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.

We're breaking it down into three essential do's and three critical don'ts—practical, honest, and rooted in years of industry experience.

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.

In this episode, the Books & Such agents tackle one of the most emotionally loaded questions in a writer's journey: Should I give up on traditional publishing?

Join Books & Such Literary Management agents Jen, Cynthia, and Barb for answers to the most commonly asked questions around why traditional publishing takes so long - and should you give up? They answer three commonly asked questions and share about how you can develop the perseverance and endurance for the journey. Pursuing book publishing offers an invitation to personal growth and faith. They discuss why delay isn't necessarily denial and they encourage you to push through the tough spots toward your goals.

This episode offers reassurance, clarity, and a grounded perspective for writers who are questioning their next step in the traditional publishing journey.

Connect with Us!

Books & Such Literary Management: booksandsuch.com

Follow us on Instagram: @booksandsuch

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | iHeartRadio

New episodes release the first Wednesday of each month. Find our full archive at booksandsuch.com under the Resources tab.

In this episode of the Books & Such Literary Podcast, host Jen Babakhan sits down with agency founder and publishing veteran Janet Grant to talk about where publishing is headed in 2026. With decades of experience as an editor, agent, and industry innovator, Janet shares insights on emerging trends, shifting market realities, and the opportunities authors should be paying attention to now.

From the rise of Bible-centered publishing and creative genre mashups to bookstore growth, AI concerns, and career strategy, this conversation offers wisdom and clarity for both aspiring and established authors navigating a rapidly changing publishing landscape.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, a multi-book author, or simply curious about the future of publishing, this episode offers thoughtful perspective, practical wisdom, and a hopeful vision for what's ahead.

Books & Such Writing Intensive | February 10-12, 2026 - click here for more information.

Follow us on Instagram: @booksandsuch

Watch Us on YouTube!

New episodes release the first Wednesday of each month. Find our full archive at booksandsuch.com/podcast under the Resources tab.

In this episode of the Books & Such podcast, our agents dive into a question almost every writer wrestles with: What should I actually spend money on as an author?

Should you hire an editor? When should you get help with your social media? What does your website truly need—and what's a waste of money? And is attending a writers conference a valuable investment or a drain on your time and resources? We're giving you the inside scoop on all of it.

Whether you're unpublished, contracting your next book, or maintaining a multi-book career, this episode will help you make wise, strategic, and sustainable decisions as you steward both your calling and your resources.

In This Episode:

• When hiring social media help makes sense (and why buying followers never does)
  
  

• When to invest in a freelance editor (and when to might harm your career)
  
  

• What every author needs on their website (and why simple beats flashy)
  
  

• How to know if a writers conference is worth your money this year

Mentioned in This Episode

• Books & Such Literary Management: booksandsuch.com
  
  

• Follow us on Instagram: @booksandsuch
  
  

• Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | iHeartRadio
  
  

New episodes release the first Wednesday of each month.
Find our full archive at booksandsuch.com/podcast under the Resources tab.