With a mission of “inspiring people to move closer to Jesus” and a vision “to be the most trusted source of compelling media,” K-LOVE’s addition of books to the mega Christian media ministry’s portfolio was a natural progression. Known for its radio stations, musical artists, podcasts, and concerts, K-LOVE had a desire to expand discipleship opportunities and help listeners and readers grow in their faith.
“We had a vision to expand our relationships with K-LOVE listeners, and we have unique connections within the Christian community of artists and authors who have impactful Christian content to share,” says Karen Longino, VP and publisher of K-LOVE Books.
“Launching K-LOVE Books was a way to expand the ministry and amplify the message of Jesus through the written word,” Longino says. “Our radio networks and podcasts point people to Jesus through audio and music formats, but books have a unique ability to go deeper.”
Since launching in 2021, Longino says, “K-LOVE Books has quickly become a significant voice in Christian publishing.” In fact, the publisher’s very first release, The Way of the Father: Lessons from My Dad, Truths about God by Michael W. Smith, was a bestseller, as was Believe for It: Passing on Faith to the Next Generation by CeCe Winans, the bestselling female gospel artist of all time. K-LOVE Books has since published 17 titles, with six ECPA bestsellers, several nominations for Christian Book Awards, and a sold-out book signing for Phil Wickham and his On Our Knees: 40 Days to Living Boldly in Prayer.
By leveraging its massive reach into the Christian market via the ministry’s platforms that reach millions every month, K-LOVE Books is “able to create a unique brand opportunity for an author,” says Jenaye Merida, Sr. Publishing Manager. She points to podcasts, radio promotion, live events, streaming live videos or documentaries on K-LOVE OnDemand, or combinations of each. “We have multiple avenues to explore,” Merida says, “and that’s what differentiates us from other publishers.”
Expansion is now in the works for K-LOVE Books. Beyond its initial focus on books by musical artists, Longino says the publisher is adding pastors, speakers, and experienced Christian authors to the roster. The publishing house plans to increase and diversify the number of books published each year, as well as add ministry resources to the list that will be distributed at K-LOVE events to “offer spiritual growth opportunities through the printed word,” Longino says.
Exciting titles on the fall list include Hey Girl: You Are Seen, Loved, and Made for More—40 Devotions by Anne Wilson; The Extra Mile: An Extraordinary Cycling Journey to Find Faith and Purpose by Evan Craft; and the imprint’s own Positive & Encouraging Thoughts for Women: 90 Devotions of Hope, Strength, and Grace for Your Journey.
Looking ahead, K-LOVE Books sees a growing list, more collaborations, and more ways to deepen the faith of readers. The publisher works with music managers, literary agents, Forefront Books, and Simon & Schuster to bring its vision to fruition. K-LOVE Books’ dedicated sales team presents titles to the Christian market while the larger sales team at Simon & Schuster provides sales and distribution services to the general market.
The publisher invites agents to consider K-LOVE Books for projects on their lists. “We are dedicated,” Longino says, “to providing quality, faith-based materials that magnify the good news of Jesus, nurture spiritual growth, and invite more people to experience His love and salvation.”
