Books  Such Literary Management The Podcast

Ask the Agents: Real Answers to Real Writer Questions


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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.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:
  • 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."

Links & Mentions:
  • Visit: booksandsuch.com

  • 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

New episodes drop the first Wednesday of every month!

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

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