Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents: Who They Are, What They Want, How to Win Them Over

Recently, I noticed Jeff's 2008 guide in the reference section of my library. Let's just say I spent a long day at the library (grin) ... and came to Amazon now to post my opinion (and buy one for myself).I have actually corresponded with Mr. Herman based on a question I had in one of his earlier editions. He claimed that 98% of all submissions to agents and editors were rejected. But when I asked him if he'd asked agents and editors, "Of these 98%, how many of them were submitted PROFESSIONALLY?" He replied, "Very few." In short, writers tend to be their own worst enemies ... submitting material to agents and editors in styles they don't like, formats they don't like, and sometimes in a manner they don't like (ie., like sending sample chapters to an editor who only wants a synopsis or outline).The ONLY way to approach an agent or editor properly is THEIR way. And according to novelists I've met at literary conventions, Jeff's book is the book that tells you what THEIR way is likely to be. This sentiment is echoed by agents and editors as well.Writer's Digest Books and others (with the possible exception of books by Michael Larsen, another agent) just don't cut it. Let me give you a prime example (without naming names). Let's say I want to write a mystery novel. I read Herman's book and, because of it, set the murder to occur on a bird-banding trip. I send the first three chapters (including the murder scene) to a literary agent named Mr. Smith. Problem is, I'm only one author among 20 authors who sent in their submissions at the same time. Why would my novel stand out to Mr. Smith over the other 19? Because:1) 4 of those other 19 sent in (a) a manuscript of recipes for a cookbook, (b) a science-fiction novel, (c) an historical romance novel, and (d) a "how-to" book on gardening ... when Mr. Smith only works with mystery novelists.2) 4 of those other 19 sent in the complete novel when Mr. Smith only wanted to see the first 3 chapters.3) 4 of those other 19 sent in the first 3 chapters on a CD in Word format when Mr. Smith wanted to see them on double-spaced 20-pound bond paper.4) 4 of those other 19 submitted their first 3 chapters printed in Arial 10-point font when Mr. Smith wanted to see 12-point Courier font.This leaves 4 submissions out of 20 done exactly the way Mr. Smith wanted them done. But, my submission is the ONLY one where bird-banding is mentioned. You see, I knew that Mr. Smith's hobby was bird-banding because Herman's book mentions the avocations of editors and agents - the things they like to do when they're not working.However, this only scratches the surface of what his book provides. Remember that Jeff Herman is a literary agent himself. He's been one for a long time, too. In this book, as in previous editions, he removes the fluff and euphoria that writers are sometimes blinded by to show book publishing for what it is ... a business. Writers, therefore, don't have to convince agents and editors that their books are "good." They only have to convince them that their books will "sell."I could say more but won't. If you are an aspiring writer interested in selling either a novel or book-length nonfiction, buying Jeff Herman's book will be money well-spent. Cross out that author's plume-in-hat with a hard blue-pencil, roll up your sleeves, and learn to SELL what you have written (from a man who knows how it's done).

This is an invaluable book for the hoping-to-be first time published author. It not only provides the names and addresses of people who's attention you need to catch as a yet to be published author, but it offers realistic advice on how to have your manuscript read by someone in the business, presents specific advice [or where to get it] on how to make submissions, and details what specific agents or publishers are seeking in those submissions. That way, you don't waste your precious time and money sending query letters to people who wouldn't be interested in your work if you were Tolstoy with War and Peace in your valise.The book is tailored in a predictable manner that allows you to find information without rifling through all the pages. It is well written - unambiguous and succinct - yet it's not like reading a phone book as Mr. Herman has a sense of humor to boot.

I was referred to this title by a published author named Eric Pete. He initially went the 'self-publishing' rout and all the headache/heartache that goes with it. However, using this guide, he has successfully represented himself into four (more coming) sales.True to Eric's recommendation, this book is exactly what it sells as: a comprehensive to guide to publishers, editors, and agents, as well as the expectations of each imprint/representative. If you're ready (as I am) to start collecting rejection letters in pursuit of the eventual success, this book is a must-have tool.

I liked this book because it made Publishers and Agents seem like real humans. As a writer, it's sometimes difficult to see them other than someone, somewhere behind a desk that doesn't like me and doesn't want to see what I've written. At least, Herman made me feel like they are people and they may in some far distant land like something I've written.

This book is huge and has so many contacts in here for any kind of book you are writing. Its a must if you are looking for an agent or to submit direct to a publisher. I also recommend picking up " The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published, 4th Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to) . which is really broken down for the average person to understand. it also has a CD-ROM with templates and sample letters to send to agents and publishers.Be a RockStar in your life,& Make the world your stage!Dr DanMakeTheWorldYourStagedotcom

Herman delivers a comprehensive, accessible resource invaluable for all writers. He weaves highly-sought after up-to-date information about literary agents and publishers, with the process of what to do and not do on the road to getting published. Herman also infuses enough humor and inspiration throughout this resource to make it an enjoyable read. Thank you, Mr. Herman, for dedicating yourself to a momentous endeavor that has and will help so many people, including me!

Having bought this item on and off for some twenty years, as far as authors wishing to make contact with US publishers are concerned this is a growing dead loss. Unless authors plan to make contact by snail mail, the phone numbers given are either answered by computerised voices which will not help you to get to the people you want to speak to, or by real people who are programmed to achieve the same thing. Literally more than half of the book is devoted to the details for literary agents who want 15 percent of the take and as much as 25 per cent of the take of whatever they sell outside of the U.S which is incredible. The author becomes piggy in the middle. Since Herman's book does not provide e-mail addresses for editors, no phone contact neither e-mail contact, the valued addresses of publishers could be provided in a much slimmer and cheaper volume. Publishers, these day,will not so much as consider a book which does not come to them through an agent, (making them a filter at the author's expense,), it becomes a one way traffic for writers. Not for me any more.Matthew Smith

Herman's annual volume is indispensable for new and established authors. I have used it to sell several of my 17 published books, most of them still in print. But beyond utility, it's an insight into publishing and how books are created and sold.- Erich Hoyt (author, Creatures of the Deep, The Earth Dwellers)

Big book and I mean a big book, helpful and practical and in good condition

Excellent product & speedy delivery. Thank you.

Very useful book to have

Useful information and contact email addresses.