sample page

Array
(
    [1748632073] => Array
        (
            [img] => 

May is recognized as Get Caught Reading Month, a time to encourage reading for all ages and to celebrate the joy of literacy.

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

Releases

Congratulations to Shannon K Evans with Eric Clayton and Paulist Press for the May 5th release of Our Mother Too: Mary Embraces the World.

“Be brave. Be curious. God is with you.”

Love and delight characterize this special book on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Eight appearances of Mary in different countries range from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, to Our Lady of La Vang in Vietnam, to our Lady of Lourdes in France. This book shows that no matter where or how Mary appears, she is always the same mother who delights in all of God’s children and who reaches out in love to draw them to her Son.

The Catholic tradition asserts that Mary has appeared to those in need around the world, even long after her time on earth had ended. In these apparitions, not only does Mary accompany the vulnerable, but she appears as part of the local community in her dress, her skin color, the language she speaks. What does this tell children about the nature of God?

Children who read this book will see Mary appear all over the world in different guises, coming in looks and language that is familiar to local cultures and communities. Ultimately, children will come to understand that God, too, is present in their lives and can be encountered through the customs and traditions of their own families, communities, and countries.

In this story, Mary’s pilgrimage of faith begins in Nazareth, but it doesn’t end there. Readers will see her appear to people all over the world, ultimately coming into their own lives–and sharing God’s love.

Congratulations to Gregory Pratt and Chicago Review Press for the May 6th release of The City Is Up for Grabs: How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis.


 Chicago is a world-class city, but it is also a city in crisis.

Crime is up, schools have repeatedly shut down due to conflict between City Hall and the powerful teachers’ union, and COVID-19 only deepened the entrenched poverty, institutional racism, and endless tug of war between the city’s haves and have nots.

For four years, the person at the center of this storm was Lori Lightfoot. A groundbreaking figure—the first Black, gay woman to be elected mayor of a major city and only the second female mayor of Chicago—she knew the city was at a critical turning point when she took office in 2019. But the once-in-a-lifetime challenges she ended up facing were beyond anything she or anyone else saw coming.

Chicago Tribune reporter Gregory Royal Pratt offers the first comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the tumultuous single term of Mayor Lightfoot and the chaos that roiled the city and City Hall as she fought to live up to her promises to change the city’s culture of corruption and villainy, reform its long-troubled police department, and make Chicago the safest big city in America.

Some of Chicago’s problems can be explained by forces greater than the mayor: national polarization, long-standing cultural and racial tensions, our plague years. But some are the result of Lightfoot’s poor leadership at City Hall, a story that hasn’t been told in full—until now.

Congratulations to Melissa K. Norris and Ten Peaks Press for the May 6th release of Home and Hand Made: A Homesteader’s Recipes to Help You Cook, Clean, and Care for Your Family.

Fifth-generation homesteader Melissa K. Norris offers over 100 time-tested, budget-friendly recipes for cooking, cleaning, and caring for your family.

As the cost of food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items continue to skyrocket, are you looking for new ways to cut costs and seek healthier solutions for your family?

Melissa K. Norris, host of the popular Pioneering Today podcast, shows you how you can make many of the meals and products you’re currently paying for at a fraction of the price.

Melissa shares easy-to-follow recipes, ideas, and tips for…
baking a variety of delicious pastries, pies, pizzas, and more
cooking hearty soups, stews, and sauces
creating scrumptious sourdough treats and other fermented foods
growing your own herbs for seasonings, salves, and tinctures
simplifying your life in every room of your home
celebrating the holidays with homemade charm
Home and Hand Made helps you do more with less and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing all the ingredients that go into what your family eats and uses each day.

Congratulations to Eric Clayton and Brazo Press for the May 6th release of Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness (Timeless Wisdom for Finding Inner Peace).

A road map for finding inner peace and bringing peace to others

These days, everyone is looking for peace. But too often we look in all the wrong places.

In Finding Peace Here and Now, award-winning Catholic author Eric A. Clayton shows you that peace starts from within. By looking inside yourself, you can discover and embrace who you are meant to be in God. Using Saint Ignatius of Loyola as a guide, Clayton offers:

● stories from the Ignatian tradition
● meditations on God’s unique dream for you
● spiritual reflections to help you experience peace
● practical tools for becoming who you want to be

These resources will lead you along a path of inner peace, which you can then extend outward to bring peace to others and challenging situations.

This book will resonate with those who are familiar with the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises as well as those learning about them for the first time. In the end, you’ll learn how to navigate your own journey to inner peace and a love of self while discovering how this journey is tied to better loving and serving neighbors and working for global justice–all for the greater glory of God.

Congratulations to Monica DiCristina and Worthy Books for the May 13th release of Your Pain Has A Name.

Therapist Monica DiCristina brings proven psychology techniques to readers looking to understand and embrace their pain so they can begin to heal and move forward with a full life ahead of them.

Monica DiCristina struggled for years to describe the pain she was experiencing inside. Without knowing what was behind her anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and fears, she created other names for them: “not good enough,” “unworthy,” “messed up,” and “wrong.” Through the slow process of understanding her own story, she discovered a glorious path to healing, as well as a calling to become a therapist to help others in the same way.       

Now, Monica has created a guide to help you identify the patterns and barriers that are keeping you from being your authentic self. While not every wound may fully heal, each one can be understood, and that understanding starts when you confront the pain—not just recognizing the hurt, but naming and honoring it.     

In Your Pain Has a Name, Monica offers a compassionate, open space for you to give voice to your pain. With the nurturing curiosity often found in a therapist’s office, she will help you: 
   ·Uncover your hurts: Pinpoint and define the hidden pain that’s holding you back.
   ·Name your pain:  Accurately describe and validate your feelings.
   ·Reclaim your identity: Distinguish yourself from the false stories your pain has created.
   ·Embrace your healing: Release the pain that no longer serves you and step into your truth.

In finding the language to describe your hurts, you gain the space and courage to become your fullest self—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Join Monica on a journey to release the pain that isn’t yours to carry.

Congratulations to Angie Ward and IV Press for the May 13th release of Beyond Church and Parachurch: From Competition to Missional Extension.

Discovering New Dimensions in Faith-Based Community Work

“A welcome and needed book addressing the current tensions and opportunities. . . . Dr. Ward’s foundational book points us to a way forward. I am enthused at what this book can do to lead us as church leaders and agency leaders to a new synergy.” – Jerry E. White, international president emeritus of The Navigators, a Christian parachurch organization

In a world where the church’s relevance is often questioned, Angie Ward offers a compelling blueprint for a unified ecclesial future in Beyond Church and Parachurch. Beyond Church and Parachurch is not just a historical and theological exploration; it’s a roadmap for rethinking the very essence of Christian ministry. Whether you’re a pastor, mission leader, or nonprofit executive, you will be challenged to transcend conventional boundaries and discover the full spectrum of the church’s potential.

Holistic Understanding: Develops a comprehensive view that integrates both traditional and emerging forms of ministry.
Innovative Strategies: Beyond Church and Parachurch presents forward-thinking approaches to facilitate collaboration between churches and parachurch organizations.
Inclusive Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of diverse leadership in fostering a more inclusive community.
Practical Applications: Offers actionable insights and case studies to apply the concepts in real-world contexts.
Future-Oriented: Focuses on long-term vision and sustainable practices for impactful ministry work.
Dive into a fresh understanding of the church in all its forms—be it campus ministries, mission agencies, or church-planting networks. Ward’s vision dismantles the silos that fragment evangelical efforts, urging us to view the church as an interconnected ecosystem of apostolic networks. This paradigm shift empowers leaders to maximize kingdom impact, fostering cooperation and collaboration across organizations. With practical insights and visionary guidance, Beyond Church and Parachurch equips Christian leaders to serve a world in need with renewed purpose and unity. Transform your ministry approach and join a movement that redefines what it means to be the church.

Contracts

Jim Ramos signed with David C Cook for the July 2026 release of Guardrails (Book One) and Bring It (Book Two).

Maria Olsen signed with Bloomsbury Publishing for the May 2026 release of Before and After the DNA Test.

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis signed with Brazos Press for the June 2027 release of Clean and Holy.

Adam Boggs signed with B&H Publishing for the July 2026 and May 2027 release of The Fallen Kingdom and The King of God’s Kingdom.

Jonathan McKee signed with Focus On The Family for the December 2026 release of Until She Left Me.

New Clients

Mark Filidei, Crystal Johnson, Timothy Kelly, Brad East, Brian Cosby, Dan White, and Myles Werntz recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome,

From the Desk of Emma Fulenwider

I’m going to make you a bet, and then I’m going to make you a promise.

First, I bet I can make you say “ugh” out loud in the next five seconds. 5…4…3…

How’s your platform going?

…1

Yep, platform. The hamster wheel that the internet rudely added to the author journey. We used to be able to sit in our attics with our writing hats and think the things and write them beautifully and that was enough for the people who had the power to make us famous. Now, we have to become minor celebrities on our own power, capitulating to the soul-less algorithm for attention.

Once upon a time, our work vouched for us. Now, nobody gets past the front door unless the Machine vouches for them. It’s all too much, and so unfair.

At least, that’s what it feels like.

Here’s the promise. I promise that by the end of this article, you will feel so excited about platform that you would do it even if you knew with absolute certainty that you will never publish a book.

The Purpose of a Book Deal

Let’s start with why you want a book deal. Here are the reasons I hear most as an agent that only represents adult non-fiction:

  1. “I have something to say that other people need to hear.”

Wonderful! I’m glad that you’re an expert in parenting a special needs child. Or improving mental health. Or getting a business off the ground. Please tell us what you know.

  • “My story is important to history or current national conversations.”

Fantastic! As a society, we can learn a lot about our justice system from the story of a falsely accused citizen who served 20 years before being exonerated. We absolutely need to hear an economist’s solutions for the current housing crisis. Do share.

  • “I want to add another stream of income to my current business.”

Super! You recognize that not everyone can come to your workshops, or hire you as a consultant, and you want to package your solutions in a way that reaches more people. Makes total sense.

Now, let me ask you this.

What makes publishers so special that you only trust them to 1) connect you with your readers, 2) handle your legacy, and 3) manage your new income stream?

Publishing Before There Was Platform

When platform is the thing standing between us and a book deal, it’s natural to think “If not for platform, I would be published.” The truth is quite the opposite. Platform is what made publishing more democratic and more merit-based than it was before.

Before platform, you couldn’t just think the things and write the words either. You had to shoot your shot just right to get a seat at the table, and it was a much smaller table.

Between 1966 and 1996, book titles published per year doubled from 30K to 60K. By 2010, that number quadrupled to 240K.[1] Book sales, on the other hand, have stayed at about $25.5 billion annually for the past 25 years.[2]

Publishers are diversifying their lists, taking a chance on four times the number of authors than they were at the turn of the millennia. Why are they doing that? Why would the gatekeepers go to all the trouble of finding four of the best proposals when they could pick one good one and make it an overnight success and bring in the same amount of money? Platform.

The term “gatekeeper” is almost laughable when you think about how publishing has changed over the last 50 years. The Publishing Gate was once the only way to reach readers. If they didn’t publish your book, forget about anyone finding it.

But then blogging happened, and Youtube, and podcasting, and social media. Publishers today stand guard in front of a gate that has a million bypasses around it. They can no longer risk putting all their golden eggs into 25K random baskets. They are spreading their eggs out over 250K baskets, and they’re looking to readers to help them decide which baskets are their best bet.

The existence of “platform” has increased your odds and your control over whether you get a book deal.

Fun Fact: The Point of Platform is NOT to Land a Book Deal

Let’s say you write a newsletter, start a podcast, become a speaker, build an online community around your online course – let’s say you do all the platform stuff and never get a book deal. In doing so, you have shared your solutions, told your story, and added an income stream to your business. Platform is about accomplishing the mission you thought was only possible with a book deal.

The secret that publishers are afraid you’ll realize is that they can’t predictably lay golden eggs anymore. You have the levers now. You have the ability to connect with your readers and contribute to the national conversation and get paid for your intellectual property.

So. You want to say the thing? Say the thing! No one is stopping you.

That’s what platform is—the freedom to reach people with your message without needing permission or validation from the gatekeepers. And if you still want a book deal, platform is how you prove to publishers that you’re about to lay a golden egg.

“Okay, so if platform is how I bypass the gatekeepers to reach my goals, then what’s the point of working with a publisher?” I’m so glad you asked. We’ll talk about that next month.


[1] https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/us-book-production

[2] https://ideas.bkconnection.com/10-awful-truths-about-publishing

[title] => WordServe News May 2025 [desc] => May is recognized as Get Caught Reading Month, a time to encourage reading for all ages and to celebrate the joy of literacy. Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. Releases Congratulations to Shannon K Evans … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2025/05/30/wordserve-news-may-2025/ [date] => Fri, 30 May 2025 19:07:53 +0000 [comments] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2025/05/30/wordserve-news-may-2025/#comments ) [1746024743] => Array ( [img] =>

April, as the first full month of spring, often symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, and hope, with Christian traditions also associating it with the Resurrection of the Lord.  

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

Releases

Congratulations to Carrie Rogers-Whitehead and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers for the Aprill 15th release of Technology for Littles.

An easy-to-implement guide to help parents raise tech-savvy children with healthy and safe online habits from the start.

Today’s youngest children are experiencing technology more intensely than any generation before them. The opportunities are great—but so are the dangers. How do parents and educators prepare this new generation to be safe and responsible online? How can they raise young children with a healthy digital balance?

In Technology for Littles, parent, practitioner, and founder of Digital Respons-Ability Carrie Rogers-Whitehead combines decades of research on child development with practical tools for parents to help them raise healthy, responsible, and safe internet users at home. And because schools don’t typically start digital literacy until third grade or older, this book focuses on helping parents of younger children implement online safety at home from the time a toddler first picks up a smart phone.

Packed full of songs, strategies, resource lists, and more, Technology for Littles equips parents to fearlessly tackle tech and create habits and routines that will help children grow to be healthy yet tech-savvy humans in a digital world.

Congratulations to David Sunde and NavPress for May 6ths release of Homegrown Disciples.

Christian parents long to instill a lasting faith in our children, but the challenge of balancing spiritual teaching with academic, extracurricular, and social demands can be overwhelming. Many feel inadequate or unqualified to lead their children spiritually. In Homegrown Disciples, David Sunde offers seven rhythms to help disciplemaking parents know God better, experience him more fully, and leverage their faith for the benefit of their children.

Find out how to reproduce a living faith in your kids’ lives through the seven rhythms of apprenticing, renewal, hospitality, community, compassion, generosity, and gratitude.

Learn how to:
Experience God’s presence and grace through the highs and lows of raising children,
Create a nurturing environment where faith can grow naturally,
Use everyday interactions to reveal God’s heart and truth to your children,
Embrace the idea that both you and your children are learning and growing together in faith.

Contracts

Barry H. Corey and John S. Townsend signed with Whitaker Corporation for the May 2026 release of Thirteen Burdens: What They Are and How Leaders Bear Them Bravely.

Cristóbal Krusen signed with Baker Publishing for the July 2027 release of They Were Christians Volume 2.

Paul Anleitner signed with HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the June 2026 release of Return to Meaning.

Jennifer Rosner signed with Baylor University Press for the December 2026 release of The Jewish Gospel and Christian Identity.

New Clients

Abby Maddox recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Naomi Cramer Overton, General Editor; Misty Arterburn, Assoc. Editor; Stephen Arterburn, and Tricia Lott Williford and Jana Richardson. — The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has named them finalist for the 2025 Christian Book Award program. The finalists represent the year’s best in Christian publishing among 12 book and Bible categories.

Naomi and Misty are recognized for their Bible, NLT Every Woman’s Bible. and Tricia Lott Williford and Jana Richardson for their book You Are Safe Now.

From the Desk of Emma Fulenwider

As a new agent, one of my biggest mistakes was signing clients because I believed in them.

Americans love an underdog success story, especially when their success is attributed to passion. We love to tell the legends of famous books that found their way to bookstore shelves through the author’s relentless determination in the face of rejection until they found a single devotee on the other side of the table. The Lord of the Rings, Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Help.

For years, my insatiable passion for books fueled little more than my own spending habits. Becoming an agent gave me a thrill of empowerment. Finally, I was ready to put the force of my conviction behind authors who just needed a wind in their sails to overcome what their business plan lacked.

Suddenly, I had the Midas touch. I could pick a project that no one else on “team gatekeeper” understood and use my sales superpowers to remove the scales from their eyes.

And then a terrible thing happened. It worked.

A young woman came to us with a memoir about surviving a toxic childhood with her horse by her side. My boss and colleague passed on it for fair reasons, but I jumped on it because I believed in it. Everyone in the industry knows memoir isn’t selling well these days unless you’re a celebrity, so what I did was out of reckless passion for this story. That questionable decision led to… my first book sale. I will forever be sad that there wasn’t a hidden camera pointed at my desk to capture the world’s most awkward happy dance when that offer hit my inbox.

Invigorated, I went out and signed a handful of other passion projects, convinced that I had an intuition for this stuff. Boy, the Tolkeins of today are sure lucky that I’m around.

One by one, they failed to sell. Instead of being an elevator to the top, I was more like a human shield for the volley of rejection that landed on my clients.

A few of them quit me. One of them took a hiatus to reconsider whether she wanted to continue writing at all. They didn’t look back on our year of working passionately side by side as a success, they saw it for what it was – a waste of time. And I was the one who put us through it, knowing it would likely end up this way.

Apparently, my passion does not carry a project any further than the author’s passion. An agent’s job is to balance the author’s passion with business sense, and I wasn’t doing my job.

If you recall the full story of the Midas touch, King Midas soon realized that his golden touch brought him endless gold, but robbed him of food, drink, a soft pillow and a warm blanket. When his own daughter ran to embrace him and became a gold statue, he realized that gold was not his greatest joy after all. On the contrary, acquiring gold had cost him his greatest joy and his daily essentials for living.

I meet a lot of authors in a year, and many of them are convinced that signing with an agent is what they want most. The announcement on social media that you’re represented by an agency, replying to emails with the line “I’ve CC’d my agent,” adding your agent’s email to your author website – all fun, sexy accessories to the author life.

But slaving over a proposal and a manuscript that go nowhere wastes a lot of time, attention and emotional energy – things that are essential to living. The crushing disappointment of having a book “die on submission” has the potential to cost an author the joy of writing itself.

As a writer myself, given the choice between a book deal or the love of writing, I would keep the love of writing.

I still believe in authors, but I have learned to champion them differently depending on where they’re at in their journey and what they need most.

Agents have more to offer than representation. We validate good writing, we make introductions between potential collaborators, we help authors make a plan to get where they want to go. In that sense, there’s no harm in talking to an agent. A 15-minute appointment at a conference is not a pass/fail audition, it’s an opportunity for mentorship. Most people aren’t ready for a book deal, but everyone needs encouragement and the best encouragers I’ve met in this business are agents.

Here’s where you can get encouraged by a WordServe Agent this year:

Writing Day Workshop Phoenix (May 2) – Greg Johnson

Write to Publish Wheaton (June 10-13) – Emma Fulenwider and Keely Boeving

Historical Novel Society Conference Las Vegas (June 26-28) – Greg Johnson (virtual appointments)

COMPEL Pro Publishing Week Emma Fulenwider (virtual appointments)

[title] => WordServe News April 2025 [desc] => April, as the first full month of spring, often symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, and hope, with Christian traditions also associating it with the Resurrection of the Lord.   Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. Releases Congratulations … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2025/04/30/wordserve-news-april-2025/ [date] => Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:52:23 +0000 [comments] => ) [1743428948] => Array ( [img] =>

In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March is celebrated as National Reading Month, encouraging everyone to embrace the joy and benefits of reading. 

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

Releases

Congratulations to Jack Woodville London and Stoney Creek Publishing for the February 18th release of Dangerous Latitudes.

Espionage, Survival, and the Fight for Texas Independence
 
From the author of the French Letters trilogy comes a sweeping historical adventure full of unforgettable Texas legends!
 
Six years after the fall of the Alamo, Mexican armies invade freely across the Rio Grande, and Texas is but one skirmish away from losing its hard-won independence. 
 
Against this backdrop, naïve surveyor Alexandre LaBranche accepts a dubious commission to map the Rio Grande boundary between Texas and Mexico but soon finds himself far out of his depth. 
 
Laced with exuberant, Texas-sized historical figures such as Sam Houston, Mirabeau Lamar, and Jack Hays, Dangerous Latitudes is a quest across a war-torn frontier that becomes a race to save two hundred captured Texans who the Mexican army has marked for death.

Congratulations to Lydia Sohn and Convergent Books for the February 25th release of Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving.

A contemplative guide to finding satisfaction right where you are, by understanding what it is within us that leads to dissatisfaction and creating long-lasting fulfillment—inspired by the ancient Christian tradition of Benedictine stability.

“A challenging spiritual invitation—one that we definitely need.”—Shannon K. Evans, author of The Mystics Would Like a Word

Lydia Sohn was a serial burn-it-down-and-make-a-fresh-start girl until, when in her late twenties, she encountered the Rule of St. Benedict with its vow of stability, and her world was transformed. Sohn took a pause to consider what she wanted out of life—identity, purpose, community—and had a lightbulb moment: Everything she needed to live the life she desired was already within her reach.

Here pushes back against our age of constant reinvention and the cultural message that we should do whatever it takes to get wherever we want to go. Instead, Sohn’s message is the opposite: stay. Stay and cultivate the immense potential and beauty that currently lies dormant within your circumstances.

Sohn understands the allure of nomadism. A nomadic life would protect us from the stress of relational conflicts that inevitably arise when we’re caught in the intricate web of commitments. But the restlessness, FOMO, and disappointment we’re trying to escape always come along for the journey. That’s because they’re not the result of our circumstances; they reside within us.

Braiding personal narrative and spiritual reflection, Here inspires readers to both embrace and transform their circumstances through commitment and stability—in order that they might find true contentment right where they are.

Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Amen and Tyndale for the March 3rd release of The End of Mental Illness: How Neuroscience Is Transforming Psychiatry and Helping Prevent or Reverse Mood and Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Addictions, PTSD, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, and More.

New hope for those suffering from conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, addictions, PTSD, ADHD and more.

Though the incidence of these conditions is skyrocketing, for the past four decades standard treatment hasn’t much changed, and success rates in treating them have barely improved, either. Meanwhile, the stigma of the “mental illness” label―damaging and devastating on its own―can often prevent sufferers from getting the help and healing they need.

Neuropsychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen is on the forefront of a new wellness movement within medicine and related disciplines that aims to change all that. In The End of Mental Illness, Dr. Amen draws on the latest findings of neuroscience to challenge an outdated psychiatric paradigm and help readers take control and improve the health of their own brain, minimizing or reversing conditions that may be preventing them from living a full and emotionally healthy life.

Packed with insights on hormones, diet, toxins, and more, The End of Mental Illness will help you discover:

Why labeling someone as having a “mental illness” is not only inaccurate but harmful
Why standard treatment may not have helped you or a loved one―and why diagnosing and treating you based on your symptoms alone so often misses the true cause of those symptoms and results in poor outcomes
At least 100 simple things you can do yourself to heal your brain and prevent or reverse the problems that are making you feel sad, mad, or bad
How to identify your “brain type” and what you can do to optimize your particular type
Where to find the kind of health provider who understands and uses the new paradigm of brain health
The End of Mental Illness will empower you to strengthen your brain and improve your mind. Get started today!

Congratulations to Meryl Herr and IV Press for the March 11th release of When Work Hurts: Building Resilience When You’re Beat Up or Burnt Out.

Sometimes Work Hurts

We might be discouraged, disillusioned, or devastated by our work. We might experience trauma or harassment on the job, or we may have experienced work loss by getting fired. If you’ve been beat up, burnt out, or brokenhearted by work, you’re not alone.

The Bible tells us that work will be difficult―filled with thorns and thistles―but no one prepares us for the pain we experience on the job. In When Work Hurts Meryl Herr

Explores the emotional, relational, and vocational pain that work causes and helps us rebound and build resilience so we can fully participate with God in his mission,
Walks through the biblical story of the Israelites’ journey of exile, return, and rebuilding as a framework for spiritual and practical resources for navigating work loss, and
Shows that we can take comfort in the fact that God is at work in the midst of our work to bring healing and hope.
“This book is a timely, uplifting resource that speaks to both the heart and mind. With a deep understanding of Scripture and descriptions about her journey, Herr expertly helps readers who want to integrate faith into their professional lives and navigate workplace challenges to reclaim a sense of purpose and hope.” – Library Journal Review, February 2025.

Congratulations to Kara Powell with Jake Mulder and Raymond Chang and Baker Books for the March 25th release of Future-Focused Church: Leading through Change, Engaging the Next Generation, and Building a More Diverse Tomorrow.

In the past few decades, the church has experienced rapid and distressing change. Hard-working pastors and leaders often know they need to embrace diversity, creatively engage younger generations, and equip their people to love their neighbors. But since they don’t know how to make the changes needed, they feel stuck and wonder, “What do I do now? What steps can I take to lead our church purposefully and prayerfully into a more hopeful future?”

For these dedicated yet drained church leaders, this research-informed resource from the team at the Fuller Youth Institute offers a clear roadmap to faithfully and effectively navigate change that will revitalize your church. Through extensive research, interviews, and case studies, you will learn how to see the big picture, activate a transformation team, know your “why,” discern where God is leading, communicate a compelling vision, maintain disciplined attention, and experiment toward a more fruitful, faithful, and lasting future.

This hope-filled guide for building tomorrow’s church today is the resource your church has been waiting for.

Congratulations to Jerry Jamison and Rowman & Littlefield Publishing for the April 15th release of Vanishing Act: A Crashed Plane, a Faked Death, and Backroom Abortions.

This book tells the twisted true story of twentieth century con man Robert Spears. Chief among Spears’s misdeeds was a sophisticated and elaborate network of abortion clinics deftly disguised as legitimate practices that generated a reported $20,000 a week in the 1950s. However, when Dr. Spears was about to go on trial for his abortion operation, he stunningly “died” in an airplane crash, leaving his widow to collect the equivalent of a million dollars in life insurance. As the FBI investigated, they uncovered an astonishing, mind-bending tale of murder, abortion rings, and false identities—more than 22 aliases for Spears alone—as well as insurance scams and investment fraud that stretched over decades. But that was far from the end of the story. Peeling back layer after layer, a world of schemes virtually beyond comprehension was exposed that left families, businesses, entire industries, and future generations in ruins. And yet Robert Spears proved to be the ultimate slippery fish. The FBI was never able to pin him down for the heinous downing of an airliner filled with innocent souls and the murder of his dearest friend. Methodically researched and meticulously sourced from FBI reports and hundreds of news articles and publications, Vanishing Act is one of the great con man stories of our time.

Contracts

Arnold Cole signed with Whitaker House for the May 2026 release of Spiritual Fitness For The Soul.

New Clients

Gary Neal Hansen and Tracey Hughes Royal recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

[title] => WordServe March News 2025 [desc] => In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March is celebrated as National Reading Month, encouraging everyone to embrace the joy and benefits of reading.  Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. Releases Congratulations to Jack Woodville London … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2025/03/31/wordserve-march-news-2025/ [date] => Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:49:08 +0000 [comments] => ) [1740757105] => Array ( [img] =>

February is the month of love and who doesn’t LOVE a good book.

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

Releases

Congratulations to Brian Byrd with Ken Gire and Post Hill Press for the January 27th release of Navigating Feedback at Work, Home, and Everywhere Else.

In the bestselling book, Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen, the authors wrote: “We receive a deluge of feedback—from bosses, colleagues, friends, family—yet it rarely improves performance. The problem is that we’ve focused all of our attention and training on the feedback giver. Instead, it is the feedback receiver who decides whether to make use of the feedback and improve.”

Navigating Feedback at Work, Home, and Everywhere Else focuses entirely on the receiver of difficult feedback. How you respond to that feedback determines, to a large extent, your destiny.

Seriously, your destiny?

Seriously.

Using video clips from top business consultants and interactive journaling, author Brian Byrd will walk you through the skills necessary to embrace difficult feedback in a way that will not only improve your personal life but also your professional life.

Brian Byrd invites you on a journey to the rest of your life, which could very well lead to the years that become…the best of your life!

Contracts

Eugene Lipov with Lauren Ungeldi signed Post Hill Press with for the May 2026 release of The God Shot” Healing Trauma’s Legacy: The Sience, The Stories, The Solution,

New Clients

Gary Neal Hansen recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

[title] => WordServe February News 2025 [desc] => February is the month of love and who doesn’t LOVE a good book. Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. Releases Congratulations to Brian Byrd with Ken Gire and Post Hill Press for the January … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2025/02/28/wordserve-february-news-2025/ [date] => Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:38:25 +0000 [comments] => ) [1738338900] => Array ( [img] =>

January is National Book Month and National Reading Day, making it a great time to read.

WordServe author Charles Person passed away recently after a year-long battle with cancer. Charles was one of the original Freedom Riders from the early 1960’s during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. His story was published by St. Martins Press many years ago, and Charles proved to be an energetic promoter of his story. He was one of those silent American Icon types who lived through history, made many sacrifices, and came through it all with a steadfast commitment to America and the journey we had to go through—and continue to go through—in order to insure equality for all. More here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Person

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

Releases

Congratulations to Arianna Molloy and IV Press for the January 7th release of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work.

When You Don’t Know Who You Are Anymore

Research shows that people who have a sense of calling are more productive, motivated, and resilient than their peers. But they are also more likely to experience the physical, mental, and spiritual exhaustion of burnout. When they do, the impact is more severe and disorienting. Burnout often starts from something very good: a passionate commitment to meaningful work and the skill to make it a reality. But the dark side of calling is that passion and skill without boundaries are like matches to a dry forest, at risk for devastating destruction.

How can we pursue our callings while managing our risk for burnout? Communication and workplace expert Arianna Molloy explores the nature of a healthy calling and the surprising key to unlocking a more sustainable approach. Humility is essential to a healthy calling, one that involves knowing yourself well, being teachable, and embracing the vulnerability of consistently taking time to rest and reflect. Molloy identifies essential practices and disciplines to recalibrate your calling and transform your work, relationships, and life.

You don’t have to feel stuck and alone, disoriented in the dark. Let the Caller turn on the lights and return you to health. 

Congratulations to Roger Hutchison with Claire Westwood and Morehouse Publishing for the January 7th release of The Gift of Baptism.

A beautifully illustrated poetic rendering of the promise made at baptism, an ideal gift.

Millions of people are baptized every year, most as babies, in an important and joyous family ritual. Once children reach reading age, an understanding of the meaning of their baptism is an essential part of their formation and opens up their lives to the power of Christian community. With 22 colorful illustrations and a vibrant concise lyrical narrative, The Gift of Baptism is the perfect learning tool for children embarking on their journey of faith. Its poignant style teaches readers about the Baptismal Covenant and nurtures understanding of concepts like the Holy Trinity, Jesus’ teachings, and living with love at the forefront of your mind and in your actions.

A keepsake for the newly baptized, and equally valuable for any child embarking on their faith journey, this book is perfect for individuals and enriching Sunday school and youth group discussions. Parents, grandparents, godparents, educators, and spiritual mentors will find it a cherished resource for helping children understand and embrace their baptismal calling. The heartwarming illustrations and wholesome narrative make it accessible and inviting for all.

Congratulations to Caroline Fausel and Tyndale Refresh for the January 7th release of A Simply Healthy Life: Your Guide to Cultivating a Happy, Connected, and Intentional Life.

Are you ready to change your life for the better?

Do you wish you knew what practices actually lead to a healthier, more meaningful life? With all the information bombarding us, it can be hard to cut through all the noise to discern what’s most important. If only someone you could trust would parse through all the data, test it out in real life, and then cut to the chase about what really works.

Good news: Health coach and wellness expert Caroline Fausel has spent the past decade researching what it really takes to live a healthy, fulfilled life and create a home where everyone in the family can thrive. What she discovered has changed her life and can make all the difference in yours.

In A Simply Healthy Life, Caroline shows you how to

  • Envision what it would look like for you to feel genuinely happy and healthy;
  • Fuel your body so you feel great and integrate exercise in a way that is realistic and shame-free;
  • Create a clutter-free, non-toxic home;
  • Use spiritual practices like Sabbath rest to grow deeper in your relationship with God;
  • Set up your day with habits to reinforce your healthier choices, and more!

When you make purposeful choices about your health, spiritual growth, and relationships, you will be able to flourish―and help those you love flourish too. Get started today!

Contains helpful appendix with mental health resources, recipes, and discussion questions for each chapter!

Congratulations to Andrew Bauman and Baker Books for the January 21 release of Safe Church: How to Guard against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities.

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that by and large the church has failed women. From sexual abuse scandals involving high-profile pastors, to decades-long systemic cover-ups of sexual harassment and mistreatment, to harmful theology that has driven women to leave the church and find community elsewhere, it’s clear that something is broken. If we want to fix it, it’s time we start listening.

Drawing on new, firsthand research and in-depth interviews, Safe Church allows women to voice the pain they have suffered at the hands of insecure leaders who were often unaware of how their words, actions, and attitudes were harming their sisters in Christ. With practical advice on how to create more equity and less sexism and abuse in the church, this honest look at how misogyny masquerades as biblical truth is a vital resource for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference in their own Christian community.

Contracts

Eric Clayton signed with Loyola Press for the July 2026 release of  A Prayer of Re-Enchantment.

Anjanette Young signed with Chicago Review Press for the April 2026 release of Past the Pain.

New Clients

Diane Faulkner, Bryan Fitzpatrick and Lori Kuykendall recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Diane Carlson Evans who was awarded the Presidential Citizens medal by President Biden on January 2nd. Her book HEALING WOUNDS (Post Hill Press) described her work as a nurse in Vietnam, and then a tireless advocate to get a memorial in D.C. for Vietnam nurses. Diane was also featured in the NY Times bestseller, The Women, by Kristen Hannah.

[title] => WordServe January News 2025 [desc] => January is National Book Month and National Reading Day, making it a great time to read. WordServe author Charles Person passed away recently after a year-long battle with cancer. Charles was one of the original Freedom Riders from the early 1960’s during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. His story was published by St. … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2025/01/31/wordserve-january-news-2025/ [date] => Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:55:00 +0000 [comments] => ) [1735841351] => Array ( [img] =>

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the books are SO delightful.

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

Releases

Congratulations to Sarah Varland and Love Inspired Books for the January 21st release of K-9 Alaskan Defense (K-9 Search and Rescue Book 14).

A K-9 stands guard…

while a killer closes in.

Discovering a dead body in the woods turns into a fight for survival when Lily Peterson is attacked by an unknown assailant. Rescued by her retired police K-9, Timber, Lily calls the one man she trusts for help—her late fiancé’s partner, former officer Travis Beckett. Only, the danger proves to be far from over when Lily’s house goes up in flames. Someone wants her dead, and all clues lead to a connection to her departed fiancé’s final case. Investigating the past is the only way to stay alive…but can they elude a killer neither expects?

Congratulations to Jerry Lathan with Steve Manchester and Forefront Books for the November 19th release of You will Be Peter.

The extraordinary story of a young fisherman who became the Founding Father of Christianity, the most influential and enduring institution in history.

2023 Paris Book Festival Winner · 2023 New England Book Festival Winner

He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.

Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.

Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.

In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.

With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.

Contracts

  Natalie Ryan Runion signed with David C Cook for the March 2026 release of Raised to Stay Devotional (Book One) and Raising Stayers (Book Two).

New Clients

Moyosore Somide, Alan Cohen, Jeanne Whitlock and Paul Anleitner recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Jamie Sumner. Horn Book has chosen her book Deep Water as one of their best books of the year!

Congratulations to Jessica Hooten Wilson. Her book Flannery O’Connor’s Why Do the Heathen Rage?: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Work in Progress received an Award of Merit from The Christianity Today Book Awards.

Congratulations to Leslie Leyland Fields. Her book Nearing a Far God: Praying the Psalms with Our Whole Selves won the Bible and Devotional Award from The Christianity Today Book Awards.

Congratulations to Natalie Runion and Jim Ramos for making the ECPA Top Seller list for New Releases. Their books are titled “The House That Jesus Built” and “Dialed In

Congratulations to Jamie Sumner. The New York Public Library has chosen Deep Water as one of the best middle-grade books of the year!

[title] => WordServe December News 2024 [desc] => Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the books are SO delightful. Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. Releases Congratulations to Sarah Varland and Love Inspired Books for the January 21st release of K-9 Alaskan … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2025/01/02/wordserve-december-news-2024/ [date] => Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:09:11 +0000 [comments] => ) [1732898530] => Array ( [img] =>

November is National Reading Month and it’s National Family Literacy Month.  National Family Literacy Month is a time for families to read together, reconnect with the tradition of reading, 

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Congratulations to Alicia Michelle and Baker Books for the November 12th release of Emotional Confidence 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture.

Tired of up-and-down feelings stealing your peace, sabotaging your relationships, and filling your mind with self-defeating thoughts? What if you had a proven emotional management tool to biblically respond to your feelings with both compassion and clarity? Discover three simple steps to better manage emotions to reduce stress, improve decision-making, and grow closer to God.

In Emotional Confidence, certified Christian life coach and award-winning podcast host Alicia Michelle shares how to implement the method she’s taught to tens of thousands into an ongoing lifestyle practice to effectively manage emotions for God’s glory. This biblical, scientifically based method shows you how to

· handle emotional overwhelm, overthinking, and avoidance
· acknowledge feelings without judgment
· process emotions through God’s clarifying lens of truth
· courageously choose a scriptural response

With calming activities, client stories, scientific evidence, and heartfelt honesty, this book overflows with practical ways to confidently process emotions for better relationships, spiritual growth, and lasting calm.

 

Contracts

 Shellie Tomlinson signed with Whitaker Corporation for the March 2026 release of Don’t Try To Pray Like Her.

Michael and Judy Phillips dba One Way Limited signed with Fidelis Publishing for the 2026 release of Tribulation Cult: Hidden Jihad, and The Freedom Manifesto.

New Clients

Elizabeth Matthew, Denise Pass, and Felicia Smith recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Katie Powner for winning the Christy Award for General Fiction for your book The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass!

Congratulations to Patrice Gopo for being the recipient of the inaugural Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award for her essay collection Autumn Song.

[title] => WordServe November News 2024 [desc] => November is National Reading Month and it’s National Family Literacy Month.  National Family Literacy Month is a time for families to read together, reconnect with the tradition of reading,  Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2024/11/29/wordserve-november-news-2024/ [date] => Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:42:10 +0000 [comments] => ) [1730390488] => Array ( [img] =>

National Book Month is held each October. The month-long celebration focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature.

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Congratulations to Bruce Main and Core Media For the October 8, 2024 release of God Writes a Better Story.

Every human life is a story to be written. Most people desire lives of purpose, meaning and love. We want to live worthy stories of boundless promise. But how do these better stories get written? Some lives are simply reactions to circumstance. Other stories scripted by fear and insecurity—often the unconscious role playing of societal expectations. Pride and ego control many of our narratives, demanding little of our imagination. God Writes a Better Story proposes an alternative option: the expansive impact of inviting God to co-author our life story—regardless of chapters already written. When God infuses, guides and informs the events of our lives, a better story is always written. Not an easier story. Not a perfect or more successful story. Just better.

Congratulations to Dr. Camden Morgante and Baker Books for the October 15, 2024 release of Recovering from Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, and Move Forward in Your Faith.

We know what is wrong with purity culture–now we need to know how to heal. Drawing on historical and psychological research, her own personal experience, and therapy case studies, Dr. Camden Morgante tackles what comes next in reclaiming our sexuality from the harmful teachings so many evangelical Christians grew up believing.

With great compassion and insight, Dr. Camden
· exposes five myths of purity culture and their effects on individuals and relationships
· offers proven therapy techniques to replace harmful lies with healing truth
· provides strategies to overcome shame in the mind and body
· explores the connection between purity culture, trauma, and faith deconstruction
· helps the hurting reconstruct their faith with peace and acceptance

A healthy sexuality is not out of reach for those who have been harmed by purity culture. You can find freedom from shame, restrictive gender roles, and stunted relationships. Dr. Camden shows you the way forward.

Congratulations to Jamie Sumner and Atheneum Books for the October 22, 2024 release of Rolling On (Roll with It).

In this heartfelt companion to Jamie Sumner’s acclaimed and beloved novels Roll with It and Time to Roll, Ellie finds herself faced with first love and learning to let go.

It’s the very end of eighth grade and all everyone can talk about is high school—everyone except Ellie Cowan. Ellie wants to freeze time. Middle school was epic. She moved to Oklahoma, made her best friends, won a baking championship, quit a beauty pageant, and dominated Putt-Putt golf in her wheelchair.

But now her feelings for her best friend Bert are starting to change. When did Bert get so cute? And why are all the other girls suddenly noticing, too? As if that isn’t enough to deal with, Grandpa’s health takes a turn for the worse. So what do you do when you don’t know how to hold on and when to let go?

Congratulations to Nick Harrison and B&H Books for the November 5, 2024 release of Our Cry for Revival.

What Christian isn’t hungering for revival? Not just an emotional display of faith, but a revival that changes lives, renews churches, and can even change history. Such revivals as the Great Awakening, the Welsh Revival, and the Jesus Movement have earned their place in church history and are evidence that God is still alive and active. Even smaller revivals such as the recent revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, caught the attention of the world as upwards of fifty thousand Christians traveled to the college campus to witness this move of God. The recent movie, The Jesus Revolution was a surprise success at the box office as, once again, Christians flocked to hear about revival.

Make no mistake, there is a worldwide hunger for revival, and especially so among American Christians. The great news is that every Christian has a part to play in bringing about revival. That part is first, last, and always prayer. Revivals are born from prayer. But will Christians pray? Do they really want revival? If recent events are indications of that fresh hunger for God in our midst, then the answer is a resounding yes!

With daily Scripture readings, reflections, prayer prompts, and quotes from classic Christian leaders, this 365-day guide will aid you in your quest to experience both personal and widespread revival through persistent prayer.

Yes, revival is on its way. Will you be one of the prayer warriors to usher in this next great move of God?

Contracts

Katie Powner signed with Kregel Publications for the October 2025 release of Birds on a Wire.

Tucker Hamilton signed with BenBella Books for the February 2026 release of The Last 20%.

Dr. Craig Evans signed with DaySpring Cards for the January 2026 release of Devotional Guide – Behind the Scenes of the Bible.

Jim Burns signed with Harper Collins for the March 2026 release of When Adult Children Stray.

Ronald Osborn signed with Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing for the July 2026 release of American Remnant: Seventh-day Adventism and Its Discontents.

Sara Varland signed with Harlequin Enterprises for the January 2025 release of K-9 Theme Promotion (Husky).

New Clients

Maria Cassano, Steven Argue and Jessica Gigot recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulation to Greg Pratt for making the shortlist for the 2024 Chicago Review of Books (CHIRBy) Awards for his book The City is Up for Grabs: How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis.

Congratulations to Jim Ramos and Natalie Runion who made the ECPA bestseller list for their books, Dialed In and The House That Jesus Built.

[title] => WordServe October News 2024 [desc] => National Book Month is held each October. The month-long celebration focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature. Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. New Releases Congratulations to Bruce Main and Core Media For the … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2024/10/31/wordserve-october-news-2024/ [date] => Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:01:28 +0000 [comments] => ) [1727825727] => Array ( [img] =>

In September everyone must make time to sit and watch the leaves change and read a good book.

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Congratulations to Shannon K Evans and Convergent Books for the September 10, 2024 release of The Mystics Would Like a Word.

Discover a rich legacy of audacious women who forged a spirituality that is more inclusive, surprising, and empowering than we ever imagined.

“The feminist reading of women mystics I’ve wanted for ages . . . invites us into the hopeful possibility for communal healing that we desperately need right now.”—Sarah Bessey, bestselling author of Field Notes for the Wilderness and Jesus Feminist

Is there a Christian spirituality that embraces the entire reality of womanhood?

The answer, Shannon K. Evans suggests, is an emphatic yes. There is a spirituality that meets us in every part of our lives, developed by the women who came before us. Six mystics—Teresa of Ávila, Margery Kempe, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, and Thérèse of Lisieux—revealed a faith big enough to hold the female experiences of sex and desire, the yearning for bodily autonomy, the challenges of motherhood and identity, as well as life with male authority and—sometimes—violence. These women, self-determining, stubborn, and unapologetically themselves, asked questions in their time that are startlingly prescient today, and fought for women’s experiences to be heard, understood, respected, and recognized as holy.

In The Mystics Would Like a Word, readers will discover the story of Christian faith and spirituality as

Congratulations to Carolyn Leiloglou and Waterbrook Books for the September 10, 2024 release of Between Flowers and Bones.

In a world where paintings become portals and adventure lurks behind every canvas, the young Restorationists discover that every Gift was made to fight the darkness in the second novel of the thrilling series from the award-winning author of Beneath the Swirling Sky.

Twelve-year-old Georgia assumed she would one day be the last Restorationist protecting art from evil forces. So she was thrilled when her cousin Vincent finally joined the family calling.

But Vincent’s flashier Gift makes Georgia feel like a sidekick rather than a hero. And things only get more complicated and perilous after he willingly steps into the heart of danger.

Will the remnants of the Restorationists’ society fracture under the pressure of the Distortionists’ schemes? Or is Georgia’s Gift really enough to rescue her family, the art world, the Restorationists—and ultimately save the day?

Congratulations to Carole Angle Avriett and Regnery Books for the October 1, 2024 release of Midnight In Ironbottom Sound:  The Harrowing WWII Story of Heroism in the Shark Infested Waters of Guadalcanal.

A captivating World War II narrative of an untold story in the Pacific theater

In the heart of the Pacific, where the tides of World War II surged, lies a tale of heroism on the high seas—a tale brought to life in Midnight in Ironbottom Sound. This is the untold story of the USS Gregory (APD-3), a ship manned by unknown sailors whose bravery echoes through the annals of history.  Upon the decks of this vessel, Lieutenant Commander Harry F. Bauer and Mess Attendant Charles J. French, representing the highest and lowest ranks on the USS Gregory, become the focal points of this gripping narrative. In the turbulent waters of the Pacific, their stories, interwoven with the ship’s saga—whose vital mission was to transport Marine Raiders to bloody beaches— emerge as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment to duty.
Avriett unfolds a a brief but catastrophic chapter of naval history that is often overlooked–that of unremitting warfare during the first few weeks following the initial invasion of the Solomon Islands to the demise of the USS Gregory four weeks later. Within this crucible, the USS Gregory, marked as a “minor” player, takes center stage. The ship’s designation as an APD, its brave crew, and the harrowing night of terror they faced, set the stage for an unforgettable story.
Avriett meticulously reveals their heroism and pays homage to the eternal truth that courage has neither cPolityolor nor prerequisites, and that valor hails from within.

Contracts

Haylee Graham signed with Tyndale for the November 2025 release of Against All Darkness.

Mark Dever and Caleb Morell with 9Marks signed with Crossway for the July 2026 release of Polity.

Jack Woodville London signed with University of Oklahoma Press for the April 2026 release of Audacity: A Circumnavigation of the Historic Boundaries of the Republic of
Texas.

New Clients

Tucker Hamilton and Veronica Thompson  recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

[title] => WordServe September News 2024 [desc] => In September everyone must make time to sit and watch the leaves change and read a good book. Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. New Releases Congratulations to Shannon K Evans and Convergent Books for … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2024/10/01/wordserve-september-news-2024/ [date] => Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:35:27 +0000 [comments] => ) [1725036417] => Array ( [img] =>

August, a time to soak up the sun, spread happiness, and to read books.

Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Congratulations to Michaela O’Donnell PhD with Lisa Pratt Slayton and Baker Books for the August 20, 2024 release of Life in Flux: Navigational Skills to Guide and Ground You in an Ever-Changing World.

If it seems like the world is in a constant state of flux, that’s because it is. Our work, our families, our friendships, and our society are always changing, which can leave us feeling disoriented and discouraged. And while lots of people offer “tips and tricks” or “life hacks” to help us cope, the real secret to feeling like we’re standing on solid ground is deeper–and we can’t do it alone.

In Life in Flux, leadership, career, and vocation experts Michaela O’Donnell and Lisa Pratt Slayton teach the practical skills needed in order to navigate constant change. They show you how to

· face the pain and longings that come with change
· do the inner work of waking up and letting go
· embrace the unknown with confidence
· listen to God’s guiding voice
· get to know yourself, really
· find and keep friends for the journey
· stay attuned to your rhythms and values moving forward

When you feel truly at home in your world and with yourself, you can do hard things with great courage. Life in Flux can get you there.

Congratulations to Natalie Runion and David C Cook for the September 3, 2024 release of The House That Jesus Built: Leading Our Churches Back to God’s Original Blueprint.

At a time when churches seem far from God’s design, bestselling author Natalie Runion challenges us as Christians to follow the Bible’s blueprint for building holy, healthy churches that disciple holy, healthy followers of Christ.

In recent years, we’ve seen the “great resignation” in Church leadership and attendance, the devastation of spiritual abuse, and the breakdown of faith within our culture. In The House That Jesus Built, Natalie encourages all of us to recognize our role as Jesus’ disciples in rebuilding our churches, brick by brick. With personal stories and practical ideas, she guides us to: 

  • Be honest about past disappointments while still engaging with our church communities
  • Ask how we as Christ followers have contributed to pain in our churches and how we can help heal one another
  • Use the book of Acts as the blueprint for empowering the family of God to be the family of God
  • Understand how even the apostles wrestled with their places in the early Church but remained committed to love God, love people, and make disciples
  • Be unified on the foundation of Jesus Christ

The House That Jesus Built will stir your heart to see God’s churches realigned with the Great Commission and the Great Command. As Natalie reminds us, we are the Church. We are the ones who can partner with Jesus to build something beautiful out of the rubble—and back on the Rock.

Congratulations to Jim Ramos and David C Cook for the September 3, 2024 release of Dialed In: Reaching Your Full Capacity as a Man of God.

Males are born. Men are made. Dialed In motivates and equips men to become spiritual leaders in their homes, churches, and communities as they stand strong in a dangerous world.

Popular podcaster Jim Ramos speaks to the hunger deep within the masculine soul in this practical exploration of Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. Men who wonder how to lead well in today’s confusing culture will find:

Twenty key qualities of a man of God, such as servanthood, vigilance, and faithfulness
What it means to function at “full capacity” in every aspect of life
Insights into why Paul’s letters aren’t just for pastors but for all of us
What true masculinity looks like in God’s eyes
How men can live a life surrendered to Jesus Christ

God made man to live at his highest level—both spiritually and physically—to carry the full weight of his masculine soul. Including self-assessments and questions for small groups, Dialed In goes beyond vague principles to teach men how to become God’s man and hear the words their souls crave: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Congratulations to Bill Myers and Fidelis for the September 25, 2024 release of Seer: Rendezvous with God Volume Five: A Novel.

After his death, including a tour of heaven, Will realizes Earth’ s great need and agrees to return to help. With Jesus’ instruction and their occasional visits to Old Testament times and prophets, our hero learns through failure and mishaps (always with a touch of Myers’ s humor), how to prepare for the battles God has called him to fight.

Contracts

Kelly Edmiston signed with Nav Press for the March 2026 release of Spiritual Sexuality.

Serena Sigillito signed with Penguin Random house for the May 2026 release of Listen to Your Body.

New Clients

Matt Winquist, Kelly Winquist, Derrick Warfel, and Spencer Jones  recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

 

What We’re Cellebratiing

Congratulations to Jamie Erickson. Her book Holy Hygge has hit the milestone of 50,000 in sales!! Congratulations and Well Done!

[title] => WordServe August News 2024 [desc] => August, a time to soak up the sun, spread happiness, and to read books. Our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents. New Releases Congratulations to Michaela O’Donnell PhD with Lisa Pratt Slayton and Baker Books for … [link] => https://wordservewatercooler.com/2024/08/30/wordserve-august-news-2024/ [date] => Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:46:57 +0000 [comments] => ) )