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 limited amount of time to publish your book, and it’s possibly a lot less time than you think. If you don’t get a literary agent and a publisher soon, you might not get another chance.
Really.
See the evidence below…
* * *
Publish Your Book
What in the world does the picture of me below have to do with you publishing your book? Quite a bit, although you’ll have to trust me and bear with me for a moment. This is one of those articles that has a bit of a build-up (like all good stories do).
So, keep reading…
It was a typical Friday night out on the town for dinner. That’s Ingrid below, on our way out of the house, kissing one of our two cats… Fudge.
We went to one of our favorite places, a seafood restaurant where teh food is excellent and the service is even better. On this particular night the hostess greeted us by name and gave us our favorite table (business as usual).
Bread. Calamari. Salad. Crab legs. Gumbo.
A couple glasses of wine…
And lots of conversation about books and business.
Finally… some chocolaty dessert, a shared glass of cognac, and coffee.
Then we left…
That’s when things got “interesting.” We walked out of the restaurant hand-in-hand, browsing the shops and boutiques downtown.
And we entered Urban Outfitters.
If you’ve never been to Urban Outfitters, they sell clothing, accessories, and some household stuff. The one we went to caters mostly to the college crowd.
And…
They have one of the coolest book selections anywhere.
Kudos to you, Urban Outfitters book buyer.
It’s not serious literature.
Nor is it particularly intelligent.
Mostly gift books.
That is…
Humorous, clever, quirky, and sometimes off-color books that have zero value except for the fact that they’re entertaining and probably make the authors lots of money.
For example:
All My Friends Are Dead
The Field Guide to Meat
And…
A Cat’s Life
Now I didn’t buy any of the books above, although I now regret not taking a closer look at A Cat’s Life (Fudge is glaring at me as I write this).
No…
On this night my heart was snared
by a little red book
called Me Without You.
It wasn’t because the book was bright red. It was the fact that it was a romantic gift book. And I happen to be a sappy love poet and romantic gift book author.
Plus, there was something very familiar about the book.
But I couldn’t quite put my finger on it…
Then it hit me.
Like a solid kick to the groin.
My body started getting warm as I picked up the book (and it wasn’t because of the cute little illustrations on the cover). It was the fact that the book was virtually identical to one that I had written many years earlier… but never submitted to publishers.
The gumbo started gurgling in my stomach.
How had the authors gotten a hold of my manuscript? I quietly muttered obscenities to myself. Then I checked the copyright date.
2011.
Ingrid asked me what was wrong, and I told her that I was an idiot.
Then I realized… it was was highly unlikely the authors had broken into our home or hacked my computer and stolen my little romantic gift book idea. Besides, after closer inspection, it was obvious that my book was ten times better than theirs. Only problem is, I wasn’t holding my book in my hands.
This little book had been penned by somebody else.
At this point Ingrid was smart enough to leave me to my misery, and go look at some glittery eye makeup. That’s when I started thinking bad thoughts about the authors. You know, those dark thoughts that sometimes creep into your consciousness even though you don’t like to admit it. Then I realized… the only person that I had a right to be mad at was myself.
Why hadn’t I gotten my book out there?
A million excuses flashed through my mind… like the childhood memories of someone having a near-death experience.
You can’t publish your book, it needs editing.
You can’t publish your book, your platform isn’t big enough.
You can’t publish your book, you have so many other things to do first.
But, at that moment in Urban Outfitters, all of those excuses seemed silly. How long does it really take to finish revising your book? How long does it take write a query letter, so you can submit it to agents — at least give yourself a chance? How much of a platform do you really need to publish your book (especially a gift book)? It’s not like I’d written a legal guide or come up with a cure for cancer.
Publish your book? Not me.
It stung.
But then I had an epiphany…
I realized that I probably wasn’t the only author this had happened to. Actually, I knew for a fact that I wasn’t the only author that this had happened to. That’s when I decided to write this article, to motivate you to publish your book. Together, we’ll turn my proverbial lemons into your lemonade.
* * *
Publish Your Book – The Moral of the Story
I bought a copy of Me Without You that night.
Yes…
As Ingrid purchased her glittery eye makeup, I literally put money in the pockets of my well-intentioned (I’m sure), but woefully inferior “competitors.” That’s right. My copy of their little book is sitting next to me right now. It’s in my office, on my bookshelf, mocking me.
But it was worth every penny.
Now I have a permanent reminder in my office: telling me how short life is; telling me that if I don’t use my ideas, someone else will; telling me that I better tell you… the same thing.
Publish your book.
So, I hope you’re not hoping your life is going to get a little hectic… waiting for the publishing gods to come knocking on your door, and beg permission to publish your book… waiting for… well, you know what your excuses are better than I do.
You fill in the blank.
Then decide,
right now,
to…
Publish Your Book
Decide to take action NOW and finish writing (or marketing) that book you keep saying is so important to you. I assure you, you don’t want to go to some store this coming weekend and see your book (or something similar) on a table.
It sucks.
Sorry, there’s no other way to say it.
Yes, I know. I can still publish my book. It’s never too late and all that. Blah, blah, blah. I’m sorry. Of course, you’re right. And I really do appreciate your support.
But…
My chances of being successful with my book now are going to be much slimmer.
And I’m going to look like a copycat.
Man, that burns me up.
So…
Learn from my mistake and publish your book. Commit (or recommit) right now, to your writing (and marketing your writing) efforts. But first, before you go, tell me what you think about this article (below). And feel free to post a question about anything so I can help you with your books.
Then get back to your writing.
See, I said you’d learn a lot by simply joining me for dinner…
For more information about how to publish your book, click here and get my free 15-part Guide to Finding a Literary Agent. Then click here to learn about the 3 different ways that you can get 1-on-1 help from me (free to fee) as your Book Marketing Coach. You can ask questions on my blog, schedule an introductory consulting call with me, or join one of my longer-term coaching programs.
Either way, I look forward to getting to know you better.
And helping you publish your book,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
* * *
* * *
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 
Thank you for your story Mark. I feel your frustration. I have committed myself to getting my books traditionally published. I have made the mistake of self publishing my first book before it was properly edited, and presented. Even though it was given a five star review from Readers Favorite, and has had some sales, I am in the process of doing it right. I want to give myself the best chance to get published, with a no nonsense, do what it takes attitude. once again thank you for your article.
Hi Flash, I guess that’s the flip side of it… doing something too soon or too quickly. Thanks for reminding us all to keep that in mind as well. And thank you for your kind words. They’re much appreciated. Mark
I can relate. This has happened to me three times that I can remember. I always kept an “idea notebook” filled with concepts, names, dialogue, etc. For example, in a notebook dated October – December 1994, I have written, “A boy goes to live with his friend and his parents when his parents die.” “Owls who deliver the mail wherever you are.” “Moving/talking photographs,” and “a living chess set played in live action.” I’m not saying it was Harry Potter, but some similarities are there.
Hi Jack, now is your time… as long as you keep showing up. Thanks for sharing the positive energy. Mark
Sounds like life in a way. The clock keeps ticking. We can’t go backwards, on the other hand it ain’t over. . . (as they say). . til the fat lady sings.
Interesting that yesterday someone told me the opposite: he said, if you don’t get it done this year, you can still get it done later. But that’s not the way I feel about it.
When the baby is ready to pop out, you know it. But you’ve still gotta push. | Publish Your Book
Hi Ellen! There is definitely room for both voices. One voice telling you that it’s okay if takes longer. The other voice telling you to do it as quickly as you can. My job is to help people create a sense of urgency and go, go, go. Otherwise, well, you know. Thanks for posting. See you soon. Mark | Publish Your Book
It just goes to show you; when you have an inspiration, an epiphany, you need to follow up. Procrastination is a curse, especially in our wallets as well as in our hearts and minds. Mark, I have had the same happen to me with a title. But, now, since you have confirmed the need to move on what we are inspired to do, I won’t let that happen again. Thanks for your transparency. I appreciate you. Beatrice Bruno, The Write Drill Sergeant | Publish Your Book
Hi Beatrice. Thank YOU. It’s easy to be transparent when I know there are people out there like you that are kind… and take it to heart. I appreciate you right back. Always. Mark | Publish Your Book
Hi Mark
Having someone beat you to it and having the same idea is a mini-tragedy and you keep kicking yourself for the rest your life. I’ve been worried this past week whether someone could beat you to your memoir and write something similar which I think is possible with almost similar experiences. That gave me the impetus to make sure I finish my memoir this year. But I’m a great proscrastinator with a million excuses. Let’s hope I don’t regret it. Lesson learned. Thanks | Publish Your Book
Hi Saw Lian, thanks for sharing that. I’m glad you’re more motivated now to go faster. At first, you wouldn’t think that someone could possibly write a similar memoir as someone else. But you’re right. It could happen. Similar theme(s) and experiences. Your interpretation would be somewhat different, but it is always best to “honor” your story by telling it as well (and quickly) as possible. 🙂 Mark | Publish Your Book
Hi Saw Lian, when the time is right I have a few more articles here that reveal what a good literary agency contract looks like: https://literary-agents.com/hiring-a-literary-agent. Have a good day! Mark | Literary Agency Contract
Mark,
That was the most realistic article; it was positively the most encouraging advice for me personally. I keep putting off submissions; you know; “Tomorrow is another day” and as I sit down writing my third book the other two are festering away in their folders doing nothing. Both have query letters, both have a synopsis. So what’s stopping me? I have no idea. I am going to try hard make this year the year that I got published.
It was a wake-up call for me Mark.
Thanks
Brian | Publish Your Book
Thank you Brian, you made my day by taking the time to say that… and also for being man enough to share your struggle. The bad news is that January is gone. But the good news is that you still have eleven months to secure an agent and book deal this year. Although you’ll be much happier if you send out enough submissions so you can have an agent before the summer. 😉 Get those queries out there! And thanks again for posting. Mark | Publish Your Book
Three months ago I was at an international conference held locally. A group of us were waiting for a conference to begin. A woman from Denmark entered the group and immediately said to another woman, “You look like a writer.” The woman responded, “I am from Colombia, living here for a few months. I”m writing a book about the city.” Who knows if the woman is writing a book or if it is in English? It was a wonderful, gentle message from the Universe to me to keep up the pace of my writing and revising. | Publish Your Book
Hi Rinda, thank for sharing that. I have a similar affinity for “gentle” messages from the Universe. Much better than the messages that are more like a thump on the head. That’s why it’s so good to pay attention and look for the subtle messages… so that’s all that is needed. 🙂 Good hearing from you, always… have a wonderful weekend. I know you will. Mark | Publish Your Book
Loved your Lobster bib photo! Very nice! Thanks for sharing your story. I had many excuses too for delaying writing my book, but I’m sure happy that I finally set them aside and just did it. Now for a litery agent and a book deal…. | Publish Your Book
Hi Gayla, it’s a horrible picture… but it’s funny so I had to use it. I’ll just have to try and be good-looking somewhere else. Ha ha ha. And, yes, I’m glad you got it done as well. There are a lot of people out there waiting for your message. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for taking time out of your busy world to say hello. Mark | Publish Your Book
First comment should be writer’s voice, not readers. (I should proof better before posting! LOL) | Publish Your Book
I fixed it. 🙂 Mark | Publish Your Book
Much appreciated. I wanted to get the full thought out before I lost it and multiple posts just messed with me. Darn fingers and their eagerness to communicate! | Publish Your Book
I make typos fairly frequently in my ezine and on my website… which is awful I know. People can judge if they want to but my fingers are moving across my keyboard quickly (at the speed of success). I did win 1st place in the spelling bee in first grade, so I do know HOW to spell. I just don’t always take enough time to spell-check. Thanks for going back and forth with me this morning, and sharing your support. I appreciate it, and it’s been fun. Mark | Publish Your Book
So, wouldn’t it be safe to say if your book was somewhat similar, but drastically different in content, that you COULD still publish it with another publisher?
Also, the publishing world is very vast, and no one has read every book in print. And then, you add in that once something is accepted it might not come out for what? A year? Two? The other book COULD be out of print by then.
I understand what you’re saying in the article, but doesn’t your book STILL have a chance? | Publish Your Book
So true, so true. And thank you for taking time to be encouraging. You are the voice of reason, and that’s where I am now. When I wrote this article I was in a slightly different place, and want to share some of the raw, honest emotion that we go through when something like this happens. So others could relate. But then it’s time to recommit to writing, and marketing, and get on with it. 🙂 Mark | Publish Your Book
I completely understand the pure emotional response thing. I did a blog post on something similar about a week ago. A friend of mine found out someone he knew was going to use the same title as his book… It’s a major bummer.
I shared in the post about my similar experience. I had an idea for a book and then found out one of my Facebook friends had a book similar (same title/theme). I’m sure if I wrote my story, it will be different than his, but I would HAVE to use a different title. | Publish Your Book
Another good point. Someone else (below) said that this is also common with movies… which is true. Things are similar there even more in my opinion. But titles are the WORST. That’s probably affected a lot more authors than finding a similar book. The good news about titles being similar is that it’s a lot easier to come up with a new title than a new book. ha ha ha Mark | Publish Your Book
I have a question. Did you read the book and how similar is it to yours? The reason I ask is because there’s not only on publisher in the world. Don’t some like to have some somewhat similar titles to compete with the success of certain books by other publishers?
Of course, you don’t want to look like a copycat, and now that you’ve SEEN a similar book, you would feel like one more… But, no ideas are new and the wonderment of most books is the writer’s voice and take on a subject. | Publish Your Book
Hi Becca, good question… and no, I haven’t sat down to read the whole thing yet. Although I will. You’re right, I can (and will) certainly still put mine out there. You bring up one of the good point, if their book is successful, it could actually improve my chances of getting my book published… because publishers like to copy. But, if their book does poorly, it could work against me. Regardless, no one is going to stop me from getting my books out there. 😉 Mark | Publish Your Book
I would at least be worth a try. The worst thing they can tell you is no, but it’s a FOR SURE no if you don’t try.
Even if your book is somewhat similar… You could still change yours up to make it different. Revising is just plain awesome! There are endless possibilities.
Also, when time has passed…your perspective changes, and your book can to when you go back to it. 😉 | Publish Your Book
Funny, it’s like I’m looking into a mirror as I read your words. I would say the same thing to someone else in my position. Except I wouldn’t have used the word awesome. Just kidding. I would, actually. Here’s to perspective! Mark | Publish Your Book
Mark.
Thank you for sharing your story about your book. I started to look for hidden cameras in my house after I read it. It was like, there was a microphone stashed somewhere also. I am doing intense research trying to find areas where I can expand my character’s roles, making them as real to the reader as they are to me- placing them in unusual and exciting situations. I know I am dragging my feet, and that great minds think alike, so I will have that one -on- one with you soon. | Publish Your Book
Hi Juanita, I hope you’re not under surveillance. 🙂 Be careful how loudly you speak about your plot when eating at restaurants. And always lock up your manuscripts before you leave the house! Great minds do think alike. That’s why I, too, am looking forward to my call with you. Have a great Friday and weekend. And thanks for stopping by to post and say hello!!! Mark | Publish Your Book
Hi Mark,
This article really hit home for me. Sometimes I get down when I cannot get things done for me – like writing, editing, querying which conflicts with what I do for others: like work. When I don’t meet my goals or at least see SOME progress in this area of my life (writing); I become frustrated, angry and disappointed, mostly in myself. I don’t think I’m “just another” FL author and I truly believe in my work. You’re right and I’ve resolved to move forward today. The clock is ticking. | Publish Your Book
Just call me a professional inspiration service? Oh, wait. Reminder service? Hmm. Anything but a professional “nagging” service. 🙂 Ha ha. Looking forward to our call today. And you’re certainly not “just another FL author” Lois. See you soon. Mark | Publish Your Book
The first time this happened it shocked me, and I almost rushed out to change my book. The time a couple months ago, I was able to shrug off pretty well. Two nights ago when it happened again, I was able to view it with bemusement. “I wrote that same bit the other day,” I told her. “At a bar too?” she asked. It could have taken place in a number of settings. “Of course.” So I’ve gotten a thicker skin about this things.
But yes, I do still Google my more original character names, just in case. | Publish Your Book
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing that… I was starting to feel lonely here, like the only one. I know this happens more often than many authors want to admit. 😉 Mark | Publish Your Book
Actually, Mark, that first time was a little more traumatic than I could express in 500 characters. But luckily I figured out that that as I made changes to that part there could very well be millions of writers out there making similar changes to similar parts. It was a valuable lesson for me. Still, If I start anything with “Call me Ishmael” I might change it.
Unless that would SELL it.
Very funny. I think it takes guts to even look at what else is out there, because we all know on some level that there’s nothing new under the sun… and there’s a chance someone(s) is doing something at least a little similar to what we’re doing. Or a LOT similar. That’s why I admire any writer that actually goes for it. Keep at it. But, no, don’t name any of your characters Ishmael, especially if there are boats and/or fish involved. 😉 Mark | Publish Your Book
Nice! Thank you! | Publish Your Book
Mark & Ingrid,
Sorry I wasn’t able to join you for dinner. The busboy told me the calamari was a little rubbery.
I do have a text book/promotional book going on Kindle within the next few days.
Called: “Owing! 5 Lessons on Surviving Debt Living in a Culture of Credit.” It was a case of accidental writing – I’ll explain at a later date.
As for “Lazarene” the biological clock needs to be re-wound. I will do a complete re-write before summer and make it more current.
Do good things!
Garland | Publish Your Book
Hey Garland! Been thinking about you a lot so thanks for saying hello. And it’s great to hear that you’re doing a rewrite on Lazarene… as well as launching another book. But you absolutely can’t bad mouth the calamari at Jax! The only one better we’ve had is at a little place in Vail, CO on a creek… can’t remember the name of it. Rewind your clocks and keep us posted. 🙂 Mark (and Ingrid) | Publish Your Book
I’ve seen the same thing happen with screenplays. It’s very painful. Thanks for the reminder! | Publish Your Book
Hi Jalynn, you’re so right… even more so when it comes to TV and film. Drives me crazy when I see “elements” of my authors’ stories in someone else’s movie. Mark | Publish Your Book
totally understandable but has always been this way… Mozart stole from contemporaries, Verdi from Wagner, snatches of Gerschwin in Dvorak…Kipling got everything poached, Beatrix Potter bred American rabbits, Tosca gets found in Oklahoma. Sometimes its jarring and other times merely perplexing and then again, deliberately offensive. La Marseillaise ends up in places you never expect and Chabadniks sing it as part of mealtime blessings.It’s that way. If it’s good, it spreads. | Publish Your Book
good blog to use as model for an effective convincing pitch
another yammer, not a spammer or scammer
this had to be one of the best blogs you’ve ever written, but the pictures were also spot on. It’s not just about competitors because competitors always exist, but sometimes Zeitgeist… sometimes there just happens to be a special window in time that closes… paisley psychedelic printed trousers in screaming raspberry and purple were great in late 60s and even a short time in early 70s, but now– unless you’re Lady Gaga or Katy Perry, it’s a tough market for them.
yammer not a spammer | Publish Your Book
Hi Pogo, that means a lot coming from you. So thank you for saying that. It’s funny, it’s almost always the posts with stories, especially when they’re personal, that have the greatest impact. Memoir will never go out of style. If we can learn something, and hear a story at the same time, it’s double the payoff for the reader. I loved your examples of things that have a window in time. It’s also true that we can’t all be Katy Perry. Hmm. I’d like to try it for a day. 😉 Mark | Publish Your Book
Memoir never goes out of style– true because it does that little bit of magic to open the closed, locked window where we surreptitiously clamber into the secret room or trespass into the past where we’ve been guardedly excluded. Memoir is the wardrobe or rabbit-hole through which we escape only to say, “oh gee it wasn’t so great after all” when we gaze at the broken looking-glass shattered in a thousand little pieces. We long for Gan Eden. | Publish Your Book
think it is easier to pass through eye of needle, bribe St Peter at the Gate than write a successful memoir and surely smashing the looking-glass into a million little lies is always somewhat tempting but tricky to avoid the splintered shards. The Hitler Diaries were good bait, but you can always sell a town like Alice on stalled market or live on the razor’s edge instead.Sometimes imitation pearls are more valuable than the diamond necklace.
“your weekly exercise in writing flash fiction” | Publish Your Book
There is a great novel or memoir in you pogo. Mark | Publish Your Book
probably the best part of this blog is that it is a nag– almost as bad as a Microsoft/AVG nag–as it repeats itself with every reply you make.
Don’t think you have patience for my writing, but if I wrote, you’d definitely have it. I think though that you would give me the boot. I go nutsy with long lists and overloaded with too many samples. I work best with a few choice things and narrow scope and know it. So if I wrote, you’d be first choice, but film director already offers contract. | Publish Your Book
hi pogo, since I’m no longer an active literary agent… it’s okay. I just wanted you to know that I see (and appreciate) your talent, depth, and sensitivity. Three of the things make a great writer. Fondly, Mark | Publish Your Book
for not being active lit agent, you do a great deal of activity. I think you are only fooling yourself. Many thnx for the compliments. In reflection I realized that I’ve read very little memoir and many fake memoirs. When a Clinton or Carter, perhaps writing memoirs is fairly easy because of the wealth of material, but for me–no: more an essayist than other. I just grind out short things.I like to keep the wall between myself and world and deep believer in illusion as reality is too harsh.NAS | Writing Contest
Hello Mark,
You hit the nail on the head! What a great motivational post. I have kept these thoughts written down in my journal and I turn to them often…to keep those evil little joy robbers away. It’s not easy, but you’ve got to keep pressing on, right?
Thanks again, I enjoyed this 🙂 | Publish Your Book
Hi Robin, thanks so much for your comment. I put a lot of things online, but stories like this (that are more personal) mean more to me… so I appreciate hearing from you. I’m also extra appreciative for the first person to leave a comment on a new article. So thanks for that as well. We all have to keep pressing on, as you said… with a bit more sense of urgency. Have a great day! Mark | Publish Your Book