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The Directory of Literary Agents
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- The results are being filtered by the character: G
Katie Grimm
Don Congdon AssociatesDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Katie Grimm is a literary agent with Don Congdon Associates. Katie joined Don Congdon Associates in 2007. She represents vivid literary fiction (be it voicey, historical, speculative, or mysterious), up-market women’s fiction, cohesive short story collections, and graphic novels. In young adult, she loves compelling and heartbreaking contemporary novels and speculative high-concepts rooted in science and history. In middle grade, she enjoys novels with a heartfelt, timeless quality, and stories that explore the magic of our world or those imagined. For non-fiction, she is looking for memoirs and narratives that explore greater social issues, dark and weird times in human history, the personal impact of science, and any off-beat topic explored through an academic lens. Across all genres, she’s looking for books with a heartbeat, and she’ll always be interested in previously under- or misrepresented experiences and stories that contribute to a larger cultural conversation. She is also a member of SCBWI.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Satire * Short Story Collection * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Environment * Ethnic * Gay/Lesbian * History * Journalism * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Pop Culture * Science * Technology * Women’s Issues *
Biography
Jill Grinberg is a literary agent with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Jill is also the Founder and President. She has worked in New York publishing for the past two decades. She completed her B.A. in English Literature at Tufts University and Oxford University, UK, interning at Boston Magazine and the Boston Review before moving to Manhattan to enter book publishing. She started in the publicity department at HarperCollins, where she worked with high-profile authors and books like Amy Bloom’s National Book Award finalist Come to Me, and Thomas Moore’s #1 New York Times bestseller Care of The Soul. Realizing, thanks to Amy Bloom’s wise counseling, that she had a passion for author advocacy and book development from the ground up, she then moved to the agenting side of the business. She was a founding partner of Anderson Grinberg Literary Management, and went on to form her own firm, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Jill feels a strong kinship with her great-grandparents who founded the historic Cafe Royal, a mecca for Jewish intellectuals and artists in New York City in the 1920s, 30s and 40s, and she continues their tradition of hosting tea and conversation with visiting writers and illustrators.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Money/Finance * Narrative * Politics * Science * Travel * Young Adult *
392 Vanderbilt Avenue Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Georgana Grinstead
The Seymour AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Georgana Grinstead is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She began her career as a corporate and nonprofit media specialist. She studied at the University of Texas in Austin before earning a degree in public relations and advertising from Georgia College State & University. Romance books, although not on the official curriculum, were her favorite subject then and continue to be long after graduation.
Her professional and personal lives inevitably came together in 2012, when she began blogging as a new wave of romantic fiction swept the literary world. Her knowledge of social media and her passion for promoting authors led her to a boutique public relations firm as a publicist, where she learned the industry from the inside out. Now, Georgana heads her own firm, Valentine PR & Literary Management.
Georgana joined The Seymour Agency/Alliance Rights Agency in July of 2021 and is thrilled to utilize the full force of her knowledge and contacts to bring HEA’s to wider audiences everywhere.
Georgana is particularly interested in Romance – Contemporary, Dark, New Adult and Mature YA. No historical or paranormal/fantasy please.
A true southern girl, Georgana grew up in Texas and is currently living her happily ever after in Georgia with her handsome husband Charlie, two beautiful adult children Grey and Valentine, an amazing daughter-in-law Emmy and three rescue dogs.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Horror * New Adult * Romance * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
David Groff is a literary agent with Creative Management. David Groff scouts and develops fiction and nonfiction writers for the company, provides editorial expertise to company clients, and offers editorial services to outside clients. David is a veteran book editor, creative writing professor, and published poet with more than twenty-five years of experience in the publishing business. As a senior editor at Crown he acquired and edited such celebrated authors as Dave Barry, Jim Dwyer, Patrice Gaines, and Colin Harrison. As an independent editor and publishing consultant he has worked directly with authors, literary agents, and publishers. Writers whose books he edited have been published by Basic, Crown, HarperCollins, Miramax Books, William Morrow, and Wiley, among other houses, and several of his authors—including Homer Hickam, Gregory Maguire, and Christopher Rice—have become New York Times bestsellers. Along with his work with Rob Weisbach Creative Management, David continues to work with his outside authors.
David has taught at the University of Iowa, New York University, and Rutgers, and has led seminars in publishing at the New School, The University of Pennsylvania, and Poets House. An award-winning writer and poet, David is the recipient of the National Poetry Series prize for his book Theory of Devolution. A graduate of Princeton and the Iowa Writers Workshop, he currently teaches creative writing in the MFA program of the City College of New York.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Literary * Mystery * Religious *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Business * Gay/Lesbian * Health/Wellness * History * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Narrative * Religion * Science *
2029 Century Park East Suite 400 Los Angeles CA 90067 USA
Biography
Jill Grosjean is the literary agent with the Jill Grosjean Literary Agency. She has been a literary agent for sixteen years, the last thirteen as the head of her own agency. Prior to becoming an agent, Jill managed an influential independent bookstore. She also worked at a top advertising agency and in publishing.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Literary * Mystery * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction *
1390 Millstone Road Sag Harbor NY 11963 USA
Laura Gross
Laura Gross Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Laura Gross is a literary agent with the Laura Gross Literary Agency. She says: “I have been a literary agent for over 25 years and am extremely lucky to love what I do. I’m also fortunate that I am able to represent a broad range of both fiction and non-fiction writers. I am particularly interested in history, politics, and current affairs, and also love beautifully written literary fiction and intelligent thrillers.
After completing a degree in Comparative Literature at Brown University, I began my publishing career as an assistant at two leading New York literary agencies. I then became the youngest editor at one of New York’s oldest publishing houses.
I grew up in London, where I worked for a prominent literary agent as well as for three Members of Parliament (which allowed me a fascinating view of the British government’s innards before security was tight).”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Espionage/Military * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Family * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * History * Investigative * Journalism * Memoir * Military/War * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Self-Help/Personal Development * Travel * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
Biography
Loren Grossman is a literary agent with the Paul S. Levine Literary Agency.
Areas of literary interest: Non-fiction: Archeology, Art/Photography/Architecture, Child Guidance/Parenting, Coffee Table Books, Gardening, Education/Academics, Health/Medicine/Science/Technology, Law, Religion, Memoirs, Sociology
Birthplace and Hometown: Hollywood and Los Angeles CA
Education: Ed.D., University of Southern California; J.D., University of Memphis (TN);M.S., Health Science (Health Statistics and Research), California State University, Northridge; A.B., Sociology, University of California, Berkeley
Previous professional experience: Educational Advocate (highly gifted and special needs); health/mental health information systems and statistical analysis and planning
Dream retirement job: Artist
Passionate about: Art, architecture, and gardening
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Architecture * Art * Autobiography * Cultural/Social Issues * Education * Gardening * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Law * Medical/Medicine * Science * Technology *
1054 Superba Ave. Venice CA 90291-3940 USA
Biography
Deborah Grosvenor is a literary agent with Grosvenor Literary Agency. Deborah has more than 25 years’ experience in the book publishing business as an agent and editor. During her career, she has edited or represented several hundred nonfiction books. As an editor, she acquired Tom Clancy’s first novel, The Hunt for Red October. Her distinguished client list includes nationally prominent writers, New York Times bestselling authors, and prize-winning historians and journalists. Among them are Eleanor Clift, Morton Kondracke, Thomas Oliphant, Henry Allen, Aaron Miller, Scott Wallace, Curtis Wilkie, Nina Burleigh and Elizabeth Pryor.
Grosvenor is interested in narrative nonfiction in the categories of history, biography, politics, current and foreign affairs, memoir, food, health, the environment and travel. For fiction, she is simply interested in great storytelling, especially in an historical context. Grosvenor is the recipient of the TWIN award (Tribute to Women in Industry), an award given by the YWCA and industry to “outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their companies in managerial and executive positions.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Historical * Multicultural Fiction * Religious *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Ethnic * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Government * Health/Wellness * History * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Politics * Religion * Science * Travel * True Adventure *
4905 Del Ray Avenue Suite 305 Bethesda MD 20814 USA
Biography
Pam Gruber is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. She became a literary agent when she realized her favorite part of the publishing business was working closely with authors and artists, helping them to shape not only their stories, but also their careers. She got her start in publishing as an editor, working for over a decade at Hachette Book Group and went on to serve as the Editorial Director at children’s media startup Rebel Girls before shifting gears.
As an agent, Pam aims to sign authors, not just individual books, and she believes in collaboration, communication, creativity, and mutual respect. Her clients write in all categories, from children’s and YA, to adult SFF and contemporary rom-com. She looks for work that is gripping from page one, whether that’s due to the voice, world building, or premise. She loves messy female protagonists, innovative twists on classic tropes, and getting swept away by fully realized worlds—be it the next town over or an imagined land unlike our own. She brings an inscrutable eye for detail to every book she gets her hands on, and her prior experience gives her insight into how editors think, and what they’re looking for.
In her life outside of books (as if!), Pam is an aspiring art collector, avid window shopper, experimental baker, and Pilates enthusiast slowly fixing up the antique house she lives in with her husband, son, and feline familiars.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Romance * Satire * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
27 W. 24th St. Suite 804 New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Lisa Grubka is a literary agent with Fletcher & Company/UTA. She joined Fletcher and Co. in 2012. She represents a broad variety of authors, including a National Book Award winner and several New York Times bestsellers. Lisa began her career at Farrar, Straus and Giroux and the William Morris Agency and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Family Saga * General Fiction * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * NoPB * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Lifestyle * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Narrative * Nature * Science * Sports *
888 7th Avenue New York NY 10106 USA
Biography
Laura Gruszka is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many celebrated authors and illustrators of children’s books under the mentorship of senior agent Rebecca Sherman for over three years; now, I’m excited to build my own list!
I’m looking for authors and illustrators of children’s books for all ages—picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. I’m also open to adult graphic novels and adult literary fiction.
My priority as a junior agent is uplifting traditionally underrepresented voices and stories in publishing. This applies to every category of books I am looking for. If you are a creator who is part of a marginalized community—regardless of whether you are specifically writing about identity—please send your work my way!”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Graphic Novel * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Memoir *
Wendi Gu
Sanford J. Greenburger AssociatesDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Wendi Gu is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Wendi is privileged to represent a talented range of award-winning and bestselling children’s books authors and illustrators. For all children’s books categories, from picture books to young adult, Wendi values emotional stories filled with lyricism and heart. She is drawn toward books that help dismantle stereotypes about mental health, ability, and race. As the daughter of immigrants, she sees special importance in stories about migration and displacement, especially as they relate to friendship and family. For middle grade and young adult novels, she enjoys voice-driven stories with contemplative characters. Occasionally, she enjoys truly absurd humor. But above all, Wendi is looking for authors and illustrators who value inclusivity and intersectionality, whose writing and art encourages love and care. Bonus points go to stories from different parts of the globe.
She grew up in the Chicago suburbs and spent many of her summers with her grandparents in China. She attended Northwestern University where she studied Creative Writing. She lives in Brooklyn with her spouse and dog named Beanie Gu.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
Biography
Robert Guinsler is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Robert Guinsler has been with Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. since 2000. His general curiosity in all things has allowed him the opportunity to represent a wide variety of prize-winning and New York Times bestselling nonfiction authors and projects. From the geopolitical mosaics of journalists Rania Abouzeid and Mikhail Zygar, to the impassioned memoirs of Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich and legendary gay rights activist Cleve Jones, to the comedic collections of Sarah Colonna, Phoebe Robinson and Egypt’s own Bassem Youssef, most every avenue of the nonfiction spectrum can be found on his list. Other authors include Wendy Lawless, Harvard Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein, Sil Lai Abrams, founder of Truth in Reality, Charles London (also known as Alex London and C. Alexander London), Brian Farrey, John Renehan, and Anna Jean Mayhew, among many others, round out a diverse group of literary, commercial, and YA fiction authors that Robert represents as well. Additionally, he represents the Estate of Jack Kerouac and the Estate of Anne Sexton.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * History * Humor * Journalism * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Science * Spirituality *
115 Broadway Suite 1602 New York NY 10006 USA
Biography
Matthew Guma is a literary agent with The Guma Agency.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Fitness * Health/Wellness * How-To * History * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Spirituality *
New York NY USA
Biography
Masha Gunic is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. She started her career in publishing as an intern at the Azantian Literary Agency and has since held internships at Red Fox Literary and Writers House before working as an Editorial Assistant at Abrams Books on the children’s side for two years. Her love for books across genres, as well as her desire to find and foster great talent, drove her to make the transition from editorial back to the Azantian Literary Agency on the West Coast. Right now, Masha is only looking to acquire middle grade and young adult novels.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Middle Grade Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Bellingham WA USA
Lindsay Guzzardo
Martin Literary ManagementDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Lindsay Guzzardo is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Through tenures at Amazon Publishing, Guideposts Books, and Penguin/Signet, Lindsay Guzzardo acquired and edited numerous bestselling titles to fantastic customer and trade reviews, particularly in commercial fiction, women’s fiction, and romance.
Now a Literary Manager of adult fiction, Lindsay applies her comprehensive market knowledge and keen editorial instinct to identify and nurture exciting new talent for MLM.
She will consider any adult fiction with a clear, marketable, compelling hook, and strong voice. Her personal tastes align with the following wish list, but she would never shut herself off to The Next Big Thing!
Lindsay is also interested in working with proven genre writers (i.e. previously published, award-winning/nominated, placement in contests, strong platform, etc.) from the elevator pitch onward. Bring her your pitches and she will help direct you which one to pursue, or she can provide you with one to flesh out into a proposal.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Historical * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Julie Gwinn
The Seymour AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Julie Gwinn is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She has a background in editorial, launching the Pure Enjoyment line at B&H Publishing Group where she served as Fiction Publisher and was awarded Editor of the Year and Agent of the Year finalist by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Julie also has more than 25 years of public relations and marketing experience and has worked in marketing for several Nashville nonprofit organizations, including the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children, the Nashville Area Red Cross, and the YWCA. She puts that marketing expertise to use in working with her authors.
Julie is actively looking for diverse voices in both fiction and non-fiction and is currently looking for romance, mystery/true crime, historical and speculative/fantasy novels. In non-fiction she is looking for self-help, lifestyle, motivational and sports related books.
As of January, Julie’s query process has changed. She is no longer accepting email queries and has started using Query Manager to manage this part of the business. Please visit her Query Manager portal at the link below where you will find instructions on the process and how to upload your materials.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Christian Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Espionage/Military * Fantasy * Historical * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Celebrity * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Design * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Health/Wellness * How-To * Humor * Lifestyle * Multicultural * Narrative * Psychology * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * True Adventure * True Crime *
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Directory Instructions
Use the drop-down menu on the left to search for agents by genre, gender, location, longevity, or AAR Status. To find a specific agent or agency, enter the agent’s name or the name of the agency into the search box.
Important: If you use the search box, you must remove the search term by pressing the “Clear Search” link before you look for more agents using the drop-down menu (or you won’t see the proper results). Click on the “Show Notes” and “Show Bio” links underneath each agent for more information about that agent.
Have a question or need support? Post a comment or question by clicking on the red button at the bottom of the page.
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About Mark Malatesta
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 Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark’s authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.
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Author Coaching Testimonials
“Mark, finding you has been both a treat and a treasure—I just signed a contract with my new literary agent!
My career has spanned publishing, TV, and feature film. I’ve served as Creative Dir. for the Magazine Group, TIME Inc.; Dir. of Time World News Service, a Founding Dir. of TIME-Life Films; Exec. Prod. for both the CBS and NBC TV Networks; Prod./Dir.: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA.
In today’s publishing marketplace, agents come and go. They also very often seem to just want an easy pathway to make a buck. Many authors are let go by their agents because their last book didn’t do well enough and the agent doesn’t want to devote the time to help the author. That’s not what you’re about Mark. Even established authors need this type of support in today’s marketplace.”
Author of ten fiction and nonfiction books
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“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin!
Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices.
Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful. I heard other authors talk about their great relationships with their agents and it made me want the same thing. Now I have that.”
Author of Woman on Fire
(Penguin Books)
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“After sending out the query Mark revised for me, I had the opportunity to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident and, a short time later I had a publishing contract with Berkley Books, which recently published my book in hardcover.
Before that, I sent my query letter out on my own to 30 or 40 agents and got a lot of rejections. I then found Mark online while I was researching agents. I was surprised that he offered so much during his initial consultation—for a very modest amount of money.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t worked with Mark. I can’t even imagine that now though, because of the grief and detours I experienced before we worked together. It was a time-consuming pain in the neck. If you want to get the attention of top literary agents and publishers, there is no substitute for working with an insider. You can’t beat experience. And having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable.”
Author of Single Handed
(Berkley Books, a Division of Penguin Random House)
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“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I got three offers of representation for my children’s picture book in the United States, even though I live abroad! When I woke up and found the first offer for representation in my email in box, I wanted to scream. But my family was still asleep so I couldn’t. 🙂
Just 8 minutes after I sent a query letter to one of my favorite agents, she replied and asked to see my manuscript. A short time later we had a lovely conversation. She was interested in representing me and sounded very positive and enthusiastic about my book. Since I also got offers from two other agents, I had to turn two of them down. One of them was upset and it felt like I was breaking her heart, but you just have to do it. I kept reminding myself that this is a good problem to have!”
Author/Illustrator of Lon-Lon’s Big Night
and many other children’s books
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“Mark, after you helped me land a top literary agent, I got publishing offers from THREE well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill (they’re publishing my book in hardcover)!
I was at Disneyworld with my family, in the Haunted Mansion, when I got the call. I went outside and listened to the voicemail message from my agent. A huge smile came over my face. It was a fantastic feeling. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.
You’re filling an important need so I’ll say this to every other author reading this testimonial. Mark showed me that getting a top literary agent is a science. If you’ve written a book, or you’re in the process, you’ve already invested a lot—a lot more than money. Don’t stop yourself from getting out there to fulfill your purpose and dreams. Thank you so, so much, Mark!!!”
Author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill)
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“I got a book deal! After I started sending out my new query letter I had 6 literary agents request my manuscript in a short amount of time, which is awesome. Then, within 2 weeks of my agent starting to pitch my story to publishers, we had an offer. I signed a book contract yesterday. A little while later my agent told me that a TV co-producer asked for more info about my book.
By the way, the acquiring editor that fell in love with the manuscript jumped in with both feet and we just worked out our timeline for publication. She’s as passionate about getting my book out as I am, and that means everything. She read the manuscript in two days and said she couldn’t put it down. And the book is going to be published as a hardcover!”
Author of A Chick in the Cockpit
(Behler Publications)
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“Thank you Mark! After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on.
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record.”
Author of The Rector
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“Mark, you’re a miracle worker. Thanks to your help with my book, query letter, and synopsis… I now have a legitimate publisher who described my book as ‘Powerful Magic’ and it’s now available in bookstores and online!
I’m a lifelong academic writer who one day found myself writing inspired short stories that came to me in dreams and I began thinking of them as novels. That’s when I had a momentous conversation, an introductory coaching call with Mark Malatesta, the American creative writing coach, or rather, to be precise, a how-to-sell-yourself-and-your-work adviser. It was the best-spent money of my life apart (possibly) for my wedding ring.”
Author of The Black Inked Pearl
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“Within 4 minutes of sending out my query letter, a top literary called me on the phone (the #1 agent on my wish list). Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. A few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark, your query letter did that.
My agent talked about the query letter you helped me create for a long, long time. When he first called me on the phone, he hadn’t seen any of my sample chapters. It was just the query letter that did it. Communicating the right thing is so important. You are a wonderful medium helping authors find their voice and elevate their writing from just a hobby to a real business… a source from which they can both learn and earn.”
Author of Lights Out
(Random House)
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“MARK, MARK, MARK!!!!!!! Holy smokes… I just signed my book deal. First, two well-known literary agents asked to represent me. One of them responded to my query letter in less than 4 minutes!!
Then THREE different publishers wanted my book and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose is perfect for me because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they agreed to publish my book as a hardcover!!!
When I met you, Mark, it was a pivotal time. I was under the belief that I could self-publish my book with a vanity press and then seek a publisher. I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to get one. I was wandering in the dark. You guided me in the right direction and gave me a solid plan.”
Author of Intestinal Health
(Rowman & Littlefield)
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“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for (what I’ve been told by several people) is a very large advance for a first-time author.
Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). What cloud is higher than 9?
I had several agencies interested before deciding to go with Fine Print. And, to be honest, all of the attention didn’t surprise me. The query letter and proposal that Mark helped me develop were incredible. Agents actually said things to me like: ‘Scott, I read your proposal and I’m just blown away by it!’ Mark is extremely talented at what he does. If you have the opportunity to work with him, take advantage of it.”
Author of The Unbreakable Boy
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)