Books with Blink logo designed to deliver ‘impactful reads that provide empowering messages’ for YA readers

Zondervan is launching a new book imprint to better reach young adults with compelling literature—and counter some of the negative themes in general market YA literature.

From fantasy to romance and contemporary classics, Blink aims to appeal to teen readers and a growing audience of adult readers who are taking in general market literature such as “The Hunger Games” and “Twilight” series.

Starting in August, the imprint aims to “publish authentic and immersive content that engages and inspires readers with cutting-edge plotlines,” a company statement read.

“While reports have young adults glued to their smartphones and devices for hours every day, ultimately they still love great stories,” said Annette Bourland, senior vice president and publisher at Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Blink will provide great content that reflects their attitudes and enhances their lives.”

With Blink, the company sees “an opportunity to deliver impactful reads that provide empowering messages,”
Bourland added.

The company’s vice president of marketing, Chriscynethia Floyd, said that Blink is “about delivering a relevant reading experience in a way that mirrors the young adult reader’s lifestyle.”

Some titles already in Zondervan’s offerings are being transferred to the Blink imprint. Heather Burch’s first title of the “Halflings” series was already published under Zondervan and now falls under Blink’s purview. Book two of the series, Guardian, releasing in September. The series gets its title from characters who are half-human and half-angel, and focuses on the battle between the forces of heaven and hell. 

Robert Treskillar’s “Merlin’s Spiral” series reimagines the myths surrounding Merlin of King Arthur’s Court. The second title comes out in October.

Some of the other Blink titles are Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples, a coming-of-age story releasing in August, and Remnants: Season of Wonder, the first in a dystopian series coming in October from popular CBA market author Lisa T. Bergren.

Blink authors and their titles will benefit from a dedicated marketing program that includes extensive social media outreach, advertising and sharing custom content across online and mobile media sources. This fall Zondervan will launch “an impressive six figure marketing budget to establish the imprint and the titles,” Floyd said.

Along with a dedicated website (www.blinkyabooks.com), Blink will connect with these readers through Facebook (www.facebook.com/blinkyabooks), Twitter (@blinkyabooks), Tumblr (www.blinkyabooks.tumblr.com) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/blinkyabooks). 

Blink titles will be available in print and e-book formats.

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