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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 Publishing Life » Page 2

The Publishing Life

Deadlines Born – Deadlines Made

By Steve Laubeon August 21, 2017
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Deadlines. The bane of every writer’s existence. “A necessary evil.” “My nemesis.”

I talked to an author who changed the internal time clock on his computer just so he could have three extra hours, claiming he was writing on the West coast (USA) instead of where his office was (East coast USA).

Writing Without a Deadline (Deadlines Born)

Not everyone, however, is writing under a deadline. How does an unpublished or uncontracted author write without a deadline?

This takes discipline. An unnatural discipline for some creatives. I’ve heard of authors using their friends as accountability partners. Or their spouse (be careful with that technique…) Or an incentive like food or fun.

An Indie author (publishing independently) is technically without a deadline. So how do you go about it?

(Feel free to comment below with your methods)

Writing WITH a Deadline (Deadlines Made)

I’ve read many writers who eschew deadlines or simply ignore them saying that “one cannot rush art.” At the same time a contractual agreement, with a deadline, is just that; an agreement. You are responsible to meet your obligations. Of course if there are circumstances that change, most publishers are willing to extend. But there are limits to that grace period.

At the very least, try not to have a cavalier attitude toward a deadline. Not everyone can be George R. R. Martin who said, “If the novels are still being read in 50 years, no one is ever going to say: ‘What’s great about that sixth book is that he met his deadline!’ It will be about how the whole thing stands up.”

Discipline, planning, situational awareness, fasting from social media, scheduled writing retreats, daily word count goals, and more are all methods that I’ve had writers tell me about.

What methods do you use to make your deadlines?

Quotes about Deadlines

“A goal is a dream with a deadline” Napolean Hill

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” Douglas Adams

“Deadlines just aren’t real to me until I’m staring one in the face.”  Rick Riordan

“I am one of those people who thrive on deadlines, nothing brings on inspiration more readily than desperation.” Harry Shearer

“Deadlines aren’t bad. They help you organize your time. They help you set priorities. They make you get going when you might not feel like it.” Harvey Mackay

 

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Category: Get Published, The Writing LifeTag: Deadlines, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life

Someone Stole My Book Idea!

By Karen Ballon June 28, 2017
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Years ago, a successful author friend of mine contacted a group of us, horrified at the discovery that another author’s most recent release centered on the very same little-known historical event as her just-turned-in book. What should she do? What if that author—or readers!–thought she’d stolen the other author’s story idea? We all assured her that, as crazy as it may seem, she was far from …

Read moreSomeone Stole My Book Idea!
Category: Book Business, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Book Business, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life

Is Your Glass Half Empty?

By Steve Laubeon June 12, 2017
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Over the decades it has been interesting to listen to and read the various pundits regarding the publishing industry. Typically those who spell out doom and gloom get the attention (fortifying the idea that “if it bleeds, it leads”). At the same time there is the optimist position which is often derided for being unrealistic. After awhile I’ve learned to smile and simply get back …

Read moreIs Your Glass Half Empty?
Category: Christian, Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Personal, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life, TheologyTag: Encouragement, Faith, The Publishing Life

Why Do Professional Reviewers Dislike Bestsellers?

By Dan Balowon May 30, 2017
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One of the most interesting issues I’ve confronted in my years involved with traditional publishing is why some books sell well despite less-than-stellar reviews and why some with five star ratings barely move the sales needle. It would be similar to films which win Oscars or top honors at film festivals but are barely noticed in the marketplace. I recall attending a showing of a movie with my …

Read moreWhy Do Professional Reviewers Dislike Bestsellers?
Category: Book Sales, Reviews, The Publishing LifeTag: reviews, The Publishing Life

Trade Fiction Versus Category Fiction: What’s the Difference?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 25, 2017
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Often I’m asked, “What’s the difference between a trade book and a mass market category book?” Great question! Here are some primary differences and as always, the exception proves the rule. Trade books are: About 95,000 words in length, varying between 85,000 and 100,000. Trim size called “Trade Paperback” is usually 5.5″ x 8.5″ Not restricted by the rules of any category …

Read moreTrade Fiction Versus Category Fiction: What’s the Difference?
Category: Book Business, Romance, Romantic Suspense, The Publishing LifeTag: Book Business, The Publishing Life

Test Marketing Books

By Dan Balowon May 23, 2017
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In the traditional book-publishing world, insiders often refer to the initial release of a book from a new author as a marketing test…more R&D than launching and promoting a known product. The self-publishing process can function in a similar role of market testing for a first time author. You won’t know for certain how it will be received, but it is worth the effort to try. Most authors …

Read moreTest Marketing Books
Category: Book Business, Indie, Marketing, Self-Publishing, The Publishing LifeTag: Indie, Marketing, Self-Publishing, The Publishing Life

Audio, Audio, Wherefore Art Thou Audio?

By Steve Laubeon March 20, 2017
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“I’ve heard that audio rights are never given to the author in the contract because that is how the publisher makes more money. Is this true? And if you lose the audio rights, do you lose all control? Let’s say for instance, do you have any say in who reads your story or is that completely out of your hands? Do your writers hold onto their audio rights in your publishing negotiations?” …

Read moreAudio, Audio, Wherefore Art Thou Audio?
Category: Contracts, The Publishing LifeTag: audio, Audio Rights, audiobooks, Contracts, subsidiary rights, The Publishing Life

A Book Loved By Everyone Hasn’t Been Written

By Dan Balowon January 31, 2017
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There is no such thing as a book everyone likes and this problem is only magnified if it covers religion, politics, sports or anything else where people are deeply divided. If you think you are going to write a book, which unites all Christian believers worldwide, you better take a deep breath and realize no matter what you write, you will have detractors. While the Bible is the Holy …

Read moreA Book Loved By Everyone Hasn’t Been Written
Category: Book Review, Reviews, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Faith, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life

Media Changes and The Writer

By Dan Balowon January 17, 2017
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The other day, a copy of the new Yellow Pages and phone directory was delivered to our house.  As I picked it up off the front step, I was reminded it has been years since I even looked at one. The recycling container has it now. I suppose I will regret tossing it if I lose internet access for a long time, or if I need to level a wobbly table, but the fact a Yellow Pages edition is still produced …

Read moreMedia Changes and The Writer
Category: Book Business, Marketing, Social Media, Technology, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life, TrendsTag: Book Business, Technology, The Publishing Life

Real Life is Edgy

By Dan Balowon October 18, 2016
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A major topic of discussion among writers of all types of Christian books is the issue of how far is too far when showing someone’s life before they surrendered to Christ, and how real you show their journey of sanctification once they exit the broad road. It’s called the “edge.” A lot of writers want to write with an edge, with real language and situations to make it more like real life. After …

Read moreReal Life is Edgy
Category: Art, Book Business, Book Proposals, Get Published, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Edgy, The Publishing Life
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