Today I’m going to help you make an important decision about your writing. In fact, it might be the most important decision you’ll ever make, because your success depends on it completely.
But first, a little back story…
When I founded my author consulting company Literary Agent Undercover, I couldn’t really see the big picture.
I thought my mission was to give authors lots of information… help them on their quest to get a literary agent. I also wanted to inspire everyone and boost their confidence, make them believe in themselves and the publishing process more.
But none of that matters…
If you don’t make a conscious decision as
an author about something else first.
A while back this all became clear for me when I was corresponding with one of my 1-on-1 consulting clients. We’d just begun working together and I was excited about his chances of getting an agent.
He’s a novelist with a good sense of story, a beautiful writing style, and a decent author platform (not good enough to get agents jumping up and down, but not bad enough to make them say “no” either). So I coached the author through some changes on his query letter.
Everything was going great.
Until the meltdown…
I sent the author two dozen sample query letters, and asked him to do one last rewrite… before I started working on his query letter myself. I told the author not to feel singled out, because I do this with everyone. The sample query letters are simply meant to give an author more ideas.
None of the query letters that I sent him were perfect, but you can learn from each one. They all have different strengths and weaknesses, because all authors and all books have different strengths and weaknesses.
The next thing I got from the author was this email…
***
Dear Mark:
I read the query letters you sent me and I want to thank you, for reminding me what a tremendous nobody I am. Let’s face it. This is just some pipe dream and I am nothing more than one of those million “writers” who want to be published but will never be taken seriously by a “real” publisher.
The example queries you sent were all too clear that I do not have the credentials to impress an agent. Now, as I see [my credentials] in my query letter, it just seems cheap and meaningless compared to those with true credentials.
Even if my work is well-written, which I am seriously beginning to doubt it is, I will never be able to create the “platform” required to appeal to the industry. That being said, I appreciate your words of encouragement but I realize now it is pointless for me to proceed with pursuing an agent or big name publisher.
Sincerely,
[Author]
***
My Decision: Take a Deep Breath
Now I learned a long time ago, not to respond to things like this too quickly. Otherwise you might say something you regret. Plus, it’s best to take time to think things through.
So I gave myself a couple days to ponder the
situation before responding.
Then I sent the author this email…
***
Dear [Author],
Before you back out on your commitment to yourself and your writing,
consider the following:
1) You really do have a good chance of getting agents requesting your work, liking it, and offering you representation. If anyone is in a position to make that judgment, it’s me (not you).
2) I wouldn’t have offered to work with you if I didn’t feel like there was a 75% or greater chance that we’d be able to get agents interested… because I want to get a good success story out of our working together.
3) You have plenty to work with in your bio… the query samples are drafts that I wrote. Yours will look 5-10 times better also, once I’ve personally edited it.
4) Unless you’re going to burn all your manuscripts and never write or submit another word to agents/publishers… I’m your best shot. No one will be able to help position you and your book in the way that I can. It’s what I do. I know exactly what to include and accentuate.
Please take time to really think this through before you respond. If you decide to honor your commitment to yourself and your writing, print out this email and put it somewhere easy to see… a reminder that you and your work deserve a fair shot.
Your journey with me might not be easy… but if anyone can help you get published,
it’s me. And I’ll give you everything I’ve got.
Sincerely,
Mark
P.S. – A lot of authors struggle with things like this, and they aren’t able to get past it. With me as your coach, I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. And that might be the most valuable thing that you get out of our time together.
***
Now you’re probably wondering what happened next,
but (to be honest) that doesn’t really matter.
This article isn’t about that author.
And it isn’t about me.
It’s about YOU…
Are you really serious about getting
a literary agent and publisher?
Are you going to do everything you can
to get your book published?
Or… are you just talk?
I hope you’re committed, especially if you’re
thinking about working with me.
Because I won’t settle for less.
And neither will anyone else in the
publishing establishment!
I used to think that the worst thing in publishing
was the author that didn’t start (or finish)
writing his or her book.
I was wrong.
The worst thing in publishing is the author that finishes
his or her book, but doesn’t follow through
and market it properly…
I don’t relish being the one to tell you this, but there’s no
such thing as “almost” when it comes to publishing.
You’re either published, or you’re not.
* * *
Your Decision: Final Thoughts
My advice?
Have some guts and choose
(right now), to go all in.
Follow through.
Give yourself the best possible chance
of getting a top literary agent and publisher.
Don’t let your fear beat you.
Or, stop writing…
Burn your manuscripts and call it a day.
Don’t waste your time, or mine.
Harsh, or honest?
You tell me,
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Very good response, Mark. I believe that’s just what the author needed to hear from you.
Discouragement is a poison, and can’t be allowed to take hold.
Blessings!
Hi Raylyn, thank you for being a light… a ray of encouragement every time you post. And have a wonderful evening. Mark
Hi Mark, I’ve been prowling through your GREAT website (the urinals picture & story had me laughing – I want to know if you ended up working with that guy). I love the way you defined and are developing your niche-and recommended you today to someone I’ve been corresponding with who works with John Eggen suggesting they send authors to you. I’m looking forward to our hour consultation THURS. and have downloaded all I can find about query letters, book proposals,etc. Do you recommend agents?
Hi Norie! Thank you for your kind comments about my blog. No, I didn’t end up representing “urinal guy”. I can’t even remember what his book was about at this point. Perhaps it contained too much “potty humor” for my taste (I know, bad joke). But it’s early Sunday morning and I’m only two sips into my first warm beverage. Thank you for sharing my website with others. Sometime soon I’ll be setting up an affiliate program to thank people for doing that in a bigger way. Although I know that that isn’t why most people make referrals. Regarding your question about agent recommendations, it depends. If you have some that you want to ask me about during our call, I can tell you what I know or what I’ve heard about them… but I don’t recommend anyone. I simply provide info and guidelines, and let the author decide. It’s a very personal process, and I don’t want to assume any responsibility for any agent’s behavior (past, present, or future). Looking forward to our call. Mark
Dear Mark,
I am enjoying your wedsite. It is well written, knowledgeable and humourous.
I am a new writter and a wanabe author. I have dabbled with writing for years and just completed a 40,000 word novel.
Several friends have read my work, edited it and made small changes. Fear has held me back. Not fear of hard work or critism but fear of success and how does one manage all that comes with that infamy:).
My novel sits at a publishers in San Francisco collecting dust. He expressed an interest and requested the manuscript. I have received aplogies and excuses as to why he has not read it.
It is time to take my work back and begin anew and that is how I found you.
Where does one go from here in the struggle to be published?
Catherine M Hampton
Hi Catherine, thank you for the kind words about my site. Congratulations on finishing your novel and being serious enough to start sending it out. Although I’m sorry to hear about your situation with the publisher in San Francisco, you might be better off this way… because you need an agent. So this could be a blessing in disguise. My recommendation as a next step would be for you to read all the articles on my site that seem to apply to you, and listen to my fr*ee mp3 that you can get here: https://literary-agents.com. Those two things will move you forward quite a bit. Then consider whether the following offer might be a good fit for you: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach. Of course, you can also post more questions on my blog. Either way, I look forward to learning more about you and your work. Have a great week and I hope to speak with you soon. Mark
Mark,
Do you advise picture book (unpublished) authors? To date, I have 5 manuscripts two polished, ready to go, the others still in progress. Can you help me? Fee?
Thank you,
Mary Schulz
Hi Mary, I do… two recommendations. First, download my complimentary mp3 that you can access here: https://literary-agents.com. Then sign up for a one-hour consulting call with me here: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach. The mp3 is a good first step because it will allow you to get even more value out of your call with me. During the call, of course, we can both see if we feel like we’re a good fit to do more than that. 🙂 Looking forward to learning more about you and your work. All my best, Mark
Meltdown or not, I still believe agents are looking for marketable authors to promote and having a laundry list of attributes is definitely a plus. It is a bit more difficult to say you are a stay-at-home soccer mom and expect the same results of say a mechanical engineer writing a book on “Un-burnable Bridges”. Of course, I can always say I am a domestic engineer managing the health and development of future leaders with an enthusiasm for team sports! 🙂
And Mark, I appreciate the opportunity and benefits from the experience of our one-hour conversation. Thank you for all your suggestions. The questionnaire is awesome and very introspective. I have already recommended your services to my friends who are seeking and agent for publication and will continue to do so.
Hi Geri, I am seriously behind on getting my ezine out and replying to people on my blog… so I apologize first and foremost. Thank YOU for continuing to be such a kind, thoughtful, and supportive part of this community… I always appreciate your insight, and I know that everyone else here does as well. I’m looking forward to seeing more, and hoping to hear a success story from you soon. 🙂 Mark
Mark,
I think this is some honesty for us upcoming authors. It really hits home for me. I think it’s harsh in that it’s a good kick in the butt, but it’s a good harshness :). It’s what we need. This journey is a committment and it’s not always going to be easy. I think it’s about confidence in yourself and in what you’re writing. Who knows how many, many well know authors actually went through this melt down before becoming published and successful. It’s only a pipe dream if you see it that way.
I agree that you have to be committed. My family is constantly asking where I’m at in the process, so they are just as anxious to see me succeed in this as I am. I may not be one of the best “yet”, but I’m not going to stop working to get there. I envision myself being very successful at this no matter what bumps in the road I may come across.I truly have that determination. I hope that this person has really thought about it and has redeveloped his confidence and determination.
I think it’s a wonderful thing that you are providing the service and support that you do for authors, in particular new authors because you’re what we need. By all means be honest with me. I promise I will not give up, but work hard to succeed.
Hi Sabrena, happy Sunday! Always good to see you on my blog. I like your classification of “good harshness”. I’m going to remember that and put it right next to another one of my favorites that I have here… “sobering but necessary”. That’s how another author described some of the info that I shared with him about the publishing biz. 😉 It’s definitely NOT always going to be easy, but absolutely nothing in life is. So we might as well just face that fact and then get on with it, right? I admire your determination and I appreciate you being willing to share your journey with everyone else in this community. It’s funny, some of the most confident writers are the ones that post on my blog. Just doing that takes courage. It’s my privilege to be part of your journey… to support you in whatever way that I can. Thank you for trusting me and letting me be part of your process. Have a great week and know that I’m here in your corner, cheering you on. Mark
Hi Mark,
I understand your point. I also understand the author’s confusion. Last week I had a meltdown, too. I nearly burned my manuscript. I guess….I don’t know. My past career choices have conditioned me for hard knocks, so to speak. I became immune to rejection in that it never phased me. It was just a stepping stone toward building a clearer pathway toward what I really wanted. Rejection was an opportunity. Until last week, that is. Since our consultation, I sent out 35 queries and received 4 rejections. The rejections did not bother me. I was used to that. I think what got to me this time was the LACK of response. Not receiving any kind of acknowledgement for a received query shook me because it was like I was being treated like I didn’t exist. Or matter. My work wasn’t even good enough to be considered for a rejection. They didn’t want to waste their time, much less their paper on me. I don’t know. Maybe that sounds really stupid. It did something to me, though. It made me question EVERYTHING including WHY do I WRITE?! And in the end…it was THAT question that also began to release hope because of the kinds of answers that question extracted. My answers served as a floatation device in an endless, heavy ocean of sinking hope, uncertainty, and confusion. I still feel heavy treading in this water. I’m not going to lie. Finding hope for myself in this process is proving to be a tremendous effort and staying afloat is difficult. I still don’t know if I am going to win this battle. I will, however, always continue to ask myself that one question: Why do I write? Hopefully those answers will continue to keep supporting me despite this drowning sensation. If I can tread water long enough, my ship just may come in and I could be rescued.
Hi KW… I saw an awesome movie with my wife this week called “We Bought a Zoo” with Matt Damon. My favorite line from the film was around the idea that we all need to have just “twenty seconds of insane courage” here and there at key points in our lives. I get goosebumps every time I think of this concept because it’s so true. If I hadn’t done that when I first saw my wife, we wouldn’t be together. If I hadn’t done it when I had the opportunity to become an agent, I wouldn’t be talking to you right now or have this amazing online community. Etc. Regarding your query that you sent out, I so badly wish that I could have helped you with that. Or, at the very least, I wish I could have warned you about the typical response rate… or lack thereof. It’s very common nowadays for most agents to not respond. Psychologically, I know that most writers take that very hard. Even a form rejection letter is better than nothing. It’s as though you don’t exist. But you do exist. And you’re amazing, so I’m glad you didn’t succumb to the voices telling you to pitch your manuscripts into the fire. Don’t stop treading water, I beg you. There may be a Carnival cruise ship just beyond the horizon, steaming your way. Love and support, Mark
🙂 A Carnival cruise ship. That’s cute. 🙂 Thanks, Mark. And I’m going to see that movie, too. Funny you should mention it. I was just telling my husband that it sounded like a good one. Now, I HAVE to see it. Thank you for the encouragement. I will fight the fight. KW.
Harsh AND honest, Mark.
I decided some months ago that being a part-time writer wasn’t bringing enough joy to my life, so I notified my day job boss that I’m going to take an early retirement so I can write and promote my work full time. As soon as I made that commitment, the fears and doubts started closing in on me. No matter how good my writing is, how will I ever get an agent or publisher interested enough to partner with me? I don’t have the credentials others do. (Well, you get the idea. I was pretty much at the same place as the author you wrote about here.)
Then something magical happened. I discovered that making that choice truly clarified what is important to me at this point in my life. If I don’t give it my best shot and believe in myself, how will I ever know if I can make my dreams come true? I started envisioning success….BIG success.
A very wise man once told me that the biggest mistake people make in their lives is setting their expectations too low. We, as writers, often lack the self confidence to shoot for the stars. I’ve changed my thinking from “Wouldn’t it be nice to get my books published?” to “I can hardly wait to see my books on the best seller lists!”
Yes, I’m serious. And committed. And chomping at the bit to start living that full-time writer life. I have a few things I need to manage over the next few months and once I’m situated, it’s going to be “Game On!”
I’m not sure I would have come this far without your encouraging words.
Janet,
I like your comment. 🙂 Every time I walk into Barnes and Nobles, I say to myself, I’m going to come in here one day an see my books advertised and find them on the shelf. You definitely have to set your expectations high. It’s what I expect of myself. And not only envisioning that success, but every time I come to work, I get more determined to succeed in my writing. LOL. I’ve been a nurse for 17 yrs and I’ve enjoyed it, but I’m getting burnt out. It’s not the same for me. I want to wake up and look forward to doing something that I really enjoy…writing. 🙂
I love the fact that you had the courage to retire early and focus on what was more important to you. I look forward to seeing you on the best seller’s list! 🙂
Sabrena
Hi Janet, funny how that works… burning those bridges feels great… for about 30 seconds… then the fear sets in. 🙂 Then you surrender to the fear… or dig in like you have… realizing that there really is no other alternative. There’s a great book out there called “10X” built around the idea you mentioned… that we all tend to set our expectations too low. It’s helped me immensely. My wife has done the same thing for me. She’s a BIG thinker that puts me to shame… and it’s one of the things I love most about her. I love that you’re serious. I love that you’re committed. And I love that you’re a part of my Literary Agent Undercover community! I look forward to hearing updates from you, and hearing how I can help you. Thank you for your kind words. It’s an honor to be part of your journey. Mark
I understand how that author felt; probably most of us have had at least fleeting thoughts along those lines.
Here’s one thing I know: Successful people (in any endeavor, not just writing) generally are the ones with the most confidence and persistence – not necessarily the most talent. It usually does take at least a minimal amount of talent to be highly successful, but even this isn’t an absolute, if the person has phenomenally good “packaging” (which sometimes happens for already-successful celebrities who branch out into an area where they are not very accomplished).
Everyone has something to offer, but nobody is “above” anyone else. Presently I am reading an award-winning nonfiction book that contains a lot of useful and well-documented information. I’ve found numerous minor errors in grammar and style, and in some cases, I can tell I know more about the subject than the author does. I’ll bet that most everyone reading this post has had a similar experience.
Coincidentally, as I was writing this, a friend called and happened to mention that the quality that has gotten him farthest in life is *persistence*. 🙂
Ouch!
A really good question to ask yourself: “what is the worst thing that will happen if ……..?”. You fill in the blank.
Let’s see … If I send all the queries and I don’t get an agent. Umm, a total waste of my time, useless! Really??? Did you not learn anything at all?
Worst that can happen is that nothing happens …right. Well, only one guarantee: if you don’t send the queries, then you can be assured that nothing will happen!
Maybe the worst that will happen is that you get the agent … A success! But, oh, oh…. Now you have to give up feeling sorry for yourself, AND now you have more work to do …. No more time for throwing those pity parties that no one wanted to attend.
My advice is follow the Nike commercial and “just do it!”. Give it your very best, make the commitment to give yourself every opportunity to reach your dream. Which, by the way, means you have to stop hanging around dreaming and do the footwork! The worst that can happen is that nothing happens!
Hi Marcia! All I can say is… exactly. I’d rather have a chance of making it (by taking a shot) than have no chance by being paralyzed by fear. And there’s honestly no time for that. You have to send out your book and, if it doesn’t get published, quickly get feedback and make it better or write a new one that’s better. Then repeat the process. It make take a while doing it that way, but it’s a lot faster than hoping and moping and going nowhere. Yes… “Give it your very best, make the commitment to give yourself every opportunity to reach your dream.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. But I didn’t need to since you’ve now said it for me! Tell the G-man to get cracking. I’m not going to stop nagging him until I know he’s sent out queries to every agent in the universe who might be interested. His work deserves it, and so do you. I bet you’ve been his cheerleader for quite some time now. 🙂 I appreciate you both. Mark
Hi Mark, It’s a revelation of an article. I didn’t know some authors could feel so despondent and so low in confidence, they’d dump everything when they’re so close and even after having had a consultation with you. Maybe he should focus on the positive as to what CAN happen WHEN he gets published and not on the negative such as too many IFs and too many NEVERs running through his head. I hope this incident had a happy ending for the author and I’m sure with your help, he will get a publisher eventually. One thing I learned about this whole process of trying to get published is patience and perseverance even when you’re in despair. All my best to him.
Hi Saw Lian, it was a revelation to me as well… getting that email. I was in complete disbelief. Makes me really sad that people can do that to themselves… and it makes me a little mad that I got caught up in it. Now I’m doing a better job of making sure I only work 1-on-1 with people who can handle the emotional part of being an author and finish. It’s like writing a book, isn’t it? Anyone can start writing a book, but it takes real strength and passion to finish. More strength and passion that fear. Whenever I get afraid, of anything, I just focus on what it would be like down the road to have followed my fear and be dealing with regrets. That makes me choose the right decisions. When it comes to the things I love most, I don’t want ANY regrets. I don’t always achieve my goals… but my goal of no regrets is the one that I live most for. So I’m never really disappointed. I appreciate you… and your persistence and perseverance. Thank you for posting. Mark
Well, as always, great article Mark! Absolutely important advice…for every writer. I had the same thought run through my head the other morning and what pulled me out of my “funk” was a quick blurb on my blog. I helped me get my feelings out of my head, through my fingers and onto the page. It reminded me to persevere! I’ve always felt that when I’m at what seems the most difficult time in my writing, when I have to really struggle to push through the negative thoughts or obstacles, when I come through the other side, something amazing usually happens.
Thanks again!!
Hi Robin, thank you. And I’m glad to hear it! Not the funk part but you getting out of it… nothing like a little writing… or a little communing with other writers… to unfunk yourself. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and always bringing the positive energy. I appreciate you. Have a great week! Mark
No, it’s not harsh. This writing thing isn’t for whimps. If a person is not willing to continue, then they are not willing to be a writer. As hard as writing can be (which includes non-writing work) it’s not that bad. Try working 13 years in fast food, and on top of that hating every second. But you can’t quit because you need to pay bills.
People want to get all worked up about not having “it”, well guess what, a lot of us don’t have “it”. We work for it. We learn. Writers learn. The hardest part about being successful author, is getting in and staying in. But if you really want it, and someone (like you Mark) says that you got it, it’s like throwing away your dream. It’s not that this writer or any other couldn’t hack it, they could, the problem is, fear. It grabbed them, and they let it sink its teeth into their flesh.
Thing is, we all go through it. I’ve been there. Just comes a point where you have to nut-up, or shut-up. Learn what you have to learn and make it happen. It won’t happen overnight for most of us, but it will never happen if we give up.
Hey Dale… how’s it going??? You’re right. Writers are often sensitive, but they can’t be wimps! I might quote you on that. Also the nut-up or shut-up line. Awesome. By the way, you won a book a while back on March 8th but you never claimed it… so check your archive if you save my ezine and then follow the link to tell me which book you want. Or just reply to this comment and let me know. Either way, I want you to have it… I appreciate your insight and you being part of my universe. 🙂 All my best. Mark
Quote away! Though the nut up or shut up line I quoted from from the movie Zombieland. I won a book? I missed that??? Wow, I’m slacking! I had no idea. I didn’t see the email when I double checked, so it must have got deleted by mistake. I get some juck mail that gets by my spam folder, so I might have deleted it along with junk mail
Yessir, click here to see the full list of titles available… you can just leave me a comment on that same page to let me know which one you want: https://literary-agents.com/writers-resources/books-for-writers/. Congrats again and I’m happy it’s you. I appreciate all your thoughtful comments. Mark
Most writers I know, even succesful ones, have admitted feeling like frauds. I think because we know our own writing so well, we wonder why anybody else would bother to read it.
I’m always surprised, (and somewhat embarrassed) when someone compliments my work.. With each word, more of me is revealed.
Which is scarier, success or failure? The stakes are high for both, but I don’t want to see all the years and toil I have put into my writing wasted.
I like how P. Segal likened the process to dating. The chief difference is dating gets worse with age. Confidence in your own writing grows..
Hi Laura! Every time I see you picture appear on my blog because you left a comment… it makes me smile. 🙂 Don’t know what it is but you have a happy energy. I liked your comment and I love your writing. You like how I snuck that in there? Are you embarrassed yet? If not, I’ll make sure I compliment your writing more the next time we get on the phone. Sometimes I forget to do that. I’m the old jaded agent after all. Well, not really. But it’s easy to lose myself in helping authors make their work better… and forget to sufficiently praise what’s already good. Looking forward to our next call. By the way, what did you mean when you said that dating gets worse with age? I’m a love poet and a romantic so that statement made me laugh… but it also made me curious. ??? See you soon. Mark
Your unfortunate author just had a neurotic anxiety attack: self-doubt, fear of rejection, fear of emotional castration, and some of those other things that keep people from going the distance. I think that writers are also motivated by anxiety, even if they succeed, because the time it takes, the dedication, and the loneliness of the process are all part of our struggle for “immortality”– to leave some trace that we existed and mattered in the world. But the process is not linear for most people. Most will struggle forward, slip back, pick up shattered egos and try again. An old friends’ mother once said, “If you don’t keep trying, you give yourself a no.” If your fear of failure is so crushing that you can’t keep trying, you’re wallowing in a state of self-sabotage.
I became a therapist, specializing in the issues of creative personalities, because it was too hard to rely on the income of writing. One of my clients told me that he recommended me to someone, and when she heard my name, she said, “P Segal? The author?” This made my day, knowing that a random person associated me with the craft I have worked at all my life, and that I had achieved at least this tiny glimpse of immortality.
Rejection is part of the process, and often it has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. I’ve received rejection letters that were as laudatory as a “no” can get, based on a publisher’s budget, an over-saturation of the market, an economic downturn, or fear of a relatively unknown name in a field of established writers. I’ve had editors solicit books from me, love them (or so they said), and not publish them after all. I’ve reminded myself that every great author got a share of rejections, and anyone who thinks they are hopeless, after receiving one, should read a little book called “Rotten Rejections,” full of horrible letters from editors to the writers we know and love.
Finding that right agent or publisher is not unlike dating. Not everyone you date will turn out to be someone you love– or worse, someone who loves you. If your author was afraid to put his work out there for acceptance or rejection, my guess is that he is equally timid in the sphere of relationships and needs a therapist as much as an agent.
All the best to you, Mark, and to all the writers out there who are anxious about moving forward in their careers!
P Segal
Hi P… I love that you got that recognition about your writing when that client referral heard your name. That’s a great story. Not so great is the story about editors soliciting work and then passing on it. I can’t imagine many things more frustrating than that scenario. I’ll have to look up that book you talked about called “Rotten Rejections.” Sounds fantastic… well, you know what I mean. Thank you for sharing your insights here… I actually heard from the author (positive things) after he read my article. He also told me that he was reading (and appreciating) everyone’s comments. So please know that you are making a difference, even here on my little ‘ole literary agent blog. If you don’t mind, why don’t you reply to this comment and let anyone else reading this know how they might learn more about your therapist services and contact you. All the best to you and I look forward to speaking with you soon on our upcoming call. Mark
not harsh at all– is the only way to think from the beginning. The only way to write something is with the intention of sending it through for publication. Anything less than that, the writer cheats himself.
Sometimes there is a meltdown or the brain just gets fried and confidence blows out, but then the most important thing isn’t the credentials, resume, credits, etc but the writing on the page. Everybody starts somewhere and some writers lived with years of rejections and then found the right publisher. better to be rejected than not deliver because you can’t even get rejected until somebody sees the work and you can never be accepted until the work is reviewed.
Sounds more like the writer in question just had a fried brain from overworking and stress was too great and person too harsh on himself. There are tons of books in libraries, bookstores and on the NYTimes hot-list which are mediocre at best. Nobody really knows what makes a best seller, but that’s not much of a reason to squash finished work. However, lots of writers do, but they aren’t alone since composers are notorious for squashing scores. Mahler split up the score of Das klagende Lied as result of meltdown, Verdi trashed Ernani and were it not for Max Brod, probably nobody would read Kafka., Meltdown is just part of being a creative with fried brain.
hi pogo… i suppose there are a few “pure” writers out there… writing without any concern for the acceptance, pleasure, or edification of others… but i’m not one of them… and i think most authors… if they’re honest… will admit that writing is rather a silly waste of time if you’re not going to eventually find an audience… not a great return of investment otherwise… unless you’re simply writing out of boredom and/or loneliness to kill time… that’s actually how i started writing… in college… freshman year… but then i started enjoying it… and later started declining social opportunities to spend more time writing… sweet irony… i agree that meltdown is part of the writing “cycle” for every author… although some writers let the temperature in their writer’s mind get too hot… and then their writer engine is permanently damaged… funny thing… i’m finding that being part of a writing community like this one… sharing with… and supporting… other writers… is just as rewarding as writing itself… and having other people read my work… perhaps more writers should engage in the social aspect of writing… hope you are doing well pogo… even though you’re halfway around the world i think of you often and enjoy your friendship… you’re a beautiful soul… mark
thank-you, you are kind… but meltdown doesn’t necessarily mean the person is a wimp. The problem may just be fatigue… like the small kid chasing the Olympian and doesn’t know how to admit limitations. If agent doesn’t know or sense writer is facing fatigue, there is no way to anticipate the anxiety or restrain it. The delivery of such a large batch of book proposals at one time might have just hit the breaking point of fatigue, whereas maybe a different delivery or lead into writing book proposals would have reassured or reinforced writer’s determination to close out. It’s two-sided thing.
It’s difficult to know unless there is open communication and trust developed. Meltdown has very little to do with being a wimp and more with trying to be superhuman in trying conditions or overly demanding self-expectations and standards. There re too many unknowns to superficially label or write off the person as “wimp” or lackigning in discipline or determination. Something happened that is unknown
Wimps don’t tend to meltdown– they usually have the art of confabulation of excuses mastered and irritate everyone but themselves with conceited self-delusions.
hi pogo… you’re welcome… and i agree… perhaps a new lesson emerging from all this… is that authors can have many reasons to “melt down”… but agents aren’t interested… authors are entitled to their fears and other mixed emotions (just like agents, hey, we’re human too)… it’s just that we all need to deal with most of our emotions in private and not let them get in the way of our business… if an author talks about their emotions too much… or doesn’t get the job done because of them… that’s the end of it… agents aren’t going to continue working with an author that keeps them “awake at night”… and it’s not just agents who operate this way… it’s everyone in business… and in personal relationships… agenting is a business partnership… and so is the consulting that I offer with people 1-on-1… if it becomes therapy, it’s time for a referral… doesn’t mean i don’t want the best for the person… it just means that the person isn’t ready for what i have to offer… whether it’s wimpiness or fatigue or something else… the author needs to deal with those things and be ready before “putting themself out there”…
yes but communication doesn’t mean that the author uses you for a pillow…and if your rules are no pillow talk, then you should put it up front. Different folks have different rules. If the book wasn’t worth your time to pick up the phone and call, then obviously it wasn’t much of a book and maybe the guy was right to dump it.
I don’t know. I wasn’t there, but if somebody had sent me something which I invested time and effort in, I would at least pick up the phone and try to find out what happened. A book in garbage is lost work.
Maybe you should be an agent for only medical books, such as scalpel technique and human vivisection without tears. Medical stuff always sell, even hair-brained garbage selling secrets of ginseng for libido and General Hospital is still running which is really nothing but tripe.
general hospital
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Hospital
If agents don’t care then they should not waste time on a writer’s book and spend time fishing for responses on a blog wlal–and definitely delete all the wifey talk as it’s personal and not professional.
You are, again, so right, Mark. Marketing is key. Just look at Jack Canfield. He admits he can’t write, and hasn’t written any of his ‘books.’ Yet he’s sold over 120 million copies. Really, not that bad for a non-writer. Harrrmph! I’d take it. Not for nothing, but I study the writing market by going out into the bookstore and poring over books. So many are not remarkable to me, But I’m only one opinion! The key point is, and this involves marketing, some market wants them. I don’t buy murder mysteries because I couldn’t care less about them, and as an agent, I wouldn’t want to represent them. But there they are, hundreds of thousands of them it seems, and they sell so well. Niche, it’s all about building that niche as an author, and that’s where you come in. Your query letters help to begin that process. There are steps to success. You have to take each one. It’s like in building. You wouldn’t build a seventeen step staircase, and then simply omit the eighth step now would you? That’s when everyone falls down! So in short, yes, keep on keeping on. Really, what else is there to do? Love and Light, Tom Wright www.a-course-in-shamanism.com
Hello Mr. Tom! I can’t tell you how delighted I am to see you blessing my blog with your keystrokes. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your wisdom and daring to be one of the authors who refuses to stop writing and pursuing publication. Can’t wait to see you later this week… at the top of the stairs. LOL. Miss you, Mark.
I think it’s the brutal honesty that authors need. Okay, maybe authors like me. In my life I have had a number of different jobs, and I never did things halfway. I was ‘all in’. But when it came to my writing and creative endeavors, I was timid, cautious, fearful. At a conference a few months back, a presenter asked me ‘What was holding me back?’ I looked around the room, everyone was looking at me. I dug within myself and answered: ‘Me.’ It was true. It opened my eyes to the truth. I’m the one in my own way. Now that I’ve successfully recognized that, it is time to move past it. That’s why I like the honesty of this post – it’s what we need to hear. It reminds me that I can be my own worst enemy or my biggest cheerleader. I’m opting for the latter. I hope others will think the same way and push through and stop fearing the unknown.
Hi Lisa… thank you so much for sharing… great insight and I appreciate you willing to be vulnerable. My wife and I were talking about this topic the other day after I posted this article. Writing is such a “dangerous” art because so many authors spend so much time (sometimes thousands or tens of thousands of hours) writing… in a vacuum… with no sense of reality or outside perspective. Then they meet someone like me… who has to tell them things that they don’t want to hear, have never heard before, and don’t want to hear. Talk about walking on eggshells! I guess the silver lining to all this, if there is one… is that, as a writer, at least I understand the emotions and I have compassion. I admire your honesty and willingness to go for it. Here’s to you being your biggest cheerleader. And here’s to me helping you find more cheerleaders to join your squad. Like a top literary agent and publisher. Talk soon. Mark
I enjoyed your post. I love reading your articles. My problem is that I don’t have any formal training. I write because I feel God told me to, and now I love it and can’t seem to stop. Until a year ago I had no idea about the publishing world. I had never heard of POVs or passive and active voices. I had never read a blog or met any authors, agents, or publishers. I know my stories are good but I know there is lots of mistakes in my manuscripts. I don’t have a critique group, like I said I didn’t know any other authors. My church thought I was being foolish to write fiction to begin with.
A year ago I met a couple of published authors on a mission trip. They gave me lots of information about on line groups which has led me to you but I live on Social Security(I only get $626 a month) so I am limited to I am able to do. If you have any suggestions for me or books I can read that don’t cost much I would appreciate it.
Hi Glenda, thank you for your kind comment. Writing from inspiration is more important than formal training… some of the best writers are self-taught, and soul is more important than syntax anyway. Regarding book and other resource recommendations, tell me about your book in 250 words or less and I’ll see what I can do! With love and encouragement, Mark
Hi Glenda, regarding your book synopsis and voice question that you posted on another area of this page… I recommend that you read the book “Story” by Robert McKee. It’s at the top of my list for fiction writers. I don’t have one for voice, but hopefully someone else will read this post and reply! Warm wishes. Mark
grrrrrrr ‘claw paw swipe’ rrrrrrrrr…. go boy! dont let anyone give up, they had the guts to finish the book, now finish the job. 🙂
Hi Siobhan, this first eight months as a book publishing coach has certainly taught me a lot. I’m asking people harder questions now up front, before I start working with them… to see if they have what it takes. I’m not so easily swayed by someone with the book and platform that it takes to get published. They also have the right mindset. Thanks for being one of the good ones and sticking it out when it was hard until YOU found an agent. I celebrate you. And I can’t wait to hear about your next international book deal. Go girl. 😉
My book is Hidden Memories, it is a Christian Suspense/Romance. Jeanie has ran from an abusive relationship to rural Nebraska. She witnesses a murder and runs but suffers a severe fall. She looses her memory. She is found by the sheriff and is sent to the hospital where she fights for her life. Sheriff Michael Brown tries to keep her safe and find the killer at the same time without losing his heart.
The killing ends up on national news, now she has two killers after her, one she knows and one she fears.
Dr. Lorenzo finds out where she is hiding and comes to Nebraska to get her. If he can’t have her no one will.
The killer is involved in the mass production and distribution of Meth. His right hand man decides to blackmail him. Taking the only way out he kills the blackmailer. after the murder he finds out he has a witness, he must find her and destroy her before she can destroy him.
That is my general synopsis. Can you recommend any books that will help me? I am reading Dialogue by Gloria Kempton any more suggestions. I really am not sure about the possitive voice and passive voice thing.