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

Vice President Wendy Lawton

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Wendy LawtonWendy Lawton feels equally comfortable at a computer, a writer’s conference or with a cool lump of clay in her hand. She’s been an artist, a writer and a literary agent. In her first career, as a sculptor and designer of porcelain dolls, she amassed more than 300 original editions. Lawton dolls were nominated for more than seventy industry awards, winning the coveted DOTY nine times, the Dolls Award of Excellence three times and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

“Running a collectible business provided the perfect foundation for being a literary agent,” she says. “I’ve spent years developing product, analyzing market trends, and being involved in every aspect of the product supply chain.” And she believes that product development is the perfect parallel to book development. “Speaking as an author, I know we cringe to admit it, but creating books is largely about creating product.”

Wendy joined Books & Such in 2005 and was named vice president of the firm in 2011. She represents a number of successful, best-selling authors. She enjoys helping her clients to develop their ideas and chart their careers. She’s adept at working with authors to discover the core of their writing style, leading to a brand recognition for each author in the marketplace of books.

No stranger to the literary market, she has served on the faculty of several major writers conferences and has written eight books in her young adult Daughters of the Faith series. These books were followed by a series of four teen books and a nonfiction adult book. She won the 1999 Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She also won the famous Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for the intentional worst first line of a novel in the Children’s Literature category. In 2004 she received an honorary doctorate from Wilmington University, Delaware. American Christian Fiction Writers named her Agent of the Year in 2007.

Wendy acquires adult fiction & nonfiction books.

Client Testimonials

"I am so blessed to be represented by Wendy Lawton. When I decided to change agents after writing a couple of books for the inspirational market, I asked writing friends and editors for advice. Wendy Lawton was the name that surfaced every time with words like "She's the best" or "You'll love her." And she is and I do. Wendy cares about her clients - not just the books we write, but about what's going on in our lives too. She has even graciously gone to bat for me a few times regarding some issues with books I wrote before she represented me.”

Ann Gabhart, best-selling author of The Seekers

2018-06-19T15:23:56-08:00

Ann Gabhart, best-selling author of The Seekers

"I am so blessed to be represented by Wendy Lawton. When I decided to change agents after writing a couple of books for the inspirational market, I asked writing friends and editors for advice. Wendy Lawton was the name that surfaced every time with words like "She's the best" or "You'll love her." And she is and I do. Wendy cares about her clients - not just the books we write, but about what's going on in our lives too. She has even graciously gone to bat for me a few times regarding some issues with books I wrote before she represented me.”
“From Wendy’s business background she is a masterful negotiator and a diplomatic tactician; as a Christian she’s insightful, wise and judicious; and as a friend, she’s a joy.”

Debbie Macomber, NYT best-selling author and client

2018-06-19T15:39:21-08:00

Debbie Macomber, NYT best-selling author and client

“From Wendy’s business background she is a masterful negotiator and a diplomatic tactician; as a Christian she’s insightful, wise and judicious; and as a friend, she’s a joy.”
“Wendy is the perfect mixture of smart, tempered with humility. She gracefully negotiates and networks—garnishing the respect of publishing circles throughout the country. She advises me with a poise that has built my knowledge of the industry and confidence within it. She’s practical, insightful responsive, and warm—proving to not only be an excellent agent, but a trusted friend.”

Gari Meacham, Spirit Hunger

2018-06-19T15:40:37-08:00

Gari Meacham, Spirit Hunger

“Wendy is the perfect mixture of smart, tempered with humility. She gracefully negotiates and networks—garnishing the respect of publishing circles throughout the country. She advises me with a poise that has built my knowledge of the industry and confidence within it. She’s practical, insightful responsive, and warm—proving to not only be an excellent agent, but a trusted friend.”
"For many years I worked without an agent, but now I can truly say, “What was I thinking?” Having Wendy Lawton join me at the helm of my writing career is the best move I’ve ever made! Not only has she helped me to negotiate contracts, she has directed me toward decisions that will build my career over the long term. Beyond counting her a genuine friend, Wendy is a prayer warrior, a creative dynamo, a negotiator, a problem solver extraordinaire, and serves the Lord with her whole heart—she continues to exceed my highest expectations."

Judith Miller, author of The Amana series

 

2018-06-19T15:43:54-08:00

Judith Miller, author of The Amana series

 

"For many years I worked without an agent, but now I can truly say, “What was I thinking?” Having Wendy Lawton join me at the helm of my writing career is the best move I’ve ever made! Not only has she helped me to negotiate contracts, she has directed me toward decisions that will build my career over the long term. Beyond counting her a genuine friend, Wendy is a prayer warrior, a creative dynamo, a negotiator, a problem solver extraordinaire, and serves the Lord with her whole heart—she continues to exceed my highest expectations."
"Wendy Lawton stays on top of the markets and publishing trends so she can not only sell her clients' current project but also plan and build the careers of the writers she represents."

- Lauraine Snelling, best-selling author of The Red River Series, Daughters of Blessing, Reunion and more

2018-06-19T15:52:52-08:00

- Lauraine Snelling, best-selling author of The Red River Series, Daughters of Blessing, Reunion and more

"Wendy Lawton stays on top of the markets and publishing trends so she can not only sell her clients' current project but also plan and build the careers of the writers she represents."
"Wendy is a brilliant thinker, an industry expert, and a wise, caring advisor who showed faith in my abilities and potential long before she had any evidence I would benefit her business. Her creative guidance opened the door to the incredible opportunities I am now enjoying."

Doug Newton, author of the Fresh Eyes series

2018-06-19T16:12:28-08:00

Doug Newton, author of the Fresh Eyes series

"Wendy is a brilliant thinker, an industry expert, and a wise, caring advisor who showed faith in my abilities and potential long before she had any evidence I would benefit her business. Her creative guidance opened the door to the incredible opportunities I am now enjoying."