The Steve Laube Agency is committed to providing top quality guidance to authors and speakers. Our years of experience and success brings a unique service to our clients. We focus primarily in the Christian marketplace and have put together an outstanding gallery of authors and speakers whose books continue to make an impact throughout the world.
Our Service Philosophy
Content
To help the author develop and create the best book possible. Material that has both commercial appeal and long-term value.
Career
To help the author determine the next best step in their writing career. Giving counsel regarding the subtleties of the marketplace as well as the realities of the publishing community.
Contract
To help the author secure the best possible contract. One that partners with the best strategic publisher and one that is mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
Recent Posts
Is Your Submission Complete?
Too often, I see great submissions that aren’t complete. Why not include everything when you first submit? Here are a few tips:
- What will happen in the novel? We need a book summary, even when you’re submitting a complete manuscript. Yes, I know seeing the ending ahead of time may be a spoiler for a reader; but as an agent, I’m accustomed to reading spoilers. I even enjoy spoilers as a reader! I’m odd that way.
- What will you cover in nonfiction? We need a list of chapter headings to tell us what information and inspiration you will share with your readers. By learning this, we can better discern the marketability of your proposal. Readers will often skim chapter headings to decide whether to buy a book.
- Who are you? We need to know who you are as an author and as a person. A short biography is helpful. You can brag, and your pesky brother-in-law can’t complain about it!
- Who do you know? Do you have a couple of friends who might endorse your book? If not, that’s fine. But if you do have connections, let us know.
- Where can we find you online? Links are beneficial, especially if you share a name with other businesspeople, you’re a writer involved with another business, or another author bears your name. Sometimes, we wonder if this author is the same person who runs a real estate office in Atlanta. Yes, no, maybe? Or is she a hairdresser in New York? Or did this author used to write fantasy novels and is now hoping to break into romance writing? Who can tell? If you need to update your website and other social media, now’s a good time to do so.
While a formal proposal is more involved, the points above should be covered so we can review your proposal in less time. After all, you don’t want to wait any longer than you must, and neither do we. Happy submitting!
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Today Is a Great Day to (re)Write
James Michener, the bestselling novelist, once said, “I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.” And today is your day to follow suit. No one knows your work or what you are trying to accomplish better than you. In that sense, you can be your own best editor. In a 1958 interview with The Paris Review, Ernest Hemingway was asked, “How much rewriting do you do?” Hemingway replied, “It depends. I rewrote the ending to Farewell to Arms, the last page of it, thirty-nine times before I was satisfied.” The stunned interviewer asked, “Was there some technical …
Fun Fridays – May 3, 2024
Photo fun for today. Can you come up with your own caption? Here is mine: “The Journey to Publication” ShareTweet
Weaving Subplots Through Your Story
Before I jump into talking about the subplots in the Oliver/Sophia story, I want to talk about subplots in general. Weaving subplots into your story is a delicate process. You want them to enhance the story and not overwhelm it. So, think balance. Here’s how I look at subplots for my stories. First, I identify the main plot. I have a clear picture of the central conflict or theme of my story. This is the core around which all of the subplots will revolve. Once I have that main plot, I take a hard look at my characters and their …
Silencing Your Inner Critic
Picture this. The cursor blinks incessantly on the blank screen, a stark reminder that the well of creativity is beyond empty. You sit there, fingers poised over the keyboard; but no words come. Instead, your inner critic begins its relentless assault, questioning your ability to be creative and casting doubt on your worth as a writer. It’s enough to make you wonder if slamming your face into the keyboard might yield more coherent prose than anything you could muster. Sound familiar? When faced with the deafening roar of your inner critic, it’s essential to have a few tricks up your …