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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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The Work of a Cover Designer

By Steve Laubeon September 12, 2016
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We have all heard the phrase “a book is judged by its cover.” And it is true. We all do it. Even when the cover is as small as a postage stamp in an online bookstore.

It is the first impression of what’s inside.

Rarely will you buy the book after you’ve read it. Instead you make the purchase before reading. What you are buying is the promise of the cover, and the title, and the back cover copy. A promise that this one is worth your money.

Our agency often gets to weigh in, with our client’s publishers, on the merits (or demerits) of a proposed cover. It can be a little nerve-wracking when the client sends a cover attachment they have just received from their publisher with the question, “What do you think?” Nary a clue whether the author is glad, mad, or sad. I can’t just get away with an evasive answer like “What a nice rectangle shape!” I have to present my first impression. More often than not the publisher has done a great job. And the times where it’s not what we hoped for there is a healthy discussion as to what needs to change.

On the other hand I wish Indie authors who don’t have agents or a publishing professional in their world would think hard before creating their own book cover on the cheap and uploading it for the world to see. A book cover is more than a stock photo of a forest, a winsome lass or lad, and a funky font slapped on the front. Many do a great job, but when they don’t it is a disaster.

In my work with Enclave Publishing, a division of Gilead Publishing, I have the privilege of working directly with the cover designers on every new release. It is amazing to see what these incredibly creative people can do.

Recently Kirk DouPonce of DogEared Design created a video to show the entire creative process of what he did while making a new cover for Enclave.

This five minute video is fascinating. The attention to detail, like creating a unique knife handle, finding the right fold in the legging of the pants, making the title font almost 3-D. He deserves all the awards he has received.

By the way, the book is a great story for those who love Fantasy. If you don’t, you probably know someone who does. Reserve your copy today by clicking here.

Enjoy the video, then look back at the top of this post at the finished work, then comment below. (click the “vimeo” word in the lower right corner to get a larger version of the video.)

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Category: Art, Branding, MarketingTag: Book Covers, Branding, Marketing

Fun Fridays – September 9, 2016

By Steve Laubeon September 9, 2016
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Truly a universal language!

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Category: Fun Fridays

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 …

Read moreWhy Isn’t My Agent Working for Me at Conferences?
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

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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 …

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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
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