Should You Give Up On Traditional Publishing?

Conversations Agents Don't Want to Have- And How to Avoid Them

There are some conversations literary agents dread — not because they don't care about writers, but because they care so much. In this episode, host Jen Babakhan is joined by Barb Roose, Cynthia Ruchti, and Debbie Alsdorf for an honest, behind-the-curtain look at four of them. In this episode the agents discuss: → AI and your manuscript — why it puts your book deal and your reputation at risk → What agents actually do (and don't do) — and what they need from you to move forward → "I love it, but I can't sell it" — the hard truth about sellability vs. great writing → Why your work doesn't stop at signing — and what treating your writing like a business really looks like All four agents are published authors themselves. They've been on both sides of these conversations, and they're sharing the truth with honesty and zero judgment — because they're for you. 🎧 New episodes drop the first Wednesday of every month. Full podcast archive: booksandsuch.com/podcast Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@BooksAndSuch

Inside the Publisher's Chair - A Conversation with Mark Rice, Kregel Publications (Part 2)

We're back with the second half of our conversation with Mark Rice, publisher and senior marketing director at Kregel Publications. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, start there — we've linked it in the show notes below. In this episode, Mark delivers some of his most practical and candid advice yet, covering book titling, the often-overlooked sales team, AI in publishing, and the three things he'd tell every author before they leave the room. In this episode you'll learn: * Mark's titling pet peeve! He shares the two rules every author needs to know before naming their book * What you need to know about a publisher's sales team and how you can make their job easier. * Mark's strong warning for authors using AI tools with their manuscripts (don't miss this) * What Kregel is celebrating right now: 80+ years as an independent publisher, new leadership, and a refreshed vision * Mark's three final pieces of wisdom for every author at every stage

Inside the Publisher's Chair - A Conversation with Mark Rice, Kregel Publications (Part 1)

What does a publisher actually do? And what does it take for a book—or an author—to get a "yes"? This week, host Barb Roose sits down with Mark Rice, publisher and senior marketing director at Kregel Publications, for a candid look at the business of Christian publishing from the inside out. With more than 40 years in publishing, Mark brings a wealth of perspective on what makes books succeed, what separates good publishing from great publishing, and why a well-crafted publishing plan is the foundation for everything. He also shares the story behind two books he's especially proud of—a story that just might give hope to writers who've heard "no" too many times. In this episode you'll learn: * Why publishers work from a publishing plan, and what that means for you as an author * Why Mark says "publishers don't create demand, we amplify it" * The #1 misconception authors have about marketing (hint: it starts way before your launch) * What Mark actually looks for in an author's platform—and why big follower counts can be deceiving Mentioned in this episode: · Imagine Heaven by John Burke (Baker Books) · The Nature of Rest by Erin Lynam (Kregel Publications) · Kregel Publications — kregel.com · Books and Such Literary Management — booksandsuch.com Connect with Books and Such: Website: booksandsuch.com Instagram: @booksandsuch Podcast archive: booksandsuch.com/podcast New episodes drop the first Wednesday of every month.

The Do's and Don'ts of Being a Professional Author

Want to be taken seriously as an author? In this episode, the Books & Such agents share three essential do's and don'ts that separate hobby writers from true professionals—and what it really takes to build a lasting writing career. In today's episode, the Books & Such team dives into what it truly means to show up as a professional author—not just someone who writes when inspiration strikes. If you've ever wondered why some writers gain traction in traditional publishing while others stall out, this conversation offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what agents actually look for. We're breaking it down into three essential do's and three critical don'ts—practical, honest, and rooted in years of industry experience.

5 Reasons Agents Won't Read Your Whole Query (And How to Fix Them)

Ever wonder why your query received a form rejection… or no response at all? In this candid and surprisingly fun conversation, Books & Such agents pull back the curtain on what really happens inside an agent's inbox. Jen, Barb, Cynthia, and Debbie share the most common query mistakes that immediately make agents pause—or stop reading altogether. From overly long emails to industry misunderstandings and accidental professionalism red flags, this episode offers practical insight to help writers present their work clearly, confidently, and professionally. If you're preparing to query agents, this episode may save your submission before you hit send.