(Updated 1/15/2026)
Whenever I speak at a writers conference or directly with an author, I’ll touch on the fact that what publishers want for new books is not any one thing, but the sum of what each acquiring editor is looking for. While publishing companies might contract for books, it’s their acquisitions editors who advocate for them.
Each acquisitions editor has likes, dislikes, and a theological perspective, and is tasked with acquiring a certain number of books. A particular author’s work might match what they are looking for, or not. There’s a heavy dose of “I’ll know it when I see it” in publishing, adding to its unpredictability and subjectivity.
The job of an agent is to “decode” all this and look for things the editors might like. 2025 saw numerous staffing changes at traditional publishers that may affect what they eventually acquire. This creates a challenge for agents as we navigate the changing seas.
What am I looking for in book proposals from Christian authors in 2026? The obvious answer is what the publishers want to buy, but I like all types of nonfiction and a few authors who write great books for children.
Memoirs and personal stories are one category of nonfiction that I don’t particularly excel in, but I’ll still take a look. Just don’t get your hopes up!
I do not represent authors of fiction. The other agents in this agency are far better equipped than I am for that area.
What do I like? What will sell!
In 2026, publishers will acquire books to release in late 2027, 2028, and beyond. Whether you have finished writing or not, it still takes 15-24 months to get a book published through the traditional route. As a reminder, books contain big messages that can sell for a long time—or at least that’s the hope.
Topics related to urgent and short-term matters should be in another medium.
Other than compelling writing, here are things I am looking for in authors:
• Effort: There is a track record of writing. Books are the result of a lengthy process of work in various written forms.
• Credibility: Theology books by respected theologians, apologetics books by respected apologists, history books by historians, people who have actually done what they write about, etc. Even if you are an excellent writer, you must have credentials to accompany your writing.
• Focus: Only a handful (as in less than a dozen) of authors successfully navigate various categories and usually succeed in one before trying another. You need to start somewhere—pick a lane.
• Marketing: You won’t get far without a good start on personal marketing. The lack of an author platform will be a problem down the line, so get started now if you haven’t already.
Everyone here at The Steve Laube Agency strives to see authors published well. This can take time, so prepare yourself for the journey.