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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: B
Biography
Margaret Sutherland Brown is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. She says: “I’m an agent at Folio representing literary and upmarket commercial fiction, psychological thrillers, select young adult fiction, and narrative non-fiction.
Previously I was an agent at Emma Sweeney Agency, LLC, and transitioned to represent many of ESA’s clients at Folio in January 2020. Before becoming an agent, I spent the first seven years of my career in editorial, primarily at Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, where I worked on a wide range of fiction and non-fiction. As an agent, I use my insider knowledge of how a publishing house operates to my clients’ advantage, and my editorial background informs how unusually closely and thoroughly I work with clients to develop a project before we ever submit to publishers. I’m proud to work with immensely talented authors. Among many other accolades, my clients have won the American Book Award, been finalists for the National Book Award and the PEN/ Hemingway Award, and been awarded Guggenheim Fellowships.
I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, graduated from Wake Forest University as an English major with a double minor in journalism and Spanish, and now live in Brooklyn with my husband and two sons. When I’m not reading I love to take advantage of New York City’s art, dance, theater, and restaurant scene and go running. I also love to travel.
I’m grateful every day to have the privilege of supporting writers in their work of bringing into the world literature that describes, enriches and transforms our lives.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Mystery * Thriller * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Family * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Prescriptive * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Suspense * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Issues *
630 Ninth Ave. Suite 1101 New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Marie Brown is a literary agent with Marie Brown Associates. Marie is also President of Marie Brown Associates. Ms. Brown is a part of the elite and small group of “black” literary agents. A 40-year veteran of the book business, Brown acquired a thorough understanding of her “calling” working as an editorial assistant and book editor; bookseller and bookstore manager; editor-in-chief of a magazine; book marketing strategist and literary agent. Ms. Brown has been a bibliophile since her childhood years and currently lives and works in Harlem.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * Film/Entertainment * Health/Wellness * History * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Politics * Pop Culture * Self-Help/Personal Development * Women’s Issues *
412 W. 154th St. New York NY 10032 USA
Biography
Megan Brown is a literary agent with The Steve Laube Agency. She is an accomplished author, speaker, and military missionary. She is passionate about equipping the United States military community to carry the redemptive story of Jesus to the four corners of the Earth through radical hospitality, sound biblical teaching, and community discipleship in the local church.
She is the author of Summoned: Answering a Call to the Impossible, an eight-week, expository Bible study of Esther (Moody Publishing, 2021) and Know What You Signed Up For: How to Follow Jesus, Love People, Live on Mission as a Military Spouse (Moody Publishing, 2023). While Megan loves writing, she also enjoys traveling around the country for short-term military mission trips, teaching the Bible, and launching women into ministry leadership. You can visit her author website at meganbbrown.com.
Megan has her bachelor’s degree in Ministry Leadership, focusing on women’s ministry (2021) and a master’s degree in Global Ministry Design from Moody Bible Institute (2023). She hopes to begin her work soon toward a Ph.D. in Christian Leadership.
She lives in south Mississippi with her husband, M.Sgt Keith Brown, U.S. Air Force, and their four energetic children.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Family * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Inspiration * Lifestyle * Military/War * Reference * Religion * Spirituality * Travel * Women’s Issues *
Tracy Brown
Tracy Brown Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Tracy Brown is a literary agent with the Tracy Brown Literary Agency. In January, 2007, Tracy Brown announced the formation of the Tracy Brown Literary Agency. He began his career as an agent in 2003 in association with Wendy Sherman Associates. Tracy Brown held senior editorial and executive positions in book publishing for close to 30 years. He has been Editor in Chief of Book-of-the-Month Club, Editorial Director of Back Bay/Little Brown, Editorial Director of Quality Paperback Book Club, Executive Editor at Holt, Editor at Viking Penguin, and, Senior Editor at Ballantine.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Psychology * Travel *
P.O. Box 88 Scarsdale NY 10583 USA
Biography
Chris Bucci is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. He represents bestselling and award-winning fiction and non-fiction authors including, Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid; Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? by Timothy Caulfield; and The War Widow by Tara Moss.
Chris began his career at the University of Toronto Press as an acquisitions editor in the social sciences. He joined HarperCollins Canada in 2003 as a non-fiction editor and then moved to McClelland & Stewart. In 2008 he joined The McDermid Agency as a literary agent and later bought the agency, along with Martha Webb. In 2017 they merged with the Cooke Agency to form CookeMcDermid where Chris was Proprietor and Literary Agent before coming to Aevitas in 2020.
Chris represents a broad range of both fiction and non-fiction as an Aevitas agent based in the NY Metropolitan area. He aims to work with some of the culture’s best writers, thinkers and experts—authors whose work helps us to interpret and understand our times as well as our future.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Horror * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Gay/Lesbian * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Journalism * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Sports * Technology * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
19 W. 21st Street Suite 501 New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Danielle Bukowski is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Danielle joined Sterling Lord Literistic in 2014 and spent several years in the foreign rights department before transitioning fully to agenting. She represents critically acclaimed, award-winning fiction and nonfiction. She is particularly looking for narratives from writers traditionally excluded from the publishing industry. For fiction, she likes books that balance plot with voice, have a strong sense of place, a unique hook, and are stylistically bold; for nonfiction, she’s looking for work grounded in the author’s personal interest, rigorously reported and researched, and will expand the reader’s view of the world. Recent and forthcoming books include Nuclear Family by Joseph Han (Counterpoint, 2022), Sea Change by Gina Chung (Vintage, 2023), Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst (Harper, 2023), A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand (Mulholland, 2023), and Family Meal by Bryan Washington (Riverhead, 2023).
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * General Fiction * Horror * Literary * Romance * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction *
NONFICTION: Memoir * Narrative *
594 Broadway Suite 205 New York NY 10012 USA
Danielle Burby
Mad Woman Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Danielle Burby is a literary agent with and the founder of the Mad Woman Literary Agency. Her focus as an agent is on a strong sense of partnership and collaboration with her clients. She represents a diverse list of critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling authors with stellar voices, incredible storytelling skills, and fresh narratives to share. She primarily works on YA, middle grade, and graphic novels with a smattering of select adult fiction as well. Ultimately, she looks to connect deeply with the writing and themes of the books she works on.
Over her decade in publishing, Danielle has worked at several top tier literary agencies and has built a list of clients she is very proud to represent. In founding Mad Woman Literary Agency, Danielle has further deepened her commitment to being the change she wishes to see in publishing. She brings her own unique mix of business-minded and emotionally rooted support to her clients while also actively working to educate herself and to do her small part in the attempt to dismantle the white supremacist heteropatriarchy.
Danielle is a member of the American Association of Literary Agents where she has participated in the royalties committee and currently volunteers with the Mentors of Change program.
She has a degree in gender studies and creative writing, has a thriving herb garden, obsessively listens to podcasts and audiobooks, and can never get enough of the ocean. She lives a little outside of Manhattan with her soon-to-be wife and their often prickly, but always lovable cat. For her recent sales see Publishers Marketplace.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * NoPB * Picture Book * Romance * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Meagan Burgad is a literary agent with SBR Media. She grew up as a voracious reader in rural North Dakota. As a military spouse, she has over 11 moves under her belt. A graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, Meagan has her BA in English, which has allowed her to work in the book industry for over a decade. In the past, Meagan has been the editor of a peer-reviewed journal, Hawaii Pacific Review; written reviews and TV recaps for Random House; blogged for Love Between the Sheets; edited and beta read for bestselling authors; managed social media for a library and bookshop; and freelanced for numerous publications. Meagan joined SBRMedia where she continues to expand her skill set. She is especially excited to work with authors who focus on creative non-fiction, erotica, fantasy, historical, humor/satire, LGBTQ+, new adult, romance, science fiction, celebrity, memoir, military, narrative, pop culture, and travel.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Erotica * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * New Adult * Romance * Satire * Science Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Celebrity * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Memoir * Military/War * Narrative * Pop Culture * Travel * True Crime *
Biography
Jenni Burke is a literary agent with the Illuminate Literary Agency. She is on a mission to see authors truly thrive, so their words and lives can make a deep and lasting impact in the world for good.
Her love of books and Jesus led her into the Christian publishing industry in 2003. After guiding a wide range of manuscripts through Multnomah Publisher’s editorial department, Jenni moved to the other side of the publishing desk in 2006 to help Don Jacobson start a literary agency, D.C. Jacobson & Associates. As the agency grew over the next 13 years, Jenni’s career progressed from an author relations manager, to associate agent, to senior literary agent, before she stepped into her current role as president and owner in 2019. Jenni rebranded the agency to ILLUMINATE in 2020.
Now, she’s championing authors in a new role with Illuminate Literary Agency, and delivering the same quality service that her clients and publishing partners have always valued.
“Authors are my heroes,” Jenni says. “It takes a great deal of courage and perseverance to write and promote a book you believe in. I feel honored to get to lift up people who’ve been entrusted with life-changing messages,” she says.
Seeking: This year, Jenni is looking to add just one or two select clients who are exceptionally strong in what she calls The Four Cs: Concept (message, angle), Craft (writing skill), and Crowd (platform, network), and Character (work ethic, fit).
Theme Verse: When Jonathan is considering a bold, audacious move up a steep cliff to take new territory, his armor-bearer says to him: “Do all that you have in mind. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul,” (1 Samuel 14:7). Jenni wants to be that kind of champion for her clients as they pursue their God-given passions.
Tell me a bit more: Jenni’s degree is in English Communication and Business Administration from Corban University. She is a native Central Oregonian, where she lives with her husband Seth—a counselor—and their two young children, William and Violet. She enjoys getting her hands in the dirt with her family, ministering with her local community, or planning her next trip to Italy. After a long day working on books, Jenni likes to relax with… a book. Jenni has combined two of her passions—lifting up Christian communicators and spending time in Italy—into the Tuscany Writers’ Retreat, a soul care pilgrimage for writers (and spouses) in the land of the Renaissance. She’s led groups in 2014, 2016, 2018 and is hoping to take a group of ILLUMINATE clients in 2022!
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Family * Food/Drinks * Gardening * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * Inspiration * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Travel *
Bend OR USA
Biography
Emelie Burl is a literary agent with the Susan Schulman Literary Agency. Shejoined Susan Schulman in 2021 after fourteen years as an independent bookseller. She is looking for Children’s, YA, as well as Pop Culture nonfiction. She loves stories with hope and humor, strong female leads, LGBT+ and/or BIPOC Joy, and magic of all sorts. She currently works and lives in Missoula, MT with her husband, huskies, and books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Humor Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Pop Culture * Young Adult *
454 W. 44th St. New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Sarah Burnes is a literary agent with the Gernert Company. Sarah began her career on the editorial side of publishing, first at Houghton Mifflin, then in the Knopf Group, and last at Little, Brown. She became an agent in 2001, joining The Gernert Company in 2005. As an editor, she acquired and edited literary fiction and non-fiction, and as an agent has added children’s fiction to her list. Sarah sits on the board of non-profit progressive publisher the New Press and lives with her husband and three children in Brooklyn.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Upmarket *
136 East 57th Street New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Ena Burnette is a literary agent with SBR Media. She is a book blogger turned book promotions company owner who has been a part of the indie industry for 10+ years.
When re-discovering her love for reading in 2012, she started blogging for Swoon Worthy Books–documenting all of her rambles and raves about her favorite books–and eventually started forming relationships with several authors.
After a couple of years of hosting said author’s book events, she decided to try her hand at building a business with the help and encouragement of friends and family.
In 2013, Enticing Journey Book Promotions was born.
Taking her business on the road, she traveled the world alongside her military husband for 8 years, before finally planting roots near her childhood home in Forest, Virginia.
When she isn’t spending time with her 2 sons or husband of twenty years, you can find her planning the family’s next glamping trip (she’s obsessed, OKAY!?) or trying to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Erotica * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Penelope Burns
Gelfman Schneider/ICMDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Penelope Burns is a literary agent with the Gelfman Schneider/ICM Literary Agency. She is the newest member of Gelfman Schneider/ICM Partners. She came to the agency as an intern after graduating from Colgate University in 2012. Currently, as an agency assistant, Penelope is looking to a build a list of her own. She is interested in Literary and Commercial fiction and non-fiction, as well as a variety of Young Adult and Middle Grade.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Horror * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * NoPB * Romance * Science Fiction * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Memoir * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
Biography
Jana Burson is a literary agent with Christopher Ferebee Literary Agency. Jana has 16+ years of experience working in the publishing industry. She started out in 2003 working publicity at Thomas Nelson Publishers. By 2005 she was the Director of Publicity for the Hachette Book Group, Nashville Division where she oversaw the orchestration and execution of campaigns for a large number of New York Times bestselling titles. Rounding out her experience prior to becoming a literary agent, Jana transitioned to Acquisitions Editor in 2010 for the Hachette Book Group and had the pleasure of acquiring and editing multiple bestselling authors. In 2014, Jana left Hachette and launched The Burson Agency, which has provided both literary agent services and various consulting services.
In 2016, Jana joined The Christopher Ferebee agency and is excited to continue representing inspiring and life-changing books from men and women that want to impact culture one heart at a time.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Inspiration * Memoir * Reference * Religion * Spirituality *
2834 Hamner Avenue Suite 456 Norco CA 92860 USA
Biography
Madelyn Burt is a literary agent with the Stonesong Literary Agency. She joined Stonesong in 2015. She earned her M.A. in Medieval Studies from Fordham University before realizing that her love of stories was what actually drew her to history and deciding she wanted to work in books, not academia. She joined Stonesong shortly after as an assistant and has worked on a variety of projects ranging from adult and children’s fiction to cookbooks, lifestyle, and more. She is now actively building her own list, and looks forward to establishing long-lasting, collaborative relationships with her authors.
Madelyn is currently focused on adult mysteries, crime, and thrillers, although she is interested in both adult and children’s fiction. She is drawn to character-driven stories that feature tight-knit groups and strong friendships, quests and heists, and unique voices. She is also particularly interested in fiction and select nonfiction that is able to make a historical person or period accessible to the modern reader.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Mystery * NoPB * Suspense * Thriller *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * General Nonfiction * History * Lifestyle *
270 West 39th Street Suite 201 New York NY 10018 USA
Biography
Sheree Bykofsky is a literary agent with Sheree Bykofsky Associates. Sheree Bykofsky is the author, co-author and editor of more than thirty books, including the best-selling The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published (Pearson), now in its fifth edition, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles (Pearson), The New York Public Library Desk Reference (Simon & Schuster), three editions of the regional bestseller The Best Places to Kiss in and Around New York City (Beginning, 3rd edition), The Big Book of Life’s Instructions, (Harper), Me: Five Years From Now (Warner, and then Hyperion), Sexy City Cocktails, (Adams), The Downtown Girl’s Guide to Wine: How to Buy, Serve and Sip with Style and Sophistication (Adams), Put Your House on a Diet (now available as an e-book), Popping the Question: Real-Life Stories of Marriage Proposals From the Romantic to the Bizarre (Walker), The 52 Most Romantic Dates in and Around New York City (Adams), and Put Your House on a Diet (Rodale). Sheree has written articles for a variety of magazines and newspapers, including The Writer, which featured Sheree’s cover story “The Six Secrets of Getting Published.”
Sheree is also an avid poker player and author, with the late Lou Krieger, of Secrets the Pros Won’t Tell You About Winning Hold’Em Poker (Kensington), The Rules of Poker: The Ultimate Argument Settler (Kensington) and The Portable Poker Pro (Kensington). In December 2005 Sheree placed first out of 164 women who competed in the World Series of Poker Ladies’ Circuit Event at the Showboat in Atlantic City. And Sheree won a seat into the famous World Series of Poker two times.
One of Sheree’s oldest books, 500 Terrific Ideas for Organizing Everything (Simon & Schuster), has hundreds of thousands of copies in print and was #20 on bn.com after ten years in print. Many of Sheree’s books, including Me: Five Years From Now have been selected by the Literary Guild and other book clubs. She has given walks and talks about travel and publishing at locations and venues such as the Learning Annex, Hyatt Hotel and other conferences, AOL, and Seminar Center. Sheree appeared on a special fundraising edition of “The Brian Lehrer Show” on NPR for an hour, generating nearly 200 pledges. She has appeared on “Good Day New York,” “Eyewitness News,” “News 1,” and on television and radio stations nationwide, and she was a romantic consultant on NBC for a new reality show. Sheree also speaks widely about all areas of publishing at colleges, writer’s conferences, and libraries.
Sheree, a member of IFWTWA and Authors’ Guild, is a freelance travel writer whose expertise is in romantic places, spas, luxury travel, food and wine, and skiing. Sheree is a travel staff writer at beautynewsnyc.com, and a contributor to gallagherstravels.com, offbeattravel.com, goworldtravel.com, honeymoonersreviewguide.com, travellady.com, TravelWorld International Magazine, http://www.sogonow.com/, and MSNBC.com (please visit her Travel Corner, now under construction). She was a spa investigator for a Mexican Spa Reservation Service and contributed to a feature article in New York Magazine, highlighting spas and related pampering services.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Literary * Mystery *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Current Events/Affairs * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Humor * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Parenting/Child Guidance * Pop Culture * Prescriptive * Psychology * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Technology * Women’s Issues *
4326 Harbor Beach Blvd. PO Box 706 Brigantine NJ 08203 USA
Jack Byrne
Sternig & Byrne Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email * Postal Mail *Biography
Jack Byrne is the owner of the Sternig & Byrne Literary Agency, which represents many major SFF authors.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Mystery * Science Fiction *
NONFICTION:
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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)
* * *
“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)
* * *
“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
* * *
“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)