Mark Malatesta
Author Coach | Former Literary Agent
Mark Malatesta is a former book agent who’s helped 400+ authors of all genres get literary agents and/or traditional publishers, making him the world’s leading expert on How to Get a Literary Agent. Authors Mark has worked with have gotten 6-figure book deals and been on bestseller lists such as the New York Times. They’ve had their work optioned for TV, stage, and feature film with companies such as Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and HBO. They’ve won countless awards. And they’ve had their work licensed in more than 40 countries, resulting in millions of books sold. Click the following link to see all Mark Malatesta’s Reviews.
Former literary agent Mark Malatesta is the former president and owner of New Brand Agency Group, a literary agency responsible for getting mostly unpublished authors book deals with major publishers such as Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harcourt. Mark also spent several years as Marketing & Licensing Manager of Blue Mountain Arts, the book and gift publisher that invented e-greetings, and then sold their e-card division for close to $1 billion dollars. Today Mark is president and founder of The Bestselling Author and Literary Agent Undercover where he supports authors of all genres, at all stages of development, through various Websites for Authors and 1-on-1 Author Coaching.
Mark has appeared on C-Span’s Book TV and hosts a popular radio show for authors. He’s delivered keynote addresses at some of the most prominent writers conferences in the United States and abroad including SleuthFest, Pikes Peak Writers Conference, and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. He’s participated at regional, national, and international book fairs and trade shows including BookExpo America (BEA), The London Book Fair, the Frankfurt Book Fair, and the Miami Book Fair. And he’s written feature articles for publications such as The Guide to Literary Agents and a column for Writers Digest.
Mark Malatesta’s Clients Have Gotten Deals with Prestigious Publishers Including…
Author Coaching with Mark Malatesta
For a limited time you can register for an introductory coaching call and send Mark any/all of the following for review: first 50 pages of your book, query letter, synopsis, book proposal, website and/or social media presence.
You will also get Mark’s detailed Author Questionnaire so he can learn even more about you, your book(s), and your goals. Then you’ll get on the phone (or Skype) with Mark for a full hour so he can tell you exactly what to do to reach your goals. He’ll answer your questions. And he’ll record the call for you if you’d like that (most people listen to their recording 2-3 times). That’s how helpful these calls can be. But you have to sign up now. This offer expires soon and these coaching sessions are first-come, first-served.
Mark Malatesta Works with…
Mark works with authors of all genres at all stages of development, from those who are just getting started… to those who’ve already had top literary agents, publishers, and book deals.
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Fiction
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Nonfiction
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Children's Books
Fiction Authors –
Mark Malatesta Testimonials
“A special thank you to the ‘Remarkable Mark’, my friend and former literary agent who created a bidding war for my books, resulting in multiple offers, including a 6-figure offer. Mark is one of the rare and genuine good guys, but he also has incredible information (even his ideas have ideas). One of the most important keys to success as an author is good information and support.”
Click here to see more Mark Malatesta reviews by fiction authors
“If it wasn’t for your faith in my writing, I wouldn’t have gotten an agent. Forget about your support being a paid service. Sometimes you pay for something and get nothing, or you get a ‘professional’ who’s detached or distant. With you, there was always a personal touch that came from a genuine place.“
Click here to see more Mark Malatesta reviews by fiction authors
“Jill Marr with Sandra Dijkstra & Associates Literary Agency, got multiple publishers interested in my novel, A Knife in the Fog, and I just signed a two-book deal with Seventh Street Books, an imprint of Prometheus Books. Life could not be better. Thank you for everything. We have come a long way, my friend.”
Click here to see more Mark Malatesta reviews by fiction authors
Success Stories
Email Subscribers
Countries
Nonfiction Authors –
Mark Malatesta Testimonials
“Mel Berger with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment responded to my query in five minutes! After he started shopping the book he said, “You’ve got a bite.” Then, “You have two more, one from Random House and another from Harper Collins. Bidding war.” My head is spinning. I queried people before I met you, but I never got an offer. The query letter and proposal you helped me create were dynamite, as was the agent list—and your encouragement.”
Click here to see more reviews of Mark Malatesta by nonfiction authors
“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which just published my book in hardcover!Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices. Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful.”
Click here to see more reviews of Mark Malatesta by nonfiction authors
“Thanks to you and your valuable information, I got a very reputable agent and my book was acquired by Harper Collins. I couldn’t believe it. They loved my book. You shared excellent advice regarding how to make my title and subtitle more alluring, and you explained how I should reduce the word count and rewrite the first part of the book. It came out beautifully. My time with you transformed everything. Thank you for your belief and kindness and all the excellent advice. I would not be here today if not for you.“
Click here to see more reviews of Mark Malatesta by nonfiction authors
Mark Malatesta Industry Events,
Speaking & Appearances
Mark has participated at regional, national, and international book fairs and trade shows including BookExpo America (BEA), The London Book Fair, the Frankfurt Book Fair, and the Miami Book Fair. He has made sales presentations to publishers from all around the world and licensed countless books for international translation and publication. And he has made presentations and sold books to key executives at major companies in the United States such as Costco. Mark has also been interviewed by the media and he’s given more than one hundred keynote addresses, seminars, and workshops at venues including:
Various Universities, Colleges & Libraries * C-Span TV * SleuthFest * The International Symposium on Religion & Art * The Pike’s Peak Writers Conference * The Santa Barbara Writers Conference * The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference * The Houston Writers Conference * The Surrey Writers Conference *The Columbus Writers Conference * Willamette Writers Conference * The Marjorie Kinnans Rawlings Workshop * The Wild Acres Writers Conference and Retreat * Wrangling With Writing * The Panama City Storytellers * The Missouri Writers Conference * The Detroit Writers Guild Annual Conference * The Georgia Writers Conference * The Space Coast Writers Conference * The Minneapolis Writers Workshop *The Utah Writers Conference * The National Writers Association South Florida Writers Conference * Mile Hi Radio * LA Talk Radio
Memoir/Narrative Nonfiction Authors –
Mark Malatesta Testimonials
“After following your advice, [Mark], my book was acquired by Pegasus Books, the prestigious PW gave it a great review, and Time Magazine asked for an excerpt. Thank you for believing in my book, and for helping me share the surprising truth about women’s most popular body part!”
Click here for more Mark Malatesta reviews by memoir and narrative nonfiction authors
“Original, thought-provoking, and with an elegant sense of humor, A Boob’s Life is a must-read.” – Salma Hayek
“Mark, you’re a thoughtful gentleman and a constructive critic. I wanted to find an who’d understand the value of my work, bring it to life in the mind of readers, and bring it to life on the screen. When I looked online for a coach, your name rose to the top. After we spoke, I knew we’d work well together. You understood where I was coming from, and you were extremely helpful. I value our friendship.”
Click here for more Mark Malatesta reviews by memoir and narrative nonfiction authors
“Woot!!! I’m so excited I could cry. My agent just sold my memoir to Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books. I spent about three years sending out queries before I found you. I didn’t know what I was doing. I tried to figure it out, but all I got was rejections. Working with you was a big learning curve, but I got a very good response rate, including from A-list agents who were interested. Anyone who has the great fortune to work with you should consider themselves lucky. You were my compass. You didn’t walk for me, but you showed me how to get there. You’re an angel, thank you.”
Click here for more Mark Malatesta reviews by memoir and narrative nonfiction authors
Mark Has Helped His Coaching Clients Get Prominent Literary Agents Such As…
Children’s Book Authors –
Mark Malatesta Testimonials
“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I’m really excited to tell you that my literary agent got offers from multiple publishers and my book deal was announced this week on Publishers Weekly! I can hardly believe it. I signed with Kane Miller, a division of EDC publishing. Their sales reps sell to all major retail outlets, including bookstores, gift stores, museums, etc. They also have a direct sales division made up of nearly 18,000 independent sales consultants. Yay!”
Click here for more reviews of Mark Malatesta by children’s book authors
“I received two offers for representation. It was awesome. I didn’t want to say yes immediately because one agent offered to represent me based just on the query and my first chapter. Every time I emailed, you replied fast. Each time I woke up in the morning in Denmark, there was a reply from Mark. Extremely professional. So, thank you. I’ve got a ton of positive things to say about you.“
Click here for more reviews of Mark Malatesta by children’s book authors
“When I got my deal with Harcourt… I was speechless. Every day I would start crying all over again. I’ve never been that happy in my life. On my wedding day I wasn’t that happy. Getting married and having children are wonderful experiences, especially in times where people feel they must say, ‘My children are the greatest thing that ever happened to me’ but I didn’t work to get my children. Even cows can get laid.”
Click here for more reviews of Mark Malatesta by children’s book authors
Mark Malatesta’s Websites for Authors
Christian Book Authors –
Mark Malatesta Testimonials
“After being offered representation by Shannon Marven with Dupree/Miller & Associates, who loved my query, I received a very nice offer from Zondervan/Harper Collins! Thank you, Mark, for your thoughtful and excellent advice. You’re darn good at what you do, and I think of you as my friend.”
Click here for more reviews of Mark Malatesta by Christian authors
“When I found Mark, I was floundering. I was thrilled when our work together led to a publisher making an offer on my book! Mark never led me anywhere or told me anything that didn’t turn out to be exactly what it should have been, or what he said it would be.”
Click here for more reviews of Mark Malatesta by Christian authors
“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for a very large advance for a first-time author. Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). They got publishers bidding against each other. What cloud is higher than 9?”
Click here for more reviews of Mark Malatesta by Christian authors
Recent Blog Posts by Mark Malatesta
Mark Malatesta Review by David Brown | Mark Malatesta Reviews
David Brown, author of And Goliath (Double Dagger Books), provided this review of former literary agent Mark Malatesta. David worked with Mark to revise and improve his manuscript, platform, book proposal, and query letter, which led to literary agents and a publisher...
Mark Malatesta Review by Peter E. Murphy | Mark Malatesta Reviews
Peter E. Murphy, author of a dozen books and chapbooks of poetry and prose, including A Tipsy Fairy Tale: A Coming of Age Memoir of Alcohol and Redemption (McFarland Books), provided this review of former literary agent Mark Malatesta. Peter worked with Mark to...
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Hi, my name is Mark Malatesta…
I’m a former literary agent turned author coach/consultant, and I have a confession to make. The #1 reason I became a literary agent was to find out how to get my own books published. In other words, I know what you’re going through as an author, and I know exactly what you need to do to become a bestselling author.
My authors have gotten 6-figure book deals with major publishers like Random House, Penguin Books, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. They’ve been on bestseller lists such as the NY Times and USA Today; had their work picked up for TV, stage, and feature film (with companies like Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks); won countless awards; and had their work licensed in more than 40 countries… resulting in millions of books sold.
Who knows… you might be next!
Simply enter your first name and email address above and we’ll send you a few things so you can get started. We make it easy to find what’s important to you. We’ll never share your email address with anyone, and we’ll only send you information relevant to what you signed up for. If you don’t know much about us yet, click here to see Comments and Testimonials by Authors Who Are Already Members (that way you’ll know what to expect). If you do decide to leave us one day, we make that easy, too. All you have to do is click on the link at the very bottom of any email you get from us and you’ll be able to unsubscribe instantly.
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What People Are Saying
“I like that you actually provide real content! I’m sick of Internet Marketers who recycle information from other marketers, providing nothing of substance. With you, I usually get one or two tips that, if nothing else, remind me of what I should be doing. I’ve been in the writing business in one form or another for 50 years now, and my son works in the publishing industry, so I get all sorts of direct information from behind closed doors. Based on that, and based on what you say in your emails, you are spot on.”
“Your audio library with your signature presentation about how to get a top literary agent was the best gift I’ve encountered in a long time. It woke me up to the notion that getting a literary agent and getting published by a traditional publisher such as Random House isn’t luck—it’s a decision. Within seconds of hearing that, I decided to start sending out queries for my book. Now I already have 5 top literary agents who’ve requested my complete manuscript or sample chapters!
Before I listened to your MP3 I wondered, ‘What could I possibly get from a former literary agent speaking for an hour when I don’t even have a query letter written yet?’ I’m not ready to get a literary agent. But if I hadn’t listened, I wouldn’t have been able to write the query letter. You shared a lot of explicit information about how agents think. While my original pitch wasn’t entirely written on a lobster bib, napkin, or the palm of my hand, it lacked substance… and it didn’t have the best structure.
It’s never too early for an author to open the front door to your online audio library and listen. Smart authors will pay attention and feel lucky to have a dream team partner like you who is knowledgeable but also warm and caring. Although you don’t know most of us personally, you keep encouraging us and sharing your valuable information and insight. We all need that. So often in life we say, ‘I can’t take it anymore. I can’t handle this. It’s too much.’ But as soon as you say you can’t get a literary agent, then you can’t.
As soon as you make a decision that you can get a literary agent, you can. Everything is a decision for me now. Yes or no, but I decide. I don’t just wait, I decide. I don’t just wish, I decide. Your MP3 catapulted me into a different stratosphere of how I approach my publishing goals, and everything else in my life—finances, romance, and daily living—because everything is a decision. You woke me up, reinvigorated me, and changed me. And things are actually happening. Thank you!!!”
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I’m looking forward to helping YOU
become a bestselling author!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author, LLC
Ask Mark Malatesta a Question
Post your question for Mark Malatesta below. You can ask anything about writing, publishing, and/or marketing your book(s). It doesn’t matter whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or children’s books. It doesn’t matter how far along you are in your process. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re an unpublished author who is just getting started, or a well-established author who wants to get more exposure and sell more books.
