(Phoenix, AZ) Steve Laube, president of The Steve Laube Agency, has announced the acquisition of the Leslie H. Stobbe Literary Agency.
Les Stobbe has been a part of the Christian publishing industry for 62 years, starting as an editor and book buyer, then publisher, book coach, ghostwriter, and the last 25 as a literary agent. Les has been awarded five Lifetime Achievement Awards by writers’ conferences in the U.S. and Canada. This sale will allow him to focus his future efforts on becoming available as a non-fiction ghostwriter, writing coach and title development specialist. He said, “I have the utmost respect for my brother in Christ, Steve Laube. I’ve known him for almost 30 years. His agency’s oversight will guarantee that my clients will have top level representation for years to come.”
Steve Laube said, “I’m always looking for ways to increase the services our agency provides to current and potential clients. By adding more than 75 authors to our agency, we can create more synergy with our publishing partners and maximize clients’ sales. We look forward to working with these exceptional authors to develop and guide their publishing efforts and extend their reach in multiple markets. This purchase moves us further to fulfill our mission to help change the world, word by word.”
Laube referred to Les Stobbe as “one of the great icons of our industry,” adding that “his legacy to authors and publishing has had far-reaching impact.”
Congratulations to both parties of this acquisition.
Les, your legacy is a rich one. May God bless you in the next phase of His plan for you.
Steve, no doubt you’ve made a wise decision. May the Lord guide and bless you as you go forward.
All for His glory!
Bravo!
Wow, Steve. I didn’t see that one coming. Congratulations.
Congratulations!!
Les has a great reputation among authors and agents, and he’s turned the reins over to an ethical man whom I have no doubt will continue that line. Best wishes to both of you–and Les, enjoy your “retirement” (or at least the change of pace).
Congratulations to both sides of this Acquisition.
It says a lot about the The Steve Laube Agency to have acquired the Leslie Stobbe Literary Agency.
Two agencies founded on trust and integrity, steeped in faith. Congratulations on your acquisition!
Congratulations on the new acquisition!
I met Mr. Stobbe at my very first writers conference in 2008. He sat beside me at breakfast one morning, and I still remember his kindness and pleasant demeanor.
I hope he will enjoy devoting time to his other interests now, and he will be very blessed.
I look forward to working with you, Steve. All God’s best with this new chapter.
My first thought when seeing the headline–perfect.
Congratulations – this is wonderful news 🙂
Congratulations to both of you!
I’m going to cry… I still can’t believe Les is retiring. He was my first agent–the first to give me a chance, and he sold my first novel. I’m a student of pitches, and I love pitching, but my pitch with Les in St. Louis in 2014 was the worst ever. It was a last-minute thing – last appointment before the gala. I was tired, my grandma had just died (in Brazil!) the night before, and I couldn’t get anything right out of my mouth. I was shocked when he gave me his card, and even more shocked when he offered to represent me two weeks later. It was definitely a “God moment.” This transition has been incredibly smooth though, and I thank you both for thinking of us and for taking such good care of us during this time of change. I look forward to what’s next in this publishing adventure. May God bless us all 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story. Beautiful.
You’re in great hands, Patricia.
Major congrats and blessings as God increased you again, Steve! Wow!
I have always greatly admired and respected Les Strobbe. This agency is the perfect vehicle to carry on the work of this wonderful man. Congratulations to you, Steve, for the new acquisition, and to Les on his retirement. May God continue to do great things in your life.
God keeps moving is His mysterious ways. Blessings on both of you, Les and Steve.
Wonderful!
Oh, wow. Does this mean that Sally Apokedak who is an agent with Les Stobbe is now with the Steve Laube Agency???
Sally has formed her own agency. Visit her web site at:
http://sally-apokedak.com/
Thanks, Steve.
Congratulations!
This is awesome! Glad to hear that things are continuing to grow for such a great agency.
Congrats!
Wow. This is a massive shift. Just when I thought you could hardly handle anymore work, you absorb more than 75 clients! Blessings in all your work.
I meet Les Stobbe at my first conference. I never knew how great an influence he had because he took the time to make me feel like the only one in the room that mattered. This merge has my interest for sure.
I had the same experience, Cara! I tip my hat to you, Les!
I met Les at my first writer’s conference in Florida. I’m so thankful for his insight and guidance. Les became my agent a few months later. Will we need to re-sign contract or have any steps we need to take to receive help from The Steve Laube Agency?
Les is indeed an icon, and Steve Laube is one of the most honorable men in Christian publishing. The acquisition for Laube Agency is a win for both!
Congratulations Steve. Know nothing but success will come from this move!
What a win-win acquisition, for two of the most venerable men in this industry. I have known both of you for decades now, and you have earned my deep respect. I couldn’t be happier to hear this news!
Congrats. Gives Les a chance to focus on what he loves and his clients will be in great hands. Blessings to all involved!
Congratulations to both Les and Steve. This news is so unexpected. I met Les for the first time at a conference. He has much insight and has given me guidance and support and has always been prompt in responding to my questions He is such a kindly person and a gentlemen. All the best to him as he pursues other interests.
Congratulations! Blessings to all!
My first ever pitch at a conference was to Les Stobbe at ACFW. He struck me as a man of integrity, so a great fit for Steve and the team.
Steve, great pickup! Congratulations. What a blessing for Les, his team and his 75 authors.
Sense God’s got His hand all over this one!
And happy retirement, Les.
Congratulations and God’s blessings!
Les has been my encourager, mentor, friend, and agent for 5 years. In true Les Stobbe fashion, he has now passed the mantle of representation on to an equally-reputable agency, continuing to take good care of us even as he moves on to other things.
By agreeing to represent us, he gave us a chance to fly. By brokering a deal for our future, he has given us a chance to soar. Thank you, Les, and thank you, Steve and Bob. May God richly bless us all as we seek to glorify Him.
Congratulations! This is good news and a way to save the Christian Book Market and turn it around. The timing is also superb. I think the US is moving into days when people will be able spend more on learning about Christ.