‘Paring Down’ Podcaster to Align Insight
Susan Tjaden, VP and executive editor of PRH’s new imprint Align Insight, has taken world rights to Paring Down podcast host Shannon Leyko’s debut book Don’t Save the Good Stuff. The publisher called it a soulful, funny and personal guide to letting go of excess in our homes and hearts to make room for what truly matters. Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literary Agency negotiated the deal for the spring 2027 release.
Three Western Romances to Bethany House
Senior acquisitions editor Rochelle Gloege at Bethany House acquired world-rights, in a three-book deal, to a faith-based, historical Western romance series by Tara Johnson. Each novel in the series will feature a well-known historical figure of the American West as a secondary character. The first title, No Stone Unturned, features Jesse James and will release in spring 2027. Janet Kobobel Grant of Books & Such Literary negotiated the deal.
Harvest House Takes Trio by Bakery Owner
Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literary Agency has negotiated a world-rights deal with Heather Green, associate publisher at Harvest House, for three books by Macey Merlak. The first book by Merlak, entrepreneur and sourdough bakery owner, is a full-color cookbook featuring 65 sourdough recipes titled Break the Bread and based on faith and baking, which releases in fall 2027. The other two books, release dates TBD, are a faith-based children’s book and a devotional for women.
Podcast Cohosts Ink Four-Book Deal with WaterBrook
WaterBrook executive editor Drew Dixon, via Bryan Norman at Alive Literary Agency, has inked a four-book, world-rights deal with These Are the Days podcasters Jeremy and Audrey Roloff. The first of the couple's four books will be These Are the Days: 12 Biblical Values That Add Meaning and Magic to Childhood, which addresses the challenge of instilling biblical values in their children. They use a month-by-month framework that aligns 12 core values with the rhythms of the year, said the publisher. The book will release in summer 2027. The next three books will be children’s books that explore the 12 principles through adventure-based storytelling. Release dates are yet to be set.
