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Query Letter Critique - How to Write An Agent Query

Get a Critique of Your Query Letter by a Former Literary Agent

Query Letter Critique – For a limited time, the founder of this How to Write a Query Letter website Mark Malatesta is offering query letter help and critiques to a limited number of authors. Learn more and schedule your agent query critique below now.

Critique Query Letter - Mark MalatestaQuery Letter Critique
Limited Time Offer Expires Soon

Dear Author,

This webpage is my way of saying, “Thank you!”
for visiting my website.

For a limited time you can send me any/all of the following to be critiqued: query letter, first 50 pages of your book, synopsis, book proposal, and your website and/or social media links.

You’ll also get my proprietary Query Letter Critique Questionnaire, with a detailed list of important questions about you and your book. The more I know about you and your work, the more I’ll be able to help you. Plus, you’ll be able to use a lot of the information that I “pull out of you” to help you get a literary agent and publisher–it’s the exact information they’re looking for, designed to help you identify (and communicate) more value in your query. Most authors “undersell” themselves and their work because they simply can’t see their full value, or they don’t know how to say it in a compelling way that fits on just one page.

After you send me your author questionnaire and supporting material, I’ll take detailed notes about what you need to do (exactly) to get the attention of top literary agents… so you can get a top publisher and book deal. Then we’ll get on the phone (or Skype if you’ll be outside the United States for our call) for a full hour. I’ll give you a Query Letter Critique, but I’ll also tell you everything else you need to do to reach your publishing goals. And I’ll tell you how close you are to getting a top literary agent and book deal. Of course, I’ll answer any questions that you have, too. Plus I’ll record our conversation if you’d like that so you can listen to it later–most authors tell me they listen to their recording at least 2 or 3 times. That’s how helpful these calls are.

If you sign up for a Query Letter Critique today, you’ll also get a bonus–a special recording of an interview with FOX TV news anchor and suspense novelist Jim Brown (24/7 and Black Valley, Random House), revealing How to Get Featured on the News. That’s more than $1,200 worth of Bestselling Author Coach™ training… for just $297 (with a 100% money back guarantee). But you have to sign up below now. This offer expires soon, and these coaching sessions are first-come, first-served.

This offer not available for existing clients.

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Testimonial #1 – Query Letter Critique

Photo of Dagmar Gatell - Query Letter Critique“I never had so many realizations and learned so many concepts as I did during my 1-hour consulting session. The value I got is so worth the money. I can’t believe I didn’t schedule my appointment earlier, instead of wasting money on other coaches and do-it-yourself learning programs. Thank you so much, you are awesome!”

Dagmar Gatell
Orlando, FL USA

Click here now to see reviews about Mark Malatesta
by authors who’ve worked with him to get agents

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Query Letter Critique
What Do You Want Help With?

During your Query Letter Critique you can
get help with any/all of the following:

  • Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Figure out which one is best for you.
  • Book Concept/Title/Genre: Which one of your books has the greatest potential 
(or, how can you make your existing book more marketable)? What’s the best title for your book? Or, what genre(s) does it fit into?
  • Agent Research & Submissions: What’s the easiest/fastest way to find the best literary agents for you and your work? And what’s the best strategy to use when approaching them?
  • Query Letter/Synopsis/Proposal: Create an irresistible query letter that gets literary agents asking to read your material and offer representation. Write a book synopsis that’s just as good as your book. Create a book proposal that gets the attention of top literary agents and generates a big advance.
  • First 50 Pages: Tighten up that all-important first 50 pages of your manuscript and avoid the common mistakes that lead to rejection.
  • Author Platform: Discover simple strategies to quickly improve your credibility and influence.
  • Myths & Misconceptions: Every author falls for some of them. Identify misinformation and false beliefs that are sabotaging your success and preventing you from reaching your goals.
  • Should You Try to Get Published?: On a scale of 1 to 10 I’ll tell you what I think, give you concrete reasons why, and recommend next steps.
  • In a Sticky Situation: I’ll show you the easiest way to fix it (i.e. bad agent, bad publisher, bad contract, etc.)
  • Turn Your Book into a Business: Discover how to leverage your expertise into other streams of income—not just books.

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Testimonial #2 – Query Letter Critique

Photo of Roger Murray - Query Letter Critique“I used my consulting time to improve my agent query. Trying to get a literary agent without a great agent query is like trying to get into a bar in a dry county on a Sunday. I’ve always been aware of the need for a hook, but Mark helped me create a hook in every paragraph. I really had to rearrange my language… now every paragraph is a story in and of itself. You can write for you own amusement… but the real test is making your writing enjoyable for other people [and getting it in front of them]. If that’s your goal, schedule a session.

Roger Murray
Longmont, CO

Click here now to see reviews of Mark Malatesta
by authors who’ve worked with him to get agents

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Query Letter Critique
Who Should Participate?

Query Letter Critique coaching appointments are for:

  • Authors who want help to write, publish, or market their books
  • Authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books)
  • Authors at all stages of development and success (everyone from beginners to previously published authors who have a dozen books in print with major publishers)
  • Authors who are frustrated because they haven’t gotten the results they want from agents and publishers
  • Authors who haven’t started marketing their work yet, who want to give themselves the greatest competitive advantage

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Testimonial #3 – Query Letter Critique

Photo of Lakshmi Raj Sharma - Query Letter Critique“Dear Mark, I am happy to tell you that I now have a literary agent. I shall always remain grateful for all the help you gave me. You are always so very helpful to authors who are struggling to get representation. Your consulting taught me how to write the best agent query and you helped me to see light on the other side of the tunnel when I was not in an enviable situation. Your greatest help was that you put in perspective my course of action towards getting an agent. You also told me which were the best and most reliable guides to agents. And I must not forget that you have continued to help me develop confidence in myself. All best.”

Lakshmi Raj Sharma
Allahabad, India
The Tailor’s Needle (Penguin)

Click here now to see Mark Malatesta Reviews
by authors who’ve worked with him to get agents

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Query Letter Critique
Why Am I Doing This?

  • I know what it’s like. If you don’t know my story yet, I’m actually a writer who went undercover as a literary agent to learn how to get my own books published. I would have done anything to have a Query Letter Critique with someone experienced when I was just getting started. If you feel the same way, I’d be honored to share my experience and agent query strategies with you.
  • One insider secret can make all the difference. We all need help to see things that we can’t see alone and implement the best strategies the right way. Scheduling a Query Letter Critique will let you avoid the painful guessing, loneliness, and mistakes that come with doing it all alone. I’ll tell you exactly what you should do.
  • This is a great low-cost, no-risk way for you to work with me. Plus (if you’re thinking about signing up for one of my longer-term coaching or consulting programs) this is a great way for you to get to know me better, before making that bigger commitment.
  • Some authors can’t afford (at least not yet) my other coaching and consulting programs. I know that, because some authors have told me! But they still want 1-on-1 support. If that describes your situation, this is the solution for you.
  • It’s my way of giving back. This type of Query Letter Critique session isn’t a big money-making strategy in and of itself. But I’m able to do it because a lot of the people who take advantage of this offer, end up joining one of my bigger author coaching and consulting programs.

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Testimonial #4 – Query Letter Critique

Photo of Dr. Brad Semp - Query Letter Critique“Hiring Mark for a consultation has been an awesome experience. Mark has been an absolute godsend for me… some of the best money I’ve ever spent. Mark personally helped me review my plans, my business background, my goals and aspirations, recommended book titles, and helped me put together the concept for my book series. Now we’re working on writing the agent query and proposal. I’m super excited.”

Brad Semp
The World’s Only Busyness Doctor

Click here now to see reviews about Mark Malatesta
by authors who’ve worked with him to get agents

* * * * *

Risk Free Acceptance Form
“Yes, I Want a Query Letter Critique!”

After I register for my Query Letter Critique
I understand that I’ll receive:

* Mark’s detailed Author Questionnaire ($197 value)

* Personal review by Mark Malatesta of my completed Author Questionnaire as well as any/all of the following that I have available:  first 50 pages of my book, agent query, synopsis, book proposal, website, and social media links ($497 value)

* A 1-hour Query Letter Critique consulting session with former NY Times bestselling literary agent and Bestselling Author Coach™ Mark Malatesta ($497 value)

* A recording of my Query Letter Critique call so I can listen to it again later ($27 value)

* A bonus mp3 titled How to Get Featured on the News with FOX TV news anchor and suspense novelist Jim Brown, author of 24/7 and Black Valley, Random House ($27 value)

That’s more than $1,200 worth of Query Letter Critique
consulting… for just $297.

IMPORTANT: After I register, I’ll get access to the bonus mp3 and the detailed Author Questionnaire to help me prepare for my Query Letter Critique session (so I can get more value out of my call). Once I submit the completed questionnaire, I’ll receive a link to Mark’s private online calendar where I’ll be able to choose a day/time for my Query Letter Critique appointment.

Add to Cart

REGISTER NOW: This Query Letter Critique special offer expires soon
and appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis!

* * * * *

Testimonial #5 – Query Letter Critique

Photo of Beatrice Bruno - Query Letter Critique“I had my hour-long appointment with Mark and have been flying high ever since! Mark was on point, concise and very helpful in helping me. I would advise anyone to do the one-hour Query Letter Critique call. From the questionnaire alone that I got in advance, Mark was able to guide me into some areas I had not even considered. I look forward to hiring Mark as a coach for a long-term program and being one of his superstar success stories!”

Beatrice Bruno
The Drill Sergeant of Life

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Query Letter Critique
Other Important Details

Your Query Letter Critique session isn’t going to be a “fluff” or “sales” call. During our time together I’ll do everything I can to help you become a bestselling author. But don’t take my word for it.

Click here now to see reviews of Mark Malatesta
by authors who’ve worked with him to get agents

Oh, make sure you also read my 100% NO-RISK GUARANTEE below. Then reserve your spot for a Query Letter Critique session immediately (if you’re not ready to schedule your appointment yet, that’s okay–I’ll save your spot for up to one full year). This offer is limited and appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. So scroll above to the signup section and press the red “Add to Cart” button now.

Remember…

Getting published isn’t luck,
it’s a decision.

Mark Malatesta

P.S. – Do you have a question about scheduling a Query Letter Critique? Send me a confidential email using the form below (underneath my Query Letter Critique guarantee).

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100% Risk-Free Query Letter Critique Money Back Guarantee
for Savvy, Nervous, and/or Skeptical Authors

I’ve heard countless stories about authors who’ve been scammed. I was fooled myself, as a college student (embarrassing, but true). I submitted some of my love poems to a contest that I later learned was designed not for the poets, but to make money for the organizers. The poets were sent deceptive letters, making them more likely to spend money on the useless anthologies that they were being published in (with THOUSANDS of other naive poets).

That’s one of the reasons I have a detailed article on one of our others websites for authors, warning them about bad literary agents and writing scams. That’s ALSO why I take pride in guaranteeing your satisfaction 100%. If you, for ANY reason, don’t feel that your call was worth your investment, I’ll refund it instantly. That way you literally have NO RISK and NO REASON to let this Query Letter Critique opportunity pass you by.

* * *

Do You Have a Question About
Scheduling a Query Letter Critique?

Click here to contact my office with your question
about scheduling a Query Letter Critique
to improve your query letter.

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When you enter the directory you’ll also get free access to our article and audio library with additional information to help you get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can unsubscribe easily at any time – we don’t spam.

Directory Features


* 1,000+ literary agent profiles and bios
* Searchable by book genre/category
* Preferred query method(s)
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* Links to agency websites
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Author Success Story: Fiction  
Author Picture

"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 The support Mark provides is fantastic. His suggestions changed my original query significantly, but they also helped me see that I had something to offer. Now I have a top agent! Mark is smart and reliable and working with him has made all the difference." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of novels including The Wings That Fly Us Home (Penguin Random House / Ballantine Books)   
Author Success Story: Eleven Fiction and Nonfiction Titles  
Author Picture

"Finding Mark has been both a treat and a treasure. I now have two different agents for my work, and a book deal with Sky Horse Publishing. I’ve served as Creative Director of the TIME Incorporated Magazine Group; Director of Time World News Service, a Founding Director of TIME-Life Films; Executive Producer for both the CBS and NBC Television Networks; and Producer/ Director: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA. You just can’t do it alone today as an author." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of eleven fiction and nonfiction books (Harper Collins and many others)   
Author Success Story: Memoir/Christian  
Author Picture

"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?" [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of the memoir The Unbreakable Boy (Harper Collins / Thomas Nelson)   
Author Success Story: Memoir  
Author Picture

"I got the number one agent on my wish list thanks to Mark. He’s done more than 100 deals in just two year 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." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of the memoir Lights Out (Penguin Random House)   
Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Business  
Author Picture

"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! It was a fantastic feeling and a huge smile came over my face. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of the business book Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw-Hill)   
Author Success Story: Fiction/Young Adult  
Author Picture

"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!" [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of many YA novels including The Body of Christopher Creed (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)   
Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Narrative Nonfiction  
Author Picture

"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! Having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of the narrative nonfiction book Single Handed (Penguin Random House / Berkley Books)   
Author Success Story: Fiction/Mystery/Thriller  
Author Picture

"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, but he also has incredible information (even his ideas have ideas). One of the most important keys to success as an author is good information and support." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of the mystery thrillers 24/7 and Black Valley (Penguin Random House / Ballantine Books)   
Author Success Story: Nonfiction/Self-Help  
Author Picture

"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." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of the self-help book Woman on Fire (Penguin Random House / Penguin Books)   
Author Success Story: Fiction  
Author Picture

"It has been an awfully long and bloody road towards publication but I’m finally on my way. 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, The Wrong Hand is being published by Penguin Books and their prestigious Michael Joseph imprint, which is ‘principally interested in publishing Top Ten Bestsellers’. It’s hard not to be excited." [Click here to see all Mark Malatesta reviews]

Author of the novel The Wrong Hand (Penguin / Michael Joseph)   

About Mark Malatesta

Photo of Mark Malatesta - Former Literary Agent 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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