(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.”
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.