Michael Thompson, author of the Christian fiction novels The Rector and The Actress provided this review of former literary agent Mark Malatesta. Michael worked with Mark to improve his query letter, synopsis, and manuscript, which resulted in literary agency representation with Hartline Literary Agency who got Michael a book deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. Scroll below to learn more. Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews. And click here to learn more about Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author after you read the review about Mark Malatesta below by Michael Thompson.
Mark Malatesta Review by Michael Thompson
“Thank you Mark!
After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on. Now I’m sending you clients!!!
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Everyone says that writing your own query is one of the hardest things to do. It’s true. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference. You took things out that weren’t important and you put things in that were important. You also came up with a titillating opening sentence and you added a lot more about my background.
The agent list you sent me was also a real bonus. I didn’t expect it to be that organized, have that many agents on it, or have that much detail about all the agents and what they want. If I’d used Query Tracker to look everyone up and find all that information, it would have taken me 3 full days. 8 hours a day. At least. The agent list you sent me had everything I needed to find the best agents for my work—fast.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record. You’re much more than just a smart salesperson though. You’re a real helpmate with a gift for being friendly, real, and transparent—and you have integrity.
Everything you send out is very detailed, organized, and personalized… written like you’re someone’s best friend. I was surprised how quickly I felt I knew you, just through our emails and talking on the phone. You’re always on time, too. And you sell yourself very, very well. But you don’t oversell yourself, and you don’t disappoint your clients.
When I decided to take a shot and invest in your program, I asked myself what it was going to cost me to work with you. I also asked myself what it was going to cost me if I didn’t work with you. I knew something was wrong with my query because I wasn’t getting responses. And you had so many great testimonials on your website that I didn’t have a lot of fear about working with you.
It’s a mixed up, overcrowded world out there with everyone offering advice about publishing and literary agents. Plus everybody thinks they’re a writer—it’s unbelievable—so it’s harder to stand out. Successful authors are good at writing books but they’re not usually good at marketing themselves, especially when it comes to getting an agent. Every serious author owes it to himself or herself to get the best possible help during that process.”
Michael Thompson
Author of the Christian fiction novels
The Rector and The Actress
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Do you want to be represented by a top literary agency like Hartline Literary? Click here to get instant access to the Free Resources on our websites for authors and click here to find out how you can Schedule an Introductory Coaching Call. Mark Malatesta is founder of The Bestselling Author and Literary Agent Undercover, helping authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals. The above review of Mark Malatesta, Author Coach was provided by author Michael Thompson.
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 
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