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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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Home » Agents

Agents

Out of the Bubble

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 20, 2023
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The worst statement a celebrity can make when confronting, say, the police, is, “Do you know who I am?” Instead, they should say, “I hope you don’t know who I am.” But some celebrities think the world is their bubble and everyone knows them.

I’m hardly a celebrity. My bubble is a speck. Case in point, I had just enjoyed attending a conference where I felt hundreds of people knew me, or at least knew of me. Reality was but an hour and a hundred steps away.

Checking out at 5 a.m., I asked the hotel clerk, “You won’t charge me a late departure fee, will you?”

Instead of chuckling or hinting at a smile, he deadpanned, “No.”

“I was just making a joke since it’s so early.”

The clerk offered a solemn nod.

As my receipt printed, I thought, Ummm, it’s 5 a.m. Don’t you want to feel better simply by smiling? Guess not. Gone were my friends willing to laugh at all my flimsy jokes. So, if I tell a Dad joke, is it considered a Mom joke? No matter the label, I love that my friends laugh at my jokes. They know who I am.

Soon, I ventured to the curb to wait for my Uber to arrive. A young blonde strode up to await her ride.

“Were you here for the conference?” she ventured.

“Yes.” Early in my career, I learned to only depart from any conference with full makeup and hair in place, so I thought she might recognize me.

“What do you write?” she wanted to know.

I held back a chuckle since I hadn’t been asked that question in some time. “I’m an agent.”

No sign of recognition.

“Tamela.” That usually helps. I don’t think I’m Cher; but introducing myself as “Tamela Hancock Murray” seemed obnoxious in context.

Still no sign of recognition. I don’t think all three names would have helped.

At least I was able to answer a few questions for her. She was starting out and not ready for an agent. I can understand why a new author not intending to talk to agents wouldn’t press the “Agent Appointments” tab on a website and learn about agents. Wanting to offer encouragement, I welcomed her to add me to her list of agents to submit to when she’s ready. Perhaps I should have suggested she label her work “Curbside Author,” so I’d know who she was.

Entering my Uber, I texted my husband, the only person to whom I send kiss emojis.

I remembered the many servings of perfectly prepared filet mignon I’d consumed all week. Yum! So, during the conversation, I asked about his thoughts regarding lunch.

“Leftover BBQ and fresh buns.”

Back to the real world where I belong. I smiled all the way to the airport.

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Category: Agents, Conferences

Agent Etiquette

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 27, 2023
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Agent Etiquette: Ima Writer Interviews Literary Agent Empress Worthington In the interest of helping new authors learn the etiquette of approaching literary agents, the following is a conversation with aspiring author Ima Writer and literary agent Empress Worthington. Ima: I have an extraordinary manuscript, and I want an agent. Empress: Congratulations on completing your book! Do you have a …

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Category: Agents, Book Business, Pitching

Your Servant, Madame

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 28, 2023
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I enjoy historical novels; and so I often see the greeting, “Your servant, Madame.” This charming salute makes me think of my life. How can I be a servant to you? Here are some thoughts: 1. Overarching Purpose: I chose to enter Christian publishing because I hope to serve the Lord. Christian publishing provides a key service to our community by offering readers faith-affirming, uplifting fiction …

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Category: Agents

Who Decides to Publish Your Book?

By Steve Laubeon May 1, 2023
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The editor you met with at a writers conference liked your proposal and asked you to send it to her after the conference. She was already talking about format and promotional ideas. Or you submitted a proposal and received an enthusiastic response from the acquisitions editor. Four (or maybe six to eight) months later, a rejection letter showed up in your inbox. What happened? No matter how much …

Read moreWho Decides to Publish Your Book?
Category: Agents, Book Proposals, Career, Get Published, Pitching, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: book proposals, Get Published, Publishing Decision

What I’m Looking For – Megan Brown

By Megan Brownon April 25, 2023
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As a reader who became a writer, I can certainly say God has sparked a flame in my heart for the written word, specifically His Word. In learning to study the Bible, line by line and verse by verse, I felt completely consumed with wanting to know more. Seventeen commentaries, five new notebooks, a pack of brand-new markers, and a Rubik’s cube later, I have discovered Bible study for me is a …

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Category: Agents, Book Proposals, Pitching

Why Did She Say That?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon April 13, 2023
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Because this blog’s primary purpose is to help authors by dispensing opinions and advice, posts may hit close to home. A long time ago, I read an article in which a blogger I’d recently interacted with made a snarky remark. I thought, Is the blogger talking about me? So I know that sinking, disturbing feeling of wondering if I’ve been surreptitiously called out in public. I’m glad I saw the post …

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Category: Agents, Pitching

Don’t Wait for Retirement

By Bob Hostetleron February 23, 2023
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It seems as if it happens at least once at every writers conference I attend. Someone will say, “Once I retire, I’ll be able to write.” I get it. It’s hard to find the time to write—and build or expand a platform of speaking or podcasting or blogging and more—while you have an actual job for which you’re supposedly being paid. But I can’t say this strongly enough: Don’t wait for retirement to …

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Category: Agents, Platform

How They Got Their Agent

By Bob Hostetleron February 15, 2023
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Somewhere shy of a billion years ago, I met Steve Laube at a writers conference. He and I were both teaching and presenting and meeting with writers. (He was an editor at the time, and I was a big deal.) He liked me; I tolerated him. For the next few years (or more), our friendship continued and deepened; and eventually I asked him to be my literary agent. He agreed. Of course, he did. He’s made …

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Category: Agents

Ways to Delight a Literary Agent

By Steve Laubeon February 13, 2023
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Last week I highlighted some things that tend to annoy a literary agent. Let’s flip that around and reflect on a few things that get our attention. Another drum roll please: 1. Follow the guidelines on an agency’s website. (Those are there for a reason. It helps sift, at one level, those who are wanting to be professionals and those who aren’t. Note they are …

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Category: Agency, Agents, Book Proposals, Conferences, Pitch, Pitching, Platform, The Writing Life

Voices of Courage: Why Military Writers are Important

By Dan Balowon February 8, 2023
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Successful books always come from a writer’s inspired, creative mind and heart. Every time we attempt to make publishing a science, making it more about business nuts and bolts, rather than art, serendipitous creativity seems to find a way around the science, nuts, and bolts. Effective and wise business planning is important, but Christian publishing’s guiding principle should be Proverbs …

Read moreVoices of Courage: Why Military Writers are Important
Category: Agents, Book Business, Branding, Career, Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration
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