Nonfiction Author Reviews of Mark Malatesta
Scroll below to see Reviews About Mark Malatesta provided by nonfiction authors who worked 1-on-1 with Mark as an author coach to secure book deals with publishers such as Berkley Books, Penguin Books, Random House, etc. Former Literary Agent Mark Malatesta is founder and president of The Bestselling Author and Literary Agent Undercover. He works with authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books), primarily to help them improve their writing projects and pitch materials to get the attention of top literary agents. .
Reviews of Mark Malatesta by Nonfiction Authors
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“I got offers from two publishers, but HCI Books has a lot of bestsellers and they seemed like the best fit. The rejections were very hard for me to take…after all the work you made my do, I wasn’t expecting to get so many rejections. There were bleak moments and it was devastating, but then I got a very good literary agent, Steven Harris with CSG Literary Partners. When I called you, you were always on it. You’re very organized and always knew what we talked about the last time. It’s really amazing. I can’t tell you how happy I am. I’ll always be grateful.” [click here to see the full review of self-help book author coach Mark Malatesta]
“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 the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Before we found you, Mark, we sent out query letters but only got rejections. When we found out Jeff Herman was going to be our agent, it was exhilarating. He offered to represent us the day after we sent him our ‘enchanting’ proposal. His word, by the way, which he said he rarely uses. It’s been a whirlwind and Jeff is exactly what we were hoping for: an enthusiastic, experienced, committed agent. Like so many others, we have to say that we really couldn’t have done this without you!” [click here to see the full review of self-help author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I’m writing to let you know I signed a contract with Llewellyn Publishing for my book, The Language of Tarot. Llewellyn said they want it to be the “go-to” book in its category. When I got the contract, I said, ‘Okay, I can have a glass of wine.” Nothing’s real ‘til it’s real.’ You’re very knowledgeable, practical, and helpful, Mark. You’re also very thoughtful—willing to invest sweat equity in the future of your clients. Thanks for your support.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“After you helped me get a top agent for my first book, I received three offers from publishers: Harper Collins, McGraw Hill, and BenBella Books. You’ve been included in my “Acknowledgements” as I couldn’t have gotten the ball rolling without you. My agent is excited about my next book as well. She said she’ll start pitching it as soon as it’s ready. Now that I’m started, I’m going full blast! [Working with you is] like when I wake up each morning and look out at the world, then put my glasses on so I can suddenly see more. Things start to come into focus.” [click here to see the full review of business book author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Sometimes, when I’ve hired consultants, nothing has happened. Except for one thing. I’ve written a lot of checks and they’ve all been cashed. But after working with Mark, in the second day of sending out queries, an agent asked me to send him a proposal. Then, more than a dozen more agents asked for more material. It wasn’t much later that I received multiple offers for representation. One agent said, ‘This is the best proposal I’ve ever read.’” [click here to see the full review of money/finance author coach Mark Malatesta]
“When I decided to work with you, Mark, I didn’t realize what a good query or full-fledged proposal entailed. The pitch materials you helped me create were very strong. I sent out about fifty queries and a lot of agents asked me for more material. When I got the news that a top agent in New York City wanted to represent me, I was very, very happy! My agent is somewhat formal, very polite, and very British. I like her. And I can truthfully say, that without your help and guidance in putting together the book proposal, I would not have succeeded so well.” [click here to see the full review of business author coach Mark Malatesta]
“When I got the news that I had an agent to represent me, I wasn’t surprised. I had no question it was going to happen with Mark’s coaching and encouragement – and our preparation. It was just a matter of time. I’m excited, and I’m real clear none of this would have happened if Mark hadn’t helped me through the process. It’s no accident. Whatever you need, Mark will give it to you. If the carrot isn’t working, then you can expect a push – a kick in the pants.” [click here to see the full review of self-help author coach Mark Malatesta]
“An agent just offered to represent me—she called my proposal “beautifully done.” Her literary agency, Waterside Productions, has sold more than 10,000 titles and their authors have made more than $500 million dollars in royalties. You’re extremely knowledgeable and intelligent but also caring, excellent at communicating, and extremely clear about expectations. I came to you with high expectations and little hesitation because you were referred by two successful people I know in the publishing industry who’ve done coaching with you. I’m so very grateful for your integrity and belief in me.” [click here to see the full review of self-help and parenting author coach Mark Malatesta]
“This morning I received an offer from Hamilton Books, an imprint of Rowman and Littlefield. Though I’d been a highly successful lawyer for more than 30 years, I knew I was moving from a level of deep instinctive expertise in a specialized area, to an area where I was clueless. I know what deep expertise and competence looks like, and I realized I needed a solution. I knew it might all go badly, but I also knew I wasn’t going to make progress without someone like you. I’m now a published author. Thanks, Mark.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I was absolutely shocked when a publisher contacted me within one week of submitting my work, saying, ‘I love this. When can we talk?’ I couldn’t believe it. My time with you was incredibly helpful on so many levels. Thank you for this invaluable experience. You are truly gifted, and I’m thrilled I could be the beneficiary of your wealth of knowledge.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“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.” Trimax Media has since acquired the film rights, and Stephen Campanelli—who’s worked with Clint Eastwood on many films—to direct. My head is spinning. I worked on this project for more than ten years, and 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 the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I just signed with my dream agent. Mark is off-the-charts knowledgeable, super authentic, incredibly generous, creative, and loyal. He’s just a solid guy, the real deal. He helped me see that my first prospective agent wasn’t a good match. Mark takes time to get to know his clients and their work. That’s rare today. He’ll care about your dream as much as you do, and that’s hard to find.” [click here to see the full review of transformational author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I got a top agent with Trident Media Group, and it took less than six weeks after that to get a book deal. There’s a bit of a myth amongst writers that you shouldn’t need any training. You should just be able to write and sell well, off the top of your head. It’s convenient and simpler to think that way, but it’s also shortsighted and inaccurate. Your writing, your pitch materials, and your platform can all get better if you let other people contribute. I am quite happy, and it’s been really nice working with you.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Do you remember that commercial for Toyota with the cheer where people are jumping up and down? That’s what I did after I sent out my first round of queries and a top literary agent called to say he wanted to represent me. Before working with Mark, I followed someone else’s template for a query and book proposal but didn’t get anywhere. It’s hard finding a literary agent and getting published, but if you follow Mark’s process and believe in the work, it can be amazing.” [click here to see the full review of business author coach Mark Malatesta]
“My agent said, ‘Bravo for putting such a thorough proposal together. It may be the most carefully crafted one I’ve ever received!’ I was fortunate to get four offers from top literary agents. It was a hell of a lot of work, but, when we were done, I had everything a top agent would want and need to provide to publishers. You’re very savvy, competent, and knowledgeable about the publishing industry. It was a pleasure working with you.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Holy smokes, I just signed a book deal!!!!!!! Mark’s support and guidance have been invaluable. Two well-known agents offered to represent me and one of them responded to my query in less than four minutes!! Then THREE publishers expressed interest and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose was perfect because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they published my book in hardcover!!!” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction health author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I just got a top NYC literary agent, and I want to let you know what a pleasure it was to work with you. The entire package of what you do and who you are blows me away. You’re like a heart surgeon, cutting exactly what needs to be cut in a way that makes all the difference between a successful operation and one that doesn’t work out. You’re also candid and radically transparent, and we’ve had great communication. There were a couple times when I felt daunted by the process, but you helped me through it. Sending you hugs.” [click here to see the full review of self-help author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I was out of ideas and frankly bewildered, at a very low point, when I found Mark’s websites. They came up everywhere so I decided to give him a chance, and I’m very glad I did. Now the president of a New York literary agency with many bestsellers and award-winning titles represents me! I was glad to put myself in the hands of someone like Mark who knew what to do. Mark is smart and honest and knows what he’s talking about.” [click here to see the full review of spirituality author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Mark, it felt very good to know that Kathryn Green, a respected and successful agent, took my work seriously and was moved enough to take me on. I have credentials and write quality material for a niche market, but I was completely inexperienced about how to market myself. My favorite part of working with you was not being alone in figuring out what to do next or how to do it. Nothing is more alienating than having to do everything yourself and not knowing if what you’re doing is going to have an effect.” [click here to see the full review of food and cookbook author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I’m not narcissistic, but I’m bright. I’ve written dissertations and books, given speeches, created institutes, you name it. But without your insider expertise and expert coaching, I never would have succeeded in getting a literary agent. I would have given them what I wanted, instead of what they wanted. That would have been a disaster. Authors need insight into what literary agents and publishers are looking for, that only an insider can offer.” [click here to see the full review of business book author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Every time Mark told me something was going to happen, it actually happened. If I hadn’t worked with him, I think it would have taken me years to find an agent. But within 48 hours of contacting AAR literary agent Andy Ross with the query letter and book proposal Mark helped me create, Andy offered to represent me. Now I consider Mark more than just a coach or consultant–he’s a trusted partner.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“After I decided to work with Mark, I signed a contract with a top literary agency, Dupree/Miller & Associates. I got my first five requests from agents almost immediately. It didn’t happen in less than four minutes like it has for some of Mark’s clients, but it was fast! If you’re an aspiring author, working with Mark is definitely worth the investment. He will pull the best out of you, make your intangibles concrete, and give you a process that will move you forward fast.” [click here to see the full review of science book author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Jeff Herman offered me representation, and I signed a contract with Red Wheel/Weiser this afternoon! My husband and I just got back from celebrating in Mexico. Without you, there’s no way I would have gotten representation. Not even close. When I started, I was wondering if I was just an amateur who needed to forget my belief that my story might be shared in our divisive world. I’m so grateful you held my hand. It’s been an amazing process, and it’s been an honor getting to know you. I’m looking forward to staying in touch as we go forward. Thank you and thank you!!” [click here to see the full review of diversity author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Not long after Mark helped me land a top literary agent, I got a call from my agent letting me know that I had three different publishing offers from well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill who recently published my book in hardcover! It was a fantastic feeling and a huge smile came over my face. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.” [click here to see the full review of business author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I have a fantastic relationship with my agent, my book deal with Hay House is inked, and their president and CEO just interviewed me for a Writers Group event. Six literary agents wanted to sign me, and Hay House said they really like my proposal. Even if an author isn’t going to do anything more than your introductory coaching call, they should absolutely do that. People are constantly asking me now, “How did you get your agent, who should I work with?” I’m not going to refer them to anybody but you!! You gave me value, and it didn’t feel transactional. Sending heartfelt gratitude and blessings. 🙏💜” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I received three offers from top literary agents. The agent I signed with said my book proposal was the best she’s ever seen. Initially, I’d started feeling down after receiving requests for more material following by silence. Then I started getting serious interest and experiencing the anxiety that comes with talking to multiple agents. If anybody ever asks me, ‘What’s the best way to get an agent and get published?’ and so on, I’m going to tell them to get ahold of you. It’s the best money I’ve spent. The process of trying to get an agent is so formidable, authors need help, and I’ve enjoyed working with you.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“If you want a better query letter, proposal, or book I suggest you sign up for a coaching call with Mark. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the fact that Mark is a former literary agent made everything fall into place. After I started sending out requests I began receiving requests from top literary agents! You really need someone who knows the business. Mark is very supportive and helpful. He listens and asks questions if he doesn’t understand something, instead of just pretending to understand.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I like that you work with authors on both sides of the political spectrum. And now, excitingly, my book is an Amazon bestseller in 7 different categories. I have also been on over 10 radio shows and 3 cable political news shows. Meanwhile, after just a month with a good PR team as Phase 2 at my back, I am just commencing a book tour which is furthering my political work. It has also rekindled my comedy work and got me hired back in the clubs. Thanks for the focused guidance, Coach. You helped make it happen.” [click here to see the full review of political book author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Before speaking with Mark I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to find one. It took me a while to even come up with the right questions to ask, but he handled it very nicely. Now Routledge is publishing my book. Mark gave me the scope and perspective that I needed and it was a great advantage because he’s actually been a literary agent. It’s so comforting once you have an agent, knowing that you’re in very good hands.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“When my wife and I looked at the investment to work with you, we said, ‘Okay. It costs less than a PhD, and it’s a teaching tailored to what I wanted to do.’ You offered a customized curriculum…and you only accept authors for coaching if you see they have real potential for success. Your coaching program is essentially a tough ‘school’ that prepares writers for a tough business. The reason I say that is to put your fee in context. I can say it more brazenly than you to other authors: ‘Do you want to publish a mainstream book, or just say you tried?’ Thank you, from my heart.” [click here to see the full review of environmental book author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Mark, I was very fortunate when I got the news Rowman & Littlefield was offering me a publishing contract. I got an email saying they were interested just two days after they got the proposal I developed with you. I am favorably impressed with your system, how closely you work with the authors you select to work with, the effort you put into everything, and your always prompt replies. To you, I hold out a thankful hand.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I can’t tell you exactly how many query letters I sent out before I worked with Mark, but it was a lot. Not one person asked to look at my book proposal though and, since I had high expectations, it wasn’t easy dealing with the rejections. My old pitch was vague, without a clear point but the new query and book proposal that Mark helped me create were perfect. I just signed a contract with a top literary agent and film producer who represents many bestselling authors!” [click here to see the full review of self-help and personal development author coach Mark Malatesta]
“I was just offered representation by Bill Gladstone with Waterside Productions. He’s personally placed more than 5,000 titles with dozens of publishers. Your help was life-changing, and my agent said my proposal is solid. He didn’t ask me to change anything in the proposal except add some additional writing samples. That wouldn’t have happened without your advice. You know what you’re talking about, but you also care about your clients. You seem like a mature, loving person. I’m going to acknowledge you in my book, and I’m deeply grateful for your guidance.” [click here to see the full review of nonfiction author coach Mark Malatesta]
“Within an hour of sending Paul Levine my query, he sent me an email that said, ‘Please call me.’ We chatted and he said, ‘I love this idea and I want to sell your book.’ He said that based on JUST the query letter. I’ve been a business owner and CEO all my adult life. So, I’ve hired all types of consultants. But I’ve never had a consultant as good as you. You’ve been so professional and competent, with a level of integrity and responsiveness that’s rare. You’ve been superb, absolutely superb. I could never have gone through this without your expertise. Ever, ever, ever.” [click here to see the full review of women’s issues author coach Mark Malatesta]
“To be honest, I had no idea what I was getting into when I met you. I just had a chunk of a book and no query or book proposal. I didn’t know what those things were! But I got an agent after sending out just two rounds of submissions. It was surreal. Too many people give up, right at the moment where they’re about to be successful. It’s easy to stop because of a lack of belief in yourself, or something else, and go find another goal. But, with my book, I had so much wrapped up in it, I didn’t feel like I could give up. Thank you for everything.” [click here to see the full review of LGBTQ book author coach Mark Malatesta]
View More Reviews of Mark Malatesta and Get Support
The reviews listed above by nonfiction book authors are only some of the reviews about Mark Malatesta on this website. To see additional comments and reviews about Mark’s websites, author newsletter, articles, training, speaking, events, etc. click here to view General Reviews of Mark Malatesta. Also, if you want 1-on-1 support to help you get your nonfiction book published with a publisher like Penguin Books, McGraw Hill, or Routledge, click here to access all of the Free Resources on our websites for authors. And click here to find out how you can Schedule an Introductory Coaching Call with Mark Malatesta, Author Coach.
