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Helping to Change the World…Word by Word

The Steve Laube Agency

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Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » Archives for Steve Laube » Page 80

Steve Laube

The Introverted Writer

By Steve Laubeon January 30, 2017
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Here is a question from Trisha:

I consider myself a deeply introverted person. I write because I can express myself on paper so much better than in conversational settings. When it comes to getting published, how do you think the personality of the author is weighed in respect to publishers and agents considering an author for publication? In other words, does a more bubbly personality get considered over the quiet, or perhaps even awkward type? If it is the case, do you have any advice for the severely introverted author seeking publication?

I suspect that most writers are introverted, to a certain extent. The art of writing is solitary and often introspective. Did you know that J.K. Rowiling is considered an introvert? It hasn’t affected her success.

Ultimately the categories of shy vs. outgoing oversimplifies the complexity of each person’s personality. Let’s briefly explore the topic:

Reality Check

We are in a culture that celebrates the extrovert. The business world, in particular, can reward the successful extrovert. The term “born salesman” is a case in point.

[By the way, Susan Cain has written a tremendous book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. Intended for the business professional it has ramifications in all of life. Visit her site quietrev.com for some great resources on the topic.]

One cannot avoid the fact that an outgoing person at a writers conference will stand out. And the publishers demand for “Platform” points toward an author’s engagement with a significant audience.

If there are two manuscripts with equal strength on the same topic but one author is outgoing and “media ready” and the other is not as ready, which one do you think the publisher will choose?

It is Perfectly Normal

The notion that being shy or introverted is a bad thing is simply wrong. As I wrote above, a lot of writers are inherently introverted. Very few books are written by multiple hands at the same time on the same keyboard. It is a solo venture.

So, embrace who you are. You are the only person who can write your book or communicate your ideas. God knew you before you were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). God is not disappointed.

Start Ignoring Your Self-Talk

Last week Tamela wrote about the dangers of comparison. This is where it starts. “I’m not like so-and-so.” And the journey begins pounding yourself into feeling like no one will ever give you a chance.

The fear of rejection can be debilitating. It is hard for the introvert to be told “no thanks” since it only confirms their worst fears. Moment of Truth: You will be rejected. That is the nature of the profession.

Therefore, the next time you hear that voice in your head, start learning to ignore it. Trust me, the voice will never go away. But eventually the noise is so faint it won’t have power over you. (I know from personal experience.)

Make Your Ideas Unforgettable

I mentioned Susan Cain above. Here is a woman who classifies herself as introverted and yet she ended up doing a TED talk and writing a bestselling book that’s been translated into 36 languages!

Your writing and your ideas are what is going to carry the day. Make your idea one that cannot be “considered of equal strength on the same topic.”

Try Not to Sell Yourself Short

Being painfully shy is something real. The are many who are debilitated by social anxiety and crippling fear. I am not denying that in any way.

Could it be that there is more to you than you let on? Given a chance we might be surprised. So how do you overcome that barrier?

Joining a local writers group may be a first step to acclimating yourself to the community. Then consider going to a small writers conference one day.

Maybe do what one of my clients did at her first conference. She didn’t talk to a single faculty member. Not one. She watched and learned. The next year wasn’t as hard as she became more confident in herself in the environment of writers. Eventually she was able to bring her ideas out for evaluation. She just finished her fourth non-fiction book with a major publisher.

Start putting your work out there. You don’t have to start with a full novel or a full non-fiction book. The periodical market is always looking for content. There is an incredible 100 page section in The Christian Writers Market Guide (Print or online) that lists possible places for your work.

Hope that helps!

 

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Category: Career, Social Media, The Writing LifeTag: Career, Introvert, The Writing Life

Fun Fridays – January 27, 2016

By Steve Laubeon January 27, 2017
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Sometimes humor and parody strike a little too close, but funny nonetheless. Enjoy this very clever send up of how to become a successful Christian music artist!

Read moreFun Fridays – January 27, 2016
Category: Fun Fridays

A Roundup of Some Queries

By Steve Laubeon January 23, 2017
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Periodically we try to show you some of the more unusual things we receive, unsolicited, by our agency. These are by no means all of them (not exhaustive…just exhausting). Just a few to help those who read this blog avoid the same mistakes. Disclaimer: We do not suggest that any of these writers are insincere. In fact it is evident they believe in what they are presenting. But at the same …

Read moreA Roundup of Some Queries
Category: Book ProposalsTag: book proposals, Query Letters

Fun Fridays – January 20, 2017

By Steve Laubeon January 20, 2017
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I’ve said for years that the “separation” between the Christian and the General publishing markets is more of a hedge than a wall. And yet it can still be daunting to traverse.  

Read moreFun Fridays – January 20, 2017
Category: Fun Fridays

Ask Me Anything – TeleSeminar Invitation

By Steve Laubeon January 16, 2017
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If you could ask me ANY question you wanted about writing or publishing for the Christian writer, what would your question be? Here is your chance. I will be the guest on a live  70 minute TeleSeminar hosted by Terry Whalin tomorrow, January 17th at 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern Time. The event is free. All you need to do is write your question at http://www.askstevelaube.com. In exchange for entering …

Read moreAsk Me Anything – TeleSeminar Invitation
Category: Get PublishedTag: Get Published

Fun Fridays – January 13, 2017

By Steve Laubeon January 13, 2017
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I have lived in Phoenix for 40 years. Winter has beautiful weather and brings visitors from the frozen north. But, as this weatherman discovered, sometimes it can get a little toasty in the desert. His reaction is priceless: HT: Vicki Crumpton

Read moreFun Fridays – January 13, 2017
Category: Fun Fridays

Will Your Author Website Disappear from Google Searches?

By Steve Laubeon January 9, 2017
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Last month we moved our website to a new host server. As part of the move we discovered that we needed to change the security for the site. If you look carefully at the URL when visiting the site you’ll notice that it now has “https” at the beginning instead of “http”. The “s” at the end indicates there is a level of security on the site that was not …

Read moreWill Your Author Website Disappear from Google Searches?
Category: Marketing, TechnologyTag: Author Websites, Google+, Technology

Fun Fridays – January 6, 2017

By Steve Laubeon January 6, 2017
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A perfect picture of how we should celebrate the new year! from the forthcoming book Great Dane Chronicles by Andy Seliverstoff. (Follow this link to see more photos from the book.)

Read moreFun Fridays – January 6, 2017
Category: Fun Fridays

2016: A Year in Review

By Steve Laubeon January 2, 2017
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It is time to take a look at our past year and reflect on all the things that have happened. It is a recitation of good things and not so good things. But all were under the sovereignty of God and as such we give all glory to Him. (If you’d like to look at previous annual reports they can be found here: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009.) The Agency Continues to Have Success We (the four of us) …

Read more2016: A Year in Review
Category: Agency, Book Business, Personal, Publishing News, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Book Business, Year in Review

2017 Christian Writers Market Guide Now Online!

By Steve Laubeon December 26, 2016
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The 2017 edition of The Christian Writers Market Guide is officially available in print and ebook (paperback $22.99, ebook $9.99). Check your favorite bookstore or online retailer for a copy. Make sure you have a copy of this book in your arsenal! We are also very excited to announce that all the content of the guide is now available online via a subscription service (click here to see for …

Read more2017 Christian Writers Market Guide Now Online!
Category: Book of the Month, Book Proposals, Career, Christian Writers Institute, Get Published, Technology, The Writing LifeTag: Christian Writers Market Guide, Get Published
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