Archives for 2022

Jelly Beans = One Day

By Steve Laubeon June 27, 2022

I came across the below video and thought it a good reminder. It is sobering to watch. But it is important to occasionally step into topics of mortality and eternity. To think for a moment about the gift of today. This day, June 27th, 2022, is a gift from God. Contemplate the below sentence with which I ended a speech at the recent Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference.

“The world will be different tomorrow
because of the words you write today.”

(If you cannot see the embedded video in your newsletter email, please click the headline and go directly to our site to view it.)

Fun Fridays – June 24, 2022

By Steve Laubeon June 24, 2022

This video is a vivid picture of all the roles a writer must fill if or when they self-publish. It can be done and done brilliantly. But it does take a lot of intentionality and expertise to excel in every part. I know many authors who do. Enjoy this 90-second video celebrating the Authorpreneur! (If you cannot see the embedded video in your newsletter email, please click the headline and go …

Category: Fun Fridays

Newbery @ 100

By Dan Balowon June 23, 2022

Some rather significant publishing-related anniversaries are coming in the next week. First, the Harry Potter book series turns 25 years-old on June 26. After a dozen publishers declined the first book, Bloomsbury Publishing saw some potential in it and published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The rest is history. Next time your writing is rejected, just remember: A dozen people …

Category: Publishing History

4 Ways to Lose Me Quickly

By Bob Hostetleron June 22, 2022

As a literary agent, I review a lot of book pitches. A lot. And, not to belabor the point, but a lot. Despite the overwhelming volume of submissions demanding my attention, I try to give each one a fair shake. Sure, if the recipient field of your email has a hundred email addresses in it, it makes it easier for me to say, “No thanks.” But, while that may be the quickest way to disinterest me, it …

Category: Book Proposals, Common Questoins, Pitching

What Do You Read to Stay Informed?

By Steve Laubeon June 20, 2022

I am occasionally asked to list the magazines, newsletters, and blogs I read to stay informed about our industry. It is a good question. But when I started compiling the list, I realized how ridiculously long it is. Therefore, I can only list selected highlights by type of media. Lest you get the wrong impression, realize I’m an eclectic reader who skims the surface of the waters gleaning …

Category: Book Business, Reading, TrendsTag: Informed, Reading

Fun Fridays – June 17, 2022

By Steve Laubeon June 17, 2022

The unsolveable puzzle that is supposed to be solved. Today’s video is intended to make your brain hurt. But therein lies the tale. Are there metaphors here for your writing life? Or something to add to your book? How about a character who creates crossword puzzles…by hand… or one who solves the hardest puzzles in ink, not a pencil? Or someone who can look at a series of numbers …

Category: Fun Fridays

Your After-Conference Checklist

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 16, 2022

Since the conference season is in full swing, you may have just returned from a beautiful event of learning and fellowship. Or you may be planning to go to a conference soon. With that in mind, consider a checklist of what to do upon your return. 1.) Rest. Give yourself at least a day after travel to refresh and relax. I realize very few authors take this advice, but I offer it all the same. …

Category: Conferences

Roundabouts

By Dan Balowon June 15, 2022

I like metaphors. I like everything about them. Analogies and similes are cool too. Today’s post extinguishes the notion that writer’s block is actually a thing. Every day, topics to write about are screaming at you. Writer’s block is simply a failure to pay attention to them. Almost everything makes me think about something else. In fact, baseball and driving a car in traffic are two general …

Category: Book Proposals

Hints for a Great Cover Letter

By Steve Laubeon June 13, 2022

[I originally posted this piece over 12 years ago. The information still holds true, but I suspect many have not found the necessary information elsewhere, so I dare post it again. I’ve left all the comments intact since they add to the ongoing conversation. Feel free to add your thoughts.]] _________________________ Here are a few suggestions for you to consider when approaching an agent or …

Category: Book Proposals, Get Published, Publishing A-Z, Writing CraftTag: book proposals, Cover Letter, Pitching

Fun Fridays – June 10, 2022

By Steve Laubeon June 10, 2022

Twenty corny puns to brighten your day. Don’t blame me if you groan. To whomever stole my copy of Microsoft Office, I will find you. You have my Word! How do you catch a whole school of fish? With bookworms. What’s the difference between the bird flu and the swine flu? One requires tweetment and the other an oinkment. Why can’t your nose be 12-inches long? Because it would be a foot. What …

Category: Fun Fridays