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."

• Visit: booksandsuch.com

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

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• 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!

Does the word platform make you panic? You're not alone. In this encouraging and insightful roundtable episode, agents from Books & Such Literary Management—Jen Babakan, Barb Roose, Debbie Alsdorf, and Cynthia Ruchti—break down what platform really means, why it doesn't have to be overwhelming, and how to build it in a way that aligns with your calling.

Whether you're a seasoned author or just beginning your writing journey, this conversation will help you breathe a little easier—and build a platform that's meaningful, manageable, and true to who you are.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why "finding your lane" is more freeing than "finding your brand"

• What platform actually means (hint: it's not just a social media number)

• How to discern your audience and serve them well

• Simple strategies like "The Rule of 3" and giveaways to build your email list

• The difference between noise and connection—and why depth matters more than reach

Key Takeaways

"If you're writing for everyone, you're serving no one." "Your newsletter isn't a broadcast—it's a way to care for your readers like a congregation." "Don't panic about platform. Serve in your lane, and the rest will grow from there."

Resources & Mentions:

• REGISTER NOW: Books & Such Writing Intensive – September 22–24, 2025

• Books mentioned: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, On Writing by Stephen King, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Subscribe: iTunes | Spotify | Audible | iHeartRadio

• Follow us: IG at @booksandsuch

Quotables

"Don't try to reach everyone. Find your lane and serve your audience well."

 "Your newsletter is how you pastor your readers. It's not just a tool—it's a relationship."

"You don't need a big platform to be effective—you need a clear message and consistency."

Do you ever wonder what it really takes to become the writer you're meant to be?

In this insightful episode of the Books & Such Literary Management Podcast, host Jen Babakhan is joined by fellow agents and writers Debbie Alsdorf, Cynthia Ruchti, Barb Roose, and others to explore the real tools that move your writing forward—and the ones that might just waste your time.

Together, the team shares hard-won wisdom, personal stories, honest trade-offs, and a powerful new opportunity that blends the best of all three options: the Books & Such Writing Intensive.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why the gap between where you are and where you want to be is normal—and how to close it

• Pros and cons of writer's conferences (and what no one tells you before you go)

• What to look for—and watch out for—in a writing coach

• Why not all social media "experts" are created equal

• Favorite books on craft from seasoned, published authors

• How the Books & Such Writing Intensive gives you focused, one-on-one mentorship with agents who are also experienced authors

Featured Resource: Books & Such Writing Intensive | September 22–24, 2025 Join the Books & Such agents for a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience with mentorship, real-time feedback, and personalized guidance to help you become the writer you're called to be. Learn more and register here.

Links & Mentions:

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

• On Writing by Stephen King

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Books & Such Website

New episodes of the Books & Such Podcast drop the first Wednesday of every month. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow writer who's ready to take the next step.

Welcome 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:

Visit the Books & Such Website

Welcome to the Books & Such Podcast! This mini welcome episode gives you the inside scoop on what our new podcast is all about. You'll hear our podcast intro featuring our four hosts as well as an overview of how we want to help you in your publishing journey.

What's our podcast about?

We're helping you read between the lines of publishing. Our experienced literary agents invite you into their world for a discussion that pulls back the curtain on how agents think and what we're looking for. Each episode, we'll discuss a hot topic you've always wondered about. If you're pursuing or considering Christian publishing, the Books & Such podcast is for you. As literary agents, we'll help you maximize your knowledge and equip you to confidently take the next steps in your writing journey.

Visit us at Books & Such.com