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, and book deal.
I feel like I should warn you though.
This article might not seem (right away) like it’s about publishing, or YOU. But it is. So hang in there, and wait for it. I promise you the payoff is there at the end.
Now the story…
I was born premature
(go ahead, laugh it up).
Yes, I was one of those babies that couldn’t wait to get into this world. So I arrived early and ended up in one of those little incubators. You know, one of those miniature holding cells where they stick preemies (babies that weigh half as much as everyone else in the hospital nursery).
Why was I born that way?
Good question…
Maybe it was random. Maybe it happened so I could write this article 42 years later. Or, maybe it was because my mother is only 4’8”. Does anyone really know the answers to these things?
Regardless, I grew up scrawny.
I’m not looking for sympathy. Really. That’s because, although I had an ectomorph body type (the puniest of the three body types you can have), I genuinely believed that I could look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
If I worked hard enough.
Yes, I’m one of those sometimes-slightly-annoying-you-can-do-anything-you-set-your-mind-to types of people: romantic, idealistic, and a bit delusional (in a good way, I hope).
So…
When I was 16 years old, I set out to create my dream body as part of my dream life. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I started working out anyway. I didn’t have a gym membership, a personal trainer, or a clue.
Just a few used weights at home.
After a few months of giving it everything (and seeing nothing), I got bored. A couple years later, in college, I started working out again. This time with a couple friends who shared what they knew with me. There’s actually a term for that. It’s called bro-science (and it can do you just as much harm as good).
Yes, I got a little bit bigger and stronger, but I was inconsistent and didn’t have the balanced diet necessary to get real results.
That’s not me but you get the idea
So I quit…
That was 20 years ago.
It was all downhill after that.
Two decades of immobility made my small muscles even smaller. And two decades of eating unhealthy food covered my small muscles in fat. I’d like to say that I had love handles, but I was a hardcore slacker.
I had a full-blown spare tire that stretched
all the way around my midriff.
Fat Boy.
Then, one magical day a few months ago, I saw the light. Maybe it was the health issues I was dealing with. Maybe it was my wife (and business partner) Ingrid telling me I needed to buy new (bigger) pants. Or maybe it was just me wanting to feel good about my body again.
Whatever it was, I started thinking (seriously) about working out again. But the second I did, all the excuses started running through my mind. It was like they were on a treadmill. A sweaty stink of streaming consciousness.
You don’t have the genes for this… You’ll kill yourself working out and only see minimal gains… You’re 42 years old, dude, your best years are long gone… You’ve never been to a gym, except those two times you took a tour and then paid for memberships you didn’t use… You don’t know how to work the machines… You’ll look pathetic in front of the hot women and muscle heads… You’re going to pull a muscle… You’ll have to wake up early… You’ll have to neglect your responsibilities… You’ll have to watch less TV… You’ll have to share machines with other people and wait… You’ll have to get naked in front of other people in a locker room… Someone could steal your stuff… You might get a staph infection… You could just write about going to the gym instead.
Oh, God.
What a ninny.
Why am I telling you this?
I can admit my wussiness now because I finally “manned up.” Yep, I’ve been in the gym every day over the last 2-1/2 months and I’m LOVING it. Don’t worry fitness freaks, I’m not overtraining and I take days off for my body to recover.
No, I’m not breaking any weightlifting records. I’m not entering any bodybuilding competitions anytime soon. And I’m not taking my shirt off for anyone, either (you can breathe a sigh of relief now).
But I am feeling better, looking better, and getting stronger/healthier. In fact, I’ve already lost 20 pounds of fat and replaced it with 20 pounds of muscle. Now, the million-dollar question is… what took so long?
I was afraid.
Yes, I was scared.
I thought about what it would be like to spend hundreds of hours in the gym and still not lose weight or build muscle. I also thought about what it would be like to succeed (that was just as intimidating). Who wants to spend an hour or more a day torturing their body and counting calories?
Not me.
Not any normal person.
But now working out is a reward for me.
In fact, I look forward to my time at the gym the same way that I used to look forward to eating a Quarter-Pounder with Cheese at McDonalds.
Seriously.
It’s true.
And…
This morning, when I was on the treadmill at the gym, I realized that I could use my gym story to help YOU see your fears, face them, and overcome them. Not your fears about working out (unless that’s relevant for you). But your fears about writing and/or getting published.
So, here’s my question for you…
What are you afraid of when it comes to your writing and you getting a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal? Don’t try to blow me off here either by saying you’re not afraid of anything.
That would be B.S.
Be honest…
Being afraid is like breathing (even for those who strive to be an enlightened-and-empowered-and-or-body-mind-spirit-and-or-new-age-and-or-personal-development-focused-and-or-religious person).
It’s a fact.
We all do subtle (and not so subtle) things in our lives partly inspired by fear, to survive and thrive. We do it a lot. And we sometimes (oftentimes) justify it by thinking we’re being “smart,” “practical,” or “responsible.”
But we’re really just being wimps.
Here’s my point…
When it comes to you getting a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal… getting in shape… or staying in shape… the rules are the same. You need to admit that you have fears. You need to see them. You need to face them. And you need to overcome them.
If you want to be successful.
So…
Here’s your assignment or mission,
should you choose to accept it.
#1: Identify your biggest fears, resistance, and excuses related to writing that are currently preventing you from reaching your publishing goals (or reaching them as quickly as you could). Are you afraid of failure, success, or both? Have you already dealt with a lot of rejection? Are you afraid of getting feedback? Worried about the work it will take to reach your goals? Make a comprehensive list like I did above with my gym story. And be completely honest.
#2: Write down what you need to do next (concrete action steps) to demolish your fears so you can achieve your publishing goals. Do you need to write a certain number of words per day? Do you need a quota for the amount of queries you send out each week? Do you need to hire a writing or publishing coach (like me) to help you finish what you started… or simply get started?
#3: Quit being a ninny and just freaking do it. But first, tell me what you’re thinking below. It’s only fair (I just revealed some of my innermost thoughts). Don’t worry, I swear I’ll be supportive. After all, it took me 20 years to start working out again!
Who am I to judge?
– Mark
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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 
Wow, can I ever identify with your ‘working out’ struggle. I also love the QP w/cheese from Mc D. I haven’t had one in over a year, but that doesn’t mean I’m being good — I love Five Guys burgers. I’ve been an avid reader all my life and always wanted to be a writer. It took me until I retired to give it a try. I’m afraid every day that my book (which took way too long to finish) isn’t good enough, but I’m determined to try to get it published, anyway. Attitude is everything. Thanks 4 all u do.
LOL. I’ve been pretty good lately because I’m almost eating with Ingrid… she’s good… and there’s no fast food place across the street from our house now… unlike our last place. 😉
And attitude isn’t everything.
But it sure matters.
So does that determination you mentioned.
Keep doing what you’re doing, and anything is possible.
I’ve got your back…
And thank you for the kind words.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
Here I am again, couldn’t help myself (when I should be carrying on with my author website right now). What works with me is when I accept my fears and forgive myself for having them. Then I push past the fear, no matter what the physical feeling, like Dr Susan Jefferies says, ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ – that’s my motto.
As for doubt, I tell myself stranger things have happened, (ie. me and success in the same room).
Love ya work!! Mat
Hi Matilda, that’s the best compliment I could ever get. I like being a distraction for writers. It means I’m doing my job well! Besides, my posts only take about 2 minutes to read. 😉 Here’s to facing our fears and doing it anyway. Have a great weekend. Much love. Mark
My greatest fear of getting published is that I will not be able to achieve the technological things needed in this day and time. I don’t have a website and will have to hire help. We are back to money. I work the Secret on my financial means and will tell you that my fears are unrealistic as the money will materialize. Anywho technology scares me to death. I have 2 stomach ulcers I recently learned about and they hurt when I am faced with technology issues. Just a little truth and serum at 5am.
Hi Deborah, it’s not necessary to have a website to get published. Be gentle with yourself. Mark
I love what you’ve written, Mark. I related to it right away because I was the week-end manager at the Ronald McDonald House, Joplin MO. Starting life with a negative is a problem, but we can still strive for happiness and success. — Before reading the upbeat, earlier comments shared here, I was fearful about being 70 in a few months. But not now. — I also think too much about past troubles and that means they’re still affecting me. I’m going to work harder to move on past them. Blessings 2 U!
Hi Rhymster, thank you for that. And you should know, one of my clients is 86 years old. We’re pitching his trilogy of spy thrillers next week. How cool is that? I’m 42 and thought (for a while) it was too late to start going to the gym to get in the best shape of my life. All those stories are just in our head. Blessings right back at you and have a great weekend. Mark
Thoughts: I’d say anxiety that the voices in my novel will be hushed long enough that I will overlook their strongest and intended purpose to be read. I write for clients and will revamp “Postcards from God” as an online project in January. Oh, I read through each personal journal and those poetry pieces submitted. Yes I shredded some. My blog is a place of respite for me. In my class on “How Theology, Philosophy & Psychology Intersect” my writer’s wings unfold. Angst; you better believe it!
HI Janet, if anyone listens to the voices of her characters… it’s you. I trust you that way. Glad to hear you’re moving forward with Postcards from God. It’s unusual, in a good way. Quirky books like that are sometimes hard to place, but when it happens… they can be very successful. Good hearing from you and hope to see some good news from you soon. Warm wishes. Mark
Unfortunately I much advise you that you drew the wrong name for your $20 prize. The name you drew was mine. So please pay up. (Said affectionately with love.)
Also food are not unhealthy- only living organisms cm be healthy or not. Therefore I must reject your query letter but keep on trying.
Best of success to you. Check out my authorsite and my quillowgold site above for a small but tasty sampling of my literary portfolio.
RSC
Hi Richard, you’re just being funny right? About the prize? Because I’m pretty sure it wasn’t you. Although it could be you THIS week. We’ll have to see. And, okay on it being impossible for foods to be unhealthy. Point taken. So, let’s agree that food can have an unhealthy affect on the human body. Fair enough? Regarding your writing, your bio is impressive. You’ve paid your dues. So I hope I can encourage you to go after a traditional publisher. Here’s to your success. Mark
I don’t like letting fear into any part of my life, but I’m human so it’s there. Once I identify something that’s holding me back because I’m afraid, I usually force myself to do whatever to prove to myself that I can do it. Like I said, I don’t like letting fear into my life.
Example: The first one for me with writing was first person point of view. I didn’t think I could do it, so I forced myself to write stories in first person. They turned out great and the fear was gone.
Hi Becca… Ingrid (my wife, as you know) tells me that I let fear run my life too much. 😉 I’m not sure. I definitely USE fear though to help me get things done. It’s a great motivator. If I don’t pay my car insurance on time, my credit will take a dive and I won’t have coverage. If I don’t get my work done for one of my clients today she’ll be disappointed or upset. Etc. I guess as long as the fear doesn’t STOP you from doing what you want to do, it can be good. And it’s normal. I love your account of the first person struggle. One of my published authors faced the same challenge. The book took her forever to write, but she got it done and the publisher LOVED it. Here’s to be fearful and fearless, in the right situations. 😉 Have a great weekend and thank you, as always, for posting. Oh, and I’ve been getting all my stuff in order that we talked about. Looks like about 7 now and maybe 10 more a few days after that. I’ll email you this weekend. Mark
I actually conquered the fear and wrote the book. After a year at a major publisher, the editor I was working with quit and the new editor emailed me saying the book no longer fit their needs.
SO, I self published with what I thought was a hybrid publisher.
Now I find out there is hardly any marketing at all going on.
He emails me back complaining that not enough schools are interested since the publishing was delayed past the time most schools select their texts (his delays not mine).
Hi John, your story is a tough one to read… but I’m glad you got the book written and you’re continuing to move forward. Publishing is no different than anything else in life. It rarely turns out exactly the way we planned or hoped. But I’m happy to know that you’re now a published author. And it’s quite possible things could change for you soon. Here’s to hoping, and your success. Mark