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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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News You Can Use – June 5, 2012

By Steve Laubeon June 5, 2012
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Six Tough Truths About Self-Publishing (That the Advocates Never Seem to Talk About) – Rob Hart writes an insightful and cautionary tale. (caution: some flagrant language is used)

22 Rules of Story Telling According to Pixar – This is an excellent article for every novelist to read.

The Amazon Effect – Read this 6,200 word article from “The Nation” very carefully. It will help to understand the economics of publishing and the market shifts that have been occurring these past few years.

10 Great Science Fiction Novels for People Who Don’t Read Sci-Fi – I have to say that I agree with only four of their choices. Such is the nature of reading and recommending fiction! (Of the 10 I would choose Card, Bester, Shelley, and Herbert.)

Are Books Becoming too Long to Read? – A stimulating article that makes you think twice about the length of your books. I do see a trend in NON-fiction toward shorter books. Fiction is still a matter of taste and storytelling ability.

How Fast Do You Read? – Staples.com provides a quick little test including a comprehension quiz at the end. How fast are you?

A Summertime “The kids are home from school!” graphic for you to enjoy:

 

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Category: News You Can Use, SteveTag: Amazon, Craft, science fiction, Self-Publishing, speed reading, story, word count

Fun Fridays – June 1, 2012

By Steve Laubeon June 1, 2012
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M.C. Grammar.... ???

A pseudo-good idea gone hopelessly strange. Only two minutes long.

Read moreFun Fridays – June 1, 2012
Category: Fun Fridays, GrammarTag: Grammar, Humor

The Synopsis Tells the Tale

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 31, 2012
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Because the synopsis is so critical to a proposal, I decided to write this spin-off of last week's blog, "Keys to a Great Synopsis,"  in hopes of helping authors not only write more effective synopses, but to impart a bit about the fiction market, too.

When I read synopses from authors, much is revealed. For instance, I see:
Cozy mysteries that are meant to be romance.
Gothic plots presented …

Read moreThe Synopsis Tells the Tale
Category: Book Proposals, Craft, Creativity, Get Published, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: book proposals, synopsis

A Time to Share

By Karen Ballon May 30, 2012
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 I’ve been thinking for awhile that I’d like to do some mini workshops on this blog. Now, I have a boatload of topics I could teach on. After all, I’ve taught or keynoted at writers’ conferences all over the country for the last 30 years. But here’s the thing, I don’t want to teach just another workshop. I want to help you with the issues you’re facing in your writing. So here’s your chance to …

Read moreA Time to Share
Category: Craft, Karen, Writing Craft

News You Can Use – May 29, 2012

By Steve Laubeon May 29, 2012
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Self-Publishing: Under 10% Earn a Living - An article out of Australia makes a bold claim. I would claim, however, that only 10% of traditionally published writers earn a living too. Of course that depends on your definition of "a living."

100 Best First Lines from Novels - In honor of the last two weeks where we talked about "first lines" I found this article from the American Book Review that …

Read moreNews You Can Use – May 29, 2012
Category: Craft, Grammar, Marketing, News You Can Use, SteveTag: commas, copyediting, Editing, Grammar, podcasting, Self-Publishing

Fun Fridays – May 25, 2012

By Steve Laubeon May 25, 2012
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This has been around for five years. It still makes me smile every time.

"When it comes to a good book, Stephen King's resume just can't compare."

Read moreFun Fridays – May 25, 2012
Category: Fun FridaysTag: Humor

Keys to a Great Synopsis

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 24, 2012
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When I posted my ideas on some Keys to a Great Book Proposal, a few writers said they were challenged to write a synopsis. I agree that writing an interesting synopsis is difficult. However, it’s not an element you want to omit from your proposal because a synopsis orients the editor to the book’s contents. Here are my answers to often-asked questions: 1.) Do I need a …

Read moreKeys to a Great Synopsis
Category: Book Business, Book Proposals, Get Published, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: book proposals, synopsis

What’s MY Line? (First Lines – Part Two)

By Karen Ballon May 23, 2012
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I loved reading your favorite first lines last week. Isn’t it amazing how the right first line sets the stage, how it can pull readers out of reality deep into the story that’s being woven around them? I’m always awed at the power of the written word.

As I said last week, a group of writer friends likes to share the first lines of their works in progress. JUST the first line. Not the first …

Read moreWhat’s MY Line? (First Lines – Part Two)
Category: Craft, Karen, Writing CraftTag: first lines

News You Can Use – May 22, 2012

By Steve Laubeon May 22, 2012
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Where is Publishing Headed? – This it a great article! Read is carefully and you will want to read more. I recommended John Thompson’s book Merchants of Culture last year (my review is here). Now it is in paperback for $17 (retail price) and for either the Kindle or the Nook for around $10. If you are serious about understanding the book business you owe it to yourself to buy this and …

Read moreNews You Can Use – May 22, 2012
Category: News You Can Use

A One Year Anniversary Announcement

By Steve Laubeon May 21, 2012
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by Steve Laube

A year ago we welcomed Tamela Hancock Murray and Karen Ball to our agency. I couldn't be more pleased.

These two ladies are amazing people. They both work very hard to serve their clients with passion and excellence. I am blessed to have them as part of our team.

Next week will be the eighth anniversary of the founding of The Steve Laube Agency. We have had some …

Read moreA One Year Anniversary Announcement
Category: Agency, Get Published
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