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

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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.

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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.

• 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

• 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.

Have you ever wished you could ask a literary agent your toughest writing and publishing questions? In this episode, Books & Such agents, Jen Babakkan, Barb Roose, and Cynthia Ruchti answer listener-submitted questions about pen names, genres, comp titles, and writing style.

With wisdom, humor, and heart, they unpack the "why" behind key publishing decisions and share what really matters most to editors, readers, and your writing career.

Whether you're an aspiring author or a published pro, this episode will help you gain clarity—and confidence—as you take your next step as a writer.

• When (and why) a writer might use a pen name—and the downsides to consider
  What genres are accepted in Christian fiction (and what crosses the line)

• How to find and use comparative titles (comps) effectively in a proposal

• The "gap method" for explaining how your book stands out in the market

• How much you should adjust your writing voice to fit a genre or readership

• Why staying authentic as a writer matters more than chasing trends

"Platform isn't about shining—it's about serving your readers."

"If your writing serves everyone, it connects with no one."

"The best writers bring their truest selves to the page—and make sure readers can understand them."

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• Subscribe to the Books & Such Blog (award-winning publishing insights)

• Listen to the podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | iHeartRadio

• Follow us on Instagram: @booksandsuch

Subscribe today so you never miss an episode that helps you grow as a writer.

Newsletters can feel intimidating—but they don't have to. In this episode of the Books & Such Literary Management Podcast, Jen Babakkan, Barb Roose, Debbie Alsdorf, and Cynthia Ruchti continue their conversation on panic-free platform building with a deep dive into newsletters.

From knowing your why to discovering the power of consistency, the team shares stories, strategies, and surprising facts (like why publishers value newsletters more than social media numbers). Whether you're a novelist or nonfiction author, you'll walk away encouraged and equipped to serve your readers through a newsletter that's authentic, consistent, and life-giving.

• Why newsletters often matter more to publishers than social media numbers

• How to define your why so your newsletter serves rather than sells

• Practical examples: devotionals, humor, and "hope + help + funny finds" formats

• The surprising math of reader engagement (10–20% of subscribers are likely book buyers)

• Why consistency and predictability matter more than perfection

• How to evolve your newsletter over time without guilt or panic

• Books & Such Writing Intensive – September 22–24, 2025 (online)

• Follow us on Instagram: @booksandsuch

Subscribe and leave a review to help other writers discover the podcast!