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Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents, 29th Edition: Who They Are, What They Want, How to Win Them Over (The Jeff Herman's ... Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents) Paperback – January 3, 2023
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Jeff Herman’s Guide unmasks nonsense, clears confusion, and unlocks secret doorways to success for new and veteran writers! This highly respected resource is used by publishing insiders everywhere and has been read by millions all over the world. Countless writers have turned to this book to figure out how to decipher the hidden codes to getting published. It reveals:
• tools to discern and exploit the rapidly changing publishing environment
• the crucial differences between independent houses and the “Big 5” publishers
• hard truths about self-publishing
• names, interests, and contact information of hundreds of agents and editors
• how writers unwittingly disqualify themselves from the consideration they deserve, and how to optimize chances with agents
• critical thinking skills for outside-the-box publishing strategies
• the nuts and bolts of superior query letters and proposals
• how to spot and avoid ever-more-prevalent scams
• the value of “book doctors” and when to consider hiring them
• what to do — and not do — once you’ve got an editor or publisher interested
Herman’s book remains the go-to guide for everything anyone ever wanted to know about book publishing.
Comprehensive index lists dozens of subjects and categories to help you find the perfect publisher or agent.
- Print length432 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherNew World Library
- Publication dateJanuary 3, 2023
- Dimensions7.25 x 1.5 x 9 inches
- ISBN-101608687880
- ISBN-13978-1608687886
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
— Nicholas Sparks, New York Times bestselling author of Dreamland and The Notebook
“Nothing beats Jeff Herman’s Guide.”
— Jack Canfield, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul series
“Jeff Herman has done a service to every writer who wants to make a living in this business. Every author should have a copy on their shelf.”
— Chip MacGregor, literary agent
“Everything you need to get started.”
— Cheryl Richardson, New York Times bestselling author of Stand Up for Your Life
“Jeff Herman’s Guide remains the Rosetta Stone of writerly success.”
— James Broderick, PhD, Bookpleasures.com
“I got my agent by using this guide!”
— Meg Cabot, New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Diaries
“When you get to the ‘finding the agent’ stage, check out Jeff Herman’s Guide. I found it very useful because it gives more background on agents. Keep in mind that publishing is very personality driven.”
— Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of First Comes Love
“I sent my proposal and sample pages to ten agents selected from Jeff Herman’s Guide and was shocked to receive interest from three of them. I celebrated when I signed with an agent and again when my first book was sold.”
— Jacqueline Winspear, New York Times bestselling author of Maisie Dobbs
“Here’s my two cents: I used Jeff Herman’s Guide. It includes a huge list of agents, interviews about what they are looking for, and useful info on big and small presses.”
— Kristy Woodson Harvey, author of Lies and Other Acts of Love
“If you are only going to get one book on this subject, Jeff Herman’s Guide is the one I recommend. When I was looking for an agent, this was the book that showed me how. The only thing is, you have to do what it says.”
— Marie Bostwick, author of Between Heaven and Texas
About the Author
JeffHerman.com
Product details
- Publisher : New World Library; 29th edition (January 3, 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 432 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1608687880
- ISBN-13 : 978-1608687886
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.25 x 1.5 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #76,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #14 in Catalogs & Directories (Books)
- #54 in Authorship Reference
- #95 in Writing Skill Reference (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

JEFF HERMAN IS A SUCCESSFUL VETERAN LITERARY AGENT, ENTREPRENEUR, AND AUTHOR.
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024This is a phenomenal book! The advice and resources are excellent. I’m so grateful Mr. Herman wrote and compiled such a thorough resource for writers. This book is worth every dollar and more!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2023I have published two novels and just finished my third manuscript. As a new writer, in my haste I made many mistakes. I recently sought advice from a renowned litery agent; she recommened this book. I found it to be very insightful and informative. Believe it or not, writing a book is the easy part. What comes afterward is hard work. This book answered many questions and pointed me in a new positive direction. Thank you, Jeff.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023This book holds a lot of helpful information for writers who want to publish traditionally. There is so much competition out there, that newer authors rarely have a chance. There were two (I believe) publishing companies mentioned in the book that are not accepting unsolicited submissions, which defeats the purpose of them being mentioned.
However, I enjoyed Jeff Herman's humor and straight-talk. A worthwhile read.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2023I found this book to be informative and indispensable. Lots of details and solid information! I’m glad I bought the actual book so I can make notes in the margin!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023This book is a comprehensive overview of the publishing industry and provides a comprehensive directory to get you started.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2023I especially appreciate the consistent format of the information contained in this publication and the ease with which you can retrieve comparative data surrounding the various participants in the publishing industry.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2023Pretty much "Everything you need to know about submitting your writing is right there in that book!" as Ed MccMahon would have said.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023This book was exactly what i was looking for. Thank you Jeff Herman for writing it.











