- Karen Kingsbury, dubbed the "Queen of Christian Fiction" by Time magazine, has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation in all areas.
- Kingsbury has published nearly 100 novels and sold more than 30 million copies in the U.S., remaining the top-selling author in Christian fiction since 2004.
- UTA also signed her son and collaborator Tyler Russell, a writer-director behind multiple theatrical adaptations of her work.
- Kingsbury previously worked with GOA Speakers.
Karen Kingsbury, the bestselling Christian fiction author with nearly 100 novels and over 30 million copies sold in the U.S., has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation across all areas.
Dubbed the “Queen of Christian Fiction” by Time magazine, Kingsbury has led the Christian fiction sales charts since 2004, with titles including the beloved Baxter family series, Someone Like You, and The Bridge.
UTA also signed Kingsbury’s son Tyler Russell, a writer-director who has helmed theatrical adaptations through Karen Kingsbury Productions. His 2024 film Someone Like You earned nearly $6 million at the domestic box office through Fathom Entertainment, becoming the distributor’s second highest-grossing faith-based scripted movie of all time. His 2025 holiday film The Christmas Ring, starring Jana Kramer and Kelsey Grammer, grossed approximately $1 million over its theatrical run.
Kingsbury’s work has been adapted by The Hallmark Channel, Amazon MGM Studios, and Netflix. This signing follows UTA’s recent additions of Achieng Agutu and Lovie Simone. Kingsbury previously worked with GOA Speakers.
Takeaways
This is a major move, not just for Karen Kingsbury, but for the faith-based entertainment space as a whole. When one of the best-selling living authors in Christian fiction walks through UTA’s doors, it sends a clear signal: faith-driven storytelling is no longer a niche, it’s a commercial powerhouse that Hollywood’s top agencies are actively chasing.
The fact that UTA signed both Kingsbury and her son Tyler Russell as a creative team suggests this is about building a long-term entertainment franchise, not just a single client relationship.
With her catalog already proven across Hallmark, Amazon, Netflix, and theatrical releases, the pipeline for more high-profile adaptations just got a serious shot of fuel.
Will UTA’s involvement unlock bigger studio deals and wider theatrical distribution for future Karen Kingsbury adaptations? Does this signing signal that major agencies are now seriously investing in the faith-based entertainment market?
