Mark Malatesta Reviews

Fiction Author Reviews of Mark Malatesta

“Without your help, guidance, and expertise there’s no way I would have been able to land an agent. Even having worked in the film business for thirty years, I was out of my realm and overwhelmed. I was helpless and needed a Sherpa. If you try and climb the mountain by yourself, you’re more than likely going to get stuck or fall. Get the help you need to make it and make the journey more enjoyable.”

Alex Lasker, author of The Memory of an Elephant, and the screenwriter who wrote Tears of the Sun starring Bruce Willis (Columbia Pictures), Beyond Rangoon starring Patricia Arquette (Castle Rock Entertainment), and Firefox starring Clint Eastwood (Warner Brothers)

“Jill Marr with Sandra Dijkstra & Associates Literary Agency got multiple publishers interested in my debut novel, and I just signed a two-book deal. Thank you for everything. We have come a long way, my friend.”

Brad Harper, author of A Knife in the Fog and Queen’s Gambit, published by Prometheus Books/Seventh Street Books, an imprint of Globe Pequot, the trade division of Rowman & Littlefield

“Before I revised my query letter with Mark, I got no responses. When I sent out my new query, I got four requests for more material within 24 hours. Now I have a top agent!”

Dayna Dunbar, author of The Saints and Sinners of Okay County & The Wings That Fly Us Home (Ballantine)

“I had a great conversation with my new agent at Trident media. I’m thrilled, as Trident was one of my top picks, my agent has standout credentials, and, like you, he’s a gentleman and likes to move fast. He offered representation a week after I queried him. Incredible.”

Dylan Jones, #1 Amazon bestselling author of the DI Tudor Manx series with approximately 75k copies each sold of his first two books, one nominated for the Not the Booker prize by The Guardian

“Hard work, struggle, disappointments, and perseverance are important. So is following the advice of publishing industry experts like Mark. He helped me get a top literary agent and now my novel is published by Penguin Books and their prestigious Michael Joseph imprint.”

Jane Jago, author of the novel The Wrong Hand (Penguin/Michael Joseph)

“Ballantine Books published my first two novels in hardcover and paperback after Mark Malatesta helped create an auction and bidding war for my books, resulting in a six-figure offer. Mark is one of the rare and genuine good guys.”

Jim Brown, author of 24/7 and Black Valley (Random House/Ballantine)

“I got offers from two top literary agents. The last time I tried to get an agent, I didn’t ask for help and I endured a Chinese water torture of drip-drip-drip rejections. It was really demoralizing, and I didn’t get any requests. Working with you made me feel like I was part of a team—and my teammate brought to the game a wealth of inside knowledge, insights, and experience.”

Kerry K. Cox, co-author of Successful Scriptwriting (Writer’s Digest Books), which has sold 65k copies, and author of the Nick Tanner mystery series

“Mark is very helpful to authors struggling to get representation. He helped me see light on the other side of the tunnel when I was not in an enviable situation, Now I have an agent. I shall always remain grateful for all the help Mark gave me.”

Lakshmi Raj Sharma, author of The Tailor’s Needle (Penguin)

“Finding Mark has been both a treat and a treasure. I now have two different agents for my work.”

Nathaniel Lande, author of a dozen books with publishers including Henry Holt; National Geographic; New American Library; Peter Mayer/Overlook Press; Price Stern Sloan; Harper Collins; Holt, Rinehardt, Winston; Clarkson Potter; and Skyhorse Publishing

“I was recently awarded The Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor in my genre. If it wasn’t for your faith in my writing, I wouldn’t have gotten an agent.”

Nuzo Onoh, author of A Dance for the Dead

“Having lost my long-term agent to retirement, I was frustrated. I hired Mark and sent out a query he wrote for me, and I got wonderful replies, including an offer from a NY agent who’s very well-known. It made me feel fantastic. Without the tools Mark provided, I wouldn’t have even attempted it, because it was just too difficult. If you’re an author who wants to get an agent, Mark can help you find your way.”

Ron Cutler, author of ten novels (some using a pseudonym) with Doubleday, Dell, Berkley, Dial, Avon, Fawcett, Jove, Signet/NAL, and Pinnacle/Kensington

“Felicia Eth is now my agent—Woo-hoo! It was life-affirming, the biggest indication from someone who wasn’t a family member, didn’t love me, or I hadn’t hired, that I had what it takes as an author. If I was in your zip code, Mark, I’d kiss you! This will have to do.”

Tonya Mitchell, author of A Feigned Madness, published by Cynren Press, a traditional publisher printing books with a unique or insightful perspective on the human story

Mark Malatesta Reviews by Nonfiction Authors

“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. 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. 🙏💜”

Alisha Das, author of Your Angelic Ancestry (Hay House)

“I got offers from two publishers, but HCI Books has a lot of bestsellers and they seemed like the best fit. 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. I can’t tell you how happy I am. I’ll always be grateful.”

Alphonsus Obayuwana, PhD, author of The Happiness Formula (HCI Books)

“Mark helped me get five different offers for representation from top literary agents. I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin Books, which published my book in hardcover! When Stephanie first contacted me, she was very excited and said, ‘I can’t get your book proposal out of my head. It’s brilliant – I mean, really, it’s fantastic. Editors should be salivating by the time they get to the chapter outline.’ Working with Mark was completely worth it.”

Amy Jo Goddard, author of Woman on Fire (Penguin Books)

“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.”

Deepa Kannan, author of Sleep Whisperer (Harper Collins)

“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!”

David Hamme, author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw-Hill)

“Berkley Books recently published my book in hardcover after Mark helped
me get multiple agents interested in my work. I was able 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 Media and a short time later I had a publishing contract!”

Daniel Cohen, author of Single Handed (Penguin Random House/Berkley Books)

“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 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.”

John Stansifer, author of No Bullet Got Me Yet: The Relentless Faith of Father Kapaun (Harper Collins/Hanover Square Press)

“I got the number one agent on my wish list thanks to Mark. He’s done more than 100 deals in just two years and has a long list of accolades, including being talked about in the New York Times. Within 4 minutes of sending out my revised query letter, my literary agent called me on the phone. Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. And, a few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark’s query letter did that.”

Lakshmi Subramani, author of Lights Out (Random House)

“After following your advice, [Mark], my book was acquired by Pegasus Books, the prestigious PW gave it a great review, and Time Magazine asked for an excerpt. [Y]our expertise was invaluable. I learned critical things, including how to best communicate with my agent, how to get her re-engaged, how to make a decision about staying with her or leaving, how to help her sell the project, and how to get to the point where she ended up calling me a ‘dream client.'”

Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob’s Life: How America’s Obsession Shaped Me―and You, published by Pegasus Books, distributed by Simon & Schuster and now in development for a TV series by Salma Hayek for HBOMax

“I just signed a contract with literary agent Harvey Klinger, the longtime representative of Barbara De Angelis, Ph.D. who was married to John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. Mark takes time to get to know his clients and their work. He’ll care about your dream as much as you do, and that’s hard to find.”

Marni Battista, author of Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions for Leading a Meaningful Life (Hay House)

“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.”

Martin Cohen, author of Philosophy for Dummies, The Doomsday Machine, I Think Therefore I Eat, 101 Philosophy Problems, and 101 Ethical Dilemmas, which has sold 250k copies

“Woot!!! I’m so excited I could cry. My agent just sold my memoir to Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books imprint. I spent about three years sending out queries before I found you. I didn’t know what I was doing. All I got was rejections. Working with you was a big learning curve, but I got a very good response rate, including from A-list agents who were interested. Anyone who has the great fortune to work with you should consider themselves lucky. You were my compass. You didn’t walk for me, but you showed me how to get there. You’re an angel, thank you.”

Melissa Bond, author of Blood Orange Night (Simon & Schuster / Gallery Books)

“I got nine offers of representation from literary agents—in less than one week—and my book is now published in hardcover by Citadel Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing. I heard back from some agents in less than an hour, including the one I ultimately went with, who’s responsible for multiple New York Times bestsellers in my genre. I was blown away, it’s been surreal. It was a leap of faith and a financial sacrifice to go with you, but it was worth every penny. It’s
something I’ll always be grateful I did. I’m almost 100% sure I couldn’t have done it alone.”

Mike Croissant, author of Bombing Hitler’s Hometown: The Untold Story of the Last Mass Bomber Raid of WWII in Europe (Kensington Publishing/Citadel Press)

“Mark, you’re a thoughtful gentleman and a constructive critic. Before we met, I wanted to find a certain type of agent—one who’d understand the value of my work, bring it to life in the mind of readers, and bring it to life on the screen. When I looked online for a coach, your name rose to the top. After we spoke, I knew we’d work well together. I could tell by the questions you asked and your ability to listen. You understood where I was coming from, and you were extremely helpful. I value our friendship.”

Nelson Johnson, author of the New York Times bestselling book Boardwalk Empire, which led to the critically acclaimed HBO series (produced by Martin Scorsese), and Darrow’s Nightmare

“Thank you for your support during the nail-biting experience of getting an agent. My book is now being published by Skyhorse Publishing, distributed by Simon & Schuster. Before I worked with you, I sent out many queries but didn’t get offers. After getting requests for more material and having every agent pass, I knew something wasn’t right. I appreciate you pushing me.”

Nhi Aronheim, author of Soles of a Survivor, published by Skyhorse Publishing, distributed by Simon & Schuster, and the publisher of 52 New York Times bestsellers, named by Publishers Weekly as the fastest-growing small publisher in America

“When I started sending out the query you wrote for me, I had several agents interested all at once. That made me very, very, very nervous. The greatest gift of our work together has been our relationship. You’re a good teacher who’s smart and experienced, but you’re also generous and your heart is big. You launch people and their dreams, and you teach them how to fly. I’m happy to be one of your winged clients.”

Sandy Gingras, author of the memoir Dreamboat (St. Martin’s Press) and many gift books (more than 1,000,000 books sold) by publishers such as Andrews McMeel

“I just got an offer from Regnery Publishing! My agent has been great. I LOVE her, and I wouldn’t be at this point without your guidance and help. The publishing industry is so complicated and Byzantine. There are a million different ways to do things and it’s hard to know which ones are going to work for you. I’m grateful for your advice, energy, talent, and kindness guiding me through this crazy maze. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

Silvia Foti, author of The Nazi’s Granddaughter, published by Regnery Publishing, with more than 50 books on the New York Times bestseller list, including numerous books at #1

“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. 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. Thank you and thank you!!”

Soo Peer, author of The Essential Diversity Mindset (Red Wheel/Weiser), foreword by Clarence Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist and senior member of the Chicago Tribune editorial board

Children’s Book Author Reviews of Mark Malatesta

“The work you do with authors is really worth it. In a short time you can get so much that will take you to the next level. Coaching with you has been a very pleasant experience. You’re supportive and get right to the point, but I also feel safe and open when I talk to you and you weren’t pushy. I got what I expected, and more. Thank you so much.”

Ally Nathaniel, author of many titles for younger readers including Sparkly Me, a book for young girls about self-esteem and empowerment (more than 14k copies sold)

“I tried to get an agent before I worked with Mark, but it’s devilishly hard to get representation. I don’t know if it was a mystical hand or what that led me to Mark’s website, but I’m grateful. After I signed the contract, I emailed the other agents reading my manuscript to thank them and let them know I’d accepted another offer. Two of them apologized for their delay and asked me to consider them for future novels!”

C. Lee McKenzie, author of many YA and MG novels including Double Negative, Not Guilty, and Sudden Secrets, published by Evernight Teen, a traditional publisher

“When I got the phone call about my publishing offer with Harcourt, I was in my office with three other people. I slammed down the phone, ran into the secretary’s office, threw myself down on the floor and said, ‘I got a deal!’ They sat there and held my hand. I was speechless. I’ve never ever been that happy in my life. On my wedding day I wasn’t that happy! Getting married and having children are wonderful experiences, but I didn’t ‘work’ to get my children!”

Carol Plum-Ucci, award-winning author of The Body of Christopher Creed and many other YA novels (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) with film rights optioned to Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks

“Working with you was the smartest move of my writing career! My heart is pounding and the song ‘At Last’ is going through my head. When my husband saw the query, he said, ‘This was worth every penny.’ You took all my ideas and answers, which were roaming all over the place, and put them together in a coherent system of thought that really worked. I’m grinning like the Cheshire Cat.”

Catherine Matthias, author of the children’s book The Word Gobblers (Square One), and seven other children’s books produced by Scholastic/Children’s Press (hardcover, softcover, boxed set)

“I just got offers from multiple publishers and signed a three-book deal. Before I decided to work with Mark, I sent out queries by myself and no one ever asked to look at my stuff. With Mark I felt more confident. He doesn’t quit on his clients. During our first call, I picked up on cues that Mark was the real deal. Anyone who sees what he’s doing should give Mark a try. If they don’t, they’ll be doing themselves a disservice.”

Damone Bester, author of the YA novel Mendel published by The Story Plant, a traditional publisher dedicated to quality fiction

“After you helped me get an agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, they got me a contract with Skyhorse Publishing. Publishers Weekly recently called Sky Horse the fastest-growing small publisher in America. They have 52 New York Times bestsellers! I can’t stress enough, honestly, how working with you was 100% the only reason this happened.”

Jeri-Anne Agee, author of the chapter book series The Life and Times of Birdie Mae Hayes published by Skyhorse

“I have an agent with Red Fox Literary and three children’s books coming out with Chronicle Books…which paired me with a top illustrator for each! Writing and trying to get published is difficult and emotional. You need someone with expertise to help you craft a succinct query that gets the attention of agents. Thank you, Mark, for being one of the important people in my life who helped me get here.”

Derick Wilder, author of The Longest Letsgoboy, Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt?, and I Made Those Ants Some Underpants (Chronicle Books)

“I was skeptical when I first learned about Mark’s services. Now I know he is a nice honest guy who really knows what he’s doing. After I sent out my new query letter, I had six top agents request more material. Some literary agents replied in just a few hours and one of them responded in just 15 minutes. Mark does everything well and seemed genuinely interested in me, not just the idea of filling his wallet with my money.”

Ken Derby, author of several book for younger readers including the MG novel The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School (Holiday House/Scholastic)

“I was staying at a summer house with my family when I received two offers for representation. It was awesome. Both agents were very enthusiastic, so it was a very hard choice. I didn’t want to say yes immediately because one of the agents offered to represent me based just on the query and my first chapter. Every time I emailed Mark with a new question or situation, he replied fast. Extremely professional. I’ve got a ton of positive things to say about him.”

Kenneth Bogh Andersen, award-winning author with approximately 500k copies sold, including The Devil’s Apprentice

“Before I worked with Mark, I sent out my own horribly written query letters and got only rejections. Now my book is published in hardcover with Merit Press, an imprint of Adams Media and F+W. Mark helped me with multiple projects and, when I sent out my first revised query, I was only able to send it to five agents before I started getting multiple requests. One of them arrived in just a few hours!”

Laura Moe, author of the YA Novel Breakfast with Neruda (Adams Media/F+W/Merit Press)

“Before I met Mark, I sent out queries with no requests for more material. I didn’t know what I was doing—it was like shooting darts in the air. Mark helped me get an offer for representation from Regina Ryan, who runs a successful Manhattan-based literary agency. If you have a dream to be published, it won’t quiet down until you try!”

Libby Kiszner, author of Dear Libby: An Advice Columnist Answers the Top Questions About Friendship, published by Familius, a traditional publisher with many bestselling authors

“AHHH! OMG, it happened! Mark helped me get three offers for representation from top literary agents! A short time later I signed a publishing contract. After that, my agent sold my next book to Philomel, a division of Penguin Books. In short: I’m in heaven!”

Miri Leshem-Pelly, author and illustrator of the picture book Penny and the Plain Piece of Paper (Penguin Books/Philomel), Scribble & Author (Kane Miller), and many other picture books

“Mark, you helped me get offers from two agents and I just signed with Lee Sobel. This is EXACTLY why I hired you. My wife had to scrape me off the ceiling! It’s still unreal to me, damn exciting. Business has taught me that in order to make money you’ve got to bloody well spend it. Thank you again, Mark, from my heart, for everything you’ve done for me.”

Ogi Resel, author of the YA novel series Young Partisans, and Kids First (Square One)

“Holy @#%! Four minutes after I queried Rosemary Stimola—my dream agent who represents my idol Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games—she asked to read my manuscript. I’m shaking. OMG! I’m a writer and I don’t know what to say. I literally can’t speak. I’m going to cry because I’m freaking out, but I’m really happy. Mark, your system is brilliant, I love you!!! I almost fell off my chair. FOUR MINUTES! That is the power of your query.”

Patricia Faithfull, author of the medieval MG novel Talia the Lionhearted: High Treason (not yet published)

“Mark helped me get more than a dozen agents reading my manuscript, including some who had already passed on my work in the past. Other agents who asked for my manuscript were supposedly ‘closed’ to submissions. My literary agent was one of them! She said, ‘I’m not accepting queries right now, but I’ll read your novel—and I’ll read it fast.’ Three days later she offered me representation!”

Paul Stawski, author of the YA novels Both Sides and Taking Sides

“I just signed with literary agents Bethany Morehead and Cyle Young. I’m very excited, and very grateful! I’m going soon to celebrate and have champagne with a friend of mine who also worked with Mark. She got an agent as well, and her agent has already sold two of her books, the last one to Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Thank you for everything, Mark.”

Tammy Brown Elkeles, author of The Birds’ Bakery

Mark Malatesta Reviews by Christian Authors

“I was just offered representation by Shannon Marven with Dupree/Miller & Associates. Her agency represents authors including Joel Osteen, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Phil, Dr. Stephen Covey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and The Duchess of York. Shannon loved my query. I want to thank you for your thoughtful and excellent advice. You erased the clouds shrouding the process of getting an agent, and I think I may have broken the record of getting one so fast!”

Dr. Bill Creasy, author of the upcoming book, Reading the Bible: A Literary Guide to Scripture, and creator/host of the Scripture Uncovered podcast, which has had 1.3 million “listens”

“Before I decided to work with Mark, I submitted my book to literary agents but didn’t get any interest. After I revised my query letter and book proposal, I got several agencies interested and decided to sign with Fine Print Lit, a top literary agency in New York. They got publishers bidding against each other and I ended up signing a contract with Thomas Nelson (an imprint of Harper Collins) for what I’ve been told by several people is a very large advance. What cloud is higher than 9?”

Scott LeRette, author of the memoir The Unbreakable Boy (Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins), adapted to feature film with Lionsgate starring Zachary Levi, Amy Acker, and Patricia Heaton

“Woohoo!!! I just got an offer for representation!! My work with you gave me the strength and credibility I needed—and my agent LOVED the title and theme framework you suggested, so I want to give you props for that! She said there’s obviously nothing new under the sun, but the way I approached the project felt unique. [My agent also] loves that my book proposal had so much information. It’s funny because, looking at my proposal, you’d think I’d been doing this type of platform work for many years. Thank you for making this such an enjoyable process. I have no doubt that I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m really grateful.”

Angie Gibbons, author of Walking the Tightrope

“When I got a letter from Bruce Barbour, one of the most successful Christian agents, saying my proposal was one of the best he’s ever seen, I was floored. It was silly though because I’d worked very hard, with your help, but I was still in disbelief. It can be a lonely job, trying to get an agent and get a book published. I could tell from our first phone call, there was nothing arrogant about you. It wasn’t, ‘Well, aren’t you lucky to be working with me? Send over the bucks and I’ll consider you.’ I appreciate that most of all.”

Annie Farris, author of That One Person: The True Story of a God Appointed Stranger Who Saved the Life of a Little Girl with Her Love, published by CrossLink Publishing, a traditional publisher and subsidiary of the CrossLink family of ministries

“You have about 8 seconds — and sometimes just the subject line — to get the attention of literary agents. Working with Mark is an opportunity to be sure about what’s working, and see what needs to improve. If I hadn’t worked with Mark, I would have quit a year ago. That’s just a fact. Now I have an agent with Hartline Literary Agency!”

Joel Townsend, author of Christian Mindfulness

“When I found Mark’s website, I was floundering. Publishing was an unknown world to me, but I felt that Mark would guide everything in the right direction. I wanted to have someone who knew the industry, and I knew that I could have confidence in him. I was thrilled when our work together led to a publisher making an offer on my book! Mark never led me anywhere or told me anything that didn’t turn out to be exactly what it should have been, or what he said it would be.”

Karen Sargent, author of Waiting for Butterflies (Amphorae / Walrus Publishing), winner of the IAN book awards for both Outstanding Christian Fiction and Book of the Year

“Before I worked with Mark, I sent out queries but no one ever asked to read my complete manuscript. Mark helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency, who then got me a publishing contract with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that Mark didn’t deliver on. Now I’m sending him referrals!!!”

Michael Thompson, author of The Rector and The Actress

“I just had a call with Jim Hart and his mother Joyce with Hartline Literary Agency, one of the most established and successful literary agencies serving Christian writers and readers, and they offered me representation! YAY!!! I am SO grateful for you and your help. Jim was very pleased with my proposal. He said it was excellent. He was like, ‘Proposals should be like Goldilocks. Not too short, not too long. Just right. And yours was perfect!'”

Molly Huffman, author of God’s Favor

“Elk Lake Publishing just offered me a contract!! When I got [it], I took a deep breath [and] jumped up and down. I’m very methodical and organized, so you’ve been a blast to work with. You’re also very encouraging, and I needed that too at times. We’re all good at certain things, and not others. To be perfectly honest, I hate marketing and told the Lord, ‘I don’t get it, I don’t want to get it, and I don’t want to do it. I want somebody else to do it.’ Then your website popped up. You’re a blessing.”

Nancy Williams, author of Murder Walks on Peachtree Street, published by Elk Lake Publishing, a traditional Christian publisher and member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), the Christian Indie Publishers Association (CIPA), and associate member of the Christian Retailers Association, with more than 175 books in print

Mark Malatesta Reviews by Publishing Industry Professionals

“You were absolutely crackerjack… straightforward, professional, positive, energetic, knowledgeable, honest, bright, encouraging, quick-witted… and I didn’t see a single hole in your presentation. All-in-all, you are a conference organizer’s dream.”

Chris Rodgers, Writers’ Conference Coordinator

“Mark is a creative genius with a heart of Gold. So refreshing to meet an up and coming agent who will carry integrity, passion, and respect for writers into the top of the profession.”

Elizabeth Lyon

“Our heartfelt thanks for your twinkling eyes, warming smile, and fabulous talk to the group. Thank you too for all those one-on-ones and for feeling so at home with our family… Your vision, passion, and compassion should take your agenting as far as you dream for it to go.”

Gail Provost Stockwell, Coordinator, WRW Writers’ Conference

“While reviewing our conference evaluation forms, your name came up quite a few times as one of the most helpful agents ever met, and – now, don’t let this go to your head! – a human being agent.”

Lisa Mason, Coordinator, Surrey Writers’ Conference

“I trust your judgment implicitly.”

Scott Goldman, Orly Adelson Productions

“You were one of our most popular speakers… my only regret is that we didn’t find a longer time slot for you.”

Virginia Blanchard, President, Space Coast Writers’ Guild

“You are a very gentle human being, in other words, superb, and it’s a great inspiration to know that there is somebody out there in the publishing world that is willing to celebrate the beauty of things, in whatever way there is to celebrate.”

Beate

“I had the pleasure of attending your lecture…was surprised to hear a talk from an agent that presented useful information that was well prepared. Your straightforward approach to the business is refreshing and your honest description of your methodology was sobering, but important to new writers.”

Bill

“You have successfully integrated ministry, agenting, and motivational speaking. It was intimate and delightful. This is definitely your calling.”

Bo

“Thank you for taking the time with me on the phone. I incorporated your suggestions into my letter. I especially want you to know that what you said at the writers’ conference in Gainesville made it possible for me to see myself as a writer. Apparently, when I took myself seriously I was taken seriously by a publisher. I have now stopped calling my book my dumb little dog book.”

Claire

“Your presentation affected me the way a sub-par round of golf might affect a 25 handicap golfer; it gave me hope! Thank you for your humor, honesty, and passion; and for conveying to the flocks that courage is at the core of success. I wish you and your partners enormous success.”

Diane

“You are truly inspiring! This has been the best session of the conference for me. I don’t know how a session could be any better. You are awesome!”

Dorothea

“I enjoyed having lunch with you and your two foster sons on Saturday at the Space Coast Authors Conference in Melbourne. You certainly made a good impression, both personally and professionally.”

Ethel

“I had the pleasure of listening to your talk at the SCWG conference. I was one of those old ladies out there hanging on your every word.”

Helen

“Your presentation was excellent…and thanks for your ‘approachability.’ It’s a ray of encouragement in an otherwise intimidating process.”

Lee

“It was truly refreshing to meet you and your warm, gentle wife. You have given me a glimmer of hope that there are agents out there that can be trusted.”

Phyllis

“You made the other agents on the agent panel seem picky and uncooperative in comparison. You’d better watch out, you might give agents a good name.”

Stephanie

“It’s nice to cross paths with an agent who actually has the time and inclination to chat…not everyone has the patience and energy to smile for three days straight while under constant assault.”

Tricia