Be honest.
On a scale of 0 (not at all) to 10 (completely) how comfortable are you “selling” your book and yourself?
And…
On a scale of 0 (pathetic) to 10 (grand master) how EFFECTIVE are you at it?
Whatever your numbers are, this article is going to show you how to improve them.
A lot.
And you’ll be able to do it instantly.
If you allow it.
Seriously…
That’s because all you have to do is change the way you
THINK about sales, marketing, and promotion.
* * *
Just Snap Your Fingers
Okay, it’s not that easy.
But almost.
That’s because your “Inner Game” is half of
your success (and failure) as an author.
So, hear me out.
A while ago I was on the phone with one of my author coaching clients. We’d just finished revising his query so I was asking him questions, collecting testimonial material. I do it over the phone. After I was done asking him why he loved his new query… I asked him an unexpected question:
“What reservations or skepticism did you have right before you signed up to work with me? A lot of people overpromise and underdeliver (and my coaching programs aren’t cheap), so… what thoughts were going through your mind? You can tell me, I really want to know. It helps me get better at what I do, and it will help other authors who are on the fence about working with me.”
The author’s response was typical (at first).
He said what most authors say (yawn):
“Yes, I was skeptical. But you have so many great testimonials—they’re very convincing. And you give away so much great content on your site. I knew that your paid content would be even better.”
Now I should have been happy with that, but I get bored easily. So I asked a follow-up question, trying to get the author to say something I’d never heard before.
I said:
“But some people have told me they don’t like my website. They say it’s too masculine and marketing-driven. It’s clear that I offer PAID coaching services and some people don’t like that.”
That’s when he gave me the z-i-n-g-e-r.
The game changer.
Not just for me, but for YOU.
Here’s what he said:
“That didn’t bother me at all. I figured… if you can sell YOURSELF effectively… then you can help me sell MYSELF effectively. And that’s what most authors need.”
I got goosebumps.
And I made the author wait while
I wrote down what he said so
I could tell you about it.
Then…
Later, I had a SECOND revelation.
This one happened while I was collecting another testimonial from a different author. When I asked her why she signed up to work with me, she said:
“It’s virtually impossible for authors to sell themselves effectively—simply because they’re authors.”
I didn’t have a clue what she meant,
so I asked her to explain.
She said:
“Good authors are good at writing long-form. You know, like books. As a result, they’re generally not very good at communicating things in short-form… like query letters and book proposals. It’s a completely different way of thinking–a different skill set.”
Brilliant.
I made her wait, too,
while I wrote that down.
Now…
Here’s the moral of the story:
If you want to be a successful author, you simply cannot be conflicted about selling. ANY selling. That includes you selling your work, selling yourself, or being sold to.
It will CRIPPLE your writing career.
* * *
Here’s the Thing
Selling is ART.
Yes, it is.
The same way
that writing is art.
So don’t get mad or overly skeptical when people
are promoting things (including themselves).
STUDY them.
Try to figure out what
they’re doing and why.
Because you have to sell
YOU… too.
* * *
The Best “Sales Advice” I Can Give You
You don’t have to be completely comfortable with the idea of selling yourself and your book. But you’ll greatly increase your odds of being successful if you consciously try to get more comfortable (and effective) selling yourself and your book.
Don’t worry about the 99% of people who don’t want what you have. They don’t matter (at least in the sense that you shouldn’t let them get inside your head). I can tell you from many years of experience in marketing and sales that you need to stay focused on one thing only if you’re going to be successful.
And that is…
The 1% that DO care.
When you send out your queries or talk to someone about your book, you’re doing THEM a favor if you’re a decent writer. Not the other way around. Yes, the 1% (agents, publishers, and readers) are out there waiting for someone like you to come along and tell them about you and your book.
They’re going to see it as an opportunity.
They’re going to appreciate it.
So don’t be shy.
And don’t hate the selling process
because it comes with lots of rejection.
1% is good enough.
* * *
One Last Important Thought
Every time I send out an email to my mailing list, some people unsubscribe. I’m okay with telling you that because EVERYONE with a decent-sized mailing list knows what I’m talking about.
It’s part of success.
And…
It’s okay…
Because I’m not writing for everyone.
Just my 1%.
You know… those who are truly passionate about writing and becoming bestselling authors. If that’s you, you’re in the right place. I’m honored to be part of your journey. And I’m going to help you find YOUR 1%.
All my best,
– Mark
* * *
* * *
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 
Dear Sir
I did not definitely find out what you meant regarding the idea of selling my book to literary agents. Would you please give me detailed explanation in association with it?
Sincerely
Hi Shahriar,
I don’t understand your question… explain a bit more and I’ll do what I can to help.
Have a great day, and week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
This latest from Mark I found very interesting. For one thing, it shows that even someone as experienced as Mark can learn from those far less experienced. I always say that one should only stop learning when you are dead. Until then, be prepared to listen to what others have to say. Most you make think rubbish, but as Mark points out, it’s the 1% that can make the difference. In life, I feel that one has to go after the goals in your life, as if you don’t no one is going to do it for you.
Thank you Colin… and here’s to continually getting better!
Have a great day, and week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
You won’t ever get an unsubscription from me, Mark. In fact, right now, your emails are the most valuble ones in my imbox. Everything you share is completely helpful to me, because everything you teach educates me on the number 1 goal I’ve set for myself.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Very informative insights. I am looking forward to our one on one session.
Sincerely,
Robert Colombo
Thank you Robert and see you tomorrow!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
This was an excellent piece, Mark. Thank you for your insights!
Thank you Lynn… have a great day, and week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
I used to do some modeling, way back now… Anyway, what I had learned from working with photographers is that what we were looking for after hours of shooting was just one good shot. Seriously. If you got at least one good shot, the shoot was considered a success. Often we liked at least a handful of shots but the point is that I think there is a similarity here. You do a lot of work, but as long as there is some response then we declare success or at least know we are on the path
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I love your take on this Mark. My only problem is that I am homeless and can’t even afford to have someone like you coach me with the marketing skills I need help with in order to sell my books. However, I do like to receive your emails and hope that one day, I will be able to afford your coaching. You and Ingrid are great. I wish you both a happy anniversary….How about a trip to Sweden? (I am very passionate about Sweden and lived there for some years and Ingrid has Swedish roots right? 🙂
Thank you Carmina and I’m glad you found the article helpful… and make sure you take advantage of all the no-cost resources on my websites. There is a lot there that can help you. And thank you for the anniversary wishes. 🙂 Heya Svenska!
Have a great day, and week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks Mark,
This is great stuff! I’m confident in my writing but I tend to want to undersell and overdeliver. I’m very good at underselling which often leads to not getting the chance to overdeliver.
Thank you J. Daniel… don’t undersell but do overdeliver. 🙂
Have a great day, and week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks Mark! No worries on the delayed response, you’re a busy man. Congratulations on the anniversary.
I had read the linked article prior and it was where my game plan was originally formulated. It was instrumental in giving me the courage to sign up for the conference in the first place. I’ve got two projects to pitch, query letters and proposals on both, so I feel ready, just curious how it would be perceived if I were to find a common interest other than books to connect over. Thanks!
Hi Nicole, it all depends. If it feels authentic to you, then it could work. If not, it could backfire. If in doubt, skip it. Just be you. Trust yourself, and your work. You’ll do just fine. Mark
I’m a 77-year-old retired FBI Agent/Polygraph examiner. I self-published a book about polygraph 3 years ago; ‘Uncovering Deception: Truths You Never Knew About Polygraph’. Sold 150-200 copies. I do not wish to self-publish a novel that I have recently completed, and I am going to get a literary Agent to help me with this if it takes me the rest of my life. I am comfortable with promoting things In which I believe, and I do believe in myself and in the worth of this book. Could you help?
Hi Bill, I love your commitment and yes… I can help. You can post another question or two here as a next step and/or, you can sign up here for an introductory coaching call with me and get much more support: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. Either way, I’m happy to help. Mark
Mark,
Love the sites and mp3’s! So helpful. I struggle to get an agents attention. With a complete non-fiction and complete fiction submission, I’m attending a conference in Oct. and pitching both. I feel I’m being overlooked because my bio has nothing to do with my non-fiction project. It’s a unique project, just need someone to read it and see it’s potential. Anything I can do to sway a potential agent to look past my background to see my little gem of a book? Thanks!
Hi Nicole, thank you for that and sorry for the slow response. Was away for our 13-year wedding anniversary. Hang in there with the agent search. Oh, and check out this article for your upcoming writers’ conference: https://literary-agents.com/writers-conference-part-01/. Hopefully it will help. Mark
Hello Mark, thanks for your recent email. Sorry for the delay in replying but I have been away.Well I’m now working on my third novel (50%) but haven’t had any luck finding a literary agent to push my work to a publisher. I’m beginning to think my erotic action adventure series is perhaps a little too erotic. Not to worry, John Grisham had trouble publishing his first novel so I’m in good company. Catch 22 situation. Publisher wants agents submissions, agents wants published authors. Take care.
Hi Stephen, no worries. Writers (myself included) are always working hard to get everything done because writing takes so much time. Sorry to hear you haven’t had luck finding an agent yet, but your series being too erotic might not be the problem. There’s never been a better time for work like that. Keep working at it, and let me know if I can help. And have a great weekend. Mark
Some of the 1% have read my books and some claimed it was the best they ever read. Some wanted to pass it on, but that was not my aim. An attorney claimed he wanted to write a novel and was inspired to try after reading mine. Others claimed they stayed up all night into dawn to read it all! I believe in it. The novels are powerful—well researched. The characters stand for something. These works of complex family saga and the web of tension in which the characters are entangled, the grim realization add to the struggles.
The near annihilation of a village–of an army is rendered in bold detail.An erotic encounter that leads to murder–an escape—-well, if I have your interest I have both novels, complete and ready to read. You will not be disappointed. E.M.P
Hi Eda, I’m happy to help… but I’m no longer an active literary agent. I’m now committed to helping authors find and get agents.
I have a great deal of information on my website that I’m sure you’ll find helpful, starting with the complimentary mp3 that you can learn more about here: https://literary-agents.com. You can also get complimentary access to my Directory of Literary Agents by going here:http://literaryagencies.com.
Most important, I recommend that you click here to see the three different ways that I can support you 1-on-1 (fr*ee to fee) and choose the one that’s best for you: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing.
I’m looking forward to helping you, one way or another,
Mark
Mark:
I’ve been following your website for months while I’m mired in the get-an-agent struggle, writing queries and living in paranoia about whether they’re good enough. And I’ve figured out where you fit in that long, torturous process: guys like me are amateurs at the book business. Some of us are good writers, but most come from other trades in life.
You, Mark, are the perfect intermediate resource, the education we need to succeed in this business. Be back to you soon for that first step!
Hi Woody, glad to hear it… not the struggling part… but the bit about you finding relief on my site. 😉 I know it’s not easy, but I enjoy making the process as painless as possible. Thanks for posting, and I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work. Mark
Hi again, Mark,
You make it sound so easy…and so do all of your clients, friends and/or prospects. I believe you will be instrumental in helping me to acquire agent(s) and ultimately book sales. I know my books deserve the best and I am not willing to settle for anything less. You seem to be the best. I especially adore the honesty which is a rare trait during our times. I have 2 books that I desire to present to you for assistance. How do I get them to you? Lola
Hi Lola, you just made my day. It gets tiring and deflating sometimes dealing with people’s skepticism. Many people have bad experiences with others in the publishing industry already and that can make my job harder. So it’s always wonderful connecting with the positive people who aren’t totally jaded! I love your enthusiasm and the fact that you don’t want to settle. Don’t lose that. Regarding your question about working with me, this is the first step: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. I’ll send you a questionnaire after you sign up and tell you then how to send me everything. Looking forward to learning more about you and your work. Oh, and make sure you listen to my mp3 that I give away here on my home page if you haven’t already: https://literary-agents.com. Mark
I was looking for the literary agents directory, I filled out the form and a sex website appeared not pleasant! Mark please check your website.
Hi Esther, I emailed you privately about this already and now I’m posting a reply online as well for everyone else’s benefit. The issue is probably with your computer, iPad, phone, etc. since I haven’t heard this from anyone else (although this is becoming a common problem for Internet users these days). You click on something and it seems like the problem is on their website or with their link, but the problem is actually with your device. Usually when you simply “clear” your browser history the problem goes away. I hope this helps. Mark
Wow! This really helped. It was concise and to the point; it sold itself telling us how to sell ourselves.
Hi Linde, thank you for that. Wonderful to hear, and I’m glad you found it helpful. Have a great day! Mark
The problem I’m having is that a lot of these publisher’s is looking for me to pay them because I’m a first time novel author.
Hi Telpharaoh, take time to read the articles on my site and listen to the fr*ee mp3 featured on my homepage here: https://literary-agents.com. You should try to get an agent and GET PAID by publishers instead of the other way around. At least start there and see if you can make it happen. Mark
Come up with something good because I’ve got a book that’s got to be published!
I look forward to seeing what you’ve got to offer. I’m hoping there’s a way for me to “break-through” to an agent before I die!
Lots of new things coming, but there’s plenty on my website to keep you going until then. Keep at it and I’ll do all I can to help you get there! Mark
Hi Mark
Missed your newsletters but I knew you were busy. Your new website is much brighter and cheerful although I also liked the old one. I like your 1% and it got me inspired after being empty these past few weeks. Your newsletters have been a great help.
Hi SawLian, the old site is still there… the one I promoted is just a site dedicated to my literary agent directory. The new site will be getting a makeover soon though. 😉 Here’s to your success and staying inspired. Warm wishes. Mark