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’ve never ever heard of the information you just provided just to get your foot in the door, and it is welcomed. I belong to a virtual book club which has helped me tremendously, but by-passing an agent is no longer and option for me. I really need help or some good advice and I think this is the place to get it.
Thank you.
Thank you Shirley, and welcome… sorry I’m slow getting back to you. Right after you posted your comment, I had some website issues that caused me some problems. But now I’m back!
The first 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/. 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.
And have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your detailed response. I am pleased with the hope you provided. I appreciate the advice to hide the negatives, for now. However, considering the stage I am in, I desire to know the truth and plan, based on what prevails.
I suppose you could just scan through the script and provide your opinion, before engaging me for professional coaching? Your brief highlight would provide guidelines on things I need to work on before you services, I suppose?
Keep well
Andrew
Hi Andrew, sorry I’m slow getting back to you. I took some time away for the holidays and I had two clients get agents in the last couple weeks… so it’s been busy here.
I’m not sure what you’re asking here. I’m able to answer general questions online here (no cost), but I can’t give feedback on things like pitch materials, samples pages, websites/blogs, etc. unless someone signs up for a introductory coaching call with me (more information about that below). Otherwise I’d have everyone asking for that and no time for my coaching clients. But I don’t do more with people (after a coaching call) unless I believe I can help them get the attention of agents, etc. based on the quality of their story and their writing.
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 Happy New Year!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hello Mark,
I am learning from your web site. Has it helped? In my minds eye, yes. From agent responses, no! I work with an author; genre is speculative, fantasy or dark with historical tossed in. So far we have self-published 3 books of a 12 series and want an agent. Books 1 and 3 are 46k plus words. 2 is less. You say omit the length and the self-published words. OK. We are good at self promotion with some web created. Should I omit them as well? I feel I am firing for effect with no affect!
Hi Ron, I can help with general or basic questions here (and sometimes advanced ones) but I’d need to know a lot more about your situation, and be able to ask you questions, to advise you on this. There are many variables. I highly recommend you register for an introductory coaching call with me here if you’re able: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a wonderful week and hang in there.
Persistence is half the battle,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thank you, Mark, for all this information. It’s very helpful for those of us with little or no experience in the book publishing world.
For a contemporary romance novel with some humor (but not enough to call it a rom-com), are approximately 400 pages and 106,000 words too many? Thanks!
Hi Dana,
Thank you for the kind words, happy to help.
Your word count isn’t too bad…
And it’s possible to get a literary agent, traditional publisher, and book deal for a book that’s above the normal word count for a genre… but it can also 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/.
If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Plus…
Don’t miss out on my upcoming Q&A CALLL that I’ll be doing live with authors on Saturday, Nov. 21st. You can listen online and/or ask questions. See how you can participate here at http://thebestsellingauthor.com/radio-show/. Would love to see you there if you can make it.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, click here now for access to all the valuable resources in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address, 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.
I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work… and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Good article above. Answered my question. Best Regards from Martin Bueno aka ‘ the Rainbow Alchemist’
Hi Martin, just saw your comment here after answering your question… but check out my response anyway… some other things there that you might find helpful. Mark
I thought my completed novel(or novella, as I usually call it) was fairly long at a little over 60,000 words, but I see I need to make it longer. More conversations among characters and less summarizing could do that. I’ve learned a lot about the query letter too. I’ll keep my age (old as dirt) out of it and probably my publishing history, which is zero. Thanks for the help I’ve gotten just from your website. It’s more than I’ve gotten anywhere else.
Hi Patrick, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Thank you for the kind words and, oh, have I told you lately that I appreciate your sense of humor. I like the old as dirt line, but, like you said, leave it out of the query! If I can help you with anything else let me know and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I’m a first time author who literally knows nothing about marketing, what’s the best way that you can suggest for me to find someone to help?
Hi Shaun, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. If it’s not too late, I’m happy to help if I can. But… are you talking about promoting a self-published book… or trying to secure a literary agent… with the goal of getting a traditional publisher and book deal?
Let me know…
If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I found this advice to be very helpful, thank you. I have not self published and ‘m working on my first novel.
My novel could be considered “coming of age”, though it is based on a true story. I suppose you could call it semi-autobiographical as well. My question is, among your list of agents, how do I know which ones to query, as my novel doesn’t seem to fit into any one genre? Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Tyler Smith
Hi Tyler, there are two issues when it comes to genre. First, you have to decide what to call it when pitching agents. Sometimes (often) it’s better to go with a broader term like Fiction or Commercial Fiction instead of something more narrow like Coming of Age. If a book doesn’t fit perfectly into that mold, it can hurt you if you call it the wrong thing. Plus it limits the number of agents you can pitch and agents often have slightly different definitions of genres. As a next step, if you haven’t already done so, become a member of my online community now here (it’s fr*ee): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Then make sure you also listen to the FIRST audio training recording in my online audio library (once you’re in the members only area, look for the link the says “Audio Training Library”). You can also post more questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/how-to-be-a-bestselling-author/ask/. And, if/when you’re able, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Have a great day, and if you’re on Twitter, join me here: https://twitter.com/Literary_Agents. I set up an account several years ago but now I’m starting to use it. Mark ????
Thanks for the article. What’s the word count for a memoir? I remember you mentioned that my memoir shouldn’t be more than 800 pages A4 size. I’m still editing it down and it’s a big headache cos I have to cut out so many details.
Hi Saw Lian, it’s the same as fiction… the closer you are to the range I mentioned in the article, the better. Of course it can be shorter or longer… but the more it is… the more likely you are to lose some agents and publishers. Mark
Hello Mark,
Hey, I was wondering what might be an adequate / average word count for a nonfict,true-crime. A peak into a sort of techie/ non-violent exotic crime world that has never ever, not even once, been publicly revealed. But which has taken place incrementally over a period of aprox 35 plus years ???
Please, a soon to be client! Thank you
Hi Ralph, I’d put you in the same range as fiction. 80-95,000 words and you can’t go wrong. Someone might want it a bit shorter or longer, but you have to pick something… and this is a safe bet. Sorry for taking so long to reply… have been fighting a cold. Looking forward to talking with you, and have a great weekend. Mark
I’d never thought about the age factor, but it makes sense.
I do have a question about previously published work. I’ve done both traditional and self-publishing (YA all traditional and MG all self). Is it really a good idea to rename and submit those to agents for consideration?
Hi Lee, every case is different. That’s why I tell people to get help and talk to someone like me about it. The good news it that that’s exactly what you’ll be doing soon… so we’ll figure it out together. All I could really do in this article was help people see that there are pros and cons to both sides and it’s a potential land mind if you don’t know what you’re doing. But you’ll be fine. 😉 Mark
I think it’s probably your ballpark of 80K to 95K, but what do you say for word count of a first time novelist with a literary novel?
Yep. 😉 Mark
What’s a good word count for a fantasy work by an unpublished author?
Hi Dianne, all adult fiction by a previously unpublished author should fall within the range I described in the article if you want to have no issues with any agents or publishers. Of course, being a bit shorter or longer isn’t going to kill your chances. But the shorter or longer it is, the more you’ll start to lose people. The only common exception to the rule is fantasy which can often be longer. How much longer? That will depend on each individual agent and publisher. Mark
Hello, Mark..
Thank you for your advice for it is appreciated! However, what should the word count be for my book? It is about the five greyhounds. It is coming along well. I’m glad your office furniture came! Please tell Ingrid her office looks great!!
All the best,
Esther
Hi Esther, thank you for that and I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday weekend. To answer your question, your book should fall within the range described in the article… if possible. Of course, being a bit shorter or longer isn’t going to kill your chances. But the shorter or longer it is, the more you’ll start to lose people. So get as close to the target as you can, and then we’ll deal with it when you’re done. Mark
My story is probably considered young adult but it’s centred around two male characters in a relationship. Any good suggestions for word count?
Hi Kayla, here’s a guide to book genres for younger readers on one of my other websites: http://book-genres.com/book-genre-finder/book-genres-for-kids/. It will answer your question about YA word count, but it will also help you figure out if your book is really YA or not. Mark
Well Mark, After reading what not to put in a query letter I will have to change mine before sending it off to more agents.
Many thanks for your advice whic as always is muc appreciated.
Best regards
Colin Guest
Hi Colin, happy to help. And I hope you have a great holiday weekend. Mark
I enjoyed reading and learning…The information was very informative and helpful.
Thanks!
Hi Shirelon, thank you for that and have a wonderful holiday weekend. Mark
Hi Mark,
I have two questions for you, first: my genre is spy/adult fiction what should my word count be? Second: I have followed you for awhile now I won’t say exactly how long. But I have never heard of you helping or profiling any African American writers (WHY). If I could have read about one at least I think I would have booked your services.
So if you would answer this comment I would be most grateful.
Phillip Hand
Hi Phillip, all adult fiction by a previously unpublished author should fall within the range I described in the article if you want to have no issues with any agents or publishers. Of course, being a bit shorter or longer isn’t going to kill your chances. But the shorter or longer it is, the more you’ll start to lose people. The only common exception to the rule is fantasy which can be longer. Regarding African American writers, I’m not sure what you mean. If you check out my author success stories / testimonials page you’ll see people of every background you can imagine, from all over the world: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/coaching-testimonials/. If you’re talking about why I haven’t yet interviewed an African American on my radio show yet, that’s because I haven’t done the show very long. I know that a lot of people have issues like that, I’m not one of them. Mark
Great article Mark! I guess another thing not to mention would be if you have poor health. An agent might think that if you’re sick you won’t be able to keep up with the necessary edits, rewrites, marketing and so forth. Better to say all is good and then when they fall in love with the story hit them with the truth. In my case I have some health issues right now that an outpatient procedure will resolve this month but I”d be reluctant to let an agent know, just in case. 🙂
Hi Connie, absolutely. I could probably come up with a list of 100 things to say (or not say) in a query letter. That’s definitely one of them. Not relevant. Have a wonderful holiday weekend and get well soon, okay? Mark
Thanks Mark! As for a list of 100 things to say or not to say… hmm. Sounds like another great article to me! Hint, hint! 😉
Yep. 😉 Mark
I love this article! One thing I learned very quickly not to mention is how many kids I have – and their ages. I have a bit of a crew and it can look like I won’t have any time to write or help market my books, (which is totally not true).
Hi Jen, happy to hear it… and thanks for being first to kick off the comment chain. And you’re write about kids as another possible land mine. If an author is writing books for younger readers, it can be a plus to mention them. Or if you write creepy serial killer stuff and you want agents to know you’re “normal.” Every case is different but, in general, best not to mention the kids, spouse, pets, etc. Not usually relevant and when something’s not relevant and adding value, it can be taking away from the presentation. Have a great holiday weekend. Mark