Still Unpublished? Let’s Do Something About That!

What do popcorn kernels, song lyrics, and gum have in common? They get stuck, especially in places where we don’t want them to stick.

If you’re an unpublished, aspiring writer, “stuck” might be the word you use to describe the frustration of working so hard and not sure how to move forward.

• Authors who have queried 100 agents with no response;
• Authors who have started twenty books without finishing a single one;
• Authors who have attempted to build their platform dozens of times in multiple ways but gave up after few to no results.

I want to encourage you in your stuck space: I commend you for showing up, believing in your dream, and putting in the work. I also know you’re wondering if or when it will be your turn.

You may have attended writers conferences or joined critique groups. You follow your favorite agents (IG: @barbroose) and subscribe to all the writer blogs. You’ve cheered on friends who’ve signed with an agent or landed their book deal. Each year, you remain unpublished and wonder when, or if, it will be your turn. Now, you can no longer ignore wear and tear on your chutzpah or your heart.

If you’re still unpublished, today’s post invites you to make one crucial decision that begins with three courageous words:

Do Something Different.

We know the cliche: If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten (or something like that). There’s nothing wrong with the well-worn, standard path toward traditional publishing. I think writing conferences are the best outlet for accelerating one’s publishing journey. The best conferences feature agents and editors from traditional publishers as presenters. I support membership or paid writers’ groups. These specialty gatherings provide encouragement, teaching, and a sense of community, as writing can often feel lonely. I’ll also give a shoutout to great writing coaches. I recommend coaches who have been traditionally published more than once because how can they lead you to a place they’ve never been?

For all of these great options, there comes a time when you must do something different, especially if you haven’t been able to move to the next level.

It’s now time to say “yes” to intensive, targeted professional guidance and mentoring from actual literary agents who work with publishers on a regular basis. Our Books & Such agents maintain close communication with the editorial teams at Christian publishing houses to stay informed about the types of projects they’re seeking. We work hard to match them with authors writing these projects. Or suggest topics to our clients who are naturally inclined toward a subject an editor is looking for.

While we are honored to teach at writers conferences or take appointments, these environments are not set up for an author to receive lengthy, focused attention. It’s time for us to do something different that equips you to unlock your publishing potential.

Books & Such Writer Intensive

September 22-24, 2025

Online

This isn’t a pre-recorded course or a giant conference where you get lost in the crowd. It’s three days of direct, hands-on feedback from our literary agents—the expertise and insight you need.

This will be a safe, encouraging space where you will be seen as an author up close and personal:

• Your book ideas and dreams will be heard;
• Your questions about whether your book idea works will be answered;
• You’ll leave with a unique-to-you agent-guided plan to propel you forward.

If you’re a Christian writer with a message burning in your chest but no clear path forward—we see you. Let us help you unlock your potential!

Time to Take a Next Step? Drop “Intensive,” in the comments and I’ll send you a personal email with a link to more information about our writing intensive.

 

Have You Checked Out Our NEW Podcast?

Our first episode is live! Go to iTunes or the link in our bio to listen. A little about this first episode, Query Like A Pro: What Literary Agents Actually Look For. Our podcast is available on Spotify, iHeart Radio and Audible! Click here to listen.