I’m pleased to announce that Books & Such is starting off the new year with news. We’re adding a literary agent to our team!
Debbie Alsdorf has been Wendy’s client for a number of years. Debbie has written more than 14 traditionally-published books, has worked with major corporations in sales and marketing, served as the women’s ministry leader in a number of mega-churches, and is a life coach as well as a writing coach. Not to mention she travels and speaks regularly.
With such a storied history, she brings many skills to the task of agenting that will serve her well.
To help you become acquainted with her, I asked her a few questions on your behalf.
Q: Which two parts of your resume do you think will be the most valuable in making you an effective agent?
Q: What made you decide that agenting would be a satisfying way to help writers?
Q: What kind of projects will you focus on representing?
Q: What was your favorite book to read in 2021 and why?
A: Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation by Peter Scazzero. I loved the approach of slowing down our lives to make space for seeking God while growing in the ability to love others. As someone who worked in mega-churches for much of my adult life, this book is like fresh water for the soul. The fast-paced, performance-based culture of the American Church can leave us void of the deeper things. I love that Jesus invites me daily into a deeper walk with him, and I always want to be cultivating that.
Thanks, Debbie, for telling us a bit about you and showing us what’s important to your heart.
Now, readers, take a minute to welcome Debbie and to ask her any questions that you would like.
Welcome, Debbie! I’m looking forward to future words from your well of wisdom.
Happy New Year, Books & Such – love you all!
Thank you!
This is so exciting! Congratulations, Debbie!
Thanks! I’m excited!
Debbie, welcome! I wish you every joy and success in this endeavour, and hope, too, that you’ll find something worth loving in this blog community.
Welcome to this page of grace
on which we hopefuls dwell,
a bright and true and shining place
where we our stories tell
in background through the things we ask,
a hidden shy appeal…
can we live the writing task?
Might our dreams come real?
We feel God’s hand upon our hearts,
His breath upon the pen,
but skills yet grow in fits and starts,
more Sisyphus than Zen.
We’ll treasure the wise words you give
along this path we’re called to live.
If I may, Debbie, I would like to ask a question… it’s something I might imagine you’ve run across in ministry. It’s hard to write, perhaps too personal, but I suspect it’s not a query unique to me.
Most of us, I think, read for learning, for examples and lessons that illuminate the road. What does one do when the words no longer apply, when one’s challenges are so implacable that the Via Dolorosa becomes the reality?
Books were my Cyraneican Simon in dealing with cancer, but now I seem to be in a fell and solitary landscape, beneath a dim and waning moon. Books are half-read and abandoned to fluttering pages and gently sifting dust.
What, then, for the reader who has lost the reason for reading?
I understand hard as a cancer survivor myself. I’ve found that there are seasons when words fall flat. But, those are seasons and if we continue looking for books by authors who have walked a hard road and learned to live well there… we will once again be encouraged.
Beautiful.
Congratulations Debbie! You are going to be awesome as an agent and continue encouraging others as you do so well.
Delighted for you, Debbie…and proud to call you friend!
Thank you friend. Your the best!
Congratulations Debbie! I’m praying for you.
Thanks! I appreciate the prayers.
Congratulations Debbie! I’ve been following you since I heard you speak (virtually) at She Writes for Him in May 2020. You radiate God’s grace and joy with an authentic presence that will instantly connect with authors and publishers. I’m excited for you!
Thanks so much Susie!
Welcome, Debbie! May I ask what kind of clients you’re looking for and what submissions you’re currently accepting, please? Thanks so much and may God bless you on your new Journey as a literary agent, Debbie! 🥳2 Cor. 5:17
Hi Emily. I have a list on the B&S website under my section detailing what I will be looking for. In general Christian living books on spiritual growth or lifestyle books.
Congratulations, dear Debbie. Books & Such is the best.
May God bring you the right writers via your slush pile etc.
Amen to these words of yours: “I love that Jesus invites me daily into a deeper walk with him, and I always want to be cultivating that.”
Blessings for 2022 ~ Wendy Mac
Thank you Wendy!
Welcome, Debbie! What an exciting new venture. So … my question. If you are focusing on adult non-fiction, this would definitely mean that you are eagerly waiting for a submission from someone writing Newfoundland-dog-themed fiction with rampaging squirrels and possibly elk written for children … right? But seriously, is your list going to be fairly focused or will consider the odd (very odd) fiction project?
Hi! I’m focusing only on adult non-fiction and look forward to discovering what comes my way!
Awesome! Well, if I ever get around to writing my how-to-raise-three-pesky-teen-sons-who-are-highly-sarcastic-but-also-love-to-read-and-build-homemade-tribuchets book, I will definitely think of you!
Welcome to the B&S team, Debbie. Best wishes for your success.
Thanks!
Welcome and congratulations!!
Thank you!
So happy for you Debbie! Well deserved my friend! Truly you have been faithful in all God has given you and now He’s given you so much more… can’t wait to see you expand in your gifting! 🥰🙏🏻
Thank you so much Michelle!
What a perfect match! Congratulations and best wishes in your new position at B&S, Debbie!
Thank you Deb!
Welcome, Debbie! I’m excited for your transition from Bookie client to agent and wish you all the best!
Thank you!
Welcome, Debbie! So excited for you in this new adventure. I am sure anyone who has the opportunity to work with you will be blessed beyond meansure.
Thanks so much Susan!
I am a first time “wanna be” author. How does a person get an agent and what are the advantages of having one?
June, it’s wonderful that you’re beginning to explore about agents. We have years of blog posts here to help you. Just use the “search” box to type in key words, and plenty of posts will pop up for you. If you’d like to explore more about how to put together a project that would appeal to an agent you might consider purchasing a book co-agent Wendy Lawton and I wrote entitled The Inside Scoop: Two Agents Dish on Getting Published. You can find it and a list of many other resources under the Resources tab on this website. Welcome to the publishing journey!
A lot of your questions, June, would be answered in Janet Grant and Wendy Lawton’s book Inside Scoop: Two Agents Dish on Getting Published.
Hi June. Janet gave a perfect answer with direction for you. Check out those resources and follow God’s leading!
This is very exciting news! Debbie truly has a heart for writers. Congratulations, Debbie!
Oh thanks Christine!
Congratulations, Debbie! This is a win-win for you and Books & Such!
Thank you Linda!
Oh Debbie. I could not be more proud of you and your accomplishments. It has been a joy to watch your journey unfold over the years as the Lord has shared His remarkable gifts that He has placed in you to minister to so many people.
Thank you Patty! You are such an encouragement!
Welcome Debbie! Thanks for the tip on Peter Scazzero’s book. I’ve participated in the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course. The Day by Day book is a great guide for spiritual practice.
God’s blessings as you explore and expand your giftings.
Question: Who are some of your favorite authors to read?
Thank you! I really enjoy his work.
There are so many that I enjoy.
Congratulations, Debbie. I saw your announcement on Pam’s FB page. At your convenience, would you contact me?
Thank you Karen! Yes I got your message.
Dear Debbie,
So so happy for you and I love what God is doing on using you to bless others. Love you so!!
Voni you are such a great encourager. Thank you!
Congratulations, Debbie! You will be a blessing to those you serve.
Oh thank you Rita!
Congrats, Debbie!
Thank you Eva Marie!
Congratulations, Debbie!
Thanks Kelly!
Congratulations, Debbie.
It’s as if God has taken your journey and married it altogether. It’s amazing how He does that with our lives. Congratulations.