Ep. 91 | What Acquisitions Editors Look for in Children’s Books (and Why It Matters for Every Christian Writer) w/Lauren Groves

Today, we’re thrilled to speak with Lauren Groves, an acquisitions editor and children’s author with B&H Publishing, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources. Listen in as we discuss what it takes to communicate big ideas in clear, simple language—and what that skill can teach every writer, no matter their genre. Plus, Lauren pulls back the curtain on what makes an acquisitions editor stop scrolling a submission pile and say, I need to read more—and it has nothing to do with your follower count.

Tune in to Hear:

  • Why publisher interest in social media followings is fading — and what acquisitions editors are actually looking for in a proposal today
  • What B&H Publishing looks for beyond the proposal that signals an author is truly ready to publish
  • A practical writing exercise any author can use to sharpen clarity and focus — no matter what genre you write in
  • The surprisingly simple, no-social-media marketing strategy that’s actually moving Lauren’s books off shelves
  • Why knowing one specific reader transforms your writing — and how Lauren uses this with her own books

More About Lauren:

Lauren Groves is an acquisitions editor, writer, wife, and mom of three in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the author of devotionals, New Year, New You, Easter Changes Everything, and Hey Friend: A 31-Day Devotional on Friendship, and she is the author and creator of the Toddler Theology board book series. Lauren is passionate about helping kids know and love God through the books she both writes and edits. Lauren loves family walks around her community, cooking (not baking), and cuddling under a blanket to read books with her kids.

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