Customer Reviews

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

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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).

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 bought the 2007 edition of this book after completing my first novel, a funny, sexy mystery featuring the exploits of a male hustler in New York City.

Not a book that would interest every agent, but one I was able to find a home for my novel with the help of this extremely comprehensive tome.

Thicker than many phone books, Jeff Herman's Guide not only contains listings for hundreds of agents and publishers, but, in the 2007 edition, there was about 150 pages of instructive pages on how to get published. Best of all, the agents themselves tell you what they're looking for and how they want it submitted. That's a lot of information for your money.

Good luck with your writing!

Scott Sherman, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery

I have probably purchased every other guide to literary agents and how to get your book published. But this is by far the best. Several agents recommend it, but since I had the other books, I didn't think I needed it. Finally, I purchased it and was pleasantly surprised. This book is huge and gives so much more information. It is in a class by itself. My advice to aspiring authors is to buy this book first not last like I did.

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 Dan

MakeTheWorldYourStagedotcom

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.

Wow. How does Jeff get so much valuable information into one book? For this price, it is an absolute bargain. Solid, current information on Independent Presses, University Presses, and Literary Agents amongst many other publishing related topics.

For example, Jeff has over 200 pages devoted just to interviews with Literary Agents. There is Advice for Writers, including how to create the Knockout Nonfiction Book Proposal.

The list of value goes on and on for 991 pages. My advice - get this book.

As an author and editor with books selling on Amazon myself, I recommend Herman's guide to those seeking an agent, but remember, using the online contacts works Soft News best. While some still ask for hard copy queries and proposals, you'll probably never hear from them. Those listing emails are usually serious about actually looking for new material.

This book has helped me a great deal. Don't know what I'd do without it.

very helpful for those trying to get a book published, received in a timely manner