A full-service literary agency that focuses on books for the Christian market.

A New Literary Agent!

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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?

A: I believe my experiences as an author, a women’s ministry leader, and a sales/marketing professional have prepared me well for agenting.

Q: What made you decide that agenting would be a satisfying way to help writers?

A: In 2020 I began coaching new writers. I was surprised by how much I loved it. I would get off a Zoom call and be beaming. I knew then that, even though I love writing and speaking, encouraging others in their calling to write was something I had no idea would be so fulfilling to my heart.

Q: What kind of projects will you focus on representing?

A: I will have a focus on adult nonfiction, including Christian living and anything that promotes personal growth and spiritual growth. I’ve always loved those types of books, and many have made a huge difference in my life.

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.

Reader Interactions

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  3. Andrew Budek-Schmeisser

    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.

    Reply

    • Andrew Budek-Schmeisser

      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?

      Reply

      • Debbie Alsdorf

        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.

      • Chris Robinette

        Congratulations Debbie! You are going to be awesome as an agent and continue encouraging others as you do so well.

  6. Susie Crosby

    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!

    Reply

  7. Emily Shanahan

    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

    Reply

    • Debbie Alsdorf

      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.

      Reply

  8. Wendy L Macdonald

    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

    Reply

  9. Kristen Joy Wilks

    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?

    Reply

      • Kristen Joy Wilks

        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!

  12. Michelle Swenson

    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! 🥰🙏🏻

    Reply

  16. June Peterson

    I am a first time “wanna be” author. How does a person get an agent and what are the advantages of having one?

    Reply

    • Janet Grant

      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!

      Reply

    • Debbie Alsdorf

      Hi June. Janet gave a perfect answer with direction for you. Check out those resources and follow God’s leading!

      Reply

  19. Patty Griffin

    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.

    Reply

  20. Susan Brehmer

    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?

    Reply