Colorful Journaling Bible Coming from Crossway
Erika Allen of Crossway has taken world rights to the ESV GraceLaced Bible by bestselling author, artist, and GraceLaced founder Ruth Chou Simons. The product is a full-color journaling Bible featuring the artist’s work throughout. Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literary Agency represented the author in the deal, with a spring 2026 release planned.
IVP Signs Pair of Books for Children
Tara Hackney (Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World) has signed a world rights contract via Elissa Schauer, acquiring editor for IVP Kids, for the spring 2027 release tentatively titled Jesus Loves the Little Children: A Journey from A to Z. The children’s devotional for elementary school-age children helps them learn about the lives of other children from Australia to Zambia. The author was unagented.
Schauer also negotiated a world-rights deal with the unagented Jody Jensen Shaffer for Putting On My Jesus Shirt: Wearing and Sharing God’s Love. The picture book for ages 3-7 points to everyday items—shirt, shoes, backpack, etc.—as reminders of God’s love. Shaffer is the author of more than 80 books for children. Sara Ugolotti was represented by Jessie Fitzgerald of Advocate Art.
Ink & Willow Signs Poet/Artist
Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literary Agency has inked a two-book deal between author Kate Lab and acquiring editor Leslie Calhoun of Ink & Willow. Lab’s first of the two books, planned for spring 2027, is tentatively titled All Things Beautiful. It features Lab’s Scripture-based prayers and poems, plus photography and her illustrations. It is centered on the seasons of the year and on providing words for when we don’t know how to pray, according to the publisher. Lab is a writer, poet, and artist. The second book is TBD.
Christian Art Gifts Takes Empty-Nest Devotional
Rob Tiegen, VP of publishing at Christian Art Gifts, has signed a world-rights deal, via Blythe Daniel of The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc., for the tentatively titled A Little More Room For Us: 100 Devotions for the Empty Nest Couple by Gordy and Charlotte Guest. Charlotte Guest is the host of the Empty Nest Guests Podcast and Gordy Guest is an ordained marriage minister. The devotions cover topics such as emptiness, reconnecting with yourself, and finding health for mind, body, and soul.. Release is set for fall 2026.
WaterBrook Signs Two Books on Work and Faith
Jordar Raynor, a leader in the faith and work movement, has signed world rights for a two-book deal with Will Anderson, senior editor at WaterBrook and Mulnomah, imprints of Penguin Random House Christian. The first book, Redeeming Your Goals, set for Fall 2026, guides people who want to do good work in accord with the gospel while avoiding the exhaustion of justle culture. The second title and release date have not yet been announced. Raynor was represented by D.J. Snell at Legacy, LLC.
Pulgine Brings Lenten Study to Bethany House
Dawn Pulgine, director of discipleship at Westminster Church (Aurora, Ill), Bible teacher and founder of para-church ministry Getting Real Ministries, will publish her Bible study, tentatively titled Meet Him at the Cross: Discovering God’s Passion for You, in January 2027 with Bethany House. Rachel McRae, senior acquisitions editor, took world rights from Blythe Daniel of The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. The study considers the elements of the Passion of Christ beginning in the Garden of Gethsemane through his resurrection, says the publisher.
