This article will help you do a better job promoting your book(s) to literary agents (as well as to publishers, the media, and the general reading public).
Here’s the secret…
What you say always matters, but when you say it also matters. In other words, if you say the right thing at the wrong time, you might get the opposite result of what you’re hoping for.
Let me give you an example
from the dating world
to help you get it.
Imagine you’re single—not romantically involved with anyone—but you want to be, and you just spotted the most beautiful person on the planet (according to you) in your favorite bookstore.
Hubba hubba.
You know instantly that you’re going to miss your opportunity for true love (this could be your soul mate, after all) if you don’t do something quickly, so you decide to make a move.
But…
What should
you say?
Should you introduce yourself and then immediately share all your baggage and bad habits? Like the fact that you’ve been divorced seven times, have a crooked toe, and snore like a wounded warthog?
I don’t think so.
Instead, you’d shift the focus away from yourself. You’d say something nice about the other person. And when you did start talking about yourself, you’d put your best foot forward (not the one with the crooked toe).
Admit it…
You’d save your baggage and bad habits for another day, a time in the distant future when (hopefully) your dream lover would already be vested in you. In other words, he or she would have already gotten to know you, like you, and be thinking about your future together.
In my book…
Holding some things back like that
until the “right time” isn’t being
dishonest or deceptive.
It’s being
smart.
I suggest you do
the same thing
with agents.
That’s right, there are
certain things you
shouldn’t share
with agents,
up front.
I’ll tell you
what those are
in just a moment.
But first, let’s talk
about the fact
that…
This kind of talk might
be making you a bit
uncomfortable.
You don’t want
to play games.
You just want
to be you.
Me, too.
But that
doesn’t work.
Like it
or not…
We need to
play the game.
Think
about it…
What would your dream agent think if you were to disclose TMITS (Too Much Information, Too Soon) in your query letter? Forget about you getting to second base. You wouldn’t even get out of the batter’s box.
Strike out.
So…
To spare you that embarrassment, here are three things you might want to keep to yourself, at least initially, until you’ve gotten an agent seriously interested in your work (offering to represent you).
* * *
Self-Publishing History
Okay, read this
carefully.
I’m not saying that every author who’s self-published a book (including the one they’re pitching) should hide (temporarily) the fact that they’ve self-published. But I am saying they should consider it.
That’s because many/most agents will reject your work outright if you tell them in your query that you self-published (and you don’t simultaneously tell them you’ve sold 10-20,000 copies).
Why?
Literary agents want to tell themselves (and publishers) that you have the ability to sell heaps of books. If you’ve already self-published and only sold a few hundred copies, you suddenly start looking (a lot) less attractive.
But, if literary agents find out you’ve self-published after they’ve read your manuscript (or some of it) and they’ve already fallen in love with your book, you probably won’t have an issue. Instead, agents will say things like, “We can work around the self-publishing thing.”
I know this for a fact because I’ve helped more than a dozen coaching clients in this situation. The most recent one was last week. I helped her get multiple agents (during a 30-day period) requesting her sample chapters and full manuscript for a novel she’d previously self-published.
Total copies sold?
About 80.
The publishing
kiss of death.
But…
We omitted that “little detail” from her query letter and we were able to fill her dance card. I told her not to bring up her “dirty little secret” until after her first offer for representation came in. When the offer came in, we used it to get other interested agents finishing the manuscript over the weekend.
The following Monday my client discovered
(surprise) that we’d gotten multiple agents
interested in representing her.
And they were all still interested
when they found out she’d
already self-published.
Except one (but we didn’t
love that agent anyway)!
Again, the process of finding
your dream agent is
a lot like dating.
Hook up with the first person
that comes along and
you might do okay.
But…
Wouldn’t you
rather have options?
* * *
What About Google?!!!
Don’t worry…
If you’re wondering how to temporarily hide the fact that you’ve self-published when a Google search for your name or book title results in lots of hits… I’m going to tell you how to do that, too.
In some cases, I advise my coaching clients to temporarily change the title of their book or use a pseudonym until things start getting hot and heavy with agents. Then I tell them when, and exactly how, to let the self-publishing cat out of the bag so they don’t get clawed in the process.
So, don’t be discouraged
if you’ve already
self-published.
You’re not
doomed.
But…
WARNING!!!
I don’t suggest you try
to do this alone.
Seriously.
It’s like one of those high-speed car commercials where the driver is doing crazy stuff and the fine print on the TV says “Professional driver on closed course, do not attempt.”
This, is that.
So…
I’m not liable for anything you do
(or don’t do) based on the
content in this post.
This article is meant to be
educational more than
it’s meant to be
actionable.
Why???
Although I can share the general strategy of temporarily holding some things back with you in an article, I can’t tell you everything you need to say (and not say) based on your unique situation… without knowing more… about your unique situation.
Now, if you want to talk to me about your unique situation and find out what you should say (or not say) to agents, I can do that. Click here to Schedule An Introductory Coaching Call.
Oh, almost forgot…
Here are a couple more things
you might not want to talk
about in your query.
* * *
Word Count
If your word count is excessively low (or high)
for your genre, it might be best to
temporarily withhold that
information as well.
What’s the best
word count?
That depends,
also.
But I can tell you that the ideal
word count for a novel by a
previously unpublished
adult fiction author is
80-95,000 words.
Again, it’s not the end of the world if your book doesn’t fall within the sweet spot for your category. But it might be better to get agents hooked on your story before they figure it out. Then they’ll be more likely to take you on anyway. And, at that point, if they think your book should be shorter or longer, there’s a much better chance they’ll give you ideas about how to go about it. That way you’re not left guessing, and might have agency representation while you do it.
Now, if you want to know how long your book should be, that’s something I probably can answer… without a phone call. Ask me about your genre below in the comment section and I’ll do my best to tell you what your word count should be.
One last thing you probably shouldn’t
mention in your query is your…
* * *
Age
Maybe you’re retired or
“older than dirt” as
you like to say.
Or, maybe you’re
younger than
yesterday.
Don’t mention it
in your query.
97% of the time
your age isn’t
relevant.
So…
Don’t make it
an issue.
If you emphasize the fact that you’re very old, some agents will think it means you’re out of touch… or… over the hill on the literary landscape.
And, if you emphasize the fact that you’re very young, some agents will think you can’t possibly know what you’re doing yet. Even though most agents are admittedly looking for the next young prodigy.
Go figure.
* * *
Say What???
Here’s the
bottom line.
You need to be two things
if you’re going to be successful
(and happy) as an author.
First, you need to be genuine, character-centered, and a hard worker. You need to have talent. And you need to have a burning desire to reach your goals.
But…
You also need to
understand marketing.
Or, you need to team up
with someone like me
who can help you
understand it.
Do that and you’ll double
your chances of reaching
your goals and living
your big life.
Remember…
Getting published isn’t luck,
it’s a decision.
– Mark
* * *
* * *
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 had my first book, Broken to Beautiful, published in 2010 by a fairly new publishing company. It’s a novel based on a true story. I didn’t have an agent or publicist to help promote my book and although it’s been available with most online book sellers it hasn’t done super well. I’m now looking to find someone to represent me, to help promote the first and the second manuscript I’m currently working on, based on the same true story, following through with the same storyline.
Hi Sheila,
It’s never too late for a previously published author to get a literary agent, traditional publisher, and book deal… but it can be tricky. Read this article which talks about that, and a few other things you might find interesting and helpful: https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
And…
If you haven’t already done so, you should click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://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: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also register for an introductory coaching call with me here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have learnt a lot with just few words and a nice presentation. Your are a smart man, Mark. Thanks.
Thank you Hyacine,
You just made my day.
If you want help with anything else, you can post more questions for me here: https://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: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
All my best, and have a wonderful weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have published one book 365 Days of Creation which has completely sold out, do I mention this in my query letter for an agent?
Hi David, it depends… case by case… read this article which talks about that… and a few other things you might find interesting and helpful: https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
And…
If you haven’t already done so, you should click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://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: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also register for an introductory coaching call with me here: https://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
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,
I wish you had already started your consulting business when I first began looking for a publisher and trying to understand how this business works today. I just started listening to your audios today, my schedule the last few days hasn’t allowed me much time to sit, listen and concentrate on the information but, what I have heard and read at this early stage would have been invaluable to me some time ago.
Thank you Dick!
You just made my day…
Do follow up with me when you’re ready if I can help. As you know, you can post questions for me online here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if/when appropriate, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,This is another great and informative article on publishing.Thank you very much.Just by communicating with you over the past two years, you seem to be a very nice person who is very dedicated to his job,helping people make the right decision when it comes to publishing.Respectively, James L. Thompson
🙂
Thank you James, your kindness is much appreciated.
Enjoy your day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark, I’ve not mentioned to the agency I was originally soliciting any of the things you said not to mention (age, word count or self-publishing; the last of which I haven’t done with any novels, anyway). Still, they never got back to me. Do you suppose it was just wrong saying I needed help in what to do next…was I too vague?
Hi Ross, I don’t understand what you mean by, “Do you suppose it was just wrong saying I needed help in what to do next…was I too vague?”
Let me know and I’ll try to help,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I agree with your article, but not sure I fit into any author profile, I am looking for an agent that will help me get more exposure for my children’s books already published I will continue with your articles.
Hi Jeanette, I’ve helped a lot of authors in that situation… so let me know if I can help. And, if you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access 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/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Have a good day,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
39,000 words for a debut YA fantasy. Will that be a turnoff for agents?
Hello E,
40-80,000 for YA normally… and Fantasy is often on the longer side.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access 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/. 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.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Excellent advice, Mark. Thank you for this valuable information. My particular novel will definitely exceed 80-95,000 words, but I’m altering it to make it shorter, more exciting, better, thanks to you. I’m trying my best to get this novel below 190,000 words (down from nearly 400k words), and I’m finding it fairly easy to do. I’ve rewritten my synopsis and shortened that to about 1.5 pages, down from nearly 4, as well. I won’t mention my age or word count in my query letter. Thanks again!
Much improved Chris, and thank you!
Have a great week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Good information. Thank you Mark!
🙂
Thank you Janine and…
Have a great Friday and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Good;I have self published with books having 35K words to 50K words.It doesn’t seem that I can do more,without filler(just what it says,relevant but barely). What do you think?
Buy the book “Story” by Robert McKee and it will help you see how to develop the book in a more meaningful way…
Have a good night, and week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Excellent advice. It gives me more insight into the world of publishing!
Thank you Del, and see you again soon!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks Mark,
Great article and a lot to think about.
Thank you Will, and have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Okay, I’ve read the article, ‘It’s not what you say,’ and I need to know how many words I need for my first in a series fast-paced multi-cultural commercial fiction – OR – it could be the first in a series fast-paced multi-cultural espionage with a love story. It might even fall under pulp fiction or even noir. What say you?
Hi Cindy, anywhere between 80-110,000 isn’t going to be a problem for most novels.
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I’m wondering how many words for women’s fiction. thank you
Hi Lynne, anything between 80-100,000 for a first time author should cause no issues with most agents and publishers. More or less can start to be an issue.
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. And my apologies for the slow response time. For some reason your comment went to my spam folder and I didn’t see it.
Have a good night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks a bunch for this, very informative!! 😀 As for the first thing “to be successful(and happy) as an author” I have no worries because you basically described me to a tee 😉 As for the second thing…I’m getting there. And it’s mainly you who is aiding me in understanding the business. And before you start advertising your coaching call let me just say I’m not able to schedule it anytime soon but I do plan on it and no worries I know how to find it lol 😀 And yes I am a member 😉 Thanks!! 😀
You’re welcome Summer! And my apologies for the slow response time. For some reason your comment went to my spam folder and I didn’t see it. 🙂
Have a good night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com