Query Like a Pro: What Literary Agents Actually Look For
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
Release Date: 06/04/2025
Lights,Camera,Query: Movie Quotes that Inspire Your Writing Life
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
We spend a lot of time on our Books & Such podcast talking about craft, proposals, platform, and all the serious things and all of that matters. But this month, we're having a little fun. Host and Literary Agent, Jen Babakhan is joined by three Books & Such Literary Management agents, Barb Roose, Cynthia Ruchti, and Debbie Alsdorf for a conversation about movie quotes that could have been written about publishing. Because sometimes a single line from a movie captures something about this industry better than any writing conference session ever could. Each agent chose two quotes...
info_outline
Conversations Agents Don't Want to Have- And How to Avoid Them
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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...
info_outline
Inside the Publisher’s Chair - A Conversation with Mark Rice, Kregel Publications (Part 2)
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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...
info_outline
Inside the Publisher’s Chair - A Conversation with Mark Rice, Kregel Publications (Part 1)
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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...
info_outline
The Do's and Don'ts of Being a Professional Author
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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...
info_outline
5 Reasons Agents Won’t Read Your Whole Query (And How to Fix Them)
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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...
info_outline
Should You Give Up On Traditional Publishing?
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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...
info_outline
Publishing in 2026: Janet Grant on Trends, Calling, and the Future of Christian Publishing
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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...
info_outline
The Best Investments for Authors: Websites, Coaching, Social Media & More
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
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,...
info_outline
What NOT to Say as a Writer (and Why It Matters for Your Career)
Books & Such Literary Management The Podcast
In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why venting about editors, authors, or agents can hurt your reputation How to respond to publishing frustrations with maturity and grace What editors and publishers look for on your social media Why quoting others without permission can cause serious problems How to protect your credibility and future writing relationships Key Takeaways “Publishing is a small world—your words travel farther than you think.” “Maturity in your response protects your reputation and your calling.” Mentioned in This Episode Books & Such Literary...
info_outlineWelcome to our Books & Such podcast! We're so glad that you're here with us.
According to literaryagent.com, the average literary agent can read 11,000 queries before finding a project that stands out for representation. Far too many hopeful authors are writing ineffective query letters. We want to help you avoid that! How can you write a query that grabs our attention?
In this first episode, we discuss the factors that compel us to dig into your query letters.
- How important is your title?
- How long should your query letter be?
- What should you include in your query?
Our goal is give you valuable insights as well as practical guidance to help you write high quality, attention-grabbing queries. We also tell you what to avoid and much more!
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our Books & Such podcast on iTunes so you'll be notified when new epsidoes are released.
RESOURCES: