Richard Motta, author of the memoir Switching Sides (not yet published), provided this review of former literary agent Mark Malatesta. Richard worked with Mark to improve his pitch materials (query letter and book proposal), resulting in literary agency representation. 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 Richard.
Mark Malatesta Review by Richard Motta
“Yes, yes, yes! I have an agent!
The day it happened, I came home from work and went to the computer on the round breakfast table in my place. That’s when I saw the offer letter in my email. I was so excited, I started calling people on the phone to tell them. Not long after that, I was asked if I wanted to write the screenplay of my book. My agent does quite a number of screenplays in addition to books, and she asked if I would do one for my book, because she thought I was the only one who could do it justice!
Mark, I never had a good query letter before working with you. I just had an old letter that I sent to several publishers. My query was too long, two pages, since I tend to overelaborate. After I sent out that old letter, I worked with a self-publishing company for over a year. I thought they were going to do so much, but they didn’t. I spent a lot to have that book published. When my son heard, he almost flipped. Then the publisher did nothing. All they were interested in was making the money. That’s why I contacted you.
Because you were previously an agent, I felt working with you might be my chance to get a good agent, publisher, and book deal. I got off to a slow start because, at first, I thought if I sent three or four queries out, that would be enough. I appreciated your perseverance to make sure I continued. You kept me going. I would come home from work and be at it until one in the morning sometimes, even though I get up early. You gave me energy to go on. You’re very motivating, friendly, personable, and accommodating.
I appreciated being able to email you and get quick responses to questions as things were happening. And your knowledge about how agents think and what they want was very important. Writing the book proposal was very hard for me and took a long time. But I did it, and I was very pleased with what you did to make it better. You improved what I wrote, and added information that I was very impressed with. I wish I could keep all those details in my mind, memorize them, and then say them when I have an interview!
I can’t tell you how embarrassed I was, and still am, from my many computer problems that I had while we were working together. I’m a pick and poke writer, and I nearly went mad figuring out how to send and receive emails and attachments. Oh God, I felt like a dummy! But you were patient with me, and helped me figure everything out. You also didn’t mind that it took me longer than most people to do everything.
It’s a good idea for writers to work with someone like you, Mark. Sometimes you have to invest money to make money. If someone is well known, like a movie star or big general or this or that, they can write a trashy book and publishers will print it. But if you’re someone like me, you need to do something to get recognized! I feel very proud of my book, and what I’ve accomplished getting an agent. I’m happy I found you, Mark. Thank you!”
Richard Motta
Author of the memoir
Switching Sides
(not yet published)
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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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