by Writing Workshops Staff
10 hours ago
Literary agent Mark Owen Gottlieb has brokered countless deals over his career at Trident Media Group, but the story behind his latest, a nonfiction title headed to St. Martin's Press, has a special connection to WritingWorkshops.com.
The book is The Power of Print: The Case for Paper & Ink in the Age of Technology by Stephen Harrison, a journalist and tech insider with bylines in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and WIRED. And the agent-author relationship that made it happen? It began in one of Mark's seminars right here at WritingWorkshops.com.
Stephen attended Pitch Perfect: Crafting a Compelling Nonfiction Book Proposal, part of Mark's Literary Agent Seminar Series, in the summer of 2025. The seminar is designed to help writers structure proposals that capture what agents and publishers look for: a compelling hook, a clear overview, a thoughtful competitive analysis, a detailed chapter outline, and a strong author platform.
Stephen's concept immediately stood out: a science-backed argument for why paper and ink, not screens, remain humanity's most powerful tools for focus, memory, and clear thinking in the age of AI.
"Thrilled to share news of The Power of Print," Mark announced on Instagram when the deal closed. "This science-backed nonfiction makes a bold, timely case for why paper and ink—not screens—remain our most powerful tools for focus, memory, and clear thinking in the age of AI. With a foreword from MasterClass founder Aaron Rasmussen, it couldn't be more of-the-moment."
The book is pitched for readers of Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation and Johann Hari's Stolen Focus—two bestsellers that have ignited national conversations about technology's impact on attention and cognition. Stephen's contrarian thesis fits perfectly into that cultural moment, offering a practical case for going analog when the world keeps pushing us toward screens.
Stephen brings serious credentials to the project. Beyond his journalism career, he holds degrees in English literature, business, and law from the University of Texas at Austin and Washington University in St. Louis. He spent years writing a column for Slate focused on Wikipedia and internet information, and his debut suspense novel, The Editors—a thriller based on a fictional internet encyclopedia—earned praise from Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, who called it "seriously, genuinely, highly recommended."
For Mark, signing Stephen exemplifies what he loves about teaching at WritingWorkshops.com. "My writing career never would have advanced as fast or as far without Mark's help," one of his clients, bestselling author James Breakwell, has said. Another client, author Ruby Karp, describes him as someone who "goes above and beyond his work expectations by cultivating caring relationships with his clients, always expressing empathy and patience."
That same approach—accessible, supportive, and deeply knowledgeable about what it takes to succeed in publishing—defines Mark's seminars. Whether he's teaching writers how to craft an irresistible hook, build a strong market case, or refine every element of a proposal for maximum impact, participants walk away with actionable insights and, sometimes, a connection that changes everything.
The Power of Print will be published by St. Martin's Press, with editor Peter Wolverton acquiring the title. It's a deal that started in a virtual classroom and ended with one of the most prestigious imprints in the industry—proof that the right workshop, with the right instructor, can open doors writers never expected.
Ready to write your own success story? Whether you're dreaming of a book deal, seeking agent representation, or looking to level up your craft, WritingWorkshops.com offers expert-led courses designed to help you achieve your publishing goals. Join our community of writers who've transformed their aspirations into achievements—your breakthrough could be just one workshop away.
