Forty-five years ago this spring (March 12, 1978), The New York Times ran a story giving the best-selling books of 1977. They created the list by sampling 2,500 Christian bookstores affiliated with the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). While bestseller lists of Christian books are derived differently now, this list is interesting and shows how the Christian publishing market has changed–or not–in 45 years. Hardcover Christian Book Bestsellers of 1977 A SHEPHERD LOOKS AT PSALM 23, by W. Phillip Keller (Zondervan) NORMA, by Norma Zimmer (Tyndale) HOW SHOULD WE THEN LIVE, by Francis A. Sc ..read more

(Updated 1/25/2023) As the world turns and 2022 gives way to 2023, I have been a literary agent with The Steve Laube Agency for five-and-a-half years. In many ways, 2022 was my most surprising and successful year yet as an agent. My clients made me look good, and my boss so far hasn’t made me look for a new job; so I’ve got those things going for me. With all that in mind, let me offer an updated answer to the frequent question I field from aspiring, developing, accomplished, and skilled writers: “What are you looking for?” Influence Aspiring writers often imagine, “Once I have a book publishe ..read more

We are excited to announce a new, all-access membership option for The Christian Writers Institute! Keep reading to find out more. _____ In this agency blog, we often encourage you to improve your understanding of the craft and become involved in a writing community. Authors are often surprised to realize that writing isn’t the solitary “sit and stare at the computer screen 8 hours a day” job that some people might imagine. In fact, as authors we need each other for community, accountability, and support. And I believe The Christian Writers Institute’s (CWI) new membership program is an incred ..read more

Ten Perplexing Questions If tomatoes are a fruit, is ketchup considered a smoothie? Which orange came first – the fruit or the color? If you told someone to “be a leader and not a follower,” wouldn’t they become a follower by following your advice? What would happen if Pinocchio said, “My nose will grow now”? Why isn’t there mouse-flavored cat food? If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, will we ever know it? Why do noses run but feet smell? If revenge is a dish that’s best served cold and revenge is sweet, then is revenge ice cream? In the word scent, which letter is silent? S or C? If a ..read more

On Friday the 13th, we must be reminded that there is always “that” backseat driver in the car. Don’t be “that” this year. (If you can’t see the video in your email newsletter subscription, click through to the site itself.) The post Fun Fridays – January 13, 2022 appeared first on The Steve Laube Agency ..read more

It’s a new year! A fresh start. A turn of the page. What better time is there to start a new writing project, whether that’s a new novel manuscript, book proposal, article query, blog post, or poem? So, what are you waiting for? After all, consider the joys of starting something new: The world is your oyster. Possibilities abound. Whatever and wherever you begin, the first steps of a fresh, new writing project are some of the most fun you’ll have as a writer. So, get crackin’! Excitement produces energy. The excitement of a new story line or nonfiction pursuit produces energy; it fuels creativ ..read more

My father always resolved never to make New Year’s resolutions. Admirable indeed, although few possess his fortitude! What are your goals for 2023? I remember when I first started writing articles and books for publication. Rejections abounded, and this was at a time of plentiful magazines and regional newspapers publishing unknown authors. Winning a contract from a traditional book publisher has always been challenging. Some years ago, my uncle told a teacher colleague of his that I was a published author. The colleague responded, “Do you know how hard that is?” I wish I could say that becomi ..read more

Here are the show notes for the most recent episode of the Christian Publishing Show. You can listen to this episode here.   As the old chestnut goes, those who fail to plan can plan to fail. But in order to create a plan, you first need a goal. And authors need to set writing goals. How do you set a motivating goal that’s realistic but not overwhelming and still challenges you to accomplish more? One of the most prolific goal-setters I know is Mary DeMuth. She’s a bestselling author who has written more than 40 books. She’s a literary agent and a nationally acclaimed speaker.  I’ve ..read more

Happy New Year! Today marks the 250th anniversary of the first performance of “Amazing Grace,” written by pastor John Newton to accompany his sermon. It was originally written as poetry. The familiar melody was added in 1835, though the words were sung to various traditional tunes before that. At the time, Newton was parish priest of the Anglican church in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England. (If you want to smile a little more today or know someone from Liberal, Kansas, click here.) For certain, these verses work as spoken poetry, but you won’t be able to get the tune out of your head. I can’t th ..read more

Merry Christmas! We will be taking a Christmas break for the next two weeks. Back with our regular posts on January 9. May you and yours have a blessed and merry Christmas. The post Merry Christmas! appeared first on The Steve Laube Agency ..read more