Are you fast?
I don’t mean quick-witted.
I don’t mean easy to get into bed, either
(I’m happily married, thank you very much).
No…
I want to know if you can do certain things quickly,
because your success (in publishing and in life)
depends on it.
Don’t get me wrong…
It’s good to go slow sometimes.
For example, I wouldn’t want you to rush if you were operating
on my heart or giving me a prostate exam. And I’d definitely
want you to take your time if you were cleaning my home.
But sometimes,
it’s good to go fast.
Why???
Most of us give ourselves WAY too much time to reach our goals…
especially goals like finishing or marketing our books
(you know, goals that we don’t necessarily
perceive as life or death).
Why am I writing about
this particular topic today?
Well, there are less than 30 days between now and the end of the year. And I want you to jump-start some of your goals—publishing and personal—instead of thinking you should just relax and drink eggnog between now and January 1st.
Yes, I’ll be getting things done too.
Here’s how it usually works for me,
maybe you can relate???
It typically starts
around Thanksgiving.
The extra time off gets me thinking about things that I don’t normally have time to think about… and feel things that I don’t usually have time to feel. This year it was the writer in me, clamoring for attention. Not the writer in me that pens this column every week (he’s getting his needs met). It was the poet in me (I’ve been ignoring him for a while).
So, right around Thanksgiving I whipped out a notebook and started writing poems and quotes… about writing. That made me want to post them somewhere (isn’t there a famous quote by someone about not really being a writer unless you have an audience?).
Anyway, writing those poems and quotes inspired me to start using the social media accounts I set up more than a year ago as well. You know: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc. I decided to create a social media campaign with more than 500 social media messages (including my writing quotes). I committed to start putting them online before the end of the year. And, yes, I’m going to start interacting with people on social media too, not just posting stuff.
Yes, I know that social media is going to be a big time-suck,
but it’s also going to be a lot of FUN.
I decided to do all of the above
in approximately 30 days.
Before the end
of the year.
Bam!!!
Then reality set in.
My wife, Ingrid, wanted to discuss the new monthly tele-seminars we’ll be hosting soon. My sister called from Florida to talk about her boyfriend. And I was drowning in emails, query letters, and book proposals from my coaching clients that needed my attention.
Aaaaaagh…..
But then I found my happy place, by remembering
some of the other things I’ve accomplished
in my life (in 30 days or less).
For example:
- I became a literary agent and sold my first book to a publisher—in 30 days or less.
- I met Ingrid and proposed to her—in 30 days or less (hey, don’t knock it… she said yes and we’ve been together now for more than 12 years).
- I also helped one of my author coaching clients revise his query letter and get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal—in 30 days or less (okay, this was a bit of a miracle and it will probably never happen again… but you never know).
- And, just a few months ago, I started going back to the gym after 20 years of eating Quarter Pounders with Cheese. I lost about 20 pounds and got back into fighting shape—in 30 days or less.
So, now I want to know…
What can YOU do in the next 30 days?
What do you WANT to do in the next 30 days?
Procrastination and perfectionism don’t have to
kill your publishing career or prevent you
from achieving your personal goals.
All you have to do is…
GO FAST.
Important Disclaimer: I haven’t always been fast. If it wasn’t for Ingrid, I’d be a slowpoke and half the man I am right now. I wouldn’t have the same confidence. I wouldn’t be as successful financially. I wouldn’t be in shape. And I wouldn’t have the same desire to live my full potential.
I know it probably sounds sappy…
But it’s the truth.
I have my own personal muse that believes in me and keeps challenging me (even when I don’t want to be challenged). Hopefully, you have someone like that in your life. If not, I hope I can be that person for you.
At least a little bit…
Especially when it comes to your writing.
So, what’s it going to be?
What goal has this article inspired you to commit (or recommit) to? What exciting new opportunity (or pain-in-the-a*s challenge) have you been putting off… that you’re now ready to embrace?
Tell me below, I really do
want to know…
– Mark
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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 
This is a perfect example of why you should be doing exactly what you’re doing…it’s an uplifting read, interesting and positive, and helpful and hopeful. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to share in the joy of your successes. I always love reading about the writers you’ve helped. And now I’m eagerly looking forward to reading your poetry (you know why) :D) .–Your light shines through this posting (as well as the others) and you are an encouragement-angel for us all. Blessings, Janet
Hi Rhymster, can’t wait to show you what I’ve been up to with my plans for social media… almost there. In the meantime, your comment made me day. Uplifting and good to know that what I’m doing is valuable. It will be a while before anyone sees my poetry but that day will definitely come… since it’s the reason I got into publishing in the first place. Thank you for being you, and have a great weekend. Mark
Okay, so I just joined Facebook, now I have to get into using it to its full potential. I love meeting people in person, not so much on the internet, but my new goal is to overcome my prejudices! My father has always been interested in everything electronic, and he made a point of taking apart every old computer, cell phone, whatever, to see what made it tick. Result? At 85, he’s more tech savvy than I’ll ever be. Good for him! I resolve to be more like that!! Thanks for a great article!
Hi Lynn, I love it! Yahoo. Okay, you’ll see me spending time there soon. Still getting all my ducks in a row but I’ll be launching some cool things soon, will be worth the wait. Here’s to being technical… at least a little bit. And being successful. Have a great weekend and see you again soon. Mark
Great article – really like the way you use humour to push important messages.
Be interested to hear if you really get 500 social media messages done in the timeframe . . .
Perhaps we should all try it . . .
Hi Stella, if I didn’t have humor I’d have to shoot myself writing articles. Or fall asleep. I just couldn’t do it. Humor helps me make boring stuff interesting. 😉 And let’s face it, a lot of stuff about how to get published isn’t exactly fun. And, I’ll have you know, I am definitely on track to meet my goals for social media. More to come soon. Have a great weekend and see you soon. Mark
Fabulous photo, and nudge! I think I’m too FAST, and thus vowed to SLOW DOWN within the next 30 days. But then I love being fast, and so I’ll take on your challenge and get the areas of my life into great “Balance” by January 6th! I suppose, that means I must embrace that thing called, gasp, “exercise” as part of that harmony. Raising stemware to mouth however, counts as a bicep curl, right? (I mean, I have a big glass). Thrilled to share I’m now receiving these letters! Wonderful stuff! Cheers!
Hi Leah, Mark here… responding to LAST WEEK’S comments. LOL. Busy week this has been. Glad you like the photo. Sure beats the one I sent out this week. Ha ha. Here’s to us going fast. And yes, girl, you have to start exercising. Get your heart and muscles healthy, not just your diet. But diet is 80% of health, so you’re already doing great. Anyway, here’s to curls of all kinds. And glad to know you’re now getting our emails. What was the deal??? Mark
What’s that, one cannot be a gluttonous and boozing stuffed piglet and just sit upon their tush, 24/7, and get “bathing suit ready?” Smiles. Sorry, I couldn’t resist! But yes, you’re right, and I am starting some exercise this Monday in fact! My first routine shall be many reps or wrestles with an octopus – sort of like a resistance band or stretch if you will – and then, perhaps, I’ll give some yoga a try after that. I will! Indeed it’s great that your letters are coming through again. Cheers!
Have I told you lately that you make me laugh at least once a week, and that’s good for health as well? Of course you know that. Anyway, your latest comment made me realize I need to tell you about this book: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-More-Mat-Stronger-through/dp/0984875506. You will LOVE her sense of humor and she’ll get your butt in gear. It’s saying a lot that I read a yoga book, even though I don’t do yoga and her book is for a women. Mark 😉
I actually feel the shove you just gave, the great procrastinator that I am. I’ve been putting off setting up my blog for almost five months so maybe I’ll try to get that done in thirty days. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration. By the way, I read in a health report that processed foods like burgers, sausages etc, contain sodium nitrate that when accumulated over the long-term contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease. It accumulates in the brain. Go easy on them.
Hi SawLian, I’m happy to give a friendly push when needed. Ha ha ha. Get going on your blog. Taking action like that continues to build one’s self-confidence and momentum. That’s what Ingrid keeps telling me, and I keep seeing that it’s true. Here’s to our success together and going fast! Oh, and I’m not eating ANY processed foods!!! 😉 Mark
Hi Mark,
I loved reading your article. You’re very inspiring! It can become very discouraging when things don’t work out as quickly as you’d like, but you certainly are encouraging. I think it’s time for me to reset my goals and change my expectations.
Thanks for the advice!
Hi Vicky, glad you liked it. Even more so because you told me it helped you reevaluate your goals for the rest of the year. Keep going and keep me posted on your progress! Mark
Mark I am recommitting myself (as promised) to the soul-killing task of querying 40 agencies. I’ve got two weeks this month. And I recently got two requests for my MS!
In the meantime since Thanksgiving, I wrote and edited a new short story I’d ballyhooed on kenmcgorry.com. — “Killing Santa”!
There was NO appropriate clip art so I actually drew the requisite image myself! Why? It’s a little controversial-sounding and meant to attract peeps who like parody (and maybe the other kind of people)!
Hi Ken, I’m glad you’re doing it… because it’s obviously paying off! I’ve been busting things out, too… which is why it sometimes takes me a little while to respond to comments. Sorry about that. And talk soon! Mark 😉
Hi Mark. Always fun to read your thoughts. 30 days, right. I have been trying to get an agent for my newest book for 3 months. I’m a little discouraged. Eventually I will become one of your clients, soon I hope. But today I started another non-fiction book which has been running through my brain, wanting to be written. I am committed to finishing this book in 30 days. Someone told me, 2 books are better than one, so with that in mind, full steam ahead. 29 days and counting. Wish me luck.
Eliza
Hi Elizabeth, glad to hear you’re enjoying my posts. Although I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been discouraged lately. Two books are always better than one, so dive into that new project. But do let me know if I can help you follow through with the first one. You might just need to tweak your pitch. Either way, stay positive and keep me posted. Mark 😉
Excellent Mark! I hear you speaking for many people… but… as you know, my first name is “impatience” and I am the zoomer that won’t put things down until finished to the last detail.
With that said, my goal in the next 30 days is to learn to be quiet and pace myself, not grinding into the ground where my adrenal glands tend to reside – but with the help of frequent B-12 shots, I am able to reignite “Impatience” and burn out again… My 30 day goad is to become “pause”!
Hi Mardell, my email is going out soon promoting your book. 😉 Here’s to you getting some very good news in the next 30 days. You actually get to take some time off the next few weeks due to your unique situation. Try to enjoy it! Talk soon. Mark
I’m trying to go balls-to-the-wall, but people aren’t getting back to me with offers! 🙁 LOL
Hi Becca, I’m going to miss you today… sorry you won’t be able to make it. But I’ll shoot you an email and catch up with you soon. We have a lot to talk about. 😉 Mark
I love it when guys speak highly of their wives. My husband has been my number one fan as well. I just finished my first non-fiction so in the next 30 days I am going to think about the next stage in this game of publishing. Buy hey, the “horse is in the race”…I am looking forward to our consultation next week. I will place a bet that I will have something to work on in the next 30 days after you direct me to the starting gate. Thanks for being positive in this time of hustle and bustle.
Hi Melinda, it’s easy for me to speak highly of Ingrid. I’m glad your husband does the same. And I can’t wait to see what YOU accomplish in the next 30 days or so. Wink wink. Talk soon. Mark
Well… normally I’m pretty fast at most things… but these days it seems like a turtle on Valium could beat me at any number of tasks. For the sake of my business I really should be moving faster… but for the sake of my sanity I think I’m going to settle into turtle mode for the rest of the holidays and just allow myself to let go…
So in the next 30 days I am confident I can become even slower than ever! I’ll revisit this article in January 😉
Hi Gil, you know… sometimes, taking time out is important too. So I’m not going to discount it. You can get back up to speed in the new year… fully recharged and ready to go fast. Stay sane and stay in touch. Mark
in the next thirty days I “will’ contact 60 more agents! “Thanks” for the motivation Mark.
JR
Hi JR, I hope you get this email since we’ve been having issues. Keep that energy up and your momentum moving forward. You and your book are special. And keep me posted! Mark
My goal for this month: Critique at least 5 writings of other people.
Three of my writing accomplishments will be coming to fruition this month.
In less than 30 days:
A play I wrote will be performed in Indiana
A display I with articles I wrote will be in the local library
Two articles I wrote will be published in a national magazine
And last month, I wrote the first draft of a book for NANOWRIMO!
I feel so blessed this Christmas Season.
Merry Christmas, Mark!
–JEN
Hi Jen, now that’s what I’m talking about. Thanks for sharing. You are going for it and don’t need my pep talks. But I’m glad you’re part of my community anyway! Have a great weekend and see you again soon I hope. Mark
Mark,
I may not “need” them per se, but I do enjoy reading your articles and learning from your experience.
I’m confident that in 30 days or less I have my desk, bookshelves and administration clutter free, reprioritized and reorganized for 2014!
Hi Jonathan, I like it… a good start. A clean workspace makes it much easier to focus on what’s going on inside our heads. Have a great weekend and hope to see you again soon. Mark
What do I think? I think the timing is hilarious, because all of a sudden my business is taking off and I haven’t gotten past #16 on your questionnaire. This is a busy time of year for us cooks, BUT, I am journaling and taking notes for another book I’ve been compiling for a few years. So all is not lost, certainly not time. We just can’t get that back, no matter how much time we spend at the gym! Kudos on the 40 pounds, Mark!
Hi Claudia, too funny. I’m not too worried though. I know I’l get to speak with you soon enough. In the meantime, keep cooking up a storm and know I’m looking forward to my time with you. 😉 Mark
I love the faith that you wife has in you. She sounds like a great woman. Hi Ingrid, thank you for keeping Mark on his toes. I have to agree with you Mark, so times I’m in a slow mode and I need to get on the bus, sort of speak. I have to just to what needs to be done, instead of fearing more rejections. I am letting it affect my writing and that is no good. Thank you for the inspiration. I will keep moving forward. Patiently waiting on your next article. Thanks.
Hi Charmain, I know… I have a good one in Ingrid. There’s a reason I proposed quickly. 😉 Also, I shared your comment with Ingrid… wanted you to know that. Keep moving forward and I hope you enjoy this week’s article, going out soon. Thank you for YOUR encouragement and support. Mark
i have trouble with this. I write in spurts “when I feel like it.” I have often thought about Stephen King who keeps office hours for his writing or James Patterson who says that he writes everyday. I know I need more discipline but there always seems to be something else popping up and when it comes to triage, my projects seem to come in last. This leaves me unproductive and bewildered.
Hi Judy, being aware of it is half the battle. Blocking off some key time each week that can’t be interrupted, no matter what, helps too. I know it can be challenging, but I also know you can do it if you make it a priority. Have a great weekend and know that you’re not alone. 😉 Mark
Ya… What she said. And stay off Pinterest (begrudgingly) and pick up a pencil and get busy. I have a few million dollars that needs to be made!!!! (Wish that part were true, but hey one never knows!)
Hi Tina, very funny. You will see me on Pinterest soon though. I’m creating something special (and fun) in my “spare” time. LOL. Have a great weekend! Mark
I will finish the third draft of my current novel and select readers to give me feedback. and ugh, I will send out more (dreaded ) queries.
Hi Laura, didn’t realize you were so far along on the next book. That’s great! Even better is the fact that you’re going to send out more queries. 😉 Mark