Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents 2011, 21E : Who They Are! What They Want! How to Win Them Over!

by Herman, Jeff

• ISBN13: 9781402243370
• ISBN10: 1402243375
• Edition: 21st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-10-01
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc

Summary

The Writer's Best Friend and Bible! Writers, agents, and editors all agree that Herman's Guide is the must have, go-to reference for everyone who writes. This book will get you past the slush piles and into the hands of the people who have the power to publish. You will learn the names and contact information for hundreds of agents and editors, and will be given the "code" for how to win them over. More comprehensive than ever, this 21st edition will give you all the insider information you need to get published, including how to write knockout pitch letters and proposals, as well as an expanded Canadian section. Praise for Jeff Herman's Guide "On the road to becoming a bestselling author, my first step was buying Jeff Herman's Guide."-Meg Cabot, author of many NY Times bestsellers, including The Princess Diaries (multi-book series) "Nothing beats Jeff Herman's Guide." -Jack Canfield, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul series "From a no-book author to a three-book deal by reading this book."-Marsha Marks, published author "I have purchased all the books about how to get published, but Herman's is by far the best. It's in a class by itself. My advice to writers is buy this book first, not last like I did."-Brenda Ritter, satisfied customer "Wow! How does Jeff get so much valuable information into one book? For the price it's a bargain. My advice: get this book."-Wayne Botha, satisfied customer

Excerpts

<p><b><i><u>Introduction</u></i></b></p><p>The multinational conglomerated publishing entities </p><p><i>Jeff Herman</i></p><p>A long time ago, the U.S. book publishing business consisted of hundreds of mom-and-pop companies. Each was generally named for the individual(s) who founded the firm, and their respective catalogues reflected their own special tastes and sensibilities. Separately, none of these entities or individuals had the power to dictate the contemporary status or future direction of publishing. They were a thriving community of several hundred distinct pieces. Collectively, they comprised our nation's entire book publishing structure.</p><p>The revolution came and happened quickly. Some of us complained, but it didn't make any difference. It was a funny revolution in that it reversed the usual dynamic. Unlike the breaking away of exploited tribes from masters of conquest, which is revolution in its most romantic form, we watched as faceless and formless conquerors wrapped themselves around most of our precious tribes and soundlessly absorbed them into a small number of obese oceans. Perhaps those who might have cared the most saw gold before they saw the cost. Can we blame them? Should we even judge the result? Perhaps it is wiser to simply adjust.</p><p>We have consolidated the largest multinational publishing properties into their own section. It seemed right to do so, since consolidation has been their most striking feature. These companies possess the brand names of the firms they have acquired over the past three decades. While some of the firms may be led by high-profile individuals or greatly influenced by multigenerational families that control large blocks of non-traded stock, it is also safe to say that these firms are greater than any one person or any unified collection of people. At the end of the day, it is the various pension funds and institutional investment firms that must be satisfied.</p><p>There are two other key features of multinational publishers. 1) Most of them are controlled by foreign interests. 2) The book publishing programs are an extremely small part of a much larger agenda, which includes movies, magazines, broadcast and cable channels, newspapers, music, and the Internet. </p><p>Do not let my irreverent or ominous tone chase you away. At all of these firms you will find hardworking, dedicated editors who want nothing more than the ability to publish good books. And they manage to achieve that. So join with them and adjust to the system as it is. The best thing you can do is get your book published.</p><p>This section is followed by a large number of independent and small houses, each of which is capable of doing as much, or more, than the big houses. The independent houses are not vestiges from a dead past. To the contrary, they keep the current publishing climate vibrant, and help create the future with their entrepreneurial and innovative ways. Don't ever think twice about joining them.</p><p>I have asserted my discretionary powers to place a few houses in the Independent Section that could also fit into the Conglomerates Section. Obviously, not all corporations are the same. Some are the equivalent of Jupiter, while others are more like Mercury (I'm actually referring to size, not "personalities"). When the book division is not a mere asterisk within its corporate envelope, but is instead a crucial piece, you will find it with the independents.</p>