We’ve all been there. (Agents too!)
Blog
Retro Thinking
The pace of change in book publishing is accelerating. Previously, major shifts occurred every 10 years, then every 5, then every 2. Now, it seems like something causes a tremor every year. I recall about 20 years ago, when a major publisher announced the layoff of about two dozen staffers and then, a few weeks later, posted the same number of job openings, with different duties and requirements. …
When Should I Write a Book Proposal?
I speak, teach, and meet with writers at a number of quality writers conferences every year. (Conference directors and conferees haven’t yet realized how little value I offer. Please don’t tell them.) Among the most common nuggets of wisdom (only nuggets, seldom more) I offer is this: “It’s never too early to write your book proposal.” Developing writers often express surprise, but here’s why: If …
Official Publication Day
Today is the official publication day for my new book, Sacred Margins: On the Spiritual Life of a Writer. Flinging a project into the world is always a balance of sheer terror, exhilaration, crushing doubt, hope, fear of hubris, and the knowledge that you’ve done your best. May these scribblings speak in a small way into the heart of every reader. From the back cover: Part spiritual …
5 Questions Your Proposal Must Answer: Question 4
Will Enough People Pay for Your Book? Since publishing is a business, every book proposal rises or falls on this unavoidable question: “Will enough people buy this book to gain a return on the investment?” Not how many might appreciate it. Not who should read it. But how many will actually purchase it? Potential buying behavior is far more than interest. Interest does not equal a sale. This …
Fun Fridays – May 15, 2026
111 Instruments in 111 seconds. We can be delightfully creative creatures. Enjoy today’s video! (If you cannot see today’s video in your newsletter feed, please click through to view it on our website.)
TODAY is the Free Webinar: Ask a Literary Agent: Q&A With Steve Laube at 5 p.m. EST
REMINDER: Our free webinar happens this afternoon. Today, Thomas Umstattd Jr., and I are presenting a live webinar to answer the most pressing questions writers have and to share a little about my new book, Sacred Margins, which Amazon has started to ship early. Please don’t miss out on the FREE webinar. Date: Wednesday, May 13–TODAY Time: 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) Thomas Umstattd Jr. is …
REMINDER: Register for the Free Webinar: Ask a Literary Agent: Q&A With Steve Laube – May 13
REMINDER, in case you missed last week’s announcement. Thomas Umstattd Jr. and I are presenting a live webinar to answer the most pressing questions writers have and to share a little about my new book, Sacred Margins, which Amazon is already shipping to customers. Please don’t miss out on the FREE webinar. Date: Wednesday, May 13–this Wednesday Time: 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) Thomas …
Fun Fridays – May 8, 2026
A real page turner! [If you cannot view today’s video in your newsletter, please click through to view it on our website.]
What Do Publishers Want?
For those authors desiring to publish with a traditional book publisher, the ever-present question will be, “What do they want?” We maintain detailed overviews of Christian publishers for agency use that are constantly updated, and you would be surprised by how often updates are needed. It is better to answer today’s question with things that are consistent across all publishers and editors, …