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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 » Career » Page 4

Career

Only the Rich Get Published (?)

By Steve Laubeon February 26, 2024
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The title of today’s blog came in a question that was much less confrontational but significant nonetheless.

In the context of describing the extremely limited amount of money they could spend on writers conferences, online classes, training materials, etc., the writer summarized by asking, “How can an unknown writer with very limited resources expect to get their writing published?”

This is a great question. But it’s not an easy one to answer.

In fact, I wrote about it in an earlier post. Since that was published, the purchasing power of the dollar has decreased by 30% due to inflation (click on this Inflation Calculator if you want to be depressed). Thus the question takes on seemingly more significance today.

Before I weigh in, I’d like to be sure to bring caution to the conversation. This isn’t a diatribe about the haves and the have-nots. It’s not a political conversation. It attempts to address something that flits around the room’s periphery when writers gather and express their frustrations with the “system.”

Investing in a Calling

There is some truth to the adage that “you have to spend money to make money.” But for some, that is not always an option. Unfortunately, I’ve met some writers who have spent tens of thousands and still have had no results. So, it really isn’t a thing to “buy” your way to publishing success. That idea is a myth.

Investing in a career isn’t even a blink when considering the cost of a college education or a technical school. But writing feels different. It is art. It is passion. It’s not a “day job” for most. And yet, I have author friends who would beg to differ with that notion.

Should you spend the money on learning all you can about writing with excellence? If it is within your means? Absolutely. If you can’t afford it, there is an awful lot of information on the Internet that can teach or at least suggest the best way (this blog is one). Buying a book on writing a great novel might cost $20 (shameless plug linked here) but could transform your work in progress. If the funds aren’t there, check the library; the only cost is the trip to pick it up or borrow the ebook version using your library’s system.

The Selection Process

I do believe and must believe that if you write an incredible book, it will likely be discovered by an agent or an editor and, hopefully, the marketplace. But we never ask to see the balance of your bank account. We are hunting for the quality of the work and the sales potential (aka commercial viability). Every agent and publisher is looking for the next big thing … always.

The challenge is that we see so many ideas that unless something is extraordinary, we move on to the next one in the proverbial pile.

I’ve heard the writing industry described as ten thousand writers in a field, each flying a kite … in a storm. Lightning does strike, but it looks haphazard and capricious. It may look that way, but in reality, there is intentionality on the part of the selection. In a world where there are a billion stories and 10,000 new books released in English each day (online and otherwise), it can be overwhelming and distressing.

It is something we wrestle with each day. I know authors who pour time, talent, and resources into their writing. Some get that book contract only to have the book fail in the marketplace, and their career ends after one book. I’ve seen others strive and work and achieve significant financial success. I know an author who once earned over six figures in one year only to have that career unravel and now cannot get a publisher for their work. The variety of success or failure is astounding … a little bit like that lightning storm metaphor.

Ask Yourself Why You Write

It sounds simplistic to say, but it is ultimately an exercise in trusting in the sovereignty of God. It could be that your love of writing and efforts to that end have continued to grow your dependence on Him.

You may pour your writing into your family. Your stories may delight them, and that can be enough.

It also can be something you simply love to do. (Some paint, some garden, some volunteer, some cook, some write!) And that can be enough.

Aspiring to be a published author can be a model to your children about devoting time and energy to something you love. It can be an inspiration to your friends and others you know.

If it happens that someday you find an agent or a publisher who loves your story? That will be a day of grand celebration.

But until then, write for His glory.

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Category: Career, Conferences, Get Published, The Writing LifeTag: Get Published

A Year in Review: A Look Back at 2023

By Steve Laubeon January 15, 2024
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It is always a good idea to reflect on the previous year. As those who follow Jesus Christ, we are pressed because the lost world around us is being crushed by the enemy called sin. And yet we should still count our blessings (and as the hymn reads, “name them one by one”). The goodness of God remains unchanged despite attempts to proclaim otherwise. The following is an attempt to review some …

Read moreA Year in Review: A Look Back at 2023
Category: Agency, Awards, Career, Christian Writers Institute, Encouragement, Historical, Inspiration, Publishing News, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life

Jingle Bells, Taco Shells: The Art of Being a Mom-Writer

By Megan Brownon December 21, 2023
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‘Tis the season to be jolly, right? Well, not if you’re a mom-writer caught in the whirlwind of holiday chaos while trying to meet deadlines, market your latest book, and wear more hats than Santa himself. It’s easy to get swept up in the never-ending to-do list; but what if I told you that it’s okay to give yourself the gift of simply being a mom, especially during this …

Read moreJingle Bells, Taco Shells: The Art of Being a Mom-Writer
Category: Career, Encouragement, Inspiration, The Writing Life

8 Productive Activities for Authors … After Finishing Your Manuscript

By Megan Brownon December 7, 2023
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So, you’ve just completed your manuscript; and the exhilaration of typing “The End” is still coursing through your veins. But before you dive headfirst into the editing process, why not use this interlude to work on several vital activities that will set the stage for your book’s success? When I finished my first manuscript, the waiting was unbearable. After turning in my …

Read more8 Productive Activities for Authors … After Finishing Your Manuscript
Category: Career, Marketing

Are You Sure You Want That Brand?

By Dan Balowon December 6, 2023
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Several years ago, I spoke with an aspiring Christian author who had several good book ideas on a wide range of projects for children to adults but, first, wanted to write about their lifelong struggle with a certain sin issue. Once it was published, they would move on with their life and be a beacon for biblical truth on all sorts of other projects. My initial reaction when they explained their …

Read moreAre You Sure You Want That Brand?
Category: Book Business, Career, Platform, The Writing Life

Building Partnerships: A Better Way to Navigate Publishing

By Megan Brownon November 8, 2023
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In the ever-evolving landscape of the writing and publishing industry, aspiring authors often find themselves caught in the alluring web of building a platform. This platform, commonly characterized by high numbers of social-media engagement and followers, has become a coveted status symbol. But what if I told you that new authors can achieve far more by valuing partnerships over platforms? …

Read moreBuilding Partnerships: A Better Way to Navigate Publishing
Category: Career, Platform

E Is for Editor

By Steve Laubeon October 2, 2023
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Your editor can be your best friend in the industry (besides your agent, of course). Or your editor can be your worst enemy. Bad Side First An editor who doesn’t reply to your email inquiries or return your phone calls is either ignoring you on purpose or is so busy with other pressing matters they can’t get to yours. If you have this problem, make sure you didn’t create it in …

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Category: Book Business, Career, Editing, Publishing A-Z, Writing CraftTag: Editing, Editors

Empathy Maps: How to Discover Your Reader

By Megan Brownon September 28, 2023
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There are a handful of questions I ask aspiring writers to answer to determine if they have a good grasp on their concept or if their proposal could be a viable option for publishing. The first question is this: “Who are you serving?” Many times, the look I receive in response is wide-eyed and uncertain. If an aspiring author isn’t keenly aware of their reader–who they are, what they are …

Read moreEmpathy Maps: How to Discover Your Reader
Category: Book Proposals, Career, Pitching, The Writing Life

The Heavenly Minded Author

By Dan Balowon August 30, 2023
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Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., was quite a guy. A prominent, influential physician and writer, his friends included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was born in 1809 and died in 1894. His son was Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., who fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the …

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Category: Career, Christian, Theology

Four Million Books Published Each Year?

By Steve Laubeon August 7, 2023
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I read a statistic that estimates there were four million new books published in 2022 (sourced from https://www.zippia.com/advice/us-book-industry-statistics/). This includes all self-published books (at least 50%) and traditionally published textbooks and books for the trade. This means there is a new book published every eight seconds or nearly 11,000 per day, every day of the year. With our …

Read moreFour Million Books Published Each Year?
Category: Book Business, Book Sales, Career
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