President & Founder Janet Kobobel Grant

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Personal Bio:

Janet Kobobel Grant had two goals as a grade-schooler: to read all the books in the library and to write a novel each summer. Her dream was to win the Pulitzer Prize. Well, she never did get all those books read, she seldom completed her summer writing project, and she certainly never won a Pulitzer Prize. But those unusual aspirations were indicative of her love of books.

She personally knows the pressures, uncertainties, and joys of writing because she’s written the following books: But Can She Type? with InterVarsity; Where Is God When I Need Him Most? with NavPress; Growing in Prayer; Experiencing God’s Presence; Every Child Needs a Praying Mom (with Fern Nichols and a Silver Medallion winner); The Breast Cancer Care Book (with Sally M. Knox, M.D. and a Retailers Choice finalist); and collaborated on several Women of Faith books (all with Zondervan).

What Janet’s Clients Say…

“Janet takes the question marks out of a writer’s life. She provides expert advice on how to create better writing and a more productive career. Her intelligent guidance allows a writer to concentrate on writing and to rest well at night, knowing he is in good hands.”
–Paul Coughlin, author of No More Mr. Christian Nice Guy

“It seems to me that if there were a course of instruction of the training of literary agents—and there probably should be—Janet Kobobel Grant would be the natural choice to teach it. With her uncompromising professionalism and integrity, her long-standing acquaintance with and experience in the publishing industry, and her unswerving commitment to fairness and reason, Janet has not only gained the affection and respect of her clients, but has managed to set the ideal to which other agents should aspire. She stands for all the good qualities authors hope to find in an agent and some they didn’t know existed. Janet truly defines the word “agent” as I believe it was meant to be: “Author advocate.”” -BJ Hoff, best-selling author of The Mountain Song Legacy series

“Janet and I have worked as an author/editor team since 1985. Together we have produced over 78 books. That amazes me. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Janet. Her wise insights, professional direction, and gentle friendship have kept me afloat in an industry where many talented writers find themselves easily capsized. Over the years Janet and I have learned to not only stay afloat as a team, but we also have experienced incredible seasons of full sail. Janet currently is serving as my literary agent on several projects, and she has steered me in some wonderful new directions. Our future together looks bright.” -Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling author of Sisterchicks Down Under and Gardenias for Breakfast

“I have been privileged to work with Janet over fifteen years. In that time I have had thirty-five books published in addition to other projects Janet has brought my direction. I can say for certain that my publishing success is due to her guidance, expertise and insight. She is quick to respond to my emails and phone calls, reads my proposals with care, and matches my work with the right publishing house. Janet also advises me on which ideas I should pursue and has guided my career every stop of the way. Her integrity also is appreciated not only by myself but also by the numerous publishing houses I work with. I can’t imagine traveling this publishing journey without Janet by my side!” -Tricia Goyer, author of thirty-five books, including My Life, Unscripted

“Janet Kobobel Grant is not only a superb agent, but also a good friend—someone who cares about me and the work I do. I am deeply grateful for her expertise, her integrity, and most of all for the respect and encouragement she provides each one of her authors. I am proud to be one of them-and I look forward to many more years of partnership with Janet.” -Karen O’Connor, Author of Help, I’m Having a Senior Moment, and Getting Old Ain’t for Wimps

“Janet makes it look easy, but her singular ability to navigate the publishing murk comes from an encyclopedic knowledge bought with years of experience. She is respected because she is respectable, and such a reputation opens doors. Possessed of uncommon wisdom and insight, Janet can steer a career or edit a manuscript with equal aplomb; her advice is solid gold.” -W. Dale Cramer, Christy Award winning author of Sutter’s Cross, Bad Ground, and Levi’s Will

But she understands the inside scoop on publishing as well, having helped to launch Here’s Life Publisher, managed her own imprint with Zondervan, and served as managing editor of books for Focus on the Family. Working in these capacities provided her with a strong publishing network, experience in negotiating contracts, and comprehension of each production stage a book must move through, from acquisition to printed matter.

Her desire to help authors create the most marketable, carefully crafted manuscripts and to see those authors succeed in their careers was probably born in the library she frequented as a child. And while her long-ago goals weren’t met, her love of books has endured.

Janet acquires Adult Fiction & Nonfiction books.