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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 » Pitching » Page 3

Pitching

Mastering the Art of Professionalism: Small Steps, Big Impact in Book Submissions

By Megan Brownon February 22, 2024
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Hey, aspiring authors! Let’s talk about the unsung hero of the publishing world—the initial submission email. You know, that little note that holds the key to unlocking the door to literary representation. But, here’s the kicker: Many budding writers are unintentionally fumbling the ball at the goal line because of seemingly small mistakes in their submission process. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details and explore why professionalism in your initial submission can make or break your literary goals.

The Power of Professional Tone

First things first, let’s address the tone of your initial email. Picture this: You’re an agent wading through a sea of submissions; and amidst the digital flood, you stumble on an email with a subject line in all CAPS screaming, “MY TRANSFORMATIONAL STORY.” What’s your first impression? Probably not the best.

When reaching out to literary agents, opt for a professional tone. Start your email with a formal greeting—no casual “hellos” or “hey theres.” It may seem small, but it sets the stage for a respectful and business-like interaction. Agents receive countless submissions, and they are more likely to take you seriously if you present yourself professionally from the get-go.

Essential Information: Don’t Keep Them Guessing

Your initial email should be concise but packed with the essentials. Imagine an agent opening an email and finding a blank void or, worse, a threat. Not a great start, right?

Ensure your email includes:

  • A formal greeting: Dear [Agent’s Name]
  • Two sentences introducing yourself and highlighting your credentials
  • A brief introduction to your book proposal 
  • The reason you’ve chosen to submit to this specific agent.

Remember, clarity is key. Agents need to know who you are, what you’re offering, and why they should be interested—all within the first few lines.

The Attachment Game: Proposals Belong in Attachments

Here’s a common mistake: bombarding an agent with a full proposal in the body of the email. Trust me; agents prefer attachments. It keeps things organized and makes your submission easy to manage.

Attach your proposal as a separate document, and keep the email body concise. A cluttered inbox is no one’s friend. Also, when it comes to fonts, ditch the swirly or script varieties. Times New Roman or Arial are your best friends in the literary world. They’re easy to read, professional, and won’t make your email look like a high school love note.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Blank email bodies. Don’t leave the body of your email empty with only an attached proposal. Agents appreciate a well-crafted message.

Threats and demands.  Never, under any circumstance, make threats or demands. “If you don’t publish my book, then …” is a surefire way to end up in the rejection pile.

Inappropriate fonts. Stick to standard fonts. Fancy scripts may look artistic, but they’re not the right fit for a professional submission.

Dos and Don’ts of Polishing Your Pitch

Do Edit and Polish.  Before hitting send, read and reread your email. Ensure it’s free from grammatical errors and awkward phrasing.

Do Share Your Vision.  Agents want to know what you hope to communicate to your audience. Share your passion and vision for your book.

Do Explain Why This Agent. Make it clear why you’re reaching out to this particular agent. Agents appreciate personalized submissions.

 

Remember that seemingly small mistakes can have a massive impact on your submission’s success. Agents are gatekeepers to the literary world, and your initial email sets the stage for a potential partnership. So, do your homework, polish your pitch to perfection, and watch as your professionalism opens doors to literary opportunities you’ve been working toward. 

 

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Category: Book Proposals, Pitching

Examining Your Motive: A Crucial Step in Your Writing Journey

By Megan Brownon February 7, 2024
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You’ve decided to embark on the thrilling, yet challenging, journey of writing and publishing a book. Congratulations! You’re about to dive into a world of creativity; perseverance; and, let’s be honest, a fair share of self-discovery. As a Christian communicator and agent, I often find myself surrounded by aspiring authors eager to master the intricacies of the publishing …

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Category: Pitching, The Writing Life

Have Yourself a Query Little Christmas

By Bob Hostetleron December 19, 2023
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Whatever other gifts you may receive this Christmas season, consider giving yourself something that will raise your spirits and may even move your writing hopes and dreams forward. Query something. A query is a brief but detailed one-page letter (or email) written to interest an editor or agent in your … thing (article, book, screenplay, etc.). Some aspiring writers are hesitant to query …

Read moreHave Yourself a Query Little Christmas
Category: Book Proposals, Pitching, The Writing Life

Title Attachment Disorder

By Dan Balowon November 7, 2023
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Hopefully, when the mental health industrial complex gets around to updating the DSM-5, they will have a section on “Book Title Attachment Disorder.” Symptoms of B-TAD are refusal to listen to reasonable alternatives, applying divine inspiration to a title, and extreme anxiety when someone who titles books as a profession wants to change it. Of course, I am joking. I think. Likely some deeper …

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Category: Book Proposals, Pitching, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life

The Things I Say Most Often About Writing

By Bob Hostetleron November 2, 2023
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I talk a lot about writing. As a writer, yes, but also as a literary agent and speaker at writers conferences. And, yes, sometimes, as the guy at church potlucks who is inept at small talk and sometimes starts sentences with, “Ever wonder what the first person to use the word moist was thinking?” Okay, so now you know a little too much about me. But in my strange mind and varied roles, I do often …

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Category: Book Business, Book Proposals, Encouragement, Pitching, The Writing Life

Rejected Books

By Dan Balowon October 25, 2023
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With all the discussion about marketing platforms, some authors think the only thing standing in the way of being published successfully is the lack of a large-enough, personal promotional machine. It is important, along with several other items affecting whether a book is published by a traditional publisher; but there is one powerful item that is rarely discussed or mentioned. Sometimes books …

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Category: Pitching, Rejection, Theology

Cover Letter Catastrophe: Mistakes That Miss Opportunities

By Megan Brownon October 12, 2023
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Every morning, I grab my favorite coffee cup and nestle into my rolling office chair to check my email. I never know what awaits me in my inbox. But more often than not, the cover letter meant to get my attention has painted a less-than-positive picture of the writer who sent it. In a matter of mere seconds, I can tell if the writer in question has taken the time to build a quality cover letter. …

Read moreCover Letter Catastrophe: Mistakes That Miss Opportunities
Category: Book Proposals, Pitching

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

Finding an Audience

By Dan Balowon September 27, 2023
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Christian authors can find it challenging to determine an audience for their books, mainly because Christian books are aimed at something different than age ranges. Christian books are often aimed at a “psychographic,” rather than a demographic. This means Christian books are often aimed at readers who have certain values, beliefs, and lifestyles, rather than an age range of males or females. No …

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Category: Book Proposals, Get Published, Marketing, Pitching, The Publishing Life

Write from Scars

By Bob Hostetleron September 21, 2023
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I learned recently that my agent—the man, the myth, the legend, Steve Laube—speaking at a writers conference, quoted something I’d said in a recent conference keynote. Yes, you read that right! The Great One actually quoted me! Me! And it wasn’t the usual “Can you believe anyone is that stupid?” sort of allusion. It was in a favorable context, as though I’d said something of value. Well, slap my …

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Category: Pitching, The Writing Life, Theology, Writing Craft
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