This Site is Secure

Mark Malatesta Reviews – Author Coach and Consultant, Former Literary Agent

Photo of former literary agent turned author coach Mark Malatesta, wearing brown and gold glasses and a brown blazer\The following Mark Malatesta reviews have been provided by publishing industry professionals and authors Mark has worked with during his decades in the publishing industry. Mark has shared the stage with bestselling authors, well-known literary agents, and other literary luminaries at 100+ writers conferences in the United States and aboard.

Scroll below or select one of the following options to see reviews of Mark Malatesta:

Writers Conference Coordinators – Reviews of Mark Malatesta

Mark Malatesta reviews from writers conference coordinators who’ve invited him to appear as a speaker: keynotes, seminars, workshops, panels:

“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

“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

“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

“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

Writers Conference Attendees – Reviews of Mark Malatesta

Mark Malatesta reviews from writers conference participants at some of the events where Mark has spoken and done 1-on-1 pitch sessions:

“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

“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

“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 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

“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 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

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

Bo

“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

Statistics About Writers Conferences

  • Agent Success: Conferences with pitch sessions boast a 20% success rate of attendees receiving a manuscript request from an agent.
  • Virtual Conference Surge: Since 2020, attendance at virtual writers conferences has increased by 200%, making it a viable option for remote networking.
  • Debut Success: About 15% of traditionally published debut authors credit connections made at conferences for landing their first book deal.
  • Diverse Formats: Nearly 60% of conferences now offer hybrid formats, combining in-person and virtual participation to increase accessibility.
  • Repeat Attendance: Around 45% of attendees return to the same conference multiple years in a row due to the sense of community and professional growth opportunities.
  • Popularity Growth: The number of writers conferences worldwide has grown by over 30% in the last decade, driven by the rise of self-publishing and hybrid publishing models.
  • Frequent Attendees: Surveys show that 70% of writers who attend one conference often attend at least one more within three years.

Fun Facts About Writers and Conferences

  • Longest Running: The Philadelphia Writers Conference, established in 1949, is one of the longest-running continuous writers conferences in the U.S.
  • Oldest International Conference: The Writers’ Workshop of Asheville was one of the first global literary gatherings, starting in 1932.
  • Family Legacy: Entire families of writers often attend conferences together, spanning multiple generations.
  • Record-Breaking Attendance: The largest writers conference in history, the Literature Festival Jaipur, attracted over 400,000 attendees in one year.
  • Most Prestigious: The New York Pitch Conference is often nicknamed “speed dating for books” due to its intense focus on agent and editor pitches.
  • Celebrity Authors: Renowned authors such as Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and J.K. Rowling have credited writers conferences with helping shape their early careers.
  • First-Time Writers: Some conferences, like the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, are famous for encouraging absolute beginners to join, making it a gateway for countless aspiring writers.
  • Unique Themes: The Hallmark Christmas Movie Writers Workshop stands out for its highly specific focus on crafting holiday-themed screenplays. Most Remote Conference: The Alaska Writers Guild Conference is held in some of the most isolated but stunning landscapes, attracting writers seeking inspiration from nature.
  • Longest Conference: The Iowa Summer Writing Festival spans multiple weeks, offering intensive sessions that feel more like a literary residency.
  • First Virtual Writers Conference: The first fully virtual writers conference was organized in 1999 and featured email-based workshops and chatroom Q&As.

Insights About Writers and Authors

  • Global Reach: Writers conferences are held in over 50 countries, making it possible to attend events focused on regional literature, such as the Caribbean Writers Conference.
  • Diverse Attendees: Writers conferences attract attendees from all walks of life, from teachers and scientists to stay-at-home parents and retirees.
  • Celebrity Encounters: A participant at the Los Angeles Writers Conference bumped into an A-list actor during a keynote session, sparking a screenplay collaboration.
  • Bestseller Genesis: At least 10% of books hitting the New York Times bestseller list annually originate from pitches made at conferences.
  • Hidden Talents: Some conference attendees have been discovered for screenwriting gigs after participating in storytelling exercises.

Trivia About Writers Conferences

  • Travel Perks: Conferences in scenic locations, such as Aspen Summer Words, often include hiking or yoga sessions as part of the itinerary.
  • Hidden Talents: Some faculty members, like those at the Taos Writers Conference, are also musicians, offering impromptu performances during social hours.
  • Highest Elevation: The Jackson Hole Writers Conference in Wyoming is one of the highest-altitude events, providing inspiration through its breathtaking mountain setting.
  • Longest Panel Session: The San Francisco Writers Conference once hosted a marathon 10-hour panel, including breakout sessions with each speaker.
  • Literary Awards Night: The Southern Festival of Books includes a red-carpet event for its literary prize winners.
  • Eco-Friendly Focus: Conferences like the Green Writers Press Retreat emphasize sustainability and green publishing practices.
  • Workshops for Families: Some conferences, such as the KidLit Writing Festival, offer workshops where parents and kids collaborate on storytelling.
  • Marathon Writing: The 24-Hour Writers Marathon Conference includes non-stop workshops, sessions, and writing challenges, running for a full day and night.

Practical Takeaways from Conferences

  • Post-Conference Growth: Attendees often see a 40% increase in query response rates after implementing tips from conference workshops.
  • Self-Publishing Workshops: Conferences now include sessions on crowdfunding and marketing for self-published authors, responding to growing demand in the industry.
  • Author Panels: Attending or speaking at panels is one of the fastest ways for writers to grow their readership, as these sessions often feature book sales and signings.
  • Book Sales Boost: Authors presenting at conferences report an average 25% increase in book sales after showcasing their work.
  • Lifelong Friendships: Over 60% of attendees report forming lasting friendships with other writers during workshops or networking events.

Unique Conference Features

  • Book-Inspired Dinners: The Key West Literary Seminar often pairs dining with themes from famous novels.
  • International Access: The Jerusalem Writers Conference is one of the few events that pairs literary panels with historical tours of ancient sites.
  • Workshops on Wheels: Some conferences, like the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat, include mobile workshops held on scenic train rides.
  • Workshops on Cruises: Some writers retreats are held aboard cruise ships, combining travel with literary sessions.
  • Themed Attire: The Southern Gothic Writers Conference encourages attendees to dress in period or thematic costumes for networking events.

Writer-Specific Challenges and Triumphs

  • Anxiety and Success: While 50% of attendees feel nervous about pitching, 80% say they gain confidence after their first session.
  • Improv Pitches: Some events, like the Chicago Writers Workshop, include impromptu pitch competitions that sharpen attendees’ skills under pressure.
  • Real-Time Editing: Live editing sessions, where an editor critiques a manuscript line by line in front of an audience, have become a popular feature.

More Reviews of Mark Malatesta

The reviews of Mark Malatesta above are just a small sample. You can see many more Mark Malatesta reviews from his time as an author coach and consultant, literary agent, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the well-known book/gift publisher Blue Mountain Arts here:

Interviews w/Tips from Successful Authors

Get free instant access to the official Directory of Literary Agents, and our article/audio training library.
Reviews