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
Lazy-A*s Authors Don’t Get Literary Agents
You ever have one of those times when you sit down to write and don’t know where to start? Right now is one of those times. For me. You see, for several days I’ve been pondering whether I should write an article celebrating the hardest-working authors I know… or, if I...
Literary Agents Now More Than Ever
By Will Weaver (Guest Post) A writer pal called recently to grumble about his agent-and, formerly, mine. He's a National Book Award winner a few years back, and together we endured a worst-case scenario: a small but well established agency changes leadership, and goes...
How to Be a Famous Author – Literary Agent Undercover
Want to know how to be a famous author? Achieving commercial success as an author has a lot to do with your book, but it also has a lot to do with YOU. That’s because your book is an “extension” of you. In other words, who you are as a person directly impacts the...
Nicholas Sparks Debate – Is He a Hack… or Hot Stuff?
A couple weeks ago I posted an article about Nicholas Sparks, author of 17 bestselling books like The Notebook and Message in a Bottle. Every single book by Sparks has been a bestseller. I don’t know of any other author who can say that, so... love him or hate him, I...
Author You – New Book by Judith Briles
Author You - Are you an author that wants to be seriously successful? Then get your copy of this new book today, during its official book launch. Created around 22 Activities, illustrated and in four-color, Author YOU is comprehensive, clear, candid and easy to read,...
It’s Not Your Book
It's not your book - the one you're writing or you've already written (although you probably think it's your book). You see, one of the main reasons authors write bad books is that their entire premise is wrong. They think their book belongs to them (when it doesn’t)....
Author U Extravaganza Annual Event
Author U Extravaganza - Read this post immediately as it contains a special, time-sensitive offer! Don't miss this popular writers' conference and networking event in Denver, CO happening THIS WEEKEND. This event only happens once a year and it's for authors who want...
Book Writers Forum
Book Writers Forum - Are you an author with questions about writing and/or publishing? If so, you've come to the right place. You can click here to ask a literary agent a question immediately on our website, or scroll below to learn about our next face-to-face...
Author Platform to Get Top Literary Agents – Part 2
This article is part of a 2-part series on author platform. What is an author platform? Why is it so important? And how do you create one? In Author Platform - Part 1 I explained that most authors make the mistake of focusing too much on their book when trying to get...
Author Platform to Get the Best Literary Agents – Part 1
Author platform – what is it, why is it so important, and how you do you create one? Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation and/or incomplete information online (and in books) about this topic. That’s because author platform isn’t just one thing. It’s two. * *...
Writing a Book and Query to Get the Best Literary Agents
Writing a book or query letter is a lot like playing chess. If you don’t know how to play chess (or you stink), don’t worry. This article will show you how to write a book and query letter that get results. And it will show you how to play chess like a Grandmaster...
Getting a Book Published – The #1 Thing You Need to Know
Getting a book published isn't easy for most people (don’t worry… this article isn't going to be depressing). In fact, it's going to be the very opposite. I’m about to give you the #1 thing that you need to get a book published. It’s not talent (although that’s...
Literary Agent Query Response Rates
Literary agent query response rates – what are they and what can you expect? For example, if you send out twenty query letters to literary agencies (well-written, of course), how many positive requests for additional material should you receive? Obviously, if you send...
Publish Your Book Before It’s Too Late – Literary Agents
Publish your book -- before it’s too late. I'm not kidding. You might not realize it (until you read this article), but there's actually a "ticking clock" working against your publishing dreams. Think of it as your book's biological clock... Yes, you only have a...
Literary Agency Contract – Would You Sign This?
Literary agency contract for idiots – that’s how I’m describing the contract below. One of my 1-on-1 coaching clients was recently offered this contract from a supposedly legitimate literary agency. No, she didn’t sign it. That’s because she’s not stupid (and, even if...
Why Writers Write
Why writers write – and why do YOU write? This week at a writers’ workshop in downtown Boulder, CO a former English professor from the University of Colorado asked me why I think writers write. His question sparked an interesting conversation that made me realize… you...
Writing Contest Sponsored by Literary Agent Undercover
Writing Contest Invitation for Writers of All Ages and Genres, Anywhere in the World - No Fee Required - Deadline: Midnight EST January 31st! Literary Agent Blog Special Request Dear Author, I need your help. Don't worry... I don’t need money or a shoulder to cry on....
Stephenie Meyer’s Literary Agent – Directory of Book Agents
Stephenie Meyer's literary agent - who is it and how can you submit your book to Stephenie Meyer's literary agency for consideration? Scroll below to find out who Stephenie Meyer's literary agent is and get free access to the world's most comprehensive Directory of...
Biography
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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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