publishing in 2028.
Holiday Picture Books to Paraclete
Lillian Miao, director of Paraclete Press, secured world rights for two books for ages 3-6 by Kate Rietema: Little Stable, Holy Night: A Christmas Nativity Story and Holy Morning, Empty Tomb: An Easter Resurrection Story. In each book, Little Stable and Empty Tomb are characters, both awaiting their most meaningful and profound moment of jubilation, said the publisher. The author is agented by Karen Neumair of Credo Communications. The illustrator, Bruno Brogna, is represented by Lemonade Illustration Agency. Publication is slated for October 2026 and January 2027, respectively.
Conclave-Inspired Picture Book to Paraclete
Paraclete Press director Lillian Miao has acquired world rights to The Seagull on the Chapel by Shannon K. Evans and Eric A. Clayton, illustrated by Angela Edmonds. Inspired by events of the 2025 papal conclave, this picture book for ages 3-7 traces the journey of a little seagull who longs to be a dove—but ultimately discovers she’s loved by God just as she is, the publisher said. Publication is planned for April 2026. Evans is an editor at the National Catholic Reporter and Clayton is deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the U.S. The authors were represented by Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary; Robbin Brosterman of The Bright Agency represented the Edmonds.
IVP Takes Title on Spiritual Practices
Kelli Trujillo at IVP acquired world rights from Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary to Spiritual Treadmills: How Christian Excellence Became a Heavy Yoke by Marissa Burt. Burt, coauthor of the forthcoming The Myth of Good Christian Parenting (Brazos), explores the history of Christian devotional practices and the shift in pietism from charity to self-denial, leading to a yoke of performance-driven achievement, per the publisher. Burt invites readers to reorient spiritual practices toward delight and nourishment. The book is scheduled for fall 2027.
ESPN Host Speaks to Mental Health Crisis
Susan McPherson at David C Cook acquired an as-yet-unnamed book by ESPN host, television personality, and motivational speaker Victoria Arlen. Per the publisher, the book will see Arlen speak directly and personally to the rising mental health crisis, sharing faith-based reflections, helpful tools, and powerful truths to encourage readers navigating struggles and hardship. Arlen is represented by Annette Bourland at Bourland Strategic Advisors. Publication is set for May 2026.
Graphic Novels to WaterBrook
Sarah Rubio, WaterBrook executive editor for children’s titles, acquired world rights from Chris Ferebee at the eponymous agency to two graphic novels by Colossul Studios, based on their animated television series Gabriel and the Guardians. The series features a celestial guardian, a giant hunter seeking redemption, and a mysterious alchemist princess who seek to recover a powerful artifact stolen from the celestial realm. Release is scheduled for fall 2028.
