An excellent resource for all aspiring writers

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	• Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents 2008: Who They Are! What They Want! How to ... Jeff Herman Three Dog Press, 2007 - 1000 pages average customer review:based on 11 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Jeff Herman does it again.

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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It Help Me Get My Book Published!

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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An excellent resource for all aspiring writers

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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Always a Good Thing

Mr. Herman always puts out a good product, and this one is no different. Yes, scammers do sometimes manage to find their way into the book. But Mr. Herman is quick to stop them in the follow-up additions. Also, he is quick to respond to e-mails that verify any flaws such as scammers.

Word to the wise: Yes, it has valuable information. But it is information you can get free via the internet. You can find this on agents' websites, their agency pages, etc. This includes advice on how to do query letters and formatting your various writings.

If you want more knowledge on something other than the agents and publishers, there are better books out there.

Just be aware of that.

Wolfe

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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. 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

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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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