Literary Agent Blog – By a Former Literary Agency President
This literary agent blog by former NY Times bestselling book agent Mark Malatesta reveals everything you want and need to know about literary agents, and everything you wouldn’t know to ask.
The categories on this literary agent blog are named and organized in a way that makes it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. Scroll below to browse the latest posts on our publishing agent blog, or use the category links in the sidebar on the right!
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Literary Agent Blog – Welcome
This literary agent blog has information about literary agents, literary agencies, writing, getting published, and book marketing. You’ll even find a section on our book agent blog where you can submit your questions to a former book agent.
It’s called Ask a Literary Agent.
Many authors find this part of our literary agent blog as valuable as the articles. They appreciate the thoughtful answers to their questions, posted by former NY Times bestselling book agent–and AAR member–Mark Malatesta. But they also find themselves learning a great deal by reading other authors’ questions (and answers) on our literary agent blog.
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Recent Posts on Our Literary Agent Blog
Fifty Shades of… Green?
This week’s feature article can help you get published, but it might also save your life. How’s that for a bold promise? It might seem like hype, but it’s the truth. I do have to warn you though (as I often do), this article doesn’t contain straightforward advice....
How FAST Are You?
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...
Literary Agent Referrals – Are They Important to Book Agents?
Literary agent referrals - How important are personal connections when it comes to getting a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal? In other words, do you need to know someone influential in publishing… to become someone influential in publishing? This article...
What’s In a Name?
What's in a name - and what's the best way to choose a title for your book? This article reveals how the rules for naming a book OR business are essentially the same. And it shows you how to do both. * * * Orgasm Chocolates Did I get your attention? Of course I did…...
Book or Brand for Literary Agents?
What is a brand - and what's the best way to discover, develop, and build a brand? The meaning of the word "brand" has changed over the years. So has the best way to discover, develop, and build a brand. This article explains. It's part of a 9-part training I recently...
Literary Agents and Edit Ink – The Skeleton In My Closet
Do you have any skeletons in your closet? I have one, sort of. As you might already know, some literary agents have affiliations with editing companies, vanity presses, and god-only-knows-what-else... to scam (deceive and defraud) unsuspecting authors. Today I’m going...
Preemie Publishing – Literary Agents
I’m not a self-help guru or motivational speaker, but I know human nature. And I know writers. So… Today I’m sharing a story that might change your life. It reveals the mystical missing link that might be preventing you from landing a top literary agent, publisher,...
Nondisclosure Agreements or NDAs for Literary Agents
What’s a Nondisclosure Agreement or NDA? Do you need one before you submit your book (or book idea) to a literary agent or publisher? And, how likely is it that they might sign a NDA? This article answers all those questions, and then some. * * * What Is a...
The “Author Activist”
If you're reading this article it's because you already think of yourself as an author (or aspiring author). But you might not think of yourself as an "activist" just yet. That's a problem... Because, if you want to be a successful author, you need to be both. Why?...
Interview with Former Literary Agent Mark Malatesta
Interview with Mark Malatesta, author consultant and the founder of Literary Agent Undercover. Last week I was contacted by Brian Feinblum, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Planned Television Arts (PTA) for an interview. PTA is the nation’s leading book...
Your Wake-Up Call – Tips to Get Literary Agents
Several months ago I developed a new habit that you might want to adopt for yourself. That’s because this one simple strategy could help you get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. It could also help you get your book written in the first place. And it...
Drink Lemonade, Get Published
What does you getting your book published have to do with me going on a 10-day cleanse and fast (no food)? Everything... If you want to get your book published (or if you want to lose weight, detox your body, boost your immune system, etc.) read this article. Just be...
Literary Agents Roundtable – The Hollywood Reporter
Literary Agents Roundtable Interview with The Hollywood Reporter - Thanks to Dale Eldon for turning me on to this 1-hour interview a while back with Jodi Reamer (Writers House), Kim Witherspoon (Inkwell Management), Robert Gottlieb (Trident Media), Sloan Harris (ICM),...
Would (Should) You Say This to A Literary Agent?
This story doesn’t have a particularly happy ending, but you can learn something from it. Actually, you can learn several somethings from it (so read the whole thing). A while back one of my 1-on-1 coaching clients worked with me to improve his query letter. The query...
Literary Agent Menage a Trois – Can You Have Two Book Agents?
I recently spoke with an unpublished author who was unusual because she had two completed books (in two different genres) ready to pitch to agents. Being the creative devil that I am, I proposed that she consider an unusual marketing strategy. I suggested she pitch...
Sensitive Author Syndrome – And the Cure… to Get Literary Agents
By Becca Besser (Guest Post) Are you a sensitive author or artist? - Get over it! Recently, I read this article on Mark Malatesa's blog about how a speaking/training engagement he and his wife presented didn't go as well as planned: Author Armageddon. It really got me...
Literary Agents Interview – Mile Hi Radio
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...
Author Armageddon – “Disaster” in Sedona, AZ
A while back, I gave two presentations at a writers’ retreat in Arizona with my lovely and talented wife (and business partner), Ingrid Elfver. After the first presentation we got oohs and aahs. Glowing remarks. Gushing. “Wonderful and informative” they said. Awesome....
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"Berkley Books recently published my book in hardcover after Mark helped me get multiple agents interested in my work. I was able to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract! Having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]
About Mark Malatesta
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 Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark's authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.About Mark Malatesta
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 Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark's authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.* * *
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