Jen Babakhan is a California-based associate agent at Books & Such Literary Management who focuses exclusively on the Christian market, bringing a background as a published author, ghostwriter, and nonprofit marketing specialist to her work representing adult fiction and nonfiction.
In brief
Brand-new to agenting (joined Books & Such as an associate agent in 2024), Jen came up through the agency first as a client (since 2018) and then as an intern — her perspective on both sides of the desk is a genuine differentiator.
Her sales record is still forming, but her stated wishlist is unusually broad for a new agent: she spans romantic comedy, historical romance, Amish fiction, cozy mysteries, Christian living, Bible studies, cookbooks, and gift books — all within the Christian/inspirational market.
Because Books & Such is a full-service agency serving the Christian publishing ecosystem, Jen's relationships will likely center on the major CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) imprints and general-market houses with robust inspirational lines.
She is NOT acquiring sci-fi, thriller, or fantasy — those three categories are explicitly off the table regardless of how the work is framed.
Her marketing background in brand development is directly relevant to the authors she signs — expect her to engage with platform and author brand as part of representation, not just manuscript acquisition.
Lately
In March 2025, Jen hosted her first Pitch-Me Day on social media, inviting writers to pitch under a dedicated post — anyone whose pitch received a heart from her could bypass the standard query process and send a proposal directly. This signals both her openness to finding new clients and her willingness to engage the writing community in non-traditional ways.
What Jen is looking for
Jen is actively seeking women's fiction with strong female protagonists and a hook that distinguishes the book from the crowded inspirational shelf. This is her broadest fiction category and encompasses contemporary, historical, and beach-read sensibilities. Faith-based underpinning is the unifying thread across subgenres.
She gravitates toward warmth, wit, and emotional stakes — rom-coms that deliver genuine laughs alongside a satisfying faith journey. This is one of the sub-genres she singles out by name, suggesting it is near the top of her fiction wishlist.
Jen explicitly names 1800s-and-later historical settings and calls out Amish fiction and Amish romance as favorites. Historical inspirational romance is among her listed specialty areas, making this a strong match for writers in the CBA historical lane.
Inspirational romantic suspense sits on her list, though it is one of several fiction subgenres rather than a stated top priority. The faith element is expected; pure secular thriller-adjacent work would not be a fit.
Cozy mysteries — particularly those with a Christian or inspirational thread — appear on her wishlist. Clean, character-driven puzzle plots in this tradition are welcome.
Her nonfiction sweet spot. Jen is drawn to Christian living titles, devotionals, and Bible studies that bring a fresh, distinctive point of view. Given her own writing background, she understands this space from the inside and is a credible champion for authors working in it.
Self-help with a unique angle — including titles aimed at younger readers — is on her radar. Works that blend practical guidance with a faith-informed worldview are the best fit.
Jen's nonfiction appetite extends to cookbooks, gift books, and narrative or inspirational memoir. These should carry a Christian or faith-adjacent sensibility and offer something visually or conceptually distinctive — a strong platform or concept hook matters here more than in some other categories.
Nonfiction picture books and board books appear on her specialty list. This is a conditional category: the faith/Christian angle and a distinctive concept are expected. Writers seeking representation for picture books should note that Books & Such has historically favored author-illustrators or author-only projects with exceptional platform — verify her current picture book stance before querying in this area.
Not the right fit
Taste fingerprint
How to query Jen
Query Jen directly at jen@booksandsuch.com, following Books & Such's posted submission guidelines — review the current guidelines page on the agency website before sending, as formatting requirements may be updated.
Open with the faith dimension of your book. Books & Such is a Christian-market agency; Jen expects the spiritual thread to be front and center in how you describe the project, not buried as an afterthought.
Name your subgenre precisely. Jen's list covers a wide range — romantic comedy, historical romance, Amish romance, cozy mystery, Christian living, devotionals, etc. Telling her exactly where your book sits saves her time and demonstrates market awareness.
Treat platform as seriously as manuscript. Jen's background is in brand development and marketing; she evaluates authors as brands. In your query letter, signal that you understand your target readership and have begun building visibility with them.
If she runs future Pitch-Me Days on social media (she held her first in March 2025), those events allow a pitch to reach her directly and bypass the standard query — watch her Threads, Facebook, and Instagram for announcements.
Do not query her with sci-fi, fantasy, or thriller projects — she has explicitly closed those categories and pitching them suggests you haven't done your research.
As a debut agent with a still-forming client list, Jen may be more open to newer voices and first-time authors than a more established agent. Frame your query with confidence but also with the patience that a newer agent relationship can require.