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

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

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.