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This recording is for authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books), at all stages of development. Authors who participated in the live event asked Mark and Ingrid questions about how to write, publish and/or market their book(s). Scroll below to see examples of the topics authors can ask during these Q&A calls.
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Representative Question Topics
* How to write, publish, and/or market your book
* How the publishing industry works
* The latest trends in book publishing
* How to give your book greater bestseller or high commercial potential
* How to improve your promotional platform and get more exposure in a way that fits your unique skill sets, passion, and personality
* How to get the attention of top literary agents
* How to turn your book into a brand
* How to develop additional streams of income as an author
* How to decide whether you should seek a traditional publisher like Random House or self-publish
* Subsidiary rights like feature film, merchandising, and licensing
* Writer scams
* How to create an effective author website or blog
* Your unique book publishing dilemma or situation
* How to choose the right partners to help you write, publish, and market your book
* Our coaching and consulting programs and services
* Anything else we forgot to mention
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Host Biographies
MARK MALATESTA is a former NY Times bestselling literary agent and founder of The Bestselling Author™, helping authors write, publish, and promote their books. Mark’s authors have secured book deals with publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Thomas Nelson. They’ve gotten 6-figure advances, been on the NY Times bestseller list, won countless awards, been licensed in more than 40 countries, and been picked up for TV, stage, and feature film with companies like Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks (resulting in millions of books sold). Learn more at www.TheBestsellingAuthor.com.
INGRID ELFVER is the founder of Born Celebrity™, helping entrepreneurs discover and develop their authentic, one-of-a-kind, million dollar personal brands. For more than 20 years Ingrid has worked with everyone from A-list celebrities to entepreneurial startups. Her clients are experts and trendsetters in their industry who have: appeared on national TV and radio, been featured in major magazines and newspapers, been quoted by popular websites and blogs, published books with major publishers, and been paid as spokespersons for major businesses and brands. Learn more at www.BornCelebrity.com.
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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 
I am a teacher (40 yrs) retired, and have written throughout my career. Now I have all these manuscripts and despite the support of the local writing group I belong to, am quite “green” at how this all works and where to go.
Hi Pat, start by listening to this if you haven’t already: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/. The best place to start. Mark
I write in various genres and am deliberating about self publishing as opposed to the legacy route.
Hi Mitch, check this out: https://literary-agents.com/should-i-self-publish-my-book/. And this: https://literary-agents.com/self-publish-a-book/. And this: https://literary-agents.com/best-publishing-companies/. Mark
I re-named the first book of my series “Aristocracy to Ashes”. The new fiction based on fact is “Dolores the Baroness of Klein Pobloth”, after renaming the book I have received offers from screenwriters and have someone looking to publish the series. I have the chance to be on a radio show with an audience of 4.5 million daily. I am hoping to get a publisher by spring and hope to have five books completed. Would I do the interview before I have a publisher or before the books are out?
Hi Dorlies, congratulations on this progress. As long as you’re not paying for the interest in any way, it’s a good thing. About your question, it depends. It’s generally a good idea for authors to attract some media attention prior to seeking an agent/publisher… to prove that they can get interest. But it’s also important not to do too much, especially about the book. Mark
Im started sending quer letters to Agents. As i live in Europe I prefer sendinf e-mails. Is that OK? I write: “…on each sentence I would feel serenity and soft awakening hit me – this has happened only once before, when I read The Alchemist” Please read my quer letter enclosed to see what one reader of my book says! You think this is a good start? The letter enclosed I made after having learned from Marks wonderfull free lesson.
Hi ke, not a problem. Take a look at this: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/submit-your-book-to-a-literary-agent/. Regarding the best opening for your query, I can’t tell that without learning more about you and your book. The best hook or opening line will depend on everything you have to offer. You’ll see more about it here: http://query-letter.com. Mark
How long shall the quer letter be? My letter has 480 words and 2.193 characters. Is tha too much? Too small? I enclose the letter and write just a few words quoting a reader of my book who has experienced somethiong like when he read Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. Do you think any agent will show interest?
Here’s that link again that I shared during the call: http://query-letter.com. You’ll find absolutely everything you need to know about query letters there. Warm wishes. Mark
Can you talk about branding and how that works? I have a brand, but not sure how to develop it.
Hi Gippy, since we answered this on the call I won’t go into it again here… but I just thought I’d thank you for being part of the live chat. Happy holidays again and lots of love to you and yours. Mark (and Ingrid)
How soon after receiving a rejection from an agent on a project can I query that same agent with a different project? For example, I’ve done my research and choose a project that I think is a good fit. I query the agent, and receive a “enjoyed the story, but doesn’t fit our editorial needs” rejection. In the meantime, I find out that another project I have is even more likely to fit this agent. Should I query right away with new project, or wait until the dust settles on the last one?
Hi Jen, I answered this on the call so I won’t repeat here… just want to say thank you for joining us today… and for participating by asking questions! Mark
How to get the attention of top literary agents.
Hi Elizabeth, that is a wonderful question… but also a very BIG one. Can you be more specific? I’m happy to help but just need a little more focus or I could on for days with this one. And my character limiter will only let me share a few sentences. 😉 Mark
The radio personality I spoke of in my last question, asked my to please send him all of my promo materials. I am not certain I know what he means my that.
Hi Dorlies, some authors have a media kit or pieces on one which might include a list of interview questions, a press release(s), photo(s), and other relevant material. Mark
How to publish what books sells good For my children books can you recommend a good illustrated the for the cover and inside pictures
Hi Linda, listen to this for my take on how you should publish: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/. What books sell well? Check this out on my book genres site: http://book-genres.com/genres-of-books/most-popular-book-genres/. And don’t worry about illustrations right now. Your publisher will help you figure that out. Mark
How do you know if a contract with an agent is any good or not? What makes a contract good for the author or what puts them at a disadvantage?
Hi Elizabeth, check this out: https://literary-agents.com/hiring-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-agreement/… and the articles it’s linked to at the end. Mark
What is your take on the general health of publishing; your forecast for 2015? Is being a self-published author a turn-off for agents?
Hi Mitch, the state of publishing? In short, it is what you say it is. Read this: https://literary-agents.com/author-decision/. Regarding how self-publishing effects things, I addressed that in the audio today so I won’t repeat it here. Any other questions, don’t hesitate to post them here. Mark
I have an academic book based broadly enough to attract large general readership. But in route to a general audience it needs benefit of credibility from scholarly peer review. And consensus says, “There’s no money in scholarly/peer reviewed publishing.” To whatever extent that is true, then how to attract an agent to the book and then on to the university or respected scholarly presses for the academic peer reviewed publishing process?
Hi Dan, this is a tricky one to diagnose without knowing more. But if what you’re saying is true, you should do all you can to start getting commitments for testimonials and support from mainstream and academic sources prior to seeking an agent. Feel fr*ee to post a follow up question if it might clarify anything. Mark
I just self published my first book, Greed is Good. I am learning that marketing the book is a lot harder than writing it. I have little or no platform. However, today a nationally famous person (an ex-Govenor) has taken an intereste in my book. He says it is very good. He has published 3 books himself and promised to introduce my to his publisher. Thats great news, but the question I now have is that I am sure there must be numerous other way I could use his name.
Hi Wendell, I answered this question during the call today… at least a little bit. Here’s the link again to an article you might find helpful: https://literary-agents.com/author-platform/. And please don’t hesitate to post a follow up question here. Mark
I am so sorry I am going to miss this event. I have to be away on business tomorrow. Can I log on after 5:00 or in the evening to replay?
Hi Monse, sorry we missed you but you can listen to the audio replay. It’s now online. Mark
Whats the best way to build a platform for launching a new book? Should you publish parts of the book as a blog to develop a following ahead of time?
Hi Roger! Here’s some of best info on platform: https://literary-agents.com/author-platform/. Regarding your question, a lot of authors take that approach. It can work, as long as you don’t put too much of the book out there in advance. Mark
When I taught 1st grade I wrote and drew the illustrations for a picture book. Inside the illustrations are line segments for children to measure with a ruler. Last spring I used your list of agents, but gave up when I found few that dealt with an “educational” piece, or were closed to submissions. There seem to be very few children’s Publishers accepting queries without agents. I gave up, but with the new year approaching, I’s like to try again, but not sure where to turn with my picture book.
Hi Patricia, based on what you said here… you’re a good candidate for an introductory coaching call. I can tell you how close you are to getting picked up by agents and publishers, and help you improve your pitch… and answer any other questions you have. Of course you can also post more questions here. Either way, I’d love to see you get your work out there in the new year. All my best. Mark
What is the best way for sending writen works,by mail (postal services),or mail ?
Hi again Jallal, you’ll find an answer to this question here: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/submit-your-book-to-a-literary-agent/. Mark
I have an project book idea that could interest major film companies ,it os half ready,would u take it into consideration?
Hi Jallal, although I’m no longer an active agent so I don’t take on projects in that sense… there are ways that I can help you make it happen. Click here to learn more: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/. Mark
Can i submitt my stories all round the year,or thre is some period for it?
Check this out: https://literary-agents.com/best-time-to-submit-to-literary-agents/. Mark