Roger Walsh, author of Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind (Wiley), The World of Shamanism: New Views of an Ancient Tradition (Llewellyn), The World’s Great Wisdom: Timeless Teachings from Religions and Philosophies (State University of New York Press), and Wisdom: What Sages and Scientists Say about Life and Living Well (not yet published), provided this review of former literary agent Mark Malatesta. Roger worked with Mark to improve his manuscript, pitch materials, and platform resulting in offers for representation from four top literary agents. 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 Roger.
Mark Malatesta Review by Roger Walsh
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, including one at the last moment. You encouraged me to try and get her reading ASAP, since other agents were interested, and she did. I appreciated having multiple offers, and time to ask them professional and interpersonal questions. It’s important that I work with people I like, trust, and feel I can have a great interaction and relationship with. It was actually that fourth and final agent who checked all my boxes regarding likability, competence, and resources.
I’ve had two previous agents, but my most recent one retired. Since that time, I’d written a number of books. The one you and I worked on together is exceptionally important to me. I wanted to do everything I could to get a top publisher, which meant I needed a top agent. I knew that would be a challenge, so, when I came across your website, it seemed logical to hire you if I was really going to go for it.
My time with you was an education about what’s involved with getting an agent, the odds of getting a top person, and the necessary pieces to put in place to do so. For example, essential elements such as filling out your platform and other areas that might be weaknesses. I didn’t know enough to know what I didn’t know, and I didn’t know enough to ask. You moved me through everything in a step-by-step process of putting all the individual building blocks in place to construct a compelling proposal.
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. I was also surprised and pleased at how many well-known people such as bestselling authors, media people, etc. made promises to review and promote my book once it’s published. In the past, I’ve only done something like that when the book is about to be published, or after it’s been published. Now I understand the value of having those things in advance to show agents, and I know how to get them.
You’re very savvy, competent, and knowledgeable about the publishing industry. What first made me want to work with you was the sheer amount of valuable information on your website. That made it clear you knew what you were talking about. And, when we first spoke, I liked you and enjoyed our interactions. The money for your program was a lot, but I thought, “Okay, if I’m really going for a top agent, I need to do what’s required to make that possible.” I have most everything in life, except time.
For people thinking of working with you, the main point I would suggest they consider is that there are nuances and specificities that come out in working with someone 1-on-1. So, even though you have an enormous amount of information on your website, working with a coach is absolutely key. The personalized database of agents you make available to your clients, in which various categories and criteria are organized and clear, is also helpful. Without that, who knows how many years it would have taken me.
The reality check you give throughout the process, and your feedback about agent responses, is also useful. And you give the sense—which I’m sure is true—that you don’t give up on people. Once you take someone on, you’re there for them, willing to do what it takes to help the author be successful. It’s not, “Great, I got the money. I put in as much work as I said I would. Good luck.” It’s clearly, “Okay, you’ve made this commitment. Let’s do everything we possibly can to get you published.”
I wouldn’t call you extremely flexible because you have a proven way of doing things, but that approach has its strengths—and you’re willing to work around different types of issues or resistance your clients have. It was a pleasure working with you.
Author of Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind (Wiley), The World of Shamanism: New Views of an Ancient Tradition (Llewellyn), The World’s Great Wisdom: Timeless Teachings from Religions and Philosophies (State University of New York Press), and Wisdom: What Sages and Scientists Say about Life and Living Well (not yet published)
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Do You Want to Be Like Roger Walsh Who Provided this Review About Mark Malatesta?
Do you want to be like Roger and get offers from multiple top literary agents? 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 Roger Walsh.
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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