Jeff Herman's Guide / The Jeff Herman Agency

I have heard a lot of good things about this book, so I bought it. However, having looked through it now, there are some agents in there that we have all talked about here...and not in a good way.

I was burned once with Writer's Market...anyone want to talk on this book?

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

Jeff's book does have some bad agents in it. I haven't yet found a print guide that doesn't include at least a few. Jeff's book has fewer than some, and the wealth of information it provides makes it one of the better market guides around, IMO.

- Victoria

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

Unfortunately, you still have to do your own research....

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

Having heard that a number of agent guide books each had a few bad agents listed, I decided that the only way to effectively deal with that problem was to list all agents and post a rating on each. Then if one turned out to be bad, P&E's visitors would see the rating and could decide for themselves.

But otherwise, I believe that Herman's book is among the best for sale.

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

Has anyone used the "2005 Guide to Literary Agents" (Kathryn Brogan, ed.) put out by Writer's Digest? I found it more useful than the Herman book. Herman is really more for publishers than agents, and a lot of the agent stuff seems to me irrelevant or self-indulgent (e.g., What do you think about editors? If not agenting, what would you be doing? Do you watch the Sopranos? Geez, is he paid by the word?)

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

About the 2005 Guide to Literary Agents, you're going to find that a lot of them are fee-based agencies, and would clearly avoid them, much like those found in the magazine. I've seen them and they're not worth 2 cents.

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

I agree with maestrowork, who by the way has written a fine review.

There is a great deal to be said for doing your own research. I believe that finding the "right" agent is like finding the "right" person to marry--you must have chemistry, respect, many of the exact same things that you look for in mate like trust, and so on. And although not necessary but a bonus, if can you connect with an agent that is an editor that would be great!

What kind of material do you write?
Look for someone that would be a good fit for you and your voice as an author would be my suggestion.
And if you have been published at all perhaps someone there can suggest an agent or editor for you.

I think that Victoria S. would be a great writer for a book featuring agents considering all her experience and willingness to lend an ear to those in need.

All good wishes and hopes in finding the "right" agent I send your way!

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

About the 2005 Guide to Literary Agents, you're going to find that a lot of them are fee-based agencies

Click to expand...

Absolutely avoid fee-based agencies. But the book clearly separates the non-fee from the fee people. And it also shows AAR members and so on. There may be a few scammers in the listings but generally it's pretty well done, I think.

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

Do you think that there is a big difference between 2004 and 2005 editions? I have the 2004 for both books and I was wondering if maybe they are too outdated.

Re: Jeff Herman's Guide to Agents

For Herman's and WM, all I can say that a reference book is only as good as the people who provide the info. The 2004 guide is fine if no one is bothering to update their info. However, I did notice that some people have a new office location. That's a good reason right there to get a new one. ALSO....I noticed a substantial difference between the 2003 and 2004 WM. There were a lot more agents.