Dr. Bill Creasy, author of the upcoming book, Reading the Bible: A Literary Guide to Scripture, provided this review of former literary agent Mark Malatesta. Bill is also the creator/host of the Scripture Uncovered podcast, which has had 1.3 million “listens.” He worked with Mark to get a top literary agent, Shannon Marven with Dupree/Miller & Associates. 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 Dr. Creasy.
Mark Malatesta Review by Dr. Bill Creasy
I was just offered representation by Shannon Marven with Dupree/Miller & Associates. Her agency represents authors including Joel Osteen, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Phil, Dr. Stephen Covey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and The Duchess of York.
Shannon is on your list of top literary agents who operate in the Christian market, and she loved my query. I want to thank you for your thoughtful and excellent advice. You erased the clouds shrouding the process of getting an agent, and I think I may have broken the record of getting one so fast!
I knew how difficult it could be to get an agent, so I researched everything I could on the Internet and found your website. I then listened to pretty much everything you have online, and that convinced me to schedule a private coaching call with you. Of all the people I found online, you were, by far, the best.
I didn’t expect the wealth of quality content you provide, including hour-long recordings, for free. If it were only little blurbs trying to get me to buy something, I would have gone to somebody else. That drew me into your orbit, and I’m very happy that I got into that orbit. You helped me think about things in a way I hadn’t before.
When I queried Shannon, she sent me a contract in less than an hour, but I wondered if I should accept it. You know, you might fall in love on the first date, but it’s probably not a good idea to get married right after, no matter how good the first date is. It’s the very beginning, and you’re in that romantic glow. So, I thought, Well, maybe I should step back a little bit and see who else is out there, without putting her off.
That’s something you would normally suggest: waiting. But, after talking with you, I felt I couldn’t do better than Shannon. All the stars had aligned. If I hadn’t had that time with you, I don’t think the stars would have aligned quite so well. You helped me see what to look for regarding agents, and you helped me view authorship as a business.
I may have thought I knew everything at one point in my life, but I don’t anymore. I recognize the need to surround myself with competent people. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but the business of being an author requires a team: working with others, respecting their abilities, and being humble enough to take their advice.
It’s been very good talking with you and working with you, and I look forward to spending more time with you.
Author of the upcoming book, Reading the Bible: A Literary Guide to Scripture, and creator/host of the Scripture Uncovered podcast, which has had 1.3 million “listens”
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Do you want to get represented by a top literary agent like Shannon Marven with Dupree/Miller & Associates? 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 was provided by author Dr. Bill Creasy.
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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