Search Results for: proposals
Embrace Abandon
As many of you know, I've recently returned home from a series of writers’ conferences. As I met with writers and read their proposals or sample chapters, one thing struck me over and over…
More and more writers are spending time writing what they think agents and editors want to see.
Is that bad? Well, yes and no.
No, because you need to understand what editors and agents are looking …
Attract Attention…(Part Four)
So we've considered three of the four BPs of attracting the attention of an agent or editor. BP number one was “Be Professional.” Number two was “Be Passionate.” The third BP was "Be Plugged In." I've loved the discussion for each one, and look forward to reading what you think of this last BP. Especially since I think this is the hardest one for us. We writers are so focused on learning and …
What Am I Looking For?
I started in Christian publishing in 1983 working in the telemarketing department for David C. Cook Publishers when they were located in Elgin, Illinois. As a young guy working for a company that had been around for over 100 years, I was in awe.
Starting to work for Steve Laube and with professionals like Karen Ball and Tamela Hancock Murray, I am stunned once again. We combine for over 100 …
Another Productive ICRS!
Tamela Hancock Murray
Two weeks ago I enjoyed the privilege of attending ICRS (International Christian Retail Show) as part of The Steve Laube Agency, marking my third ICRS with Steve.
As usual, our schedule was packed but seeing our colleagues is why we attend, so a full agenda is welcome. Year after year, reports say ICRS is getting smaller, and indeed we did miss seeing some of our …
Summerside Press Shuts Down
by Steve Laube
“Another one bites the dust.” This past week Guideposts announced they were discontinuing all new acquisitions of titles for both their Summerside Press (fiction) and Guideposts Books (non-fiction) trade lines. To have a complete picture of what this means we first have to understand that there are FIVE different book publishing programs under Guideposts. Two of them are …
Attract Attention…in a GOOD Way!
I travel to writers’ conferences all over the country. I love being surrounded by others who love words and want to serve God through their writing. But over the years I've seen a number of interactions between agents/editors and conferees that were…well, less than positive. It was clear the conferee was passionate about his/her work, and that the writer was looking on this encounter as THE …
News You Can Use – May 28, 2013
10 Brands That Will Disappear Within a Year – stunning to find the Nook in this list Create a Great Title for Your Book – A well done article that could help your Muse Five Things Indie Authors Do Very Well – Dr. Alison Baverstock makes some solid observations. Cover Letters and Book Proposals – Looking for some help with these? This article provides the basics. Proofread Like a Pro – Never …
The Beauty of Community
As I write this blog, I’m sitting on a bench beneath towering California Redwoods. There’s a gentle breeze blowing, carrying with it the fragrance of evergreens and sunshine. But it carries something else. Something wondrous…
The sound of community.
All around me, people are walking and sitting and standing, and as their voices drift past me I hear a number of things:
Excitement
Shared …
Why Your Agent May Slow You Down
Your agent may slow you down.
And this is good!
And, why is that?
I've been a writer myself, so I understand the frustration you must be feeling as you read my words. Who wants to slow down? Believe me, when I was waiting for my first book to be published, I only half-joked that it would be released posthumously. So I understand that writers don't want to wait another ten minutes to see …