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.
Congratulations to Kevin G. Ford with Jim Singleton and 
Congratulations to Catherine Ricketts and 
Congratulations to Christy Bauman and Convergent
WordServe Water Cooler 