Archives for 2018

Fun Fridays – May 18, 2018

By Steve Laubeon May 18, 2018

In honor of our youngest daughter’s birthday this weekend…

She and I have laughed at this audio many times. To the point of being able to quote it. I was excited to find it available on YouTube (our version is a CD).

Listen and then you’ll understand this story: Years ago while in a very crowded elevator after watching a big event, I looked over at her and said, “Macadamia.” She deadpanned in reply, “Galoshes.” To this day we wonder what everyone in the elevator was thinking about us.

Happy Birthday!

Why I Read to the End

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 17, 2018

I am the world’s worst about abandoning novels I read for leisure. I’ll give a book a fair chance, but as soon as I find I don’t like it, I have no compunction about tossing it aside to pursue a different story. And believe me, as a literary agent, I have many books to consider. In any room we spend time in at home, several books stay within reach. Authors must earn my time and effort. So how does …

Category: Reading, Writing CraftTag: Reading, The Writing Life, Writing Craft

Publishers and Theology

By Dan Balowon May 15, 2018

One of the more complex aspects of publishing Christian-themed books is the publisher theological position or “grid” which covers whatever products they seek to publish. Just like all churches are not alike, Christian publishers are definitely not alike. Some may have groups or “imprints” focusing on a specific theological perspective, but for sure, theology is an issue in their decision-making …

Category: Book Business, Publishing History, TheologyTag: Book Business, Theology

Book Proposals: Due Date

By Steve Laubeon May 14, 2018

There is an important question that needs to be answered in your book proposal in the “Manuscript Status” section. When will your manuscript be ready? This information is important whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction. When Will Your Book be Done? Fiction: If you are a first time novelist, never before published, your answer should be “The manuscript is complete and …

Category: Book Proposals, Get PublishedTag: book proposals, Due Date

Fun Fridays – May 11, 2018

By Steve Laubeon May 11, 2018

A little understood behind-the-scenes job in the film making industry. Would you like to have a job like this? To have your business card read “Foley Artist” as a job description? It is interesting to think that the novelist has to somehow convey the sound or the texture of a scene using only words. And to do it without overwriting (describing absolutely everything). When you read a …

Category: Fun Fridays

Your Commitment to Your Reader

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 10, 2018

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When you’re working to get your book published, you feel you have lots of people to please. First, you have to be satisfied with your book. Then, you need to find an agent to partner with you to present your work to editors, who are her customers. Then the editor must sell your work to the editorial committee. Then it goes to the publishing committee. So along the way, you’ve had lots of people to …

Category: Career, Editing, Inspiration, Writing CraftTag: Book Business, Career, readers, The Writing Life

Forgotten Words We Ought to Revive

By Bob Hostetleron May 9, 2018

A few weeks ago I asked my friends on social media if they had a favorite word that no one seems to use anymore—and the response was fast and furious (I should make a dozen or so movies about it, right?). While there were far too many replies to list them all, here is a list of some of my favorites (and the person(s) who mentioned each), followed by the one word that got the most mentions and …

Category: Creativity, LanguageTag: Creativity, Language, words

Real Reasons Some Books are Rejected

By Dan Balowon May 8, 2018

Most authors and aspiring authors are open to direction and crave constructive comments to help them advance their craft and career. Hopefully, you have had a chance to be part of a good critique group which provided assistance in a manner you found energizing and helpful. When a book is rejected by a publisher or agent, sometimes the reasons behind the rejection are not what you might classify as …

Category: Book Proposals, Get Published, RejectionTag: book proposals, Rejection, The Publishing Life

Book Proposals: Word Count

By Steve Laubeon May 7, 2018

There is an important question that needs to be answered in your book proposal in the “Manuscript Status” section. What is the length of your book? This information is important whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction. How Long is Your Book? Think carefully before you declare a word count in your proposal. I don’t know how often I’ve seen someone propose a 280,000 …

Category: Book ProposalsTag: book proposals, word count