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…
* * *
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.
* * *
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
* * *
* * *
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 
Nice story… well said. Thanks for putting it out there. It kind of relates to this quote I just came across: “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” from George Eliot (aka Mary Ann Evans).
Hi Ron, thank you… and nice quote!
Takes a moment to sink in, but worth it. 😉
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks Mark,
I can always use the positive energy and I appreciate your very-helpful attitude. I broke my neck when I was 16 years-old, went to college and got a degree in English and now I write fiction, and (for actual money) I work as a medical transcriptionist. Sometimes I feel like I’m at the bottom of a very deep well and cannot get out, but I will… someday. Chris
Hi Chris, sounds like you have more courage and resolve than most.
Keep doing what you’re doing.
You’re probably a lot closer than you realize.
And have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hey Mark, thanks for the article! You are spot on about attitude. I remember something I was told a long time ago: whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are absolutely right! I’m finishing my first novel, and I KNOW I’ll get it published!
Thank you Tom, I love it.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I loved the article! How inspiring, and I had no idea! There are definitely days in the process when I question what the heck am I doing? But it’s that belief that I am a writer and will get published one way or another, that helps me go forward. Perfect way to start a Monday, thanks Mark!!!
Hi Crystal, your words are always a ray of sunshine.
So right back at you!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks, Mark. I needed that.
My pleasure Carl, glad you read this one!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
Loved the article…love your expertise and Inspiration! Thank you for all you do and for the beautiful picture.
Thank you Deborah. 😉
And have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark!
What a fantastic positive message – thank you! I do believe and that is why I do know that I will get my book finished and published, and that God will bring me the literary agent I am to have; if I am to have one. It’s no coincidence that I found your website and joined your network. My book is 3/4 finished. I keep reviewing and re-writing what’s been written. It’s been a 7 year labor of love that I believe in and is providentially given. I am bombarded by vanity pubs and PODs HELP
Thank you Jill!
Now…
I don’t recommend specific publishers but you should read this article if you haven’t already: https://literary-agents.com/best-publishing-companies/. It might help. Maybe not the exact answer you were looking for, but hopefully something better.
Also…
The next thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, this was definitely the message I needed on Monday morning! Thanks!
🙂
Thank YOU.
And…
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
So very true. Belief in yourself or confidence is the most important thing.
Thank you Jerry, have a good night, and see you again soon!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I wish that I had got your email before I went with a publisher. I am writing my biography and I wanted to find out about a litery agent previous. I have no idea what their fees are. I am on exceptionally low income.
Hi Dolores,
Read this article if you haven’t already: https://literary-agents.com/best-publishing-companies/. It might help.
Also…
The next thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I feel for the cashier, I’ve been down that dreary road.
Just remember there is no reason to tackle the process of agent hunting/publishing alone, especially when there are people like Mark around to walk you (and me) through it.
You are only as good as the tools you work with, and guesswork when it comes to agents is (as I found out the hard way) a big no-no.
Use Mark, he’s like Gandalf, without the beard.
Hi Chris, you just made my night. No, my day. Wait, maybe my week? We’ll see what other people have to say and take it from there. 😉 Seriously though, thank you. And I’m glad you’re finding your way. Of course I’m also honored to be part of your journey. It’s tough breaking out in the publishing industry, but it sure is easier sleeping at night knowing you’re doing everything possible to give yourself the best advantage.
Have a great night and talk soon,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
How do I know if what I wrote will be of interest to others. I wrote about what I see happening in the business world today that will be detrimental to the buying public. I wrote it in short story form (true fiction) from the point of view of how it was affecting people in different walks of life. It’s a BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING type of book that meant nothing when written but has come true today in a big way, cameras everywhere. I pitched to a number of agents, no response, maybe it is no good.
Hi Everett,
The good news is that you can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing your pitch materials (query letter, synopsis, book proposal, manuscript, etc.).
My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
As a next step (if you haven’t already done so) click here to access to all the resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
That might have what you need
to get to the next level…
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thank you so much for this article, Mark. Now, I believe that I will be a published author soon. I just have to work harder. I will never stop believing. 🙂
Thank you Melanie,
Your mindset is just as important as your craft… so keep nurturing both!
And have a great week!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, I too grew up poor. Still am, if one looks at my budget. But I was blessed to have two parents, one who only made it through the 8th grade, that taught me the love of books. Books were everywhere in our house. My daddy, (the 8th grader), would spend winter nights reading to my sister and me, (and any friends who happened to be there). I have several books completed, still can’t find an agent.
Hi MacKenzie, I was able to fix your typo… so no worries there. 😉
Now, about your agent search…
Don’t give up just yet, as you can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing your pitch materials (query letter, book proposal, manuscript, etc.).
My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
As a next step, check out http://query-letter.com and https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/how-to-write-a-book-proposal/.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day and keep believing…
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Wow! I guess so many of us come from single low income families. Thank you for sharing that it was inspiring. Sometimes it’s nice to hear someone’s struggles after so many rejections. Publishers are asking for diversity but it seems as though they don’t want it from people of color because it’s scrutinized at a level that’s impossible to get to. I know my story is worthy of publishing and one day it will be. I think I will submit again tonight. Thanks for that push!
Hi Paris, you bet… and thank you for taking time to say hello. And let me know if I can help you in any way. Also, if you haven’t already done so, you should click here for access to the valuable resources in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best, and stay positive!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,
This is quite an account. We have similar backgrounds. Thanks for the insight and encouragement.
John McCormack
Hi John, you better believe it… more than most… because I’ve seen your writing… and I know what kind of person you are… I can tell you that you really are the real thing and your future is bright. I’m honored to be part of your journey. Mark
I believe!!!!
Hi Matt, I love it… thx for posting.
Are you trying to get an agent?
If so…
The first thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here for access to the valuable resources in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Nice article. I’ve published 12 books and not all with the same publisher. Producing a proposal to get an agent or publisher is almost as much work as writing a book.
Hi Kathleen, thank you… and it can certainly seem that way. But oh boy does it feel good when you’re done, and (hopefully) getting results. If I can help you with anything, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Don’t let the query and proposal stop you!
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great article, as always. And very pertinent to today’s work. Thanks, Mark.
Hi Kitty, thank you for that… and I can’t WAIT for more good news from you soon. It’s coming, just a matter of when. I’m ready. 😉
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I can relate to your story. I also grew up poor. My first experience with writing successfully actually occurred in 8th grade, when a story I wrote in class was submitted by the teacher to a children’s magazine and they bought it for $50! I showed the magazine and the check to my mother, who’s response was “You can’t make a living as a writer. You’ll have to get a real job.” From that point on, I got zero encouragement from my family or friends . Now, 45+ years later, I am trying again anyway.
Hi Gerry, too bad every young writer can’t have an experience like that (the magazine). It creates so much confidence. Good that you had that to balance the lack of encouragement you got from your family. At least you’re getting back to it now. All my best to you and, of course, let me know if I can help. Mark