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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 » The Writing Life » Page 3

The Writing Life

Things That Work to Help Your Book Work

By Guest Bloggeron March 8, 2023
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Today’s guest post is by Jane Jenkins Herlong, who is a Sirius XM Southern humorist and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. She is the author of five books. In the spring of this year, Jane’s latest book, Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South (Tyndale) will be available in select Cracker Barrel restaurants throughout the county. She is represented by Bob Hostetler.

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I’ll never forget the depressing words I heard at my first Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: “Unless you have your own television show, podcast, and YouTube channel with tons of followers, your book will never have traction.”

But I had an idea and a passion to get my words on paper. I’m thankful I did not let that negative comment get down into my spirit. There had to be another way.

With the help of Eddie Jones, Les Stobbe, and Bob Hostetler, I was determined for my books to have traction. I learned to be teachable, seek out a trusted team of knowledgeable experts, and listen to their advice.

Platforms

Here is what I had going for me—a newsletter and two published books. My newsletter is only sent to those who want to receive the bi-monthly electronic publication. I don’t add names, just because I can. My newsletter is formatted for simple reading and linked to my blog. The self-published books can become awards and giveaways. My open rates are now trending at 30%. I also stayed true to my platform—it is all Southern.

Another venue to help your book is to establish a speaking platform. Offer to share with churches, organizations, etc. Collect names at the end of your presentation by having a drawing to give away books; this way you can add names to your newsletter list.

Ads and Influencers

Running ads is more effective than having a book-launch party and other energy vampires. The pre-launch preparation and advance-reading platforms are a big help to start a buzz. Ask folks for feedback on social media; get your community involved. I asked professionals who had podcasts to interview me; some became my influencers. Since Amazon is “the Big One” with 72% of all books housed there, invest in running ads.

When your book launches, ask your team to stagger their reviews. Amazon will penalize reviews if team members who are not “verified purchasers” flood Amazon with reviews all at once.

Simple Ways to Share

I created and gave away bookmarks with QR codes for folks to scan to a web page to read a few pages of the book and order from various vendors.

I also gave away Sweet Tea tote bags with a cute saying. At Christmas I had Sweet Tea ornaments made. Did I make money? No, but I had a reason to share my book again.

Skin in the Game

Save up and help the publisher promote your book. My thought is that if my name is on the book, then I have a responsibility to help the publisher—and they love it! What happens is when you have another book in the works, it will increase interest; and you look like a rock star! You should also charge for speaking; this will feed your ad campaigns.

 

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Category: Career, Guest Post, The Writing Life

Q&A With Brett Harris from The Author Conservatory

By Steve Laubeon March 6, 2023
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I absolutely believe in the need to train the current and next generations of writers. Our world is in desperate need for Christ-infused content that can challenge and counter a broken culture. One person who is doing this every day is Brett Harris. Today, I’m delighted to present an interview with Brett. He is the bestselling author of Do Hard Things and co-founder of The Young Writer’s …

Read moreQ&A With Brett Harris from The Author Conservatory
Category: Career, The Writing Life

Love As a Christian Author

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon March 2, 2023
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As Christian authors, we have many opportunities to put into practice the list of the attributes of love that St. Paul listed in 1 Corinthians 13: Love: Is patient: After submitting proposals, we do ourselves, our agents, and editors a favor by exercising patience. In Submissions Land, editors may feel as though a month is five minutes. Agents might say a month is a day. For an author, a month …

Read moreLove As a Christian Author
Category: Encouragement, Inspiration, The Writing Life, Theology

Tips for Nonfiction

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 22, 2023
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In response to my post “Line Editing,” a faithful blog reader asked me if I had any tips for nonfiction writers. The suggestions here aren’t considered line editing but are more general. I hope they offer insight. Consider your brand. While you want each book to be fresh, you want to stay within your brand, or the brand you’re building, so your readership knows you wrote …

Read moreTips for Nonfiction
Category: Branding, Pitch, Pitching, The Writing Life, Writing Craft

World-Building and Worldview: How Good Theology Can Make Your Book More Interesting With L.G. (Laura) McCary 

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on February 14, 2023
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Learn how Christian authors can organically incorporate their worldview without writing preachy novels that fall flat.
You can listen to this episode World-Building and Worldview: How Good Theology Can Make Your Book More Interesting With L.G. (Laura) McCary  on Christian Publishing Show.

Read moreWorld-Building and Worldview: How Good Theology Can Make Your Book More Interesting With L.G. (Laura) McCary 
Category: The Writing Life

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 …

Read moreWays to Delight a Literary Agent
Category: Agency, Agents, Book Proposals, Conferences, Pitch, Pitching, Platform, The Writing Life

Five Reasons to Read Christian Romance Novels to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 9, 2023
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Since Valentine’s Day is near, we have plenty of time to read romance novels before the big hearts, flowers, and candy day arrives! Here are some excellent reasons to read terrific Christian romance novels before and after February 14: Christian romance novels emphasize the couple’s relationship with the Lord. Many secular stories never reveal the characters’ spiritual lives. Readers can reach the …

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Category: Genre, The Writing Life

12 Ways to Annoy a Literary Agent

By Steve Laubeon February 6, 2023
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This article is written in jest, but with decades of truth behind it. No, we agents are not infallible and aren’t always right. We try not to sound arrogant or snooty. We genuinely would like to see you succeed, whether we are your agent or not! Our hope is you learn from what others have done or done incorrectly. Drum roll please: 1. Call a week after sending your proposal to ask what we …

Read more12 Ways to Annoy a Literary Agent
Category: Agency, Agents, Book Proposals, Conferences, Pitch, Pitching, The Writing Life

6 Joys of Finishing a Writing Project

By Bob Hostetleron February 2, 2023
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The Bible says, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, KJV). Or, as another version puts it, “It is better to finish something than to start it” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, NCV). That wisdom applies to everyone on God’s green earth, I’m sure; but it sure feels like it applies more to writers and the writing life. Can I get a witness? I see that hand. Seriously, as …

Read more6 Joys of Finishing a Writing Project
Category: The Writing LifeTag: Deadlines

The Cuts of Success

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 1, 2023
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Finally! Your dream of becoming a published author has come true! You’ve worked hard, probably years, to reach this point. You want to share your excitement with anyone who’ll listen. Most people should be happy for you, but sometimes responses can be unexpected: “Oh. I’ve never heard of that (magazine/publisher/imprint).”  “That’s nice that you write children’s books. I only buy Caldecott …

Read moreThe Cuts of Success
Category: The Writing Life
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