Penguin Random House UK has announced the launch of Ebury Vine, its first Christian imprint.
The move reflects a growing demand for Christian and faith-based writing within the United Kingdom and internationally, and comes at a time of accelerating church attendance and renewed cultural interest in Christianity.
Ebury Vine might be a part of PRH UK’s Ebury Self division, which already includes Rider, Vermilion and Happy Place Books. The recent list will concentrate on books about faith, spiritual growth and self-development, with the aim of inspiring readers who’re searching for meaning, wisdom and guidance. Its logo, designed by Lucy Thorne, is meant to symbolise the deep roots of Christianity and the cultivation of curiosity and growth.
Charisa Gunasekera, formerly of SPCK Publishing, has been appointed commissioning editor for the imprint. She will even proceed to amass titles for Rider, Ebury’s established spirituality list, and has already secured 15 titles for Ebury Vine.
Speaking about her role, she said it was “really exciting” to give you the option to “get the word of Jesus out” to places where it could be harder to access. She added that she was honoured to be a part of the launch and looked forward to supporting British voices in writing about spiritual health, alongside publishing books that offered faith-based hope and healing.
Publishing director Olivia Morris described the choice as “a fitting approach to construct on our heritage and mark out our ambitious intent to grow this space”.
She praised Gunasekera’s “entrepreneurial flair” and said that Rider’s long-standing success with books of religion, hope and healing provided a robust foundation for Ebury Vine.
The first titles include Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal by Rich Villodas, to be published in September, and Rhythms of Faith by Claude Atcho, which explores the church calendar.
Other authors already signed include British mythographer Dr Martin Shaw, New York Times bestselling author Mark Batterson, minimalist pastor Joshua Becker and Anglican priest and writer Tish Harrison Warren.
The launch is going down against a backdrop of growing interest in Christianity in Britain. Church attendance within the UK has risen by 50 per cent up to now six years, with greater than two million people now attending services often.
Ebury Vine represents Penguin Random House UK’s intention to reply to this interest with a spread of titles that reach each established Christian readers and recent audiences who’re exploring faith.
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