We're back with the second half of our conversation with Mark Rice, publisher and senior marketing director at Kregel Publications. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, start there — we've linked it in the show notes below. In this episode, Mark delivers some of his most practical and candid advice yet, covering book titling, the often-overlooked sales team, AI in publishing, and the three things he'd tell every author before they leave the room.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Mark's titling pet peeve! He shares the two rules every author needs to know before naming their book

• What you need to know about a publisher's sales team and how you can make their job easier.

• Mark's strong warning for authors using AI tools with their manuscripts (don't miss this)

• What Kregel is celebrating right now: 80+ years as an independent publisher, new leadership, and a refreshed vision

• Mark's three final pieces of wisdom for every author at every stage

What does a publisher actually do? And what does it take for a book—or an author—to get a "yes"? This week, host Barb Roose sits down with Mark Rice, publisher and senior marketing director at Kregel Publications, for a candid look at the business of Christian publishing from the inside out.

With more than 40 years in publishing, Mark brings a wealth of perspective on what makes books succeed, what separates good publishing from great publishing, and why a well-crafted publishing plan is the foundation for everything. He also shares the story behind two books he's especially proud of—a story that just might give hope to writers who've heard "no" too many times.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why publishers work from a publishing plan, and what that means for you as an author

• Why Mark says "publishers don't create demand, we amplify it"

• The #1 misconception authors have about marketing (hint: it starts way before your launch)

• What Mark actually looks for in an author's platform—and why big follower counts can be deceiving

Mentioned in this episode:

· Imagine Heaven by John Burke (Baker Books)

· The Nature of Rest by Erin Lynam (Kregel Publications)

· Kregel Publications — kregel.com

· Books and Such Literary Management — booksandsuch.com

Connect with Books and Such:

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Podcast archive: booksandsuch.com/podcast

New episodes drop the first Wednesday of every month.

We're breaking it down into three essential do's and three critical don'ts—practical, honest, and rooted in years of industry experience.