P. Segal, author of The Flood and editor of Tales of the San Francisco Cacophony Society (Last Gasp), provided this review of former literary agent Mark Malatesta. P. Segal worked with Mark to improve her pitch materials, which resulted in multiple requests from top literary agents for her novel. 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 P. Segal.
Mark Malatesta Review by P. Segal
“Twitterpated!!!!!
After sending out my first round of queries, I immediately got two positive responses from top literary agents–the first request came within 2 minutes! One agent asked for sample chapters; the other one asked to read my complete manuscript.
Mark, I’ve really enjoyed being privy to the wealth of knowledge you have about agents (for example, being able to pinpoint exactly what information to put in a query letter to spike an agent’s interest). My final query sounded like me in every way, but it was better (much cleaner than my original version). It also included things about me that I didn’t realize were relevant.
Once I saw it, I realized it instantly.
The questionnaire you had me fill out was what got that information out of me. It revealed new things I could talk about like what I’ve already accomplished as an author (it can all be so nebulous in your head). I know I’ve been freelancing for years and received some good reviews, etc., but distilling it all into one document can be difficult.
I also want you to know that I’ve been delighted by your warmth, charm, and intelligence (and your accessibility). It’s given me hope in a way that nothing has before. My first phone call with you was an absolutely life-changing conversation, perhaps the most exciting night I’d had in years. It felt like my world had shifted, as if I were going through a life change of real consequence.
I was actually so excited that I couldn’t go to sleep until 10 o’clock the next morning. That night I read a lot more of the information on your website and realized how much is there. It speaks volumes about your desire to do good for the world, especially writers. And I know enough about publishing to see how the things you say ring true.
You’ve probably heard a lot of writers say they feel like they’re working in a vacuum or a bubble; everything can seem so difficult, like you’re not getting anywhere. Going from that place, to a place of certainty, has been very meaningful to me. It was a huge transition psychologically.
You’re surprisingly real for a person whose business is marketing. You know how it is with people who are promoters. It’s that Hollywood thing, ‘You’re great baby. Let’s have lunch. You’re going to be big.’ But you know they don’t mean a word of it, and you never hear from them again.
I spent years trying to find an agent and get my work published on my own, but never sold anything. Now that I’ve had a few phone conversations with you, I see the difference. I laughed when you told me how some authors pay for advice and don’t take it. As a therapist, I know just how that is. I hope more authors sign up for your services and take your advice.
Thanks a million!”
P. Segal
Author of The Flood
Editor of Tales of the San Francisco Cacophony Society (Last Gasp)
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Do you want to get requests from the best literary agents for your book? 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 Author Coach Mark Malatesta was provided by author P. Segal.
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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