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Jimmy Carter, Jerry B. Jenkins sign with new publishers Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 25 October 2011 10:59 AM America/New_York

Zondervan has established a publishing partnership with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, while “Left Behind” author Jerry B. Jenkins has found a new home—and a seven-figure deal—with Worthy Publishing.

Under the agreement with the former president, Zondervan will release three titles, including a children’s book inspired by President Carter, as well as a trade title and a Bible title that will be authored by him.

“I chose to partner with Zondervan on these three projects due to their established track record and reputation as a capable publisher that operates with integrity,” said President Carter. “I’m excited to introduce these new titles, and my prayer is that God will use them to touch the hearts and minds of readers.”

“We are honored to be working with President Carter,” said Zondervan President and CEO Scott Macdonald. “President Carter is known for being a man of strong faith and he has collected a great deal of wisdom and insight to share based on his experiences, his personal journey and his walk with Christ. These three very different titles are intended to reach different readers through the voice of one of our nation’s most respected and successful leaders. My prayer is that these titles accomplish just that, to God’s glory.”

Through the Year With Jimmy Carter: 366 Daily Meditations from the 39th President will release in January. In it, Carter shares personal stories and life lessons that have come through more than three decades of teaching Sunday school.

Written by Elizabeth Raum, Gift of Peace: The Jimmy Carter Story is a biography of Carter’s life for children. The book recently released under the Zonderkidz imprint.

In stores next March, the NIV Lessons From Life Bible: Personal Reflections With Jimmy Carter will be filled throughout with Carter’s experiences, reflections, observations and insights, including life lessons and how he has applied the Word to his daily life.

In other contract news, Jerry B. Jenkins has signed a long-term, seven-figure agreement with Worthy Publishing.

“I’ve known Byron for many years and have great respect for him,” Jenkins said. “Worthy Publishing’s unique vision and boutique approach is a perfect fit for me.”

Worthy has contracted with Jenkins for six books. His first novel with Worthy will release in 2013.

“Jerry Jenkins is remarkable for many reasons, one of which is that he recognizes the value in putting down roots and working closely with a publisher so that together the team can support each book to the utmost,” said Byron Williamson, president of Worthy Publishing. “We are proud to have him on our roster for years to come.”

In other publishing news, B&H Publishing Group recently launched B&H Depth, a new imprint “reaching leaders with biblically and theologically substantive trade books about the most relevant issues they face in challenging, accessible and engaging ways.”

One of the imprint’s first titles, Gospel: Recovering the Power That Made Christianity Revolutionary by J.D. Greear (October), explores the implications of the gospel, with Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal: A Boy, Cancer, and God by Michael Kelley to follow in March. A Bible study writer and editor, Kelley wrote the book after his 2-year-old son’s cancer diagnosis.