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The Steve Laube Agency

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Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » Career » Page 20

Career

Let’s Talk about Money

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 16, 2016
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Imagine receiving this letter with your utility bill:

Dear Family:

Please see the attached statement asking for payment. We are so very sorry that we feel the need to ask you for payment. We know we have provided electricity and running water for you faithfully, and without interruption, all month. Judging from your usage, these are services you both need and want.

As you are aware, Hestia, the goddess of hearth and home, has graciously provided fire so we can run our generator. As Hestia’s servants, we don’t want to disgrace her in any way. We love providing utility service to you so much that, because of Hestia, we would gladly let you enjoy lights and water for free, forever, if we could. Sadly, because this world is cruel and hard, we are forced to ask for meager compensation.

Please don’t let Hestia or any of her earthly representatives know about this missive. We know that money is filthy and should never be discussed. We apologize a million times for bringing up this matter and would avoid this discussion at all costs if we could. Again, we are so sorry.

Your Obsequious Servants,

The Utility Company

If you ever get a letter like this from any corporation, let me know. Because it would be weird, right? Unfortunately, many writers express similar feelings about being paid for their work. If you are one of these writers, I get it. But. Please. Stop. Today.

Why?

For one, money is not evil. It is the love of money that is evil. Money is a tool, and currency is our agreed upon system to gauge the worth of an item or service. That’s all.

Of course it’s wonderful to possess a sweet spirit, and not to be money grubbing. But the fact is, we must not be afraid of money. Writers need to give their agents an overview of their financial needs. While the best agents will work as hard for a rich author as a poor one, knowing how the author is positioned moneywise does help us help you make the best decisions for managing your career.

If you’re shy about talking about finances, working with an agent who isn’t averse to talking money with publishers is a gift from the real God. You can say to your agent, “I love writing so much I’d do it for free!” Your agent should know not to tell that to your editor!

As a writer, you are providing a service to your publisher and to the public. Never, ever, be hesitant about discussing your compensation with your business partner.

Your turn:

What tips can you offer writers when they need to talk about money?

 

Leave a Comment
Category: Career, MoneyTag: Career, Money

Dear World, We Have What You Want

By Dan Balowon June 14, 2016
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Dear World, Those of us involved in Christian publishing can’t help but notice you are hurting. While our work is to write and publish books, one or more times each week we gather to worship and pray to the Creator God, considering ways we can ease your pain. I hope you know we care. There are dozens of new books with Christian themes coming out every week. They contain information and inspiration …

Read moreDear World, We Have What You Want
Category: Art, Book Business, Career, Christian, Theology, TrendsTag: Christian, readers, Theology

“Dear Author,”

By Dan Balowon June 7, 2016
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Authors write books to readers and once in a while a reader will write to an author. Here’s an imagined letter from a reader. As you consider viewing your work through their eyes, maybe taking a moment to actually see inside their world would change the way you approach your work. Dear author, I am no one special, I just like to read. The first books in my life were read to me, and it got me …

Read more“Dear Author,”
Category: CareerTag: Career, readers

Reaching a New Generation of Readers

By Steve Laubeon June 6, 2016
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Last Friday I posted a fun song about Millennials. Earlier this year a number of articles told of a Pew Research report that declared there are more Millennials in America than Baby Boomers. There are now over 75 million people ages 18-34. Boomers (ages 51-69) are no longer the largest demographic. (And there are more 22-years-olds today than any other age group.) This was inevitable, of course, …

Read moreReaching a New Generation of Readers
Category: Book Business, Career, Creativity, TrendsTag: Book Business, Career, readers, Trends

Limitations Inherent to Non-Fiction Publishing

By Dan Balowon May 31, 2016
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Some categories of books in the Christian market have very limited potential for publication. A publisher may do just one every year or every ten years on a particular topic or category. When you send your proposal to an agent or ask your agent to pitch a title in one of these categories, our first reaction would be how limited the potential is to sell. I am not writing about the potential for …

Read moreLimitations Inherent to Non-Fiction Publishing
Category: Book Proposals, Branding, Career, Economics, Get Published, PlatformTag: Bet Published, book proposals

Should I Still Have a Website?

By Dan Balowon May 10, 2016
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Lately, I have read a number of articles and had a number of conversations addressing the importance or unimportance of author websites. Since social media sites are supposed to be the magic marketing-potion for every author, stodgy old websites seem to be the domain only of out-of-touch sluggards. You probably have an inkling where I stand on the issue. Should an author have a website?  Yes. If …

Read moreShould I Still Have a Website?
Category: Branding, Career, Marketing, PlatformTag: Marketing, Websites

It’s Never One Thing

By Dan Balowon May 3, 2016
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Somewhat of a follow-up to last week’s post on the future being a complex mix of everything rather than one magic solution, today we will focus on authors and what it takes to make a successful writing career. Like everything else in life, it is never one thing. Success is always a result of a variety of things that came together to make it work. The same is true for something considered …

Read moreIt’s Never One Thing
Category: Book Business, CareerTag: Career, Success

Platform, Numbers, and Content

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon April 21, 2016
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I love interacting with my blog readers! We enjoy great discussions and excellent questions. Last week I responded in the comments section of the post “What Makes an Agent Say Wow!” and realized later that the answer constitutes its own blog post. This was not the first time I’ve been long-winded, nor will it be the last! I’m posting my response today because the question was posed …

Read morePlatform, Numbers, and Content
Category: Career, PlatformTag: Career, Platform

Enjoying the Journey of Publishing

By Dan Balowon April 12, 2016
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The issue of competition requires regular reminders to everyone who is currently working or desires to be part of the book industry, so I am walking in the same footsteps of previous posts. An element of competition is involved in every aspect of publishing, down to the smallest detail. One need not be obsessed or discouraged by the competitive environment, rather the opposite, with eyes wide …

Read moreEnjoying the Journey of Publishing
Category: Book Business, Career, Platform, The Writing LifeTag: competition, The Writing Life

Is Book Publishing Fair?

By Dan Balowon March 29, 2016
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Anyone who has been around young children has heard their cry of protest, “That’s not fair,” when some sort of consequence is meted out for misbehavior. In reality, what is being objected to is fairness, as consequences were spelled out ahead of time and known to all. Parent: “One more word about this and you will go to bed without dinner.” Child: “Word.” Parent: “OK, to your room you go…no …

Read moreIs Book Publishing Fair?
Category: Book Business, Career, Contracts, Get Published, Marketing, The Publishing LifeTag: publishing, The Publishing Life
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