ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 4, 2021 — Ligonier Ministries is pleased to announce the release of a new podcast, Ultimately with R.C. Sproul. Drawn from a lifetime of Bible study, this podcast features classic teaching moments from Dr. Sproul as well as some content that has never been released before. New episodes will be released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and listeners can subscribe to the podcast today at UltimatelyPodcast.com.

Created to help Christians grow in their knowledge of God and think biblically about the world around them, each episode of Ultimately with R.C. Sproul is only a few minutes in length. This provides believers of all ages to regain perspective amid the noise of everyday life and focus their thoughts on Scriptural truths that matter most.

Chris Larson, president and CEO of Ligonier Ministries, said:

“People everywhere, both inside and outside the church, need to know who God is. That is why our founder, Dr. R.C. Sproul dedicated his decades of ministry to teaching the Bible, helping Christians know what they believe, why they believe it, how to live it, and how to share it. As our team has mined the deep archives of Dr. Sproul’s teaching to develop this podcast, we have been reminded of the timeless relevance of the truths he conveyed. R.C. knew that a novel message would not ultimately help anyone; it is the unchanging truth of Christ that sets us free and anchors us in every season. The Lord raised up R.C. to become one of the most gifted communicators of the Bible and theology in the last century, and we’re privileged through this podcast to bring unique moments from that teaching to people from every age and stage of the Christian life. Ultimately with R.C. Sproul is a podcast to serve the whole church, and we encourage you to share it with believers and nonbelievers alike.”

The first episode of Ultimately with R.C. Sproul is now available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RSS, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn. Coming soon on RefNet.

About Ligonier Ministries
Ligonier Ministries exists to proclaim, teach, and defend the holiness of God in all its fullness to as many people as possible. To that end, Ligonier’s outreach today is manifold and worldwide. Founded by Dr. R.C. Sproul in 1971, Ligonier’s teaching fellowship consists of theologians, pastors, and scholars. Ligonier publishes Renewing Your Mind broadcasts, the Reformation Study Bible, Tabletalk magazine, books, and hundreds of teaching series. The ministry also offers an undergraduate degree program through Reformation Bible College. In addition, Ligonier hosts national and regional conferences, provides an online learning community through Ligonier Connect, streams 24-hour Christian Internet radio through RefNet, answers biblical and theological questions with Ask Ligonier, pursues numerous translation efforts in other countries, and makes available thousands of unique educational resources online at Ligonier.org.

CONTACT: Deborah Finnamore, Publicity Manager, 407-333-4244 ext. 1158, definnamore@ligonier.org

 

 

Colorado Springs, CO (January 1, 2021)— Publishing veteran Don Pape has announced the launch of Pape Commons: a gathering of voices. The Commons will serve the author community as not only a literary agency but also a forum for community and support of writers’ craft.

“As I’ve been Inspired by conversations with editors and authors alike, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to steward well the next generation of voices,” Pape comments.   Confirmed projects include a YA series from Jasmine Mullen, a member of The New Respects, and a unique non-fiction project for families in divorce from Grace Casper, a graduate of Baylor University.

Most recently Pape served as publisher for The Navigators and their publishing endeavor, NavPress. In his over thirty-year career in publishing, Pape has also worked at WaterBrook and David C Cook.  Throughout his career he has seen over a dozen titles hit bestseller status and worked alongside such notable authors as Francis Chan, Liz Curtis Higgs, Madeleine L’Engle and Eugene Peterson.

Songwriter, producer and artist Charlie Peacock writes: “Don has the uncanny ability to position himself in the creative flow of what’s next. With the future identified, Don looks for where he can help best. While he’s had a very successful career as a publisher, that moniker is too small for what Don does. More accurately, he functions as an aggregator of the good – linking new, artful voices with the best, most fruitful distribution channels. Don’t misunderstand, though: Don is a dealmaker! Only his deals always make a profit. How? His work is done for the benefit of people and planet. That’s a deal I’ll sign up for.”

Pape Commons is launching with a roster that includes Peacock’s forthcoming memoir as well as such names as Grammy-award winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chick-fil-A executive Elizabeth Dixon, bestselling fiction author D.J. Williams, Bethel University professor Melissa Johnson, ER doctor and speaker Lina AbuJamra,  and Canadian TV star Kara Alloway.

Contact: Don Pape, (719) 648-4019 don@papecommons.com

Santa Rosa, CA – Janet Kobobel Grant, founder and president of Books & Such Literary Management, announced on January 1, 2021 that Mary DeMuth, prolific author, speaker, and writing mentor, has joined the agency as a literary agent.

Janet Grant says, “When Mary first approached me about possibly becoming an agent with Books & Such, my first thought was, ‘What a splendid idea!’ I’ve known her for decades, and I’ve long respected her as an author, speaker, and someone who gives freely of her publishing knowledge to others. Her warm, caring interest in those who are creating publishing careers will stand in her good stead as an agent, as will her publishing relationships. I’m proud to add her to our agency.”

Before she was traditionally published, Mary vowed that if she ever figured out the process, she would share it with any aspiring author. Since then, she’s been pouring into new and established authors through intensives, conference speaking, one on one coaching, and mastermind groups.

“Through these years as an author of now more than 40 books, both fiction and nonfiction, I’ve learned resiliency,” Mary says. “I’m unafraid to try new things. If anything, this is my superpower in helping authors navigate the intricacies of the publishing and platform journey.”

Mary is looking for adult nonfiction titles, particularly those with a bent toward the global church, church planting, pastoral voices, spiritual growth, and creativity and the Christ follower. She’s also interested in upmarket fiction.

Books & Such Literary Management was founded in 1996. From the onset, Books & Such broke new ground, being among the first agencies to serve the Christian market—and the first for that market headed by a woman. The agency’s tagline—Distinguishing Literature—conveys the spirit of the group of six agents. Books & Such’s focus remains on high-quality writing and manuscripts that make important contributions to society’s ongoing conversations.

Books & Such Literary Management

For more information, contact Mary at mary@booksandsuch.com

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Megan Hill’s book A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church (Crossway, May 2020) has been awarded the 2021 Christianity Today Book Award in the Church/Pastoral category. Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests (Crossway, January 2020) by Ed Welch was also commended with an award of merit in the Christian Living / Discipleship category.

The Christianity Today Book Awards are presented to books in fourteen different categories, including Theology/Ethics, Spiritual Formation, and Biblical Studies. According to Christianity Today’s website, winners are nominated “for the books most likely to shape evangelical life, thought, and culture.”

“These two books exemplify what we want every Crossway book to be: built on Scripture, written with excellence, with a view toward serving God’s people with grace and truth,” says Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing and book publisher. “We thank God for this encouraging recognition of these two outstanding works from these faithful and trusted authors.”

A Place to Belong invites readers to experience the local church in light of the Bible’s testimony. Considering nine biblical terms for the church—such as beloved, brothers and sisters, saints, and gospel partners—this book equips believers to love and serve one another.

“The truth about the church shaped Paul’s experience of the church,” writes Hill. “The truth should shape us, too, so that belonging to this ordinary gathering of unremarkable people becomes one of the highest joys and greatest privileges of our lives. In the unassuming assembly of our local churches, Christ manifests his glory. Brothers and sisters, come delight in the church.”

Available in trade paperback, ebook, and audio formats, A Place to Belong has received praise from Jen Wilkin (author of Women of the Word), Nancy Guthrie (author of Even Better than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible’s Story Changes Everything about Your Story), and many others.

In Created to Draw Near, Welch shows readers the purpose for which we were created: to be brought near to God as a kingdom of priests. He traces the priestly identity throughout the entire Bible, showing us how holiness leads to closeness to God.

Available in trade paperback, ebook, and audio formats, Created to Draw Near has received praise from a variety of people including Paul E. Miller (author of A Praying Life), David Murray (Senior Pastor, First Byron Christian Reformed Church), and Jeremy Pierre (Dean of Students, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary).

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org  1 (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031  crossway.org

LARRY CARPENTER TO BECOME CHAIRMAN

FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE- December 15, 2020– Christian Book Services, LLC, announced today that Shane Crabtree will assume the position of President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1^st, 2021.  Larry Carpenter will assume the role of Chairman and will remain as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Carpenter will continue to focus on the overall strategic direction of the company, manuscript acquisition and author relations.  Crabtree will pick up day-to-day management of all book production, printing, sales and distribution.

Crabtree has a strong background in project management.  He received his BS in Physics from Wright State University and a MS in Biostatistics from Middle Tennessee State University.  He is also a graduate of Naval Nuclear Power School.  Mr. Crabtree has worked in project management, management and IT for several pharmaceutical and software companies.

Crabtree began working with Christian Book Services in 2018.  He has coordinated all product set up, data dissemination, sales reporting and worked on book production.  Through his efforts, the company has launched a significant effort in to creating audio books.  He has used his technological expertise to streamline and upgrade the company’s reporting systems and project tracking systems.

According to Carpenter, “Shane has made a huge contribution to our company.  He’s a book lover.  He loves the process of finding good books, working with our authors on the production of the books, getting the books printed, and working with our exclusive distributor, Ingram, to get the books sold and distributed.  We are proud to recognize Shane’s contribution to the company with this promotion.”

For more details on the company, go to the company’s website at www.christianbookservices.com or contact Larry Carpenter at (615) 472-1128 or at larry@christianbookservices.com.

December 18, 2020, CHARLOTTE, NC — The Good Book Company is grateful to share that several new titles have received awards or honorable mentions in 2020.

We praise God for the wonderful team of staff, authors, and illustrators who have worked hard this year to create Biblical, relevant and accessible resources. The new resources we celebrate this year include:

• Jesus and the Very Big Surprise by Randall Goodgame: award of merit in Christianity Today’s 2021 Book Awards. (Find out more here.)
• Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With? By Sam Allberry: Christianity Today book award of merit in the Apologetics/Evangelism category. (Find out more here.)
• The Prisoners, the Earthquake and the Midnight Song by Bob Hartman: Children’s: The Gospel Coalition 2020 Book Awards (Learn more here.)
• Stay Salt by Rebecca Manley Pippert: Evangelism & Apologetics: The Gospel Coalition 2020 Book Awards (Learn more here.)
• Born Again This Way by Rachel Gilson: The Gospel Coalition 2020 Book Awards, Honorable Mention (Learn more here.)
• Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know by Melissa Kruger: The Gospel Coalition 2020 Book Awards, Honorable Mention (Learn more here.)
• Stop Taking Sides by Adam Mabry: World Magazine, honorable mention in Accessible Theology (Read more here.)
• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton: Bronze Award by the ECPA for over 100,000 copies sold.
• Where is God in a Coronavirus World? By John Lennox: Bronze Award by the ECPA for over 100,000 copies sold.

Please join us in giving thanks to God for His work in 2020. He is faithful! “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” -Psalm 107:1

About The Good Book Company: Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

 

 

WESTMONT, IL—Christianity Today has released the winners of its 2021 Book Awards and has announced that Reading While Black has been chosen for the Beautiful Orthodoxy award, and Mother to Son was selected for the CT Women award. IVP titles were also winners in the categories of Christian Living/Discipleship and Theology/Ethics, and three titles received Awards of Merit in the categories of Spiritual Formation and Missions/Global Church.

“The Christianity Today Book Awards are annually among the year-end lists that my colleagues and I most look forward to, as CT and its judges invariably recognize writing and publishing of distinction,” Jeff Crosby, InterVarsity Press publisher, said. “We are honored and humbled by the Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year award for Esau McCaulley’s groundbreaking project and by each of the category winners and honorable mentions. They join a host of other books of substance and impact published and written by friends in the industry.”

As the Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year, Reading While Black was chosen as the title that “embodies CT’s pursuit of truthfulness and loveliness.” When CT first announced this award in 2016, they wrote, “You might call ‘Beautiful Orthodoxy’ our shorthand for . . . theological, political, and cultural expression that unites truthfulness and loveliness. The way the gospel does.”

In Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope Esau McCaulley calls the church to a dynamic theological engagement with Scripture, in which Christians of diverse backgrounds dialogue with their own social location as well as the cultures of others. Ekemini Uwan, cohost of the Truth’s Table podcast, said, “In Reading While Black, Dr. Esau McCaulley honors the beautifully rich triumvirate of doxology, orthodoxy, and orthopraxy, which has always had its home in the Black Christian tradition.”

McCaulley is assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, a priest in the Anglican Church in North America, and a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times. He is also the host of The Disrupters podcast. His publications include Sharing in the Son’s Inheritance and numerous articles in outlets such as Christianity Today, The Witness, and the Washington Post. McCaulley was also recently honored with the 2020 Emerging Public Intellectual Award.

As the winner of the CT Women award, Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope deals head-on with issues ranging from discipleship and marriage to biblical justice. Jasmine L. Holmes shares a series of powerful letters to her young son about her journey as an African American Christian and what she wants her son to know as he grows and approaches the world as a black man.

“These letters are personal and yet applicable to us all,” writes Jackie Hill Perry in the foreword. “With child or without. Brown or white. Married or single. We may not all understand what it is to be her, a black mother with a brown boy, but we all understand what it is like to love, to care so deeply for someone that affection becomes words.”

The CT Book Award winner in the category of Christian Living/Discipleship went to Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience by Sheila Wise Rowe. Dan B. Allender, founding president of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, said, “Healing Racial Trauma is a magisterial gift for those who have suffered harm as persons of color, and it is also a revelation for those whose whiteness has served as a pair of blinders from racial trauma. Sheila Wise Rowe brilliantly exposes, narrates, honors, and calls forth from Scripture, clients, and her own life, the stories of violation and the power of hope.”

As a child, Sheila Wise Rowe was bused across town to a majority white school, where she experienced the racist lie that one group is superior to all others. Rowe, now a professional counselor, exposes the symptoms of racial trauma to lead readers to a place of freedom from the past and new life for the future. In each chapter, she includes an interview with a person of color to explore how we experience and resolve racial trauma.

The recipient of the CT Book Award for the Theology/Ethics category was “He Descended to the Dead”: An Evangelical Theology of Holy Saturday. “Matthew Emerson has ably recovered a theology of Holy Saturday, Christ’s descent into the place of death, for churches that are normally suspicious about ancient creeds,” said Michael F. Bird, academic dean and lecturer in theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. “He shows that it is biblical, theologically necessary, integral to the work of Christ, and even intrinsic to the very identity of the God we worship. A concise and convincing account of a contested topic.”

The IVP titles that tied for the Award of Merit in the Spiritual Formation category included Soul Care in African American Practice by Barbara L. Peacock and The Way Up Is Down by Marlena Graves.

In Soul Care in African American Practice Peacock illustrates how the practices of spiritual formation are woven into African American culture and lived out in the rich heritage of its faith community. Using the examples of ten significant men and women, Peacock helps readers engage in practices of soul care as we learn from these spiritual leaders. “As a spiritual director and a scholar, [Peacock] gives voice and vision to the rich Christian spiritual tradition that has undergirded the sustenance, liberation, and transcendence of African Americans. In so doing, she calls us once again to the fountain of living water that never runs dry,” said Bishop Claude Alexander, pastor of The Park Ministries, Charlotte, North Carolina.

In The Way Up Is Down: Becoming Yourself by Forgetting Yourself writer, professor, and activist Marlena Graves draws on the rich traditions of Eastern and Western Christian saints as she shares stories and insights that have enlivened her transformation. For Graves, formation and justice always intertwine on the path to a balanced life of both action and contemplation. Sharon Hodde Miller, author of Nice: Why We Love to Be Liked and How God Calls Us to More, said, “I know of no one who cares less for the superficial ‘worries of this life’ (Mt 13:22) than Marlena Graves. She is a voice calling out in our generation, beckoning us to a vision of Christ that has nearly been drowned out by the rise of self-help pseudo-Christianity. And this book? This book is her heart on paper. If you want to sit under a spiritual giant, and if you want to remember just what kind of freedom we are called to in Christ, do not miss this message.”

The IVP Academic title that received the Award of Merit in the Missions/Global Church category was A Multitude of All Peoples: Engaging Ancient Christianity’s Global Identity. Vince L. Bantu surveys the geographic range of the early church’s history, revealing an alternate, more accurate narrative to that of Christianity as a product of the Western world. He begins by investigating the historical roots of the Western cultural captivity of the church, from the conversion of Constantine to the rise of European Christian empires. He then shifts focus to the too-often-forgotten concurrent development of diverse expressions of Christianity across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

“There are very few books we can legitimately call game-changers in the publishing world, that can revolutionize a field of study and transform our ongoing engagement on a topic,” said Soong-Chan Rah, Milton B. Engebretson Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary. “Dr. Vince Bantu has written a game-changer of a book that will rework our engagement with church history, global Christianity, missiology, evangelism, and multicultural ministry. Thoroughly researched while comprehensive in scope, all future discussion on the history of the church and its implication for the future of the church must now go through this book.”

For a list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Ada, Mich. (December 15, 2020)—Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that they have signed a new book contract with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, popular podcast hosts of “Pantsuit Politics” and authors of “I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening),” in an exclusive pre-emptive deal.

This new book will focus on engaging readers in discovering how we can create a better world together. Utilizing the practical and relatable voices the authors are known for as well as contributions directly from their fervent “Pantsuit Politics” community, the book will help readers to see themselves as part of larger communities and discover how to approach those communities with a sense of curiosity, find their work within them, and hold space around everything they care about but cannot do. The book is scheduled for a summer 2022 release.

“Sarah and Beth offer a unique space and fresh perspective for people of all backgrounds that make their entire community of podcast listeners and readers feel able to exhale when the constant barrage of news has us holding our collective breath,” said Kelsey Bowen, Acquisitions Editor. “As a longtime listener, I feel both honored and privileged to take part in the next conversation with them in book form. There is a deep need in our market for this grace-filled message that will provide hope and help for readers anxious to engage in the work and care of community.”

“We’re so excited about working with the Revell team because they have embraced our vision and shared our enthusiasm for this project whole-heartedly from our first conversations,” Stewart Holland said. Silvers agreed, “We so appreciate that the team shares our interest in engaging our community to build a timely guide to greater connection during a challenging time.”

Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers co-host the popular podcast, “Pantsuit Politics” and co-authored “I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations” (2019). Pantsuit Politics has been featured in The Atlantic, The Guardian, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” and Parents and Elle magazines. Both Sarah and Beth attended Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, and then received their Juris Doctors (Sarah from American University and Beth from the University of Kentucky). Sarah began her career as a congressional staffer, campaign aide, and blogger and social media consultant. She lives in Paducah, Kentucky, where she served a term as a city commissioner and sits on the board of numerous civic organizations. Beth has practiced law and served as a human resources executive and business coach. Beth lives in Union, Kentucky, and serves on several local boards of directors. Sarah and Beth speak frequently to universities, businesses, and civic organizations about improving political dialogue. Sarah shares life with her spouse, Nicholas, and children Griffin, Amos, and Felix; Beth with her spouse, Chad, and children Jane and Ellen. Sarah’s dog, Cookie, and Beth’s dog, Lucy, are beloved and frequent contributors to their work.

Revell Books provides books that inspire and equip readers, offering them hope and help for daily life. Learn more at www.RevellBooks.com.

Contact: Brianna DeWitt, (616) 676-9185 x394  bdewitt@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Will Lead Expansion of the Direct-To-Consumer Business

(Nashville, TN)— Today it was announced that Kate Johnson will be appointed to senior vice president of Direct for HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus. Johnson will be responsible for leading the vision and expansion of a comprehensive and cohesive strategy for the direct-to-consumer businesses which operate multiple eCommerce stores, online communities, native apps, and subscription-based platforms. Her first day will be December 21.

Johnson has extensive experience in successfully leading direct businesses across multiple industries. She has had success in audience development and customer retention, social media and influencer marketing, media programming and retailer distribution support, as well as leading cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, brand development, operations, and supply chain.

“Direct connection with our readers is more important now than ever before,” said President and CEO Mark Schoenwald. “This year we have learned that supporting our retail channels and distributors goes hand in hand with knowing our customers more intimately. We have seen a dramatic shift in consumer purchasing habits, and we are competing for their attention in a saturated online world. A broad-based, comprehensive distribution strategy is required to be an effective partner for all our stakeholders.  Kate has a proven track-record of helping companies penetrate through the noise and build sustainable relationships with audiences.”

In a memo to the companies’ employees, Schoenwald explained the organizations needed to expand how they thought about the direct-to-consumer experience in order to accelerate their growth in the market. Johnson, who will be based in the Nashville office, will work closely with parent company HarperCollins Publishers in New York, to solidify a strategic road map that aligns with the corporation’s global strategy.

In addition to her leadership and work-related experience, Johnson holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management, a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College majoring in Economics and Philosophy.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is home to the world’s leading Christian and inspirational content publishing groups, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. The company operates the world’s largest Christian website, BibleGateway.com in addition to FaithGateway.com, ChurchSource.com, StudyGateway.com, Zondervan Academic Online Courses, and Zondervan Master Lectures. Last month the company announced a new partnership with Urban Ministries Incorporated, one of the nation’s oldest and well-known Christian resource providers to the African American church.

HarperCollins Focus is an expanding general market publishing company, home to Leadership Essentials by HarperCollins Leadership, an online community that offers free resources and for-purchase e-courses dedicated to developing the world’s next best leaders.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, the world’s largest Christian website BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in Grand Rapids, Mich. and Mexico City, Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

About HarperCollins Focus: HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints and online resources that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications
615.902.1109  casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

 

Seeks Authors with Fresh Perspectives

Colorado Springs, CO, December 16, 2020 — Literary agent Rachelle Gardner, formerly of Books & Such Literary Management, announces the formation of Gardner Literary, a full-service agency representing diverse authors at the crossroads of faith and culture.

Gardner has been an agent since 2007 when she joined WordServe Literary. She moved to Books & Such in 2012, where she established her reputation by representing powerful voices in the Christian market. She represented the late Rachel Held Evans for the entirety of her book publishing career and continues to represent Evans’ estate. She represented the New York Times bestseller, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown.

Gardner will bring many of her established authors to the new agency, including Sarah Bessey (Jesus Feminist), Kaitlin Curtice (Native), and Kathi Lipp (Clutter Free). She also brings several authors of popular Christian fiction, including Kristy Cambron, Sarah Ladd, and Catherine West. The coming year will see debut books from popular Instagrammers Terry Stokes, Candice Benbow, Marcie Alvis-Walker, and Cole Arthur Riley.

Janet Kobobel Grant, founder and president of Books & Such, says, “When Rachelle approached me about starting her own agency, I couldn’t disagree with her reasoning: she wanted to do as I had in 1996 when I started Books & Such—explore what an agency that reflected her passions would look like. After nine years of working together, I’m reluctant to see her leave, but I know we’ll remain close friends and colleagues. I wish her every success.”

Moving forward, Gardner plans to continue working in both the Christian and general markets. She will represent a diversity of authors, focusing on up-and-coming voices in the faith community as well as explorations of social issues. She’ll also represent a limited catalog of fiction.

“I’ve always seen it as my mission to elevate important voices that might otherwise not be heard,” Gardner says. “I started by focusing on women, and eventually began actively seeking authors of color. I’m fascinated by books that expand my awareness and make me think a little deeper—but I also love being entertained by good fiction! My list reflects my eclectic interests.”

Further information and submission information is available at www.gardner-literary.com.