I took a selfie.
It is titled “Literary Agents Eat Alligators for Breakfast.”
Fact or fiction?
Fun Fridays – July 18, 2025
Agents
Who and What I’m Looking For (Bob Hostetler)
(Updated 1/8/2025) As another year dawns, much has changed—and much remains the same—in the world of Christian publishing. With all that in mind, let me offer an updated answer, as up-to-the-minute as I can make it, to the frequent question I field from aspiring, developing, accomplished, and skilled writers: “What are you looking for?” Influence Aspiring writers often imagine, “Once I have a book …
We’re Engaged!
No, we’re not engaged in anticipation of a wedding. We’re engaged in your work as literary agents. When we respond to you with suggestions, we’ve read enough of your work to discern that we like your writing style and story and may eventually pursue representation. If we offer recommendations, please consider them. As a writer, you have a right not to take any of our suggestions. …
The Power of Mentorship: Why Every Writer Needs a Wise Guide
When I first dipped my toes into the world of writing Bible studies, I found myself captivated by the work of Erica Wiggenhorn and Kim Erickson. These two remarkable women were pioneers in launching what would become Moody Publisher’s women’s line, and their dedication to teaching the Word with both depth and practicality left me inspired and eager to follow in their footsteps. Nearly …
Book Launch Secrets – Free Webinar, March 7
Thomas Umstattd, Jr. and I have frequently made this presentation. I don’t want you to miss out. The first 30 days your book is for sale sets the tone for the lifetime of your book. Many physical stores stock new releases for fewer than 90 days. If they don’t sell, they return them to the publisher. If they sell out, the bookstores order more. The online store algorithms show books …
Wisdom From an AI Literary Agent
AI (artificial intelligence) is here to stay. I’m told that using an AI engine, you can paint a picture, create a spreadsheet formula, write a term paper, research a character or setting, and even—believe it or not—compose a blog post. (See where I’m going with this?) So I decided to try it. After all, how hard can it be? Here, with no changes, is what AI produced when I asked it to “write a blog …
Out of the Bubble
The worst statement a celebrity can make when confronting, say, the police, is, “Do you know who I am?” Instead, they should say, “I hope you don’t know who I am.” But some celebrities think the world is their bubble and everyone knows them. I’m hardly a celebrity. My bubble is a speck. Case in point, I had just enjoyed attending a conference where I felt …
Agent Etiquette
Agent Etiquette: Ima Writer Interviews Literary Agent Empress Worthington In the interest of helping new authors learn the etiquette of approaching literary agents, the following is a conversation with aspiring author Ima Writer and literary agent Empress Worthington. Ima: I have an extraordinary manuscript, and I want an agent. Empress: Congratulations on completing your book! Do you have a …
Your Servant, Madame
I enjoy historical novels; and so I often see the greeting, “Your servant, Madame.” This charming salute makes me think of my life. How can I be a servant to you? Here are some thoughts: 1. Overarching Purpose: I chose to enter Christian publishing because I hope to serve the Lord. Christian publishing provides a key service to our community by offering readers faith-affirming, uplifting fiction …
Who Decides to Publish Your Book?
The editor you met with at a writers conference liked your proposal and asked you to send it to her after the conference. She was already talking about format and promotional ideas. Or you submitted a proposal and received an enthusiastic response from the acquisitions editor. Four (or maybe six to eight) months later, a rejection letter showed up in your inbox. What happened? No matter how much …