Blog
Meet the Teaching Artist: Literary Agent Seminar Series with Mark Gottlieb
by Writing Workshops Staff
11 months ago
We are thrilled to introduce a prominent figure in the literary world, Mark Gottlieb, who is set to lead an enlightening series of classes as part of our Literary Agent Series. With a remarkable track record in securing overall deals and excelling in various literary categories, Mark Gottlieb stands as a highly-ranked literary agent. His passion for identifying and nurturing talented writers is evident as he actively builds his client list, demonstrating keen insight and initiative.
Drawing from his rich experience at Trident Media Group, a premier literary agency, Mark brings a wealth of resources to help authors manage and elevate their careers. Having represented celebrated authors and orchestrated book-to-film deals, his expertise spans across genres and markets. Through his classes, including topics like "Mastering the Submissions Process," "Writing an Effective Query Letter," "The Art of the Elevator Pitch," and "Demystifying the Publishing Process," aspiring and established writers alike will gain invaluable insights into the dynamic realm of literary representation and publishing.
Mark Gottlieb's guidance promises to be a beacon for authors, propelling them towards a future where their stories captivate the curious minds of readers worldwide.
Hi, Mark. Please introduce yourself to our audience.
Hi, I'm Mark Gottlieb and I am a vice president and literary agent at Trident Media Group. I'm excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. I represent numerous New York Times bestselling and prominent award-winning authors and have optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. Following my time at Penguin Books, I previously ran the agency’s audiobook department and worked in foreign rights And, I'm actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and look forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.
What made you want to teach this specific class? Is it something you are focusing on in your own writing practice? Have you noticed a need to focus on this element of craft?
I've always wanted to teach, and I was interested in teaching a class on Demystifying Publishing because I see a lot of misinformation out there on the internet about book publishing. From this initial class I've built out a series of classes that I hope will help writers understand the business of publishing. I want to help writers cut through all of the noise and get at what is truly important in understanding the landscape of book publishing.
Give us a breakdown of how the course is going to go. What can the students expect? What is your favorite part about this class you've dreamed up?
My favorite part of any class I teach is spending time with the students and making sure I answer all of their questions.
What was your first literary crush?
When I was a teenager, we'd watch films in high school based on the plays of William Shakespeare. One such film starred the actress Olivia Hussey as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet."
What are you currently reading?
I always have a bunch of books on my nightstand, at any given time, since most of my reading is taken up by working on getting books prepared to get successfully published. As a big fan of Fleetwood Mac, I did get a chance to read Taylor Jenkins Reid's DAISY JONES & THE SIX in time for the Amazon show, very loosely based on the story of the band.
How do you choose what you're working on? When do you know it is the next thing you want to write all the way to THE END?
For fiction, it has to be quality storytelling, both in terms of the plot and character development. It helps if the writer has some good relevant writing experience/background in writing.
For nonfiction, it comes down to the uniqueness of the idea, the author's authority on the subject matter, and author platform.
Where do you find inspiration?
I've come to understand that I am in the business of making people's dreams come true, so I find inspiration in living vicariously through seeing authors that have good, happy and highly successful publishing experiences.
What is the best piece of writing wisdom you've received that you can pass along to our readers? How did it impact your work? Why has this advice stuck with you?
Publishing takes grit. I've seen a lot of struggling writers looking to become published authors, who were on the workshop and conference circuit for a while, go on to become mega bestselling and major award-winning authors. While I recognize he is a controversial figure, it was Woody Allen who said, “Ninety percent of success in life is just showing up.”
What is your favorite book to recommend on the craft of writing? Why this book?
Scott A. Berg's MAXWELL PERKINS: EDITOR OF GENIUS. I like this book because it gives a historical view of publishing but also speaks to principles which are still true today. What fascinates me the most is that literary agents today have really become a lot more so what book editors were like in the days of Maxwell Perkins.
What makes for a good literary agent?
A good literary agent is always there in the corner for their clients, advocating for their interests all the way. Sometimes it's a matter of simply not taking 'no' for an answer, while other times it's being there to be a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on.
Learn More About Working with Mark:
You can learn more about Mark's upcoming Literary Agent Series and sign up now!
Instructor Mark Gottlieb is a highly-ranked literary agent in overall deals and other categories. He is actively building his client list of authors using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. At Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented numerous New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors. He has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department and worked in foreign rights. Mark Gottlieb is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looking forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.
