Special Interview
Listen/Download MP3 Below
This week’s feature “article” isn’t an article. It’s an audio interview. That’s because I recently had the opportunity to appear as a guest on a radio show here in Denver, CO… with Greg Giesen. He’s previously interviewed bestselling authors like spiritual guru John Assaraf and relationship guru Barbara DeAngelis.
In other words, Greg is an excellent radio show host and asked great questions. It also helped that he’s an author, so he knows more than most of the people I talk to when I do these things. So it’s a quality interview that I think you’ll get a lot out of.
So, scroll below to listen now and/or download the mp3.
And make sure you check out the other
special links below the recording!
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Book Marketing Coach and Former Literary Agent
Mark Malatesta Interviewed by Greg Giesen (60 minutes)
Press the play button below now to listen or click here to download the file (left-click or right-click the link, then select “Save Link As”).
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CREATING AUTHENTICITY: Meaningful Questions for Meaningful Moments
A powerful book of 200 thought-provoking questions that will take you on a powerful journey through your own life. This valuable resource will help you gain greater appreciation for who you are, where you have been, and where you are headed. In addition to creating insightful self-reflection, Creating Authenticity can be used to stimulate more authentic and meaningful conversations with the people who matter to you the most.
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MONDAYS AT 3: A Story for Managers Learning to Lead
Winner of the Best Business Fable Award, Mondays At 3 is a heart-warming novel about the trials and tribulations of a struggling manager, Justin O’Brien, and the incredible transformation he goes through after meeting advice columnist, Dr. Mac. Their correspondence turns into a friendship that reveals to Justin the secrets of leadership that completely turn his life around. Available in paperback Audio Book (featuring the voice of actor, Paul Rohrer), Kindle, and iBooks.
Happy Friday!
– 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 
In trying to sell a novel, how do you assess the market for your novel in your genre? Go to Amazon and look up best-selling novels on their site? Then list and compare those novels to what you have? Thanks.
Hi Warren, that’s a great start. You’ll also find it incredibly useful to pick the brains of people who know more about your genre(s) than you do. Other readers, bookshop staff, librarians, etc. It’s also a great dress rehearsal that will reveal how well you’re communicating what your book is about. Mark
Thanks for the interview, Mark. I think it’s great that you have found such a perfect niche to help others, doing what you love the most, and helping others to do the same. I’m working hard to re-structure my first chapters and will know in a few days if it’s working. Looking forward to talking soon(ish). . .
Hi Ellen, you’re very welcome… wasn’t sure if anyone would care about this one because I know there is quite a bit of overlap from my main mp3… but the host was good and he did bring up some different perspectives that I though were interesting. Glad to hear that you’re still getting it all done. I trust you and I know it’s going to be good, so just keep doing what you’re doing. You are getting there. And thanks again for stopping by my blog and saying hello. 😉 Mark
Well I seem to be quickly approaching Plan B…sigh.
My next step is to contact other YA authors who write in vse and ask how they developed an edge to get agent/ editor attention.
I think my letter is fine, but my submission package might be the problem. My story appears in verse on the page, but should I present it as a double spaced? I intend to inquire several authors who have had success in this form and ask how their MSS looks during submission.
No Plan B for you. Formatting isn’t the problem, trust me. It’s not like there is a template for what you’re doing. They key is going to be simply getting out more queries. Your pitch and your project are golden. You just need to get them in front of the right person. Remember, this is what I do. 😉 Mark
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Sigh. I need to get one of the Big Bang Theory nerds to clone me without a conscience so the multiple multiple (94!) rejections don’t bother me.
Have you resubmitted yet to other agents at the same agencies??? Mark
misquote”I have clients who want to use my name as a referral. great so they go my name and that gets them to the next line, but they still have a project to sell…”
when you walk on stage nobody can sing for you–the song must sing itself. is all.
clear that if I wanted to bring out book, I am competent to do it; but I’ve opted for serial life which is easier to package. Have project. September public + 2yrs development for end product if all goes right. hmm…food for thought. good photog
Thanks pogo, at some point in the near future I’ll be doing a live q/a session on ustream or something like that… have wanted to do so for quite some time. Want more live interaction with people. Always a good time. And it’s always good hearing from you. Mark
Hi Mark, This was a fabulous interview that covered some crucial areas for those of us on tract for writing a dynamic query letter and sending it off to the right agent. You did an excellent job answering questions and giving your perspective on some of the things involved in actually being an agent. This is timely information I’ll be putting to use since I just started drafting a possible query. Thank you for all you do to help fledgling writers.
Hi Rhymster, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for posting. I wanted to share this one because it was unusual in the fact that the host was more educated and passionate about publishing than most people. Looking forward to speaking with you more, and I’m glad to hear that you’re getting started with your query. I’m sure it’s going to be great. Mark
Loved the interview. It was great to hear you speak again. I am always impressed with your ability to reveal the complexities of publishing in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Thank you.
Hi Carol, always good to hear from you… especially since the last time was you sending me a very kind birthday wish. Thank you for always being so kind and supportive. And have a wonderful weekend. Mark