Getting a book published isn’t easy for most people (don’t worry… this article isn’t going to be depressing). In fact, it’s going to be the very opposite. I’m about to give you the #1 thing that you need to get a book published.
It’s not talent (although that’s obviously important). It’s not connections. And it’s not insider information. It’s something that a cashier recently helped me realize.
Yes, a cashier.
Here’s what happened…
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Getting a Book Published – Meet the Cashier
A few days ago I stopped at a grocery store on my way home. As the cashier rang up my items, I noticed that he looked nearly the same age as me.
“How’s your day going?” I asked.
“It’s going,” he said with a sigh.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, it’s my third day working up front. I used to be in the back, unloading trucks. I had more privacy and freedom then.”
He didn’t make eye contact.
Awkward…
“Look on the bright side. Now you have lots
of people like me, happy to see you.”
The cashier forced a smile and rang up my next item. The scanner made a loud bleep-bloop sound. “It’s not so bad,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll get used to it.”
I shuffled a couple of my food items on the conveyor belt. “I used to work in a grocery store, you know, unloading trucks and stocking shelves. I even worked as a cashier when I was… when I was… younger.” I almost let it slip that I was 16 when I did that. This man was probably in his 40s and I didn’t want him to feel embarrassed (you never know).
“Really… what do you do now?”
“I help authors get their books published.” I could understand the cashier being surprised. What are the odds? Plus, I was dressed to the nines, on my way home from a meeting with a client.
The cashier’s eyes lit up. “Oh! So you’re a literary agent?”
Now it was my turn to be surprised. “How in the world do you know about literary agents?” Yes, it was presumptuous of me to think he wouldn’t know about book agents… but the words flew out of mouth before my brain could catch up.
“I read a lot,” said the cashier. “And I’m a writer.”
“That’s awesome. What kind of books do you write?”
“Historical fiction, mostly. But I’ve only sent out a few query letters and never got a response. I’m probably not good enough.”
“Technically, I’m not an agent anymore,” I said. “I’m an author consultant… helping authors get agents. You should check out my website.”
As I swiped my debit card, the cashier and I talked a little more about getting a book published. He obviously wasn’t happy as a cashier. I wondered why he hadn’t submitted his book to more than just a few literary agents.
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Getting a Book Published – The Epiphany
As I walked to my car, I started thinking…
Why do some people seriously pursue their passion (like becoming published authors) while so many others eventually give up – or don’t bother trying? Is there one thing that’s ultimately responsible for success in publishing? In life? If so, what is it?
I started thinking about my life…
I grew up in poverty.
Yes, poverty.
My father died when I was eleven (a story for another day). So my two older sisters and I were raised by our mother. She had a low-paying job at a nursery school. You can probably imagine what that might have been like.
If not, I’ll explain…
Our pantry was mostly “filled” with white bread (the oldest and cheapest stuff that you could buy, often stale), canned tomato and mushroom soup (generic brands), white rice, potatoes, powdered milk, and salt and pepper.
We didn’t buy peanut butter
and jelly (too expensive).
Or even butter or margarine.
Seriously.
But we did buy lots of things from clearance bins. Most grocery stores have shopping carts at the back of the store with deeply discounted items that are outdated or damaged. So, dented and/or outdated cans of vegetables were common in our house.
Talk about embarrassing.
I once had to help my mom wheel an entire cart (about 100 cans) of okra to the checkout counter… many of those cans were dented and/or missing their labels. A store clerk had written a price of ten cents on the top of each can with black magic marker.
You think that’s bad?
We actually went “dumpster-diving” from time to time as well, behind the grocery store. Now, here’s the point. My mother didn’t give me money or connections (she didn’t have those things to give). But she did give me one thing that money can’t buy.
Belief.
Belief that I was special.
Belief that I could be successful.
Looking back on it now, I see
how powerful that was.
At the time, I was just a scared little boy. No father. No confidence. Few friends. I had no clue what I was good at. And I had no idea how I’d ever make a decent living and/or provide for a family.
But somehow, I figured it out.
I think the main reason I was able to do it… is the fact that I had someone in my life who kept telling me I could do it.
That made me believe.
As a result, I worked harder than most of the people around me (come to think of it, I still do). I got modest jobs that turned into better jobs. I even managed to get accepted into a decent University, and pay my own way (one job during the school year, two jobs during the summers).
A couple years after I graduated, I became a successful literary agent and the Marketing & Licensing Manager for a well-known publishing company.
Why am I telling you all this?
Not because I’m great.
It’s because my conversation with the cashier
made me realize I’m blessed.
And so are YOU.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from
or what you’ve been through.
You are strong…
You are special…
You can do this…
Like most things in life, getting a book published isn’t
just about talent and insider information.
It’s about belief.
And one pound of belief is worth
ten pounds of talent.
That’s why I’m going to keep believing in you and sending you positive energy. I know that your belief (in yourself, and in your writing) will give you the strength you need to finish your book and actually get it out there.
Now, if you liked this article… post a question
or comment below (I need your mojo).
For more information about getting a book published, click here and get my free 15-part Guide to Finding a Literary Agent. Then click here to learn about the 3 different ways that you can get 1-on-1 help from me (free to fee) as your Book Marketing Coach. You can ask me questions about getting a book published on my blog. You can ask me questions about getting a book published during an introductory consulting call. Or you can join one of my longer-term coaching programs.
Either way, I look forward to
getting to know you better.
I believe in you,
-Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
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* * *
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 
I relate with both you and the cashier. Believing in ones self is key to succeeding; after all how can we expect anyone to believe in us if we don’t believe. Its like saying don’t buy it because I don’t think its good. How do we as new authors prevent from being insecure when we know that there is a lot we do not know. Learning is an on-going process and when you are first learning its difficult to present yourself as confident. What would you advise.Thank you.
Hi Mary, just saw this question as well. More education and experience is the best way I know to increase confidence. So keep doing what you’re doing and take advantage of all the information and resources on my websites. There’s a lot there. And you can always post more questions. I’m happy to help. – Mark
Hi Mark,
I am finding all of your articles both helpful and inspiring. I have looked deep inside myself to find the spark of belief I once had that my book could be a bestseller. With your guidance, I have given that spark a few encouraging little puffs and rekindled it into a roaring flame. Having happily warmed my hands at the blaze, I am now reworking my old manuscript, rejigging it into a high concept book and raising the stakes in the story line. Many thanks for your brilliant suggestions.
Hi Anne, thank you… and you just made my day. I love that your burning desire has been reignited and that I’m part of it. Here’s to your success and happiness as a writer. Warm wishes. Mark
Thank you for sharing.This article is the first that hit close to home for me.I know from experience that it is easy to get bogged down in the repeated negatives life can hand you.That is why it is so important to hear every once in a while that still believing in your self is OK.To get that encouragement to push on and believe in your worth and uniqueness.Your positivity is an inspiration.The help you supply is invaluable.The world needs more people like you who are willing to lift others up.
Hi Crystal, thank YOU for sharing THAT. Wonderful to hear. Don’t let anyone pull you down. Only you know what you’re capable of and what you’re willing to do to make it all happen. 😉 Mark
This could have been written about me. I grew up poor – without the encouragement and told to be thankful to get any job and like it. I was always good at writing but had that dream “beat” out of me. I never received permission to pursue my dreams. Not even from myself. I recently quit working in a grocery store (at 48) to be my apartment building caretaker, so I can stay home and finally pursue my dream of being a novelist. Bold and risky? Yes. Am I happier than I’ve ever been? Yup!
Hi Jack, I love it. One of my favorite books called “10x” by Grant Cardone has a quote that says, “Creativity follows commitment.” So does success. Keep doing what you’re doing. Mark
Thanks, Mark. I scrubbed the apartment complex until it shined. Now it only takes me four hours a week to maintain it at this level! Look at all that time I have to concentrate on writing and marketing!
Thank you Mark for your continual positive input! I DO believe I have written a bestselling book that will have a huge public appeal. But then late at night when I sit down at my computer and look at my manuscript one more time all I see is the mistakes I didn’t see before I sent it off to self publish. I wonder if the readers will fault me and if the reviewers are going to call my book “amateur.” But I am proud that I have gotten this far and I appreciate all your guidance! | Getting a Book Published
Hi Debbie, the most important part of any creative process is not being so hard on yourself that you stop having fun and/or stop your forward progress. Everything you’ve done up to this point got you here, so embrace it. Like you said, be proud that you’ve gotten this far. And then, commit to taking everything to the next level. That’s all any of us can do. 😉 Mark | Getting a Book Published
Thanks for sharing your story, Mark. The article is a good reminder of the fact that many people who are talented….never make it…and the biggest reason why. Belief matters, but sustained belief is the real work and its something that must be brought to every project….every book…every venture. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Ilya, I’m always happy to share the most embarrassing and revealing things about myself if it might help someone. That’s one good way to give those things some kind of meaning and purpose. 🙂 I hope you remember how talented YOU are… because your day in the publishing spotlight is coming soon. I believe. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Mark | Getting a Book Published
Nice Article, Mark, and good to get to know a little background. Your mother sounds like a strong woman. My dad died when I was 15.
“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship.”
All of our lives circumstances serve us, even the ones we thing are horrible. We are participants not victims. Your story gives inspiration and hope.
Warmly,
Barbara Symons | Getting a Book Published
Hi Barbara, I like that quote. Is that yours or is it by someone else? Thank you for saying hello and always being so kind and thoughtful. Speak with you soon. 🙂 Mark | Getting a Book Published
The quote is by Louisa May Alcott and is one of my favorites. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Mark
You and I have something in common. We both came from impoverished backgrounds but like you I had belief in myself. And I agree confidence in your abilities can take you a lot of the way. Thanks for the article. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Saw Lian, always nice hearing from you. And thank you for sharing your story. The good news about growing up in difficult circumstances, as you know, is that it makes you strong (and it gives you great material to write about). 😉 Mark | Getting a Book Published
Mark you made me cry! My mother raised 4 kids on welfare, so I feel you.
I have one person who truly believes in me. This person behind me, pushing me, making sure that I don’t run out of gas and lose hope, is my brother. He is about fifteen years younger than I am but he has such wisdom and knowledge. He sometimes speaks in parables (scary sometimes, he’s like the audio bible). My book journey is close to the end and looking forward to you to get me to the next steps. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Juanita, you just made me day. Thank you so much for telling and sharing your story. I’m grateful that you have a brother like that. What a wonderful gift. Keep writing, and keep believing. I would be honored to help you more when the time is right. In the meantime, know that you have at least one more person here pulling for you. Mark | Getting a Book Published
A lot of what you said is true. Believing is a big part of success in just about everything you do. But when you’ve written a really good book, and you know you’ve written a really good book, literary agents can kill your beliefs faster than a slot machine takes your nickles and dimes. It doesn’t matter how much you believe. One rejection after another, without even so much a look at your work, can discourage even the most strongest. I haven’t sent a query in months now. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Ron, I know. Unfortunately, you’re right. All I know is that you have the burning desire, it was put inside you for a reason. I just don’t believe that the Universe put it there for nothing. If you think about writing every day and/or you write every day… you’re a writer. It only takes one agent to see your vision. But it might take hundreds of queries to find that agent. Hopefully it doesn’t take that many books. 🙂 Keep believing, and thanks for sharing. Mark | Getting a Book Published
Really appreciate you for sharing your story with us. I used to think my roots in the humble hills of West Virginia might keep me from doing anything really significant in my life, but I’ve learned a lot over the past decade, especially about the power of our thoughts. Belief is way more important than most people know. Thanks for the reminder! | Getting a Book Published
Hi Gayla, it’s hard to shrug off some of those stories we’ve written about ourselves and our potential in our mind. So it’s good to connect with people that remind us… we can fly as high as the wings of our imagination will take us. Thank you for reminding me of that today. 🙂 Mark | Getting a Book Published
All of the comments say what I would have said, so just let me add my thank you for sharing your inspiring story and confirming that belief is a crucial component of success. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Rinda! You might appreciate this… one of my clients emailed me a few days ago, whining about sending out query letters (it’s okay, query letters are the only thing she whines about and I know it’s a pain to send them out). I read and replied to her email today after posting this article. It made me realize that I need to add one more thing to the equation: Talent + Belief + Consistently Sending Out Queries = Publication. Oh, I just sent you a separate email about you know what. 🙂 Mark | Getting a Book Published
Thank you for your story, Mark. And your encouragement. I can relate to your story. I share an incredibly similar past with you. I’ve learned that our miracles are on the other side of our mountains. If we can only move them…
Thank you for keeping it fresh and reminding us to press on:) Your message can apply not just to our writing, but to all aspects of life. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Kishe! Sounds like a book title: The Miracle On the Other Side of (Or “Around”) the Mountain. Smile. Thank you for taking time to write and say hello. Here’s to keeping it fresh. There’s nothing more fresh than a good dumpster-diving story. Makes me think of those awful Febreze commercials. My wife swears she’ll never but that stuff again because they make her think of those commercials. I wonder how their sales are doing. They need to hire me to do their next ad campaign. 😉 Mark | Getting a Book Published
Good post. Makes me wonder if the grumpy cashier at our local Kroger is a frustrated writer. He’s not as chatty as the women, and I always force him to smile and talk to me, but I can tell he’d rather just ring up sales and get rid of me.:)
Your own story is inspiring.. Thank you for sharing it. | Getting a Book Published
Okay, I confess… you made me giggle during dinner as I was secretly checking emails on my iphone. I got in trouble because of you. You’re right, who knows what secrets the cashiers in every town keep. I’m going to start asking them. Gotta do something to distract ourselves from the bleep-bloop sound. The best part about cashiers. They’re just like waiters, waitresses, and bartenders. They have to listen to us. That’s also why they get asked on so many dates. Well, maybe not cashiers. But waitresses. Definitely. Mark (aka Mr. Chatty) | Getting a Book Published
I had no idea. Your story is powerful and inspiring, precisely because it comes from such extremely adverse circumstances. And I will vouch for you working very hard — you and Ingrid have done a lot for me in the last several months — and I know you have many clients. It is an honor to work with you. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Harold, thank you. By the way, the honor is ours. Ingrid is actually tired of me bragging about you, but I can’t help it. I don’t have much tolerance for being who aren’t willing to work as hard as we do. We appreciate YOU. See you tomorrow. 🙂 Mark | Getting a Book Published
I believe! What a powerful story. No excuses. No attempt to manipulate people with how hard it is to do something. Just a belief and conviction that you are special. What a wonderful message to send out! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Cheryl! I was hoping to see you here… even though I just spoke with you last night. 🙂 I know, I can’t help it. It was fun hearing you (yesterday) all fired up about the things you’re getting ready to write about. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. You really are one of a kind you know. Talk soon… and thank you for always being so supportive. Mark | Getting a Book Published
Thanks for sharing your personal story. It’s inspiring and almost magical. You’ve made my day a little brighter.
Hi Darlene, thank you for saying so… that’s about all anyone can ask for. If your day is a little brighter because of me, I am delighted. Because my day is definitely a little brighter now… because of YOU. Have a great day. Mark | Getting a Book Published
Mark, thank you for sharing your story; it was inspiring! I came from a single parent home where I started working at 14 to help pay bills at home and support myself. Those of us that learn the value of working hard from a young age do have that “I’ll never give up because it’s not an option!” attitude, and it can work well for us if we allow it. 🙂
Bec
Hi Becca, I love it. I certainly have nothing against growing up with a life of privilege. That just wasn’t my life. So I know what it means to hustle. And I appreciate authors that have the same kind of commitment. It’s no guarantee of success, but that kind of work ethic sure can’t hurt. 😉 Mark | Getting a Book Published
well, your blogs are getting better… but you should have invited the cashier around for coffee or go back and needle him a bit more. maybe start a Lousy Writer’s Club on Meetup that gets together once a month so anybody lacking confidence or belief in own work will feel comfortable to join as a no-stress, no-pressure stammtisch and maybe the oyster at the counter might open up.
The reality is as you pointed out last week, usually folks don’t send out enough queries or directed at right. | Getting a Book Published
The reality is as you pointed out last week, usually folks don’t send out enough queries or directed at right target, so they fold quickly. Nobody told them that there is a grind to it no different than scanning groceries (bleep-bleep) or packing sacks. And if the guy can scan groceries, he can send out query letters,
So he is the ideal fish to put in your fishbowl to show to world.
But belief is critical ingredient. Belief and support network are two very critical factors. | Getting a Book Published
Some folk truly don’t comprehend their abilities or have zit self-worth because they’ve abused much of their life or indoctrinated in how worthless they are. They are programmed to fail. They can’t value the good they produce. When somebody believes in his abilities, every small tool or skill put in his hands is used toward success; but if a person doesn’t believe in his ability, it doesn’t matter what tools he has, anxiety and doubt, insecurity defeats him internally. Hard to watch.
hi pogo, glad you liked this post… you must have a soft spot for the ones with stories… or the ones where i make myself vulnerable… ha ha. no time for coffee with cashiers… unless they meet me here online with their latte. by the way, i love the image you put in my mind about agents going through queries being like a cashier scanning groceries.. bleep-bloop… or is it bleep-bleep? either way, it’s also good to see you. from the fishbowl. mark | getting a book published
think you are reading the pheed– not stories that make you seem vulnerable, but writing that seems more genuine than baiting sales talk. if you aint got time for humble cashier who isn’t stupid, then you don’t got time for bug-shooter, cuc-picker or dumpster-diver. | Getting a Book Published
Hi Mark,
I have been receiving your newsletters since we met in MI at the Green Pen Writer’s conference. There is always positive energy and encouragement to keep doing what I’m doing. I am moving forward with things I learned at the conference, and although my book isn’t ready to send out queries just yet, my confidence is building…once I get it there, you’ll be getting a call. Until then, thank you so much for your informative and newsletters…we can all use positive reinforcement! | Getting a Book Published
Hi Donna, thank you and it’s good hearing from you. Writing is a long road… so I like knowing that you’ll be with me for the whole journey. Keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t be shy about posting questions for me here along the way: https://literary-agents.com/ask-a-literary-agent/. I also know that there is some type of writers’ group in MI, hosted by the woman who set up the conference where you and I met. You might want to look into that as well. 🙂 Mark | Getting a Book Published
Actually, I live in NC, but I found a wonderful writer’s group within a few weeks of returning from the conference. Their support, motivation, critique and encouragement are invaluable! | Getting a Book Published
Glad to hear it. When you be part of a local group like that… it can be a very good thing. As long as they are skilled and considerate. 😉 Mark | Getting a Book Published