It takes a lot
to challenge me.
That’s because I’ve been in the publishing industry for more than two decades: as a writer, a literary agency owner and president, the Marketing and Licensing Manager for a well-known publisher, and now as an author coach and consultant.
But last week
I was humbled.
I had an epiphany that changed the way I view the process of querying literary agents. And, that epiphany is going to change the way YOU view the process of querying literary agents.
Here’s what happened…
One of my long-term coaching clients, Harold, worked with me to create a book (from scratch) and pitch it to agents. Harold had a job at the time. He wanted to retire, make money, and make a difference as an author. We met at a writers’ conference on the East coast where I was giving a keynote.
Harold is unusual because he didn’t just want to work on his book. He wanted to figure out which book he should write, and he wanted to figure out how he should write it. That’s because smart authors (like Harold) know they can write about many different topics, in many different ways. However, there’s always one “best way” for an author to make his or her book more marketable.
Harold also wanted to create the best “author platform” to support his writing. He knew (after listening to my keynote) that he could increase his odds of getting a top literary agent and publisher by focusing on his platform first. And he knew that doing so would allow him to start making money right away, long before a publisher might offer him an advance.
So, Harold signed up for my coaching program.
We developed the core “messaging” for Harold’s brand that would communicate what he does, who he does it for, and why it’s valuable. Harold began getting paid to fly around the country as a speaker, and he started getting coaching clients. Of course Harold also (with my help) outlined his book and created a killer query letter and book proposal. And he started querying literary agents.
That’s when everything fell apart.
Per my instructions, Harold sent out his first round of 43 query letters to literary agents. No positive responses, just rejections. Then he sent out a second round of query letters. Same result. Then he sent out a third and fourth round.
Nothing.
It was looking grim.
Harold sent out 163 query letters to literary agents and not one of them asked to see more material or offer him representation. I was shocked. Now, I’m not completely responsible for my clients getting agents interested in their work, but I do have a 95% success rate. And, in Harold’s case, I helped him develop the book. So his success (or failure) was, in more ways than one, my success or failure.
I got on the phone with Harold
to have a heart-to-heart.
He wanted to know if the query letter needed to be tweaked. I told him no. In some cases I’ll change something. In other cases, like this one, I didn’t see anything that I could do to the query to improve it. We simply needed to find an agent who liked the concept of Harold’s book enough to give it a chance.
So…
I told Harold not give up on himself, the project, me, or my process. I told him to continue trusting me, even though he had no tangible reason to do so. I reminded him that I know what sells because I’m a former literary agent. And I told him to send out more queries.
Harold, bless his heart,
did just that.
And (I’m getting goosebumps as I’m writing this),
he then got four requests for additional
material the following week.
A couple days after that Harold got an offer
for representation from a top literary
agency (The Steve Laube Agency).
All I could say when Harold
told me the news was
“Really? Holy crap!”
How could that possibly happen
after sending out 163 submissions
with absolutely no positive responses?
Well, it
happened.
Now…
Here’s the point.
First, I admire Harold because he didn’t quit. But I also genuinely love him because he stayed kind throughout the process. In other words, Harold didn’t tell me that my book suggestions, book proposal and/or query letter sucked.
I mean,
come on.
It would have been really easy
for him to think that.
Maybe he did think it,
but he never said it.
That’s
what
counts.
Another
thing…
During my time working with Harold I learned that the responses you get from literary agents over time can be completely erratic. In other words, you might get a positive reply from an agent after sending out your first query letter… and then send out hundreds more and never get another positive. Or, like Harold, you might get 163 (or more) rejections and then, suddenly, get multiple requests for more material and an offer(s) for representation.
So…
Don’t get too excited if/when an agent asks for more material. And, don’t get too upset when an agent turns you down. It doesn’t mean anything except that you need to keep going. As long as you do, you have a chance.
Harold’s life
changed overnight.
Yours might, too.
Don’t quit,
– Mark
* * *
* * *
So what did the trick in the end? And surely is there not a point where you have to say to yourself, something is seriously broken; or, at what point is it time to give up.
Hi Tom, it was simply persistence in this case. We didn’t change anything, and one day it just finally started working. Go figure. Every situation is different though. Sometimes I tell my coaching clients to continue without changing anything. Other times I suggest changes. But if you’ve sent out hundreds of queries without getting interest from agents, it’s obviously time to change something.
Mark
Thanks for reply Mark – much appreciated. Intending giving you a shout for coaching when I feel I’m ready.
Tom
Hi Tom, you bet. And don’t miss my upcoming case study/success story with Amy Jo Goddard at http://thebestsellingauthor.com/radio-show/ …if you aren’t already familiar with her story. I helped her get offers from five top literary agents which led to a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books. She’s an inspiration but she also has good advice.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Very inspiring and applicable to other areas of life. Thank you.
Thank you Constance!
If I can help you with anything let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
i got my first paid byline at age 7, $5. been writing ever since. just finished (after 6 years) a glamourous novel – balenciaga, haute couture, jimi hendrix in 1969, and two girls coming of age at that time. i have worked for many of the big houses, and see things from their POV. i know how i want my novel published, and sooner or later, the right person will share my vision. if not, i had a ball writing it, and anyone can read it of free, pre-pub.
writing is its own reward.
Hi Ed,
Congrats, and amen…
If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great comment about creating a book from scratch and the versatility of good writers. So well written about the appreciation of “kind” and the agony of a long wait (with faith in the process as not in need of change). The whole story increases appreciation and understanding of the expertise you and Ingrid offer.
Hi Evelyn, I’ve been working since early this morning and it’s been a long (good but long) day. Reading your comment was a wonderful break… caused me to smile, sit back in my chair, and take a few revitalizing deep breaths. Thank you. Mark
It’s a nice thought, and I’d certainly be the last to discourage anybody’s ambitions. But the sorry fact is that sometimes books do die. I’ve had to put one to sleep. It’s too long a story to go into here, but after more than a decade, and two agents not even paying me the courtesy of informing me I was being dropped, enough was enough.
I recently posted an article on the subject on a site called Literary Rejections On Display. At least that wasn’t rejected!
Hi Kevin, that’s true… but every once a while… some of those books are resurrected and find a home. I read your article and you’re clearly a good writer. You also made some good points. For what it’s worth (you’ll have to be the judge) I can tell you that your “dead book” still has a chance. 9 times out of 10 you can get more agents reading the mss. If you just change some things in the query or first 50 pages of the book. It only takes one agent (the right agent) for those years of hard work to suddenly make sense. I know you might not be in a place to take this in completely right now, based on what you’ve been through, but I’ve seen it again and again so I hope you continue writing. I’d wish you luck now but, well, I read your article. So I’ll just say warm wishes. Mark
I’m flattered you read the article. W.C. Fields once said, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then give up. No sense being a damn fool about it.” My own version is: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again; if at 50th you don’t succeed, try something else.
What I love about the Harold story is its disregard for the usual advice not to submit in bulk. The trick is to tailor each query to its target.
Incidentally, saying good luck is only bad manners in a rejection.
Hi Kevin, every once in a while I’m able to take a peek at people’s websites and blogs but not as often as I’d like. Most important thing to me is that you keep going, maybe not now but later once you’ve gotten your second wind. By the way, submitting in bulk is brilliant in some situations… not so much in others. But in Harold’s case it was time. He had nothing to lose. Here’s to you your success and look for an article from me soon that shows the flip side, so to speak, of what you wrote in the one you told me about. 😉 Mark
Thanks, but when you literally can’t give your book away, it’s time to throw in the towel.
In fact, I am a published author of sorts. An Australian publisher, Tenth Street Press, put out as an ebook my “Bedtime Stories For Insomniacs,” which went exactly nowhere. (Moral: Don’t jump at the first offer if it isn’t right.)
I look forward to your article which may enlighten me and not be the usual Poor publisher/agent drowning in a sea of unasked-for submissions. That I’ve heard.
Hi Kevin, I hear you. And I hope you like my article but you might not because I wrote it to counterbalance what you said in yours… so it’s basically the other perspective. We’re both right. But your article made me realize there are probably a lot of people thinking similar things to what you talked about. Have a good night. Mark
I look forward to the rebuttal. Still, and not to belabor the issue, agents and publishers set the rules and have no one but themselves to blame for the outcome. They have every right to curtail submissions, which actually benefits the writer in the long run. It’s certainly better to be read by someone eager to do so than be “Oh, God, submission number 62,748.” In any case, writers who don’t follow the rules get deleted instantly, unread; a form reply telling them so would be a courtesy.
I’m sooo happy for Harold! He is a great guy (I’ve met him briefly in person).
While all the above is true, it’s just as hard to have a lot of positive responses (requests for material) and get turned down again and again.
Mark, you do a great job keeping us motivated with your positive attitude and encouragement. I’m sure a lot of people would have given up long ago if not for you. <3
Hi Becca, that’s true. I got particularly excited about Harold’s story because I already have articles on that topic. But this was a first. I’d never seen anyone face so much absolute silence and rejection for so long, before then getting many requests and an offer to represent. But that’s the best part. No matter what challenges an author is facing with agents there is always hope. It just takes one. Have a great weekend and thank you for posting. Mark
Never give up, never give up, never give up… Gotta remember that when I start sending out query letters. It’s still going to be a long time before I start that stage of my writing journey but this is good to know. Thanks for sharing Mark and good luck for you and Ingrid and the kitties in California!
Amen sister. And do remember it. One of the main reasons authors don’t get representation is because they unrealistic expectations about how hard it is. It’s not about being negative, but understanding the challenge so you can prepare for it and overcome it. Sending you warm wishes from sunny California! Mark
Yep, I’m another Harold, walking the path of rejection, (not that anyone has bothered to even acknowledge my query letters); however, with 30 queries out I’m just getting started. It has given me a chance to review my book page by page, looking to better sentence structure, and to put a more positive twist on some challenging events. Writing is always a learning experience, no matter how many books you write. Thanks, Mark for your help. This is just the shot in the arm that I needed.
Elizabet
Hi Elizabeth, that’s true… 30 is just getting started… so don’t get disheartened. Just keep going and you’re still in the hunt. Mark
PS give Ginger and Fudge hugs for me. Moving is hard on pets and even when you give them kitty pills, they can still be stressed and confused about the move. Bev
Consider it done, we’ve been pampering them and they’ve been enjoying every minute… plus they LOVE all the windows in the new house. Lots of things for them to look out when they get tired of us! Mark
Thanks, I needed to see that article about keeping on with the queries. Right now I’m overhauling on a MS and I’m not going to worry about the dratted word count. I need to give the heart back to this story. I cut it too deep. Another book that I thought was ready to send queries on needs more of the Sci-fi element to make it work better. Anyway thanks for the encouraging article. And I won’t feel so discouraged about querying.
Welcome to CA and happy writing. Bev
Hi Beverly, glad to hear it and thank you for sharing. Check out this webpage if you haven’t seen it already: https://literary-agents.com/list-of-literary-agents/fiction-literary-agents/. About halfway down the page you’ll see the appropriate word count for fiction! And warm wishes from sunny California. 😉 Mark
For the record, I never thought that anything you did “sucked.” I just figured that my subject was too riisky. Mark, you are one of the classiest people I have ever known. And, while I like and trust my new agent, he hasn’t sold it, so my life hasn’t changed — yet. I admire your perseverance, too, and would not have blamed you for giving up on me. I will forever be grateful that you didn’t.
Best wishes for decades of happiness in California!
Wow, what a great share on trials, tribulations, and success Mark! I needed to read Harold’s experience…the nudge to keep on Keep’n on…
Hi Lisa, just had another client get an agent this week… after Harold… maybe it’s this California air. Whatever it is, I’m going to milk it for all it’s worth and make more deals happen this month. Keep on keeping on. Mark
Hi Harold, I know… but it would have been SO easy for you to say things… like some others (not naming names) have done. I understand it, of course, but sticking with things, staying calm, and staying positive always leads to good things… one way or another… so I’m one of your biggest fans Harold. And I never give up on people who handle themselves the way you do. You make it easy. Warm wishes to you and Lucinda from our new home in California! Mark (and Ingrid)
That’s a great story, It just goes to show that perseverance pays off. If you are going to pay money to someone to help you, you must first believe in that person. If you don’t, why pay them in the first place???
Well done Harold for trusting your judgement, and well done Mark by sticking to the recommendations you gave him.
Well said Colin, and thanks for the support. Have a great evening! Mark
It is very hard… especially when you’re accustomed to most things coming easy enough. It really is all up to a higher power, because there don’t seem to be any hard and fast rules. I do believe that persistence will win out in the end… if you can survive the rollercoaster ride!
Thank you, Mark! Good luck in your new home! 🙂
Hi Shaan, happy you enjoyed the article and thanks for the well wishes regarding our new home. We’re getting settled in this week. Movers bringing our things in tomorrow! Mark
Very inspiring. Great story. Thanks for all you’re doing for the rest of us Harolds!
As the saying goes… Nose to the grindstone, and each no is closer to a yes.
Right on the button.
Yes, yes, and yes. 😉 Mark
Hi Jody, another one of my clients got an agent this week… first round of queries… go figures… it happens all different ways… but as long as the queries keep going out… it can happen. And… as you know… I’m not going anywhere! Mark
Hi Mark. CONGRATULATIONS to Ingrid and you for successfully making your journey! I know California is where you two belong. I’m so happy for Harold. Building a brand first is the way to go and believe me, I*’m constantly entertaining the idea. We’ll talk. When we understand how the industry works, we become more determined; and with you behind us, there is no way we can lose. I’m just as excited today as I was when we met because I know we will prevail! Blessings to Ingrid and you!
Hi Lola, I hope you were encouraged by Harold’s story… it often takes a while… but the persistent author has twice as much a chance of being successful. I know you know that. 🙂 Stay in touch, still getting settled here in California but all is well. Mark
There are no coincidences… That’s exactly what I needed to hear, “to keep going.” If Harold can do it, then darn it, so can I! Thanks for sharing the reality that things all happen when they are meant to happen. For some of us that’s later, rather than sooner, but at least it can happen! (And welcome to Cali, Mark and Ingrid. I look forward to getting together sometime.)
Hi Linda, another one of my clients (complete opposite of Harold) just got an offer for representation after sending out her first round of queries. It can happen that way, but not usually. So keep doing what you’re doing. It is coming for you, of that I’m sure. When, I don’t know. But it is going to happen. As sure as I was of Harold, I’m sure of you. And see you soon in California! Mark
Congratulations, Harold and Mark! Harold, you are an inspiration. I’ve just started submitting directly to publishers because, I admit, I got discouraged with agents and publishers seem to respond faster, believe it or not. Within one hour of sending my query I got a full request from my top publisher, a reputable house est. in 1979. I think writers need to realize there’s more than one way to get published. We just need to find what’s best for us.
I am so happy for you, and wish you success!
Hi Sue, thank u… and that’s great… and a good Plan B… so I’m glad you did it. Here’s to your continued success!