I'm convinced Sharlene Martin's brain works at warp speed and for this, I'm very, very grateful. From the lightening pace with which she digested our proposal and made an offer of representation, to eliciting many, many requests from prestigious publishing houses, to her rapid-fire emails -- well, she's just a phenomenon in her own right. Thank you so much Sharlene for your insights into the business, your hard work, and most of all, quickly securing us a contract that we're very happy with.

--Jennifer Marine and Carol Marine, No One's the Bitch, Globe Pequot Press, 2009


 

When I carpet-bombed literary agents, asking if any of them would be interested in my true crime manuscript, none of them could be bothered to respond to the email of a no-name no-credit writer. But Sharlene Martin saw something that those other agents couldn't see: a successful book.

You can thank dozens of people for making you a writer: your English teacher, your mom, or Buddha--but only one person can make you an author--a literary agent. And Sharlene Martin is the best.

--Kevin Flynn, Wicked Intentions, New Horizon Press


 

I can't say enough about Sharlene Martin; she's been a tremendous advocate and literary agent. I especially appreciated her tireless efforts to get my work positioned with the top publishers. She's smart, honest, and never pulls any punches. Thanks to her, my book is coming out with a prestigious press in a turn-around time that one could only dream of-specially negotiated by Sharlene to get it most attention. She's my agent for life!

--Susan Neuman, Changing the Odds for Children at Risk, Praeger Publishing


 

"I think the class was phenomenal and I learned so much from Sharlene, Anthony and Ginny. Sharlene Martin is so knowledgeable, as well as genuine, and made each of us feel special and that our work is important."

"Sharlene and Anthony were AWESOME! For such successful people, they were warm, friendly and unpretentious! They also know their business and teach it so you can understand it."


 

"Sharlene Martin is the rock star of literary agents! She represents her clients using a killer combination of passion, tenacity, and guts. Thank you, Sharlene for believing in me, for fighting for me, and never giving up. I appreciate you!"

--
Lisa Steadman, The Relationship Journalist-Adams Media author (3 books)
www.LisaSteadman.com


 

When I first met Sharlene at a pitch session at the 2007 Jack London Writers Conference, I felt impressed by the professionalism and genuine interest she showed as I nervously described my proposal. I felt she truly believed in the potential of the book Congressman Jerry McNerney and I hoped to co-write about sustainable energy and America's future survival as a nation. Sharlene is a real go-getter, I soon discovered , when she signed us up as clients. She worked hard and found us a wonderful publishing house that truly wants the best for our project.

--
Martin Cheek, CLEAN ENERGY NATION: Freeing America from the Tyranny of Fossil Fuels, AMACOM,
Fall 2008


 

Sharlene Martin is truly the Gold Standard of literary agents. From the moment Sharlene responded to my query, through the proposal process, to the eventual sale of my book to a major publisher, I knew I was in unbelievably capable hands. Sharlene is a "think outside the box" agent who could see the potential in my book when other agents were unable to pigeonhole it. Her enthusiasm and her faith in it never flagged, and within a few months we had serious interest and offers from publishers. Editors clearly hold Sharlene in high regard and respond to her quickly, with both warmth and respect. Sharlene Martin's energy, enthusiasm, and creativity makes working with her pure joy. www.JBram.com

--
Jessica Bram, Happily Ever After Divorce: Notes from a Joyful Journey, HCI, 2009


 

If you are a first time author with a viable manuscript, Sharlene Martin is the literary agent for you. She will get the manuscript in the hands of appropriate publishers with her excellent industry contacts. Sharlene doesn't leave you stranded. She communicates with authors throughout the process. Negotiating good contracts is one of her many strengths. I found the consummate professional in working with Sharlene.

--
Calvin Hodock, Why Smart Companies do Dumb Things, 2008


 

Sharlene is an agent unlike any other. I had heard that most agents were slow to respond to queries, and it could be months before I received any response. Not Sharlene. She responded to my emailed query within minutes asking for my book proposal. She helped work the book proposal into great shape with insightful and useful comments. After a brief whirlwind, we had a deal inked, just four months after my first email to her, and just as I got responses from other agents. Her wealth of experience made the entire contract process painless. Sharlene is professional, hardworking and unstoppable. She responds quickly to questions (I don't think she sleeps) and is always available for her authors. She softens the inevitable rejections during the process. She strongly advocates for her clients and is a tenacious negotiator. Sharlene is the agent you want in your corner.

--Jennifer Taggert, Esq., Smart Mama's Green Guide, Center Street, HBGUSA, 2009


 

Sharlene Martin is one of the brightest and most creative agents I have worked with in recent years. And even better, she is one of the most persistent agents in the business.

--David Dunham, The Dunham Group (Former Publisher of Thomas Nelson)


 

I first met Sharlene Martin when she approached me about doing a prologue for O.J. Simpson’s If I Did It, which I ghostwrote. She is a supreme professional, a pleasure to work with, and a very tough negotiator - a good thing if she's on your team. Thank you, Sharlene. It was a great experience. I look forward to more of the same.

--Pablo F. Fenjves, Bestselling Ghostwriter and Screenwriter (WGA)


 

"When someone believes in you, there is nothing too difficult or impossible to achieve. Sharlene believed in my book and would not quit until she sold it. She is the most tenacious person I know, and I'm so very fortunate she is my agent and cheer leader. Not only did she fight for me. She makes me feel as though I'm her only client with all the attention I get. I know I'm well represented and taken care of."

--Geri Spieler, Taking Aim At The President: The Remarkable Story of the Woman Who Shot Gerald Ford, Palgrave McMillan, 2009
www.GeriSpieler.com



 

As an internationally recognized medical intuitive, I am an expert in reading people and the energy they emote. I knew instinctively before Sharlene Martin shook my hand that she was a beautiful marriage of grace and tenacity with a sense of humor thrown in for good measure. Her professionalism and expertise are illustrated through the phenomenal authors she represents - whether they are underdogs or champions Sharlene follows her gut, her instinct and her results sing. She accepts people she believes in, which is her secret, she sees us as "people" and she will put her energy and spirit into her convictions. Anyone that has been dabbling in the publishing business will know how rare it is to be treated with consideration. I honor Sharlene's spirit and know I am fortunate to have her on my side.

-Catherine Poole, The Metaphysics of Fat, Llewellyn Worldwide, Spring, 2008

www.CatherinePoole.com


 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart about the amazing work that you did in getting us our book deal. You are truly a professional and one of the rare individuals who truly understands your client's needs. I still cannot believe that in such a short time you were able to accomplish all of our goals. The great advance was the icing on the cake.

-Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS www.FacialPlastics.info

Thank you for believing in our mission and possessing the expertise to bring it to fruition.
Douglas Hamilton, MD www.DrHamilton.com

FACE IT: The Outspoken Truths about the Good, Bad and Ugly Side of Facial Rejuvenation, John Wiley and Sons


 

Three months ago, I hit SEND, and transmitted an e-query to Martin Literary Management; the twentieth query that week. Three hours later, my phone rang. On the other end was Sharlene Martin. Today, August 21, I have signed my first publishing contract, with a house that I'm convinced will give one hundred percent to ensure my first book's success. But all their efforts, no matter how successful they might be, will never match the incredible effort Sharlene Martin gave to place it.

Her company's logline is 'Considerate Literary Management For The 21st Century'. Personally, I think it's a short-sell. This is the most indefatigable, no nonsense, two-fisted literary agent in the business today. She doesn't have a clue what the word quit means, she answers e-mails in her sleep, and takes on books nobody wants, turning them into bestsellers damned near overnight. 'Considerate?' Sure. Fearless? On the money, honey. In fact, I'm personally lobbying for the logline to change to 'Sharlene Martin - The Gutsiest Damned Literary Agent Alive.'Bless you, Sharlene. I thank my lucky stars for you.

-Jeffrey Buckner Ford, River of No Return: Tennessee Ernie Ford and the Woman He Loved, Cumberland House, Spring, 2008

www.ErnieFord.com



 

Sharlene and I are in the business of fulfilling dreams. She helps aspiring authors; I help college-bound students. Sharlene understood my passion and urgency and, despite a highly competitive marketplace, she secured a book deal with a New York publisher in less than three months. One thing that I like about Sharlene is her drive and professionalism. She returns your calls and emails almost immediately, she advises you on how to improve your pitch, she offers candor about the marketplace and much more. No run-on sentence is long enough to describe her value to writers. On behalf of the students who will benefit from my book, I thank Sharlene for being my shepherd.


-Kim Stezala, The Street Guide to Scholarships, Amacom, Spring, 2008

www.ScholarshipStreet.com


 

If you want a true study or demonstration of high speed energy or "chi" movement be so lucky as to work with Sharlene. The effort and energy she puts into her representation for her clients is amazing - I don't think she sleeps! In less than 24 hours of submitting my query letter I was asked to send my manuscript. Within the next 24 hours I was offered her representation along with sent contract. All of this happened in one short weekend! My challenge was to find a rep who has a true passion and belief in new concepts, someone who has the ability to get 200% excited about birthing a new idea. Sharlene does the above with respect, focus and excitement; treating my book and me in a true professional manner. Sharlene is extremely understanding of workflow, puts forth doable timetables and was helpful in all ways in "buffing" up my proposal (which she personally augmented and improved) and platform to give my book a chance to stand out amongst the crowd! The publisher's list she contacted was right on target for the book's content and I was kept in the "loop" with prompt updates as well as responses to all my questions including a few "how are you doing on x y and z?" polite reminders. Most of all, she is very patient of my "out of the box" belief system and schedules. She has been a great supporter and a super advocate for all things good for my product and my benefit. Quite frankly, when I finished writing Fur Shui, I was not at all looking forward to stepping into the "wild" and foreign land of literary agents and publishing (I had been "warned"!). To my delight, I found a wonderful and honest guide who navigates, plots and plans all the best routes to take, arranging the best introductions as well as being the best sentinel for my precious "cargo". Thank you Sharlene for letting my light shine bright and making my dream of being published a reality!

-Paula Brown, Fur Shui, Lyons Press, Spring, 2008

www.FurShui.com


 

We spent many years trying to bring the truth out about the shooting of the Rev. Martin Luther King, but were gagged by powerful people in high places who did not want that, especially some politicians in Washington, and the mainstream media. It was only when Sharlene Martin of the MLM came aboard that the truth got back on track.

-John Larry Ray and Lyndon Barsten, Truth at Last: The Real Story of James Earl Ray, Lyons Press, February, 2008


 

From the moment Sharlene requested the proposal of our book (within an hour of receiving our query letter), she completely broke the stereotype of agents. We had heard that agents take forever to get back to authors no matter the issue or question; Sharlene always answered us within an hour or two. We had heard that revising a book proposal so that it's in the best possible shape to send to publishers was a long and laborious process based on vague recommendations from, and with no help from, the agent; Sharlene went over our proposal line by line, made useful, and wonderfully substantive suggestions, and reread and commented upon the changed version. We had heard that many agents send out the proposal fairly randomly to publishers; Sharlene developed a list of publishers very relevant to the subject matter of our book. We had heard that negotiating a contract with a publisher was a painful process; Sharlene knew exactly what she was doing so that this process was simple for us.

In other words, Sharlene has the attributes of the very best of agents. She's hardworking (actually that's an understatement, she is one of the most focused and hardworking people we have ever met). She is quickly responsive to, and a strong advocate for, her authors. She's an experienced and successful matchmaker, with wonderful instincts as to which publishers would offer a good home to an author's book. She's tenacious, and she gets the job done. And she's tireless in softening for her authors those hard bumps (like those rejections) on the journey to a contract. Her results speak for themselves: she requested our book proposal within an hour of receiving our query letter; sent us her contract to represent us within a day; helped us whip our proposal into shape within a week; got the proposal to her list of appropriate publishers within another week; and got us a contract within 3 months of our first email to her. And, as shown by the similar experience that her other authors have had, this is her standard way of working. That says it all.

Any author would be more than fortunate to have Sharlene Martin as an agent. Thank you, Sharlene!

-Janet Horn, M.D. and Robin Miller, M.D., The Smart Woman's Guide to Midlife and Beyond: A No-Nonsense Approach to Staying Healthy After 50, New Harbinger, Spring, 2008

www.smartwomanshealth.com


 

“After years of research, I finally wrote “my” book, and then it dawned on me…I knew nothing about publishing. So, I went looking for an agent and did I get lucky! After she read my manuscript, Sharlene sent me a contract I understood and only a few months later, she had found a publisher. What a wonderful experience to work with someone who never seems to rest, works incredibly hard for her clients, seems to know every one in the industry, and is very supportive! She’s made my dream of telling an unusual, but important story possible and she never broke stride in her efforts to make that possible. I can’t say enough about working with Sharlene Martin.”

-Aine Collier, The Humble Little Condom: A History, Prometheus Books, Sept. 2007

www.humblecondom.weebly.com


 

Any author would be lucky to have Sharlene as an agent. Within a week of submitting our manuscript to Sharlene, she had read it and agreed to represent us. After just two more weeks, she had our book proposal (crafted under her careful eye) in the hands of numerous top editors. One month later, we had a contract.

Sharlene seems to work 24 hours a day for her clients. She calls; she emails; she nudges; she plans; and we're convinced she knows everyone in the business. She's honest, optimistic, delightful, and tireless. We couldn't have found a better advocate for our book!"

-John Heath & Lisa Adams, Why We Read What We Read, Sourcebooks, Fall, 2007

www.Lisa-Adams.com


 

"I had dreams all of my adult life of becoming a writer, but life always got in the way. I worked at it in between everything else while I balanced work and raising a family. I had almost let go of the dream, chalking it up to a childhood fantasy. Then, after one well-placed e-mail, I got a call from Sharlene Martin that honestly changed my life. With her constant support, tenacity and professionalism I was able to find a publisher for Smotherhood in less than two months. Sharlene is a go-getter who not only understands the intricacies of the business, but has the kind of compassion that makes you feel like you are her only client. She is in constant communication and always has something positive to say even in the face of rejection. She is a true cheerleader for writers, a person that any writer would be proud to have in his or her corner.”

--Amanda Lamb, Smotherhood,™ Skirt/Lyons Press, Fall, 2007

www.ALambAuthor.com


 

"This journey to get my book published has been all the more enjoyable because of working with Sharlene Martin. Possessing the rare gifts of being caring, personable and articulate, along with her excellent business sense, Sharlene has made the experience pleasurable. It was that way because I know how dedicated Sharlene is to what she does. After negotiating the contracts in my best interest, she made the remark "Now, wasn't that easy?" In my mind, it is only the truly professional and experienced person, who is so perfect at what she does, that she makes it look easy while we all know it is quite the opposite. Sharlene's style of gently suggesting, guiding, encouraging and leading is unique. She is forthright and conveys her trustworthiness and sincerity easily. I know the things she has told me she probably has said hundreds of times before. But, Sharlene manages to keep her words fresh as though you were the first one with whom she has shared these things. She conveys a genuine caring which I know is definitely unlike the usual LA style of flattery and unfulfilled promises. Sharlene says what she means and follows through with it. Her words are always filled with wisdom and experience. From the very outset, it was clear to me that Sharlene was a singular individual whom I might trust, without reservation, to work in my best interests. I believe myself an extremely fortunate person to have her as my agent."

-Psychiatrist, Stan Kapuchinski, M.D., Say Goodbye to Your PDI, HCI Books, Fall, 2007

www.stopthemisery.com


 

"We cannot say enough about the professionalism and energy Sharlene and Martin Literary Management have brought to the effort of finding a publisher for our book. She certainly knows the business and is widely respected in the industry. This is obvious from the number and quality of the publishers requesting submissions. As novice book authors, we have been helped immeasurably, from the early stages of shaping the proposal to negotiating terms for publication. And, amazingly, she answers our emails… right away. The bottom line: Sharlene is the epitome of what you need in an agent, which is why she and so many of her clients are successful. We are thankful to be included."

-Wesley Millett and Gerald White, The Rebel and the Rose, Cumberland House, Summer, 2007

www.rebelandtherose.com

 


 

"All that a writer, especially a first time author, can really ask for is to have their creative work reviewed by those who have the power to turn it into a book. The publishing world is one tough business, and getting inside the inner sanctum may be the most difficult challenge. With Sharlene in your corner, you have someone with energy, focus, experience and commitment who can help you navigate the labyrinth--she is the key that opens the door."



-Michael Glasgow, The Bridge, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Fall, 2008 An Unfinished Canvas: The Mysterious Disappearance of Artist Janet March, Berkley Publishing, Fall, 2007


 

Within minutes of my first conversation with Sharlene Martin, I quickly realized I was dealing with a consummate professional who exuded boundless enthusiasm for my project. She seemed to understand me and my ideas with extreme clarity - an invaluable trait desired by all writers. Working with Sharlene is a joy; she is consistently upbeat, never discouraged, and remarkably determined. She stayed in touch with me on a daily basis and made me feel as if I were her only client. I never imagined that selling a book could be so enjoyable!

-Candice Kelsey, GENERATION MYSPACE: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence

www.CandiceKelsey.com


 

Within 24 hours of sending my query to Martin Literary Management, my full manuscript had been requested and read, and I had a phone call offering to represent the book. Within weeks, Sharlene Martin had 15 publishers requesting the full manuscript, and in less than two months, she secured three offers, two of which were from major New York publishing houses. She patiently educated and advised me, answered every email within minutes, and kept me informed about the developments every step of the way. She is both gracious and tenacious, a rare combination. As a first-time author, I have learned an enormous amount about how to conduct myself throughout this process, just by observing her high level of professionalism. She has been a guide, a cheerleader, and an invaluable source of information. I am so fortunate that Sharlene accepted me as a client. I couldn't be in better hands.

-Kelly Madigan Erlandson, Getting Sober: A Practical Guide Through the First 30 Days, McGraw-Hill, Spring, 2007

www.kmadigan.com



 

I am incredibly fortunate that an agent as influential, well-informed and approachable as Sharlene Martin decided to notice me and take an interest in my project. Through the course of polishing my proposal, the advice I received from Martin Literary Management helped me to focus my goals, inspired my creative drive and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue dreams I would have never thought possible before.

–Lea Jacobson, Bar Flower, St. Martin’s Press, April, 2008
www.geisha-interrupted.typepad.com

 



 

Before signing on with Martin Literary Management, I never expected to sell my book to a major publisher, but Sharlene made it happen. She was able to see the potential for my book better than anyone else. Sharlene's reputation in the industry is so powerful that one acquisitions editor actually contacted her to ask for the proposal! Because publishers respect Sharlene's judgment, my manuscript was welcomed at all the big-name houses. I wish I could write ten books a year just for the joy of working with Sharlene to sell them.

-Art Blecher (Rabbi and Psychotherapist) The New American Judaism, Palgrave, Spring, 2007

www.arthurblecher.com


 

"Sharlene put more heart into my project than I ever imagined I would receive from a literary agent. Her dedication and follow-through was like nothing I have experienced in the publishing industry. If you are looking for an agent who does what she says she is going to do, and does it FAST, then look no further, for you have found her. Once Sharlene believes in you and your project, there is no stopping her. When a roadblock appears she pushes it aside, then keeps going on her mission. I am grateful she came into my life."

http://www.hollywoodnanny.com/

-Suzanne Hansen--You'll Never Nanny in This Town Again, Crown Books, Jan. 2006

New York Times AND Los Angeles Times Bestseller List


 

"Want to put yourself into competent and committed hands? If you're a writer, Sharlene's your agent. I'll send her an email at six in the morning, and bang, back comes a response. The same thing at midnight. The lady's incredible! Does she ever sleep? I don't think so, not when she's working for her clients. That's the committed part. In terms of the competent part, there's nobody with better judgment. Every strategic call she made was right on target. She knows how to build a writer's career as well as advance a project. Start with competent and committed, then add spirited and fun. That's Sharlene - she's a dynamo.


-Tom Murphy, Reclaiming the Sky, Amacom, Sept. 11, 2006

www.tommurphy.org


 

"From the moment I signed with Martin Literary Management, it was obvious that I was being represented by one of the most determined agents in the business. Pushing me beyond my own dreams, Sharlene aimed for goals far surpassing the limitations I had created. As if I were her only client, she never allowed me to feel lost in her library of prominent manuscripts. Believing in my story, Sharlene fought to give my voice a broader audience, refusing to accept rejection at any level. Her dedication sets her apart in the industry. More than just a manager, Sharlene has become my mentor and advocate."

-Marlise Kast, The Tabloid Prodigy, Running Press/Perseus Books, May 2007

www.MarliseKast.com


 

“Sharlene believed in our project from the beginning. Not only did she advise us as to how to portray our book in the best possible light to publishers, she gave it the most professional treatment herself. Sharlene worked diligently to find the publisher that was the best fit for all of us. Thank you, Sharlene!”

-Joelle Jay & Amy Kovarick, Baby on Board, Amacom, 2007

www.EmpoweredMotherhood.com


 

Sharlene gets to work early (meaning: she’s considerate to both East and West Coasters!) and is a pleasure to work with—fast, determined, creative, straightforward, thoughtful, honest. She also has a good eye for the unique and saleable. When Sharlene calls/e-mails, I pay attention.

-Meredith Rutter, Publisher, VanderWyk & Burnham


 

I adore working with Sharlene Martin. Not only is she smart, funny, and hard-working, she understands the big picture, bringing her expertise from her years in the entertainment industry. She can always be counted on to come up with inspired ideas -- and she contributes an enormous amount to the entire book campaign.

-Suzanne Wickham, Director of Media Relations, HarperOne


 

Sharlene Martin deserves a bowl of gold stars and a spa treatment for making my dream come true. Her high-octane, confident style and relentless pursuit of getting projects in front of decision makers is the reason why she's so successful. I'm lucky to have found her.

-Ron Saxen--The Good Eater: Making Peace with my Binge Eating Disorder
New Harbinger Publications, Spring, 2007


www.RonSaxen.com



 

Sharlene Martin is that rarest of agents: an asset to both author and publisher. On behalf of her authors, she is a tireless and effective advocate for their best interests. She intelligently and passionately champions their cause, making sure the publisher treats her authors with respect and complete dedication. That would be rare enough in an agent. But Sharlene is also a wonderful partner with the publisher. She is creative, inventive and smart. She imagines marketing strategies that are both compelling and practical. She makes the publisher’s job easier, and the author’s chances for success greater. I don’t often recommend agents (more often, I encourage authors to avoid them), but Sharlene is a striking exception.

-Marji Ross, President and Publisher Regnery Publishing, Inc.


 


Sharlene has the special ability to find the right match so that both author and publisher are well-suited. Beyond that, she continues to work to make the book work and is extremely helpful and knowledgeable in all aspects of publishing.




-Carole Stuart, Publisher, Barricade Books, Inc.


 

"I don't think Sharlene Martin has ever had a client with so little knowledge about publishing a commercial book. My writing has primarily been academic. After reading my manuscript, she offered specific advice and direction. I followed every suggestion and six months later had a book contract. She is professional, caring, and results-oriented. She is the perfect literary agent."

-Dr. Vance McLaughlin
J. Frank Hickey: The Postcard Killer, Thunder's Mouth, September, 2006


 

"Forgive the cliché, but if I must be in a foxhole I want Sharlene Martin with me. Then I know there will be at least one person with enough faith, enough strength, and enough balls to keep on fighting. Sure, she understands the business…GB Shaw said you could find genius on any street corner in London. But she also understands people (God help her). We who are dumb enough to consider ourselves artists show her our entire repertoire of insecurities, and she handles them all with intelligence, and class and dignity."

"And…oh yes…she’ll get your book published too."

-Alan Weisman, Prince of Darkness , Sterling, November, 2007 and Lone Star: The Long Goodbye of Dan Rather, John Wiley and Sons, September, 2006


 


"Sharlene is tenacious, focused, thorough and intelligent about approaching publishers. Within a month of engaging her, she secured me a personal meeting with a publisher and they made a pre-emptive offer within two days! I highly recommend Sharlene if you want to get your book published."

-Kelly Perdew, Winner Apprentice 2, Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles Learned in the Military and Applied under Donald Trump, Regnery, January, 2006

www.KellyPerdew.com

 


 


"The best thing that I can say about Sharlene Martin is that she said she would sell my book and she did! The second best thing I can say about her is that she did it with unparalleled enthusiasm and professionalism. She continually kept me in the loop and in good spirits with her unwavering optimism. Every day I knew exactly what was happening with my project and why. Sharlene is one of those rare people who gets the job done and does so with grace and passion."

-Alon Ziv, Breeding Between the Lines, Barricade Books, Fall, 2006

 


 

”My book was almost the book that wasn't. The proposal sat alone like a dog for two years in, hmmm, another agent's in-box. One day I decided enough was enough and I embarked on a search for "the little agent that could." I found her in Sharlene Martin: Two hours after I sent her my initial pitch, she asked for the full proposal. One day later, I'd signed with her. One month later, we were debating the relative merits of three solid offers. Sharlene is a joy to work with, tireless, creative, insightful, tenacious: All those things that everyone else says in these testimonials is absolutely true, in my experience. Her bias towards action is astounding. But the raw fun of working with her needs to be acknowledged. That, and the respect she has from each of the publishers I met with, Sharlene is just so endlessly impressive.”

-Kate Newlin, Shopportunity!, Harper Business, Fall, 2006

 


 


 


"Sharlene Martin understands how the rules of successful publishing are always evolving, and stays on top of them. She represents her clients fairly and in their long-term interest. She knows when to step in with a great idea that makes her clients' books stronger and more appealing to readers."

-Herb Schaffner, Publisher, McGraw Hill Business



 



 

 

 


     Plus Media



"Sharlene Martin is one of the brightest stars in the publishing universe. Her wonderfully varied background serves her clients so well because she sees all aspects of a project. She has a terrific sense of marketing and ancillary opportunities. And if Sharlene says she's going to do something, she does it! It's such a pleasure to work with someone with such integrity. If I ever write a book, I want Sharlene to be my manager!"

-Victoria Lang, Co-President PLUS Media, Inc.

www.Book-Byte.com


 

"Mere words cannot describe Sharlene Martin. As a writer, I confess a certain level of shame in that-- because I mean it literally. "Tireless" cannot begin to encompass the energy level Sharlene brings to each project she accepts. "Fierce loyalty" hardly scratches the surface of her approach to supporting the interests of her authors. "Laser-like intensity" scarcely does justice to Sharlene's commitment to making every book proposal and in-person pitch to prospective publishers as perfect as is humanly possible. I've known a number of literary agents during my writing career; none has come close to duplicating Sharlene's devotion to her craft, or her tenacity when it comes to matching her authors' works with precisely the right publishing house and editor. Simply stated, the lady is a jewel who I'm delighted to call my friend."



-David W. Latko, Everybody Wants Your Money: A Straight Talking Guide to Protecting and Growing the Wealth You Worked So Hard to Earn, HarperCollins, March, 2006

www.MoneyandMoreonline.com



 




"Working with Sharlene Martin has been a blessing. Her combination of wisdom and business savvy made me feel safe, supported, and ready for anything. She is by far one of the best agents in the business!"


-Dougall Fraser, Psychic/Author--But You Knew That Already: What a Psychic Can Teach You About Life
Rodale Press, April, 2005

www.DougallFraser.com


 




"Sharlene Martin is a rarity in the literary world: She's a savvy, hands-on agent with extraordinary vision. A consummate professional who accepts nothing less than excellence from herself and for her clients, Sharlene deftly nurtures both books and writers from concept to proposal to print. Plus, she understands the wisdom in building careers for writers and knows exactly how to get it done. From day one of my affiliation with Martin Literary Management, Sharlene has been in touch on a daily basis and has gone above and beyond the call of duty in every way and gets my highest possible praise."


-Lisa Wysocky, My Horse, My Partner, Lyons Press, Nov. 2007 and Success Within, Sourcebooks, September, 2005
http://www.powerofhorses.com


 




"Can dreams come true? They can if you work with Sharlene Martin. I had a dream of having my story published and Sharlene helped make my dream come true. Her overall experience makes her a wise choice to be your agent. She knows what she likes and then she will not stop until she gets what is needed for the writer. Sharlene's vision is outstanding as she knows what needs to be done in order to be a successful author."


-Brad Cohen, Front of the Class (VanderWyk&Burnham, Fall, 2005)


http://frontoftheclassbook.com/



 




"Meeting the right agent -- Sharlene Martin -- convinced me to leave my regular publishing job and become a full-time (ghost)writer. And I am so glad I did! She lined up the perfect book for me -- a topic I was interested in, a great author, a major publisher -- not to mention a very lucrative financial deal. Her attention to all my concerns has been outstanding -- from travel arrangements to expense accounts to editorial input. Best of all, she is already lining up my next project! I know I am in good hands and would recommend her to any writers seeking a dedicated agent who really makes deals happen."

-Julie McCarron, Ghostwriter of numerous major celebrity books


 




"Sharlene is a great agent! Not only has she provided invaluable guidance every step of the way in preparing my book proposal, she's gotten great results! Sharlene knows the publishing business inside and out. I could tell that she's mastered Competitive Intelligence skills to be my high performing literary agent. Through Sharlene's expertise and enthusiasm we'll meet all of our publishing goals."

-January, 2006: Stephen Long, Ph.D. , Level Six Performance: A Gold Medal Formula for Professional and Personal Success, (Champion Press, January, 2006)

www.levelsixperformance.com


 





"Sharlene Martin is a reckoning waiting to happen -- an abundance of courage, determination and extraordinary intelligence. As I told someone recently, “This woman is on fire.” She personally has brought a great deal of value to my book project and has done it with joy and ease. As a first time author I couldn’t have expected a better professional experience and I never would have imagined that I would have an agent who I am proud to call a friend."

-Joan Baker, Secrets of Voice-Over Success( Sentient Publications, Spring, 2005)

www.secretsofvo.com


 




 

"Choosing and being chosen by, the "right" agent is a major event. The "right" agent, in my mind, is one not only with excellent connections within the publishing industry, but one who goes that extra mile for their client. The first time my co-author and I met with Sharlene Martin, I was impressed not only with her energy, love of this industry and enthusiasm for our project, but her generosity. Even before signing on the dotted line, Sharlene graciously gave of her time and expertise in evaluating our proposal and offering excellent suggestions for fine tuning. I am so very pleased that Sharlene is now our agent and am positive that her drive, energy, tenacity and self-motivated new understanding of our subject matter will bring us great success in our publishing goals."



-
Gloria Lintermans, THE HEALING POWER OF GRIEF: The Journey Through Loss to Life and Laughter and THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE: Transcending the Loss of a Spouse to New Love, Champion Books

www.GloriaLintermans.com


 


"Sharlene Martin is a tireless worker who went above and beyond all our expectations! Her insight and experience is invaluable. Most importantly, her positive nature and good energy becomes a magnet to anyone who meets her which is extremely important when dealing with so many entities. We are proud to have her represent us and Zubaida on this project."

 

-Dr. Peter and Rebecca Grossman--Tiny Dancer: (St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne)

www.bookbyte.com/tinydancer




 


Andy Schell


"Sharlene,
You are the Everready Bunny! Amazing. Thanks for being there. Believe me, I have never met anyone in the business like you, Sharlene. Just getting a phone call or an email returned from most agents or managers is like pulling teeth. Most act as if an author or actor is a bother, rather than an opportunity. Your openness and work ethic is unique."

-Andy Schell, My Best Man (Kensington)