From years as a song lyricist, he moved on, eventually writing the supernatural thriller, THE POE CONSEQUENCE. The book was selected as a winner in the 2021 Book Excellence Awards competition and the 2022 Maincrest Media Awards competition.

"Steinbaum tells a story that intelligently and respectfully addresses issues of race and violence. A grounded urban tale that's enhanced but not dominated by otherworldliness."- Kirkus Reviews - The Best Books of 2015 special issue.

"Explicit, fast-paced action, evocative prose, and relentless, nail-biting scenes show Steinbaum at the top of his game. Steinbaum is an author to watch for."

-The Prairies Book Review

His second novel, a whodunit murder mystery titled, YOU SAY GOODBYE, was selected as a winner in TopShelf Magazine's 2020 Book of the Year Contest and the 2022 Maincrest Media Awards competition.

"One of the most touching and inspiring crime thrillers you'll ever read."

- Donald Richard, TopShelf Reviews

Steinbaum's third novel, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, will be released on March 26, 2024. He describes it as a time-traveling cemetery story relevant to the past, present, and future.