Amazon.com: Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents 2008: Who They Are! What They Want! How to Win Them Over! (Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents): Jeff Herman: Books

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"Nothing beats Jeff Herman’s Guide!"

--Jack Canfield, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul

Product Description

Calling all writers, get your manuscripts out of the "slush pile" and into the bookstores with Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents. More comprehensive than ever before--and now 1,000 pages--this revised edition describes the insider dynamics at hundreds of U.S. and Canadian publishers, with hundreds of names and specialties for book acquisition editors. Nearly 200 of the most powerful literary agents reveal invaluable tips, as if they were having a private conversation with special friends. Includes a wealth of detailed information on what to do (and what not to do) to break the code, break down the walls, and get that first book, second book, or thirtieth book published, bought and read. Jeff Herman’s Guide is the go-to source for writers everywhere.

Many of the most successful authors in America thank Jeff’s book for helping them to make it!

* More than 400,000 copies sold!

* How to connect with nearly 200 of the most powerful literary agents and hundreds of book editors, and absolutely everything a writer must know to get published.

* Replaces Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents 2007, ISBN 0-9772682-1-4

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Product Details

Paperback: 1000 pages
Publisher: Three Dog Press; 18th edition (October 2, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0977268225
ISBN-13: 978-0977268221
Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 2.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #310,124 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)
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#65 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Books & Reading > Book Industry

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	45% buy the item featured on this page: Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents 2008: Who They Are! What They Want! How to Win Them Over! (Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents) 4.6 out of 5 stars (14) $19.77
	34% buy Jeff Herman's Guide To Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents 2009: Who They Are! What They Want! How To Win Them Over!m19th Edition (Jeff Herman's ... Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents) 4.2 out of 5 stars (17) $19.77
	8% buy How to Get a Literary Agent 4.4 out of 5 stars (14) $11.53
	8% buy Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why, 2nd Edition 4.1 out of 5 stars (26) $10.85

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Customer Reviews

14 Reviews

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4 star:		(1)
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Average Customer Review

4.6 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jeff Herman does it again., March 26, 2008

By	J. Alec West (Portland, OR, USA) - See all my reviews

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).

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for all aspiring writers, April 7, 2008

By	Elias J. Mcclellan - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Help Me Get My Book Published! , May 9, 2008

By	Scott Sherman "Author: 'First You Fall'; Host... (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

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

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful
This book has helped me a great deal. Don't know what I'd do without it.

Published 9 days ago by Marilyn L. Ames

5.0 out of 5 stars book
very helpful for those trying to get a book published, received in a timely manner

Published 29 days ago by Lisa Johnson

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent "Advice for Writers" section
This edition's "Advice for Writers" section was especially helpful. The overview of the current state of the publishing industry is insightful, though not exactly encouraging. Read more

Published 6 months ago by Julie Lomoe

5.0 out of 5 stars Most helpful book of its kind on the market!
For the writer who wants to publish, you can't live without this informative compilation of information regarding agents and publishers. Read more

Published 10 months ago by Julie Gettys

5.0 out of 5 stars a Wealth of information!
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. Read more

Published 14 months ago by Dr Dan

5.0 out of 5 stars The 411
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... Read more

Published 18 months ago by M. E. Santos

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for aspiring authors
I have probably purchased every other guide to literary agents and how to get your book published. But this is by far the best. Read more

Published 19 months ago by Brenda Ritter

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't Waste Your Money
Having been involved in this business since 1998, my advice to any aspiring author is don't waste your money on Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editor, Publishers, and Literary... Read more

Published 19 months ago by K.C.Krueger

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT!!
Great info, all you need to know organized in the most helpful way! The latest and greatest info, names, addresses and inside information you need to help you on your way to... Read more

Published 19 months ago by S. Moulton

5.0 out of 5 stars Great tool for aspiring writers!
Without Jeff Herman's guide at my side, I run the risk of finding a lousy agent or an agency without credibility. I am so glad he updates annually. Read more

Published 20 months ago by D. Smeall

› See all 14 customer reviews...

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