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The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World…Word by Word

The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Why Isn’t My Agent Working for Me at Conferences?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 8, 2016
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Often I’m asked by writers to pitch a book at a conference I’m attending. Sometimes I’m asked to find out the status of a submission. Because of my writing background, I totally understand these impulses. When I was writing novels, I asked these questions of my agent. So believe me, I’ve experienced the frustration of being at home, wondering why my agent isn’t asking about and pitching my work at conference.

And as an agent, I can tell you why I rarely, if ever, ask for a status or pitch a book at conference.

I don’t ask for a status of a manuscript because the editor won’t have her logbook or spreadsheet with her – or at least, not convenient at the time. She’ll be seeing lots of other agents and authors. No one can expect any editor to answer status questions from memory. But as your agent, I can contact editors any time, when they ARE near their records, and receive an accurate answer.

Of course, if an editor volunteers information about a pending submission, I’m happy to listen, learn, and share any information with the author.

But no editor needs a spreadsheet to hear a pitch, right? Well, no. But pitching manuscripts is not the purpose of most editor and agent meetings at conferences. Rather, we are strengthening relationships. We talk business, but will listen to editors rather than throw them pitches, no matter how excited we are or how much we love the author.

Might we mention a manuscript or author? Yes, but to pique interest. Then we can follow up with a dynamite proposal. This proposal will be expected by the editor and will contain all the information the editor needs, not just the highlights we might cram in at a conference. Or we might not mention you or your manuscript, but make a note to present that particular editor with your fabulous proposal that will speak directly to the publishing needs and wants of that editor. This allows you to look your best at all times.

So while you’re at home, wondering why your agent isn’t working hard for you at a conference, relax and take this time to write or chill, or both. Your agent is working hard for you. Maybe just not the way you think.

 

Your turn:

What do you think agents should accomplish at a conference?

What is your favorite part of a conference?

Leave a Comment
Category: Agents, ConferencesTag: Agents, writers conferences

Why I Wouldn’t Represent Bible People

By Dan Balowon September 6, 2016
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Taking a cue from the media ads for various prescription drugs, including a legal disclaimer in any communication protects everyone from legal jeopardy or in this case, condemnation. God inspired the Bible and the thoughts expressed in it are exactly as God intended. No one shall add or take away anything. The following satire is intended for entertainment value only. The opinions expressed are …

Read moreWhy I Wouldn’t Represent Bible People
Category: Agents, Humor, PlatformTag: Humor, Platform

Happy 50th Birthday, Star Trek

By Steve Laubeon September 5, 2016
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It was 50 years ago this week that the TV show “Star Trek” made its debut on NBC (September 8, 1966). It lasted for only three years and 79 episodes, but continues to influence our entertainment culture to this day. Did you know who the original producers were? If you guessed Gene Roddenberry you would be half right. The other half of the funding for the show came from Desilu …

Read moreHappy 50th Birthday, Star Trek
Category: Craft, Creativity, Inspiration, Writing CraftTag: Craft, Creativity, science fiction

Fun Fridays – September 2, 2016

By Steve Laubeon September 2, 2016
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Everybody’s a critic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxwQJ9yt5ao

Read moreFun Fridays – September 2, 2016
Category: Fun Fridays

A Strange Case of Mislabeling

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 1, 2016
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As readers of this blog know, I enjoy all sorts of books. But a recent experience reminded me of the wisdom and comforts of Christian fiction. After seeing several reviews and ads for a secular novel touted as a thriller, I checked out a copy from my public library. I opened the book realizing I’d likely experience characters who weren’t seeing life from a Christian viewpoint or even making an …

Read moreA Strange Case of Mislabeling
Category: Genre, ReadingTag: Genre, Reading

Lessons from a Conference

By Karen Ballon August 31, 2016
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I recently returned home from teaching at the Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. It was a grand time of sharing and laughter, learning and listening. Here are the main lessons I brought home with me from this time spent in the company of fellow writers: 1. Even with all the changes, there’s still a lot to celebrate in the publishing world. From contracts with …

Read moreLessons from a Conference
Category: Conferences, Get PublishedTag: Community, Get Published, writers conferences

Book Topics That Will Always Be Needed (Unfortunately)

By Dan Balowon August 30, 2016
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With hundreds of thousands of new books published every year in the U.S., very few are on topics never previously covered. In the Christian publishing world, a quick glimpse back in history will reveal similar patterns of behavior and spiritual need no matter when you decide to stop your time machine. While many things change, some never change…like people. Look to Scripture as the starting point. …

Read moreBook Topics That Will Always Be Needed (Unfortunately)
Category: Creativity, The Writing Life, Writing CraftTag: Book Topics, Creativity

In Praise of Slow Writing

By Steve Laubeon August 29, 2016
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It seems counter-intuitive that an agent would suggest that writers slow down. After all, isn’t the volume of output one of the keys to an author’s success? There is a measure of truth in that, but today I’d like to explore the concept of Slow Writing. Think of it as a leisurely walk in the woods as a child. I remember strolling through sticks and leaves exploring the forest …

Read moreIn Praise of Slow Writing
Category: Career, Craft, Writing CraftTag: Craft, Writing Craft

Fun Fridays – August 26, 2016

By Steve Laubeon August 26, 2016
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Enjoy a humid Summer day with Classical Music fun!

Read moreFun Fridays – August 26, 2016
Category: Fun Fridays

Worth the Money?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 25, 2016
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As a businesswoman, I have to decide what’s worth paying for and what isn’t. Anyone in business is barraged with opportunities to purchase software, gadgets, and all sorts of pretty office supplies in cool shapes in colors. High heeled shoe tape dispenser, anyone? Well, okay, no office supply store I know of is giving away tape dispensers so you have to buy those. But what about other options, …

Read moreWorth the Money?
Category: Career, MoneyTag: Career, Money, Technology
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