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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 » Personal » Page 17

Personal

So Long, 2013…HELLO, 2014!

By Karen Ballon January 8, 2014
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happy new year dog

2013 was an amazing year full of ups and downs, gain and loss, joy and sadness. I lost 3 dear friends, one of whom was in his 30s, one of whom was just a few years younger than I, and one of whom I’ve known since I was 2 years old. We in the industry lost so many–some, like wonderful agent and friend Lee Hough and the amazing Diann Hunt–far sooner than any of us wished. The joy? They all were solid in their faith in Christ, so we’ll see them again. But saying good-bye is never easy. Thank God for his peace and comfort. And HOPE!

Professionally, it’s been a whiz-bang year. It’s always such fun to discover and sign new clients, and it’s even more fun to see clients, existing and new, find publishing homes! As I’ve walked through the many steps on this publishing journey with clients, from the blissful “We’ve received an offer!” to the turbulent “Whatever made me think I could write??”, I’ve been reminded why I love this industry so much.

The people. Publishing people–be they writers, editors, agents, marketers, readers—are a breed apart. They ooze creativity and passion. Their words range from succinct and beautiful to gritty and authentic. They live each day with such…determination! Such drive for excellence. I see it everyday in my clients–these people devoted to serving their readers, to honoring God in their work and lives. I see it in the agents I work with in our agency. Steve, Tamela, and Dan are not just talented professionals, they are committed to living, speaking, and serving as Christ leads. I’m honored to be a part of this amazing team.

I traveled more in 2013 than I’ve done in years. Twelve trips in all! I got to take part in writers’ conferences and industry conventions, to lead workshops and women’s retreats, to brainstorm and be blessed. From Canada to California, from Indianapolis to Idaho, from Washington State to Oklahoma City to Michigan, I’ve met and talked with people who are passionate about words and God. As they—you!–shared the ups and downs of 2013, I saw more courage, more reliance on God, more grace than ever before. I’ve been humbled and inspired. You, all of you, make this publishing gig a gift. Thank you.

The projects. Be it a novel that captures and transports me, a humorous book that leaves me aching from laughter, a nonfiction book that sparks a realization that changes my thinking…whatever the kind of book I work with, I’m constantly amazed at the ways God speaks in our words and messages. He created the world with a Word. How kind of Him to invite us to join Him in that creative process with our own words.

The purpose. It’s no secret: the world continues to grow increasingly hostile toward God and His truth (as evidenced by December’s Duck Dynasty dust-up—sheesh!) . Over and over again this last year–as industry changes pulled the rug out from under so many, as publishing imprints were dissolved and contracts cancelled, as doors closed and new opportunities opened–I saw and heard people in the industry reminding each other that our purpose is more than just writing and selling books. We’re bringing people more than just words on a page. We’re bringing them the living Word. We’re sharing encouragement, hope, and TRUTH. When we continually submit our painstakingly crafted sentences to God; when we trust that HE is in control of not just our careers, but our lives; when we remember that none of what we’ve faced has come as a surprise to Him—the results are amazing. We can face each day in the sure knowledge that we’re doing what He’s asked us to do. And whether our books change the world or one aching and weary heart, it’s worth it. Every moment of struggle, work, and vulnerability is worthwhile. Because we’re serving Him.

Yes, 2013 held it’s challenges—what year doesn’t? But it also overflowed with moments of true joy and celebration. With constant reminders that we aren’t on this journey alone.–that the God of all creation, The WORD, is with us. And just as He held 2013 in His hands, he’s got this new year covered as well. I can’t wait to see what 2014 holds for all of us. Whatever that is, you can be sure it will serve to refine us, to make us into clearer reflections of Him. And my friends…

You can’t ask for better than that.

Have a truly blessed 2014.

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Category: Agency, Karen, PersonalTag: Agency, Personal

Steve Laube Buys Marcher Lord Press

By Steve Laubeon January 6, 2014
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Below the following announcement is a question and answer session with Steve Laube.
 (January 1, 2014 - Phoenix, AZ) Steve Laube, president of The Steve Laube Agency, has agreed to purchase Marcher Lord Press, the premier publisher of Science Fiction and Fantasy for the Christian market. The sale was finalized on January 1, 2014.
Laube has long been a champion of the genre, going back to his …

Read moreSteve Laube Buys Marcher Lord Press
Category: Book Business, Get Published, Personal, Steve, The Publishing Life, TrendsTag: Marcher Lord Press, publishing

A Year in Review

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 2, 2014
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This year has been one of success and career growth for me. I am humbled and grateful to work with outstanding writers and the best editors in the business.

Challenges

As with every year, the needs and expectations of publishing houses continue to change and grow. Publishers are maintaining and even exceeding past quality to offer readers the best Christian books possible. This means that …

Read moreA Year in Review
Category: Agency, Personal, TamelaTag: Agency, Personal

Welcome 2014!

By Karen Ballon January 1, 2014
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I don’t know about you, but I could swear 2013 just started! Where has the year gone? Those of us in the agency will share some thoughts about 2013 soon, but for today, as you welcome the very first day of a whole new year, I just want to wish you a Happy New Year and share one of my favorite singers with you—along with some beautiful images to usher in 2014.

May God touch each of you in the …

Read moreWelcome 2014!
Category: Karen, Personal

2013 – A Year in Review

By Steve Laubeon December 30, 2013
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by Steve Laube What a year it has been. I’m tempted to write that sentence and leave the rest of this page blank. It would be easier than to remember and recite all that has come to pass. But it is a healthy exercise nonetheless.

Agency Business

The biggest news of all was adding another agent to our group. This past Summer we welcomed Dan Balow to our ranks. He is a fabulous addition and …

Read more2013 – A Year in Review
Category: Agency, Personal, SteveTag: Agency

A Blessed Christmas to You All

By Karen Ballon December 25, 2013
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As you may have noticed, my day to blog here on the agency blog is Wednesday. I was utterly delighted when I realized that my blog fell on Christmas! If there is any one day of the year that is my absolute favorite, it’s Christmas. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas…not just the day, but the whole season. My mom was the absolute queen of celebrations, and she knew how to do Christmas …

Read moreA Blessed Christmas to You All
Category: Karen, PersonalTag: Christmas

The Quiet Miracle

By Dan Balowon December 24, 2013
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Jesus Christ being born of a virgin in a stable in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago was one of greatest miracles by God.  Ranking miracles is a silly pursuit, so I will avoid that, but consider this…

The Creator of the entire physical universe, who existed before time itself, with infinite power, majesty and holiness, restrained all that glory and squeezed himself into a tiny, humble, human baby, …

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Category: Christian, Dan, Faith, PersonalTag: Christian, Christmas, Faith

The Anti-Christ-mas Redeemed

By Steve Laubeon December 23, 2013
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by Steve Laube

Ebenezer Scrooge shouted, “What is Christmas to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer….Every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.”

Not the most merry of sentiments but is illustrative of the …

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Category: Christian, Faith, Personal, SteveTag: Christian, Christmas, Faith

Staying Healthy Over the Holidays

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 19, 2013
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Now that we are in the midst of the holidays, it’s easy to lose sight of keeping our bodies in top form. Since we in publishing have sedentary jobs, we must be vigilant about our health. Even though many of us work at home, we still have parties at church, our outside jobs, our spouse’s work, clubs, and other food-laden events. I’ve already been challenged by two events: …

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Category: Career, Personal, TamelaTag: Career, Health, Holidays

Staying Sane Over the Holidays

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 12, 2013
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Just because you're a writer doesn't mean you get a pass over the holidays. Many writers are contract-bound by December and early January deadlines, while other writers have self-imposed deadlines to keep their careers moving. The late arrival of Thanksgiving has also put a monkey wrench into many of our plans. I don't know about you, but I just can't get in the mood -- or find the time -- for …

Read moreStaying Sane Over the Holidays
Category: Career, Personal, TamelaTag: Career, Holidays, Personal
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