Should I self-publish my book? That’s the question I’m asked by authors, more than any other. So, let me answer it definitively, by saying…
Just because modern technology has made it possible for you to self-publish a book, doesn’t mean you should self-publish a book.
In fact, you probably shouldn’t self-publish a book.
You see…
I could watch TV all day long, but I don’t. I could buy a new motorcycle and go 150+ mph — like I used to when I was young and reckless — but I won’t (I have a friend who lost his leg doing that). And, I could eat lots of junk food… but I don’t want to buy bigger pants (seriously).
You might think that isn’t a fair comparison, but I think it’s spot-on. Instead of asking yourself, “Should I self-publish my book?” ask yourself:
Do I want someone to pay me for the privilege of publishing my books (traditional publishing)… or, do I want to pay someone else for the privilege of getting my books published (self-publishing)?
Because that’s what it boils down to…
CAUTION: If it costs you any money (up front, out of your pocket) to get a copy of your book(s) in your hands, it’s self-publishing.
Now, let me tell you exactly why you probably don’t want to self-publish a book.
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Should I Self-Publish My Book –
10 Reasons to Get a “Traditional” Publisher
1. Advance – Should I Self Publish My Book
Why self-publish a book (pay money out of your pocket) when a traditional publisher will pay for you? Why self-publish a book when someone like Random House will take all the financial risk… and pay you a cash advance for the privilege?
2. Credibility – Should I Self-Publish My Book
Just because you self-publish a book doesn’t mean it’s going to be taken seriously. Just because you self-publish a book doesn’t mean you’re to be viewed as a credible expert. Book buyers in bookstores, consumers, and the media understand that anyone can self-publish a book (get an ISBN number and pay a printer). If you self-publish a book it can actually hurt you (because lots of people are going to think: “Gee, why he did he/she self-publish a book… I guess he/she couldn’t get a real publisher”). If, however, you’re published by a traditional publisher… book buyers, consumers, and the media are more likely to trust that you and your book(s) are legitimate and valuable.
3. Editing – Should I Self-Publish My Book
You might not think you need an editor, but it probably wouldn’t hurt. So, why self-publish a book when you can have a highly-skilled professional in-house editor, making insightful observations and suggestions (things you can’t see alone, because you don’t have the benefit of their experience)?
4. Cover Design – Should I Self-Publish My Book
Ask anyone in publishing and they’ll tell you… covers sell books. If you self-publish a book (unless you’re a professional book cover designer, or hire one), you’re likely going to undermine your content with an inferior cover. When you self-publish a book (and design your own cover), there’s a real good chance you’re going to miss at least one or two important required elements… that will turn off buyers and/or keep you out of bookstores.
5. Reviews – Should I Self-Publish My Book
It’s not fair… but newspapers, magazines, and other media are much more inclined to review books published by traditional publishers (instead of by people who self-publish a book). In fact, many publications now have policies stating that they will not accept self-published books for review. Yes, I know, traditional publishers also produce some books that aren’t great, but their success percentage is much higher than that of people who self-publish a book. Editors and journalists don’t have time to take that many chances. And they don’t.
6. Sales & Marketing – Should I Self-Publish My Book
Just because you can self-publish a book doesn’t mean you can sell it. Unless you’ve spent most of your professional life in book sales (and you have a large sales team working for you), a traditional publisher is going to be more effective getting book buyers to purchase your book (especially in large quantities). They know what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. Timing is everything. If you self-publish a book, you need to be aware of the book-buying “seasons.” If you self-publish a book, you need to be aware of other authors’ book releases. And, if you self-publish a book, you need to know about world events and other industry events that might impact your sales.
7. Distribution – Should I Self-Publish My Book
When I was a literary agent I had the pleasure of getting agent commission checks (as a matter of fact, I’m still collecting them), thanks to some publishers’ creative distribution (thank you, Peter Workman). I’m not talking Borders and Barnes and Noble, but places like supermarkets; car washes; department stores; wholesale clubs like Costco; and retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond. If you self-publish a book, you aren’t going to get that kind of placement. Also, if you self-publish a book, what are you going to do if you suddenly get lots of publicity? If you self-publish a book and Oprah starts talking about you… will you have enough copies of your book(s) in print to meet the sudden demand? If you self-publish a book and get that kind of exposure, will you have the money to quickly print tens of thousands (or hundreds of thousands) more copies?
8. Publicity – Should I Self-Publish My Book
Traditional publishers have connections with major media outlets, and they have staff to help coordinate book tours and things like “satellite radio tours.” If you self-publish a book you’ll be all alone. If you self-publish a book, you might not know the best “hooks” to present to the media so you’ll get booked (no pun intended). If you self-publish a book, you might spend all your time trying to get publicity… instead of actually doing interviews, and other things, like (I don’t know) writing more books!
9. Licensing & Merchandising – Should I Self-Publish My Book
If you want to self-publish a book, you might not be aware of licensing and merchandising opportunities (or how to pursue them). In other words, Paramount Pictures might want to option your book for feature film; a famous playwright might want to convert your story into a play; an actor might want to turn your book into a television series; Andrews McMeel might want to use your content to create a calendar; and other traditional publishers around the world might want to produce foreign-language editions of your book(s). I’ve had all of those things happen for my clients as a literary agent, all the result of the licensing departments at traditional publishing houses hustling. And, yes, you would get most (or a significant portion) of the financial proceeds from any such licensing and merchandising deals. If you self-publish a book, these things are a lot less likely to happen.
10. Bestseller List – Should I Self-Publish My Book
You might not know this, but it’s virtually impossible to get on any real bestseller list if you self-publish a book. In most cases, you need at least 50,000 books printed and distributed all at once, during your first printing, to have a chance at making a major bestseller list like the NY Times. If you self-publish a book, you might be able to sell 100 books in one day and become an Amazon bestseller (in your category). Great. Then what?
In my opinion, it’s okay to self-publish… as a last resort. In other words, if you’ve exhausted all efforts to get a literary agent and a traditional publisher (which might mean you’ve also worked with a coach or consultant to drastically increase your chances).
* * *
Should I Self-Publish My Book?
If you self-publish a book after doing the above…
It’s fine.
But why self-publish a book (or even think about it)
before giving yourself a legitimate shot at the big time?
Why settle, before you know what’s really possible for you and your book?
So, why not make getting a traditional publisher (with the help of a literary agent),
your primary goal?
Don’t settle…
And click here to read one more article
about whether you should self-publish a book.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
P.S. If you’ve already self-published, it’s not too late to get a traditional publisher
(ask me about your specific situation below).
P.P.S. There are a few rare instances when self-publishing is a good idea
(I’ll tell you about those another time).
* * *
* * *
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 
What about traditional book publishing companies who will do all the editing, promoting etc. but want you to buy 1000-3000 copies of your book, at a greatly reduced price, with the promise that you will promote it with them? I know of at least two traditional publishing companies who do this.
Hi Lorene,
Look at this: https://literary-agents.com/best-publishing-companies/.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
Second, look at the 50 questions authors ask me most (with my answers) on my FAQ page here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/.
Third, you can post your question(s) for me on that same webpage (just make sure you look at all the Frequently Asked Questions first to make sure I haven’t already answered your question in the FAQ).
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, Unfortunately I have already self-published a great children’s book that is entitled Roscoe: A Respectable Dog With Good Moral Principles. In this book, I am using my very first dog,Roscoe, to teach ten-year-old kids against domestic violence. As more cases of domestic violence increase,so does the need for awareness.Roscoe just wouldn’t fight a girl dog no matter how hard I tried to make him.Litfire Publishing in Atlanta published this book. Please tell me what I need to do to get picked
Hi James,
First, if you haven’t already done so, click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
Second, look at the 50 questions authors ask me most (with my answers) on my FAQ page here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/.
And, third, you can post your question(s) for me on that same webpage (just make sure you look at all the Frequently Asked Questions first to make sure I haven’t already answered your question in the FAQ).
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mr. Malatesta,
I was completely in agreement with all you said, because I self-published FROM LOVING GOD TO LIVING BLESSED and had a horrible experience trying to market what those who read it say is a “facelift” for the bible and “a shot in the arm” for Christianity. I hate that I acted too quickly with a book that has the ability to change the 21st century church in a great way. Is it too late for me to attempt representation for this book, or should I move on to next book, which is complete?
Hi RA, thank you… and I’m sorry to hear about your experience… the good news is it’s never too late for a previously published author to get a literary agent, traditional publisher, and book deal… but it can be tricky. Read this article which talks about that, and a few other things you might find interesting and helpful: https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
And…
If you haven’t already done so, you should click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://markmalatesta.com/mark-malatesta-author-coaching/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Dear Mark, I sure hope all is well with you and Mrs Ingrid,your lovely wife. Also, I have already self-published a great children’s book on domestic violence. It was published by Litfire Publishing of Atlanta,Georgia.The name of my book is Roscoe: A Respectable Dog With Good Moral Principles by James L. Thompson.Moreover, I would like for you to help me get a traditional publishing deal because as I move along I see that I have a lot of hard work to do.Please go to WebWire and look at the press
Hi James, thank you for the kind note… and I’m happy to help if possible… here’s the link with information about setting up an introductory coaching call: http://markmalatesta.com/mark-malatesta-author-coaching/.
Enjoy your evening,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I am looking for a reputable, inexpensive, book editor. Perhaps a retired editor who worked for a good publishing house? An experienced editor working from home? Money is an option but I can’t go further without an editor. I have written two books for middle grade and two early reader books. Can you suggest editors?
Hi Barbara,
I’m happy to help somehow if possible… but I want to make sure you know I’m a former literary agent… who now helps authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals as a coach/consultant. I don’t recommend specific editors but I do have other things that might help on your journey with your books.
As a next step…
If you haven’t already done so, click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
Second, look at the 50 questions authors ask me most (with my answers) on my FAQ page here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/.
Third, you can post your question(s) for me on that same webpage (just make sure you look at all the Frequently Asked Questions first to make sure I haven’t already answered your question in the FAQ).
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark
Man I need help getting ready to put my book out. I am willing to republish my book. Please tell be what you nee.
Hi Bruce,
Are you hoping to get an agent… with the goal of getting a traditional publisher and book deal? If so, I’m happy to help… but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former literary agent turned author coach. Now I help authors get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark, I finally had one publisher revert to say that he liked my story and setting. But he thought the plot development was poor and had too many twists . I have so far ignored two approaches from vanity publishers and now am struggling to fend off a persistent imprint publisher of one of the biggies.
Is it time for a revisit or time for another educated mind to look at my work?
Hi Mahmudur,
Perhaps… you can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing your pitch materials (query letter, synopsis, book proposal, manuscript, etc.). My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
I’m also a big fan of getting editing support with a manuscript, but it’s not always necessary. You might be further along than you realize, so it could be worthwhile to have someone look briefly at your work before investing the time and money that working with a decent editor will require. Good agents will give you some feedback about how to improve your work. And sometimes that’s all you need.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
True, but sadly seems impossible to do otherwise than self publish
Hk Meg,
Either way I wish you success.
Let me know if i can help,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
LOL. I like your P.P.S. – I was able to do all the above as a self-published author, but I agree, it isn’t for everyone. This is why I continue to recommend you to those that come to me asking for advice.
Hi S.E. Smith, rock star of rock stars in the world of self-publishing. 😉
Always good hearing from you and I love that you’re breaking all the rules.
Thank you for stopping by and saying hello, and have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
And thank you, of course, as well, for sending people my way. 😉
Always appreciated!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have read the article posted and scanned through the comments. I am a little unclear. Self publishing is painted in a bad light but it does suit a purpose and fill a need right? What if you just want your work out there for others to enjoy? I can’t wait on an agent to feel warm and fuzzy about my work. The publishing world is so subjective and that day may never come. So why isn’t self publishing a good choice? Honestly I am conflict for the second time this year on which direction to go.
Hi Tanela,
Look at these: https://literary-agents.com/best-publishing-companies/, https://literary-agents.com/should-i-self-publish-my-book/, https://literary-agents.com/self-publish-a-book/, and https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
Then, the next thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I am more confused now. I have found that traditional publishers charge a lot of money to publish my book. You are saying that isn’t the case. I also don’t know about literary agents…I’m not sure how to contact them, but will read your suggested link.
Thank you for the information you provided.
Hi Lee,
That’s not true, read this: https://literary-agents.com/best-publishing-companies/.
Also…
The next thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
Thanks for taking the time to reply, but unfortunately you appear to have missed my point. How do those of us who don’t live in the US get past publishers and agents who assume US readers aren’t interested in anything from beyond their borders, regardless of the topic they’re writing about?
For example, I am from Australia, a landmass the size of North America with a diverse population of 25 million people. How do authors from small markets gain access to the much larger markets?
Hi Lorraine, if someone thinks that way… there’s nothing you can do about it. All you can do, to increase your odds of getting picked up by an agent that DOESN’T think that way, is make your work, to the best of your ability, as appealing to a broad market as possible.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hilarious. Major publishers do not give a damn about a literary genius or what they may do with their material. I am 63. I have written millions of words and over 200 songs with lyrics. NO ONE gives anyone a chance anymore at recognition or the book market. Your article is funny as hell. Get a publisher? Out of thin air? Send hard copies of everything you write to countless idiots who never read a single word but turn the work down anyway.
Hi Thomas,
Glad you got a kick out of it but don’t write everyone in the publishing industry off just yet. You can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing your pitch materials (query letter, book proposal, manuscript, etc.).
My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
As a next step, check out http://query-letter.com and https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/how-to-write-a-book-proposal/.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And Happy New Year!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks for this informative article, Mark. I’d love to secure a traditional publishing deal for my 7-part serial, and have submitted it to around 200 agents and companies.
Despite many positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, I have been told that the books are too long. The argument appears to stop here, with some other comments about destigmatising depression through fiction is not to people’s taste.
Oh, yes, and probably because I’m not from the US? 🙂
Hi Lorraine!
Sorry I’m slow getting back to you. I took some time away for the holidays and I had two clients get agents in the last couple weeks… so it’s been busy here. Now, thank you for the kind words and I’m delighted to know that you’re finding the information on my website(s) valuable. Although I’m bummed to hear you’re getting that type of response from agents and publishers.
The good news is that you can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing your pitch materials (query letter, book proposal, manuscript, etc.). My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
When it comes to you being international, I’ve helped many authors outside the United States get agents here. Most literary agents in the United States will consider any book if it has appeal for the American market. In other words, the primary focus and value of the work needs to include a plot, characters, and themes, that an American reader can relate to. As long as you do that, you can write about anything, anyone, and anyplace.
Regard word count, it’s possible to get a literary agent, traditional publisher, and book deal for a book that’s above or below the normal word count for your genre… but it can be tricky. Read this article which talks about that, and a few other things you might find interesting and helpful: https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And Happy New Year!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thank you, Mark. I’ll catch up on all these links.
I really love your enthusiasm Mark. I wonder though if the e.g. 1000 or so authors per year tweaked their pitch (as you suggest in the comments) if agents would accept all 1000 manuscripts? – there’s still bound to be a low rate of acceptance – $ being one of the issues. I just can’t see 1000 pitch perfect queries being accepted per year. Agents will skim the ‘cream’. At some point authors have to make decisions – let the readers decide or hang out for the ‘best pub gig’.
Indie Author Supporter
Just a further comment – on the flip side not every 1000 authors will get their queries tweaked/polished, so those that go that extra bit will shine a little more. I still feel it’s all a bit subjective and depends on the agent/publisher on the day they read the query/manuscript sample. However, what’s new in life? – It is what it is. It’s just a shame though (and this isn’t a dig at you) that it always comes down to money. You offer so much more than most, much of that is free, so thank you!
Hi Selina, it is subjective… but only to a point. There’s a reason that I’ve been able to help authors who’ve had very little (or zero) success getting the attention of agents… to suddenly start getting their attention. At that point, it’s subjective… it’s more of a art/science. And, yes, many (not all of course, but many) things in life worth having come with a price. Sometimes that’s money, but the amount of money that an author might invest in become a better writer and/or marketer usually pales in comparison to the amount of time that a writer puts in… and the amount of hope. And… it’s almost always worth it in the end to the person who invests… and then makes it. Also… as you know… there are places where you can get a lot of valuable information, no cost. 😉
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Tweak and polish your own work first. Read library books or free online material and keep the money in your own pocket. Why pay anyone? Editing your book will refine and hone your writing skills. I was published at age 9. I am now 63. Learn to write a professional query letter. The formula can be found on websites just like a page layout template. Good luck. Hint: Modern computers have Grammar and Spell Check. Start there. Slang is okay. Grammar check will allow it if you tell it too. =(:-/)=
Thanks Thomas, I appreciate your advice though I already practice those things anyway. I think Mark is talking about a more robust polish/tweak of the query letter (learning how to capture the eye of the agent – make it shine so to speak by highlighting ‘that thing, that hook’) etc. and that’s what I was referring to 🙂
Hi Selina, THANK YOU… and sorry I’m so slow getting back to you. I took some time away for the holidays and I had two clients get agents in the last couple weeks… so it’s been busy here. Now, to your question. Of course not. 🙂 The amount of projects that agents are going to take on isn’t going to change. And the scenario you’re asking about where everyone has a great pitch is never going to happen. Most authors aren’t going to get the education and/or help they need to create a killer pitch. But some will, and those authors are going to edge out the others.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And Happy New Year!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com