Steve Laube

Dark Friday

By Steve Laubeon April 14, 2017

Contemplate the sacrifice.

Contemplate the mystery.

While you contemplate, listen to this instrumental piece called “Gethsemane” from Jeff Johnson’s album “No Shadow of Turning.”

A new version of the piece can be found on Jeff’s album “Thin Places” You can listen to it at this link.

Then please listen to this classical song “Go to Dark Gethsemane” by John Montgomery. It is one of my favorite choral pieces. Performed by Choeur de chambre Exprime (if you received the blog in your email you’ll need to click through to the web site where the song is embedded using SoundCloud):

[A version of this blog was originally published on April 3, 2015]

At What Point Would an Agent be Interested in an Indie Author?

By Steve Laubeon April 10, 2017

I am an indie author. I’ve written several novels, some of which have sold well and all of which have *at least* 4.7 stars. Is there a point at which an agent would want to talk to someone like me? When/why might I consider getting an agent? Thanks to Heather for the question! A number of factors play a role in answering this question. (Are you getting tired of my “it depends” answer to all your …

Category: Agents, Book Proposals, Indie, Pitching, Self-Publishing, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Agents, Indie

Fun Fridays – April 7, 2017

By Steve Laubeon April 7, 2017

[Due to our servers going down a week ago Thursday, we are repeating last week’s Fun Friday so you can get it in your inbox. Enjoy!] Literally the most fun you’ll have all day. A meme to start. A video to bring it all home.

Category: Fun Fridays

Where Do You Find New Clients?

By Steve Laubeon April 3, 2017

“As an agent, what percentage of your new clients come from meetings at conferences vs. general email or postal proposals? Can you address the importance of conferences?” Thanks to Scott for the question. It is a good one. Another way to frame it is “Where do you find new clients? Blind submissions or conferences?” The answer, as always, is “It depends.” Meeting someone at a conference is a …

Category: Book Proposals, Christian Writers Institute, Conferences, ConventionsTag: Agency, book proposals, Christian Writers Institute, writers conferences

Silly Saturday – April 1, 2017

By Steve Laubeon April 1, 2017

Big Announcement! An audio coloring book! Watch the video and be amazed.

Category: Humor

When Proposing a Series of Novels

By Steve Laubeon March 27, 2017

“Are today’s publishers more interested in an individual novel or a trilogy? Also, when submitting a proposal for the completed first novel in a planned trilogy, is it better to focus on the first novel or give an overview of the complete trilogy? Is there an upper limit to how many books should be in a series?” These are some excellent questions submitted by both Peter and …

Category: Book Proposals, Genre, Get Published, PitchingTag: book proposals, Series, Stand Alones

Fun Fridays – March 24, 2017

By Steve Laubeon March 24, 2017

Is it possible that this is the funniest Fun Friday of all time?

Category: Fun Fridays

Audio, Audio, Wherefore Art Thou Audio?

By Steve Laubeon March 20, 2017

“I’ve heard that audio rights are never given to the author in the contract because that is how the publisher makes more money. Is this true? And if you lose the audio rights, do you lose all control? Let’s say for instance, do you have any say in who reads your story or is that completely out of your hands? Do your writers hold onto their audio rights in your publishing negotiations?” …

Category: Contracts, The Publishing LifeTag: audio, Audio Rights, audiobooks, Contracts, subsidiary rights, The Publishing Life

Fun Fridays – March 17, 2017

By Steve Laubeon March 17, 2017

Truth in Advertising. An eleven-year-old girl scout wrote a well crafted letter which was read on a popular podcast. Listen to Mike Rowe read the letter. Below the video is a “rest of the story” for you. As you listen, think of your own writing. Does it convey your voice? Is it structured to build the reader to a conclusion? Is there a turn of a phrase or a word choice that makes it …

Category: Fun Fridays

Fun Fridays – March 10, 2017

By Steve Laubeon March 10, 2017

This is an incredible invention. Should revolutionize safety on our roads and highways. Try it for yourself! Tell everyone you know! Kudos to this Indiana State Trooper for his excellent service.

Category: Fun Fridays