Photo of Jeff Herman with the following quote: There’s an old Jewish saying, You can only dance at one wedding at a time. I think that sums up why so many writers never hear back from agents.

Querying & Submitting in 2023: Q&A with Jeff Herman

Jeff Herman is the author of Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents, 29th Edition.
Allison Hunter and Jennifer Weltz

How Are Books Adapted for the Screen? Two Agents Demystify the Process

Two agents discuss the importance of retaining film rights, option types, author involvement in adaptations, and much more.
Michelle Brower and Jennifer Chen Tran

Should You Publish Your Book with a Small Press? Two Literary Agents Advise

Literary agents Michelle Brower and Jennifer Chen Tran discuss the pros and cons of small presses, querying strategy, and much more.
Priya Doraswamy and Carly Watters

Literary Agents Discuss Foreign Rights and the International Book Market

Literary agents Priya Doraswamy and Carly Watters discuss foreign rights, translation logistics, a book’s chances abroad, and much more.
Markers pointing in different directions

How to Choose an Agent Amid Competing Offers

No two publishing paths are the same. When choosing an agent, find someone you can stand strong with, whether lashed to the mast or gliding in calm waters.
Holly Root and John Cusick

Switching Literary Agents: Two Agents Offer Advice

If you’re a writer, how do you know if it’s worth the risk of leaving your current agent? Does past representation impede your ability to find a new agent?
Starting Later & Starting Over: Launching a Writing Career When You’re No Longer “Young”

Starting Later & Starting Over: Launching a Writing Career When You’re No Longer “Young”

Seven-figure deals seem to be given to more 20-something debut writers than debut writers in any other age group, yet Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx started writing at 58—and Frank McCourt began writing in his 60s. Were these writers more talented than younger writers trying to break in at the same time? Or has the industry started gravitating more toward younger writers in recent years? Two literary agents, Sarah Davies and Dr. Uwe Stender, offer their thoughts on the publishing industry’s attitude toward age.
Mary C Moore and DongWon Song

Ethics & the Literary Agent: What Rights Do Authors Have?

What should writers do if they feel that an agent isn’t honoring their obligations, contractual or otherwise? What's the best way to speak up?
Eric Smith and Saba Sulaiman

How Do Literary Agents Approach Diversity?

How do agents—generally considered the gatekeepers to publishing companies—approach the issue of diversity in the publishing industry?
land an agent for self-published book

How to Land an Agent for a Self-Published Book

If you've given up on the self-publishing route and want to try traditional publishing, then there are several approaches you can take to interest agents.
April Eberhardt

5 On: April Eberhardt

Literary agent and publishing consultant April Eberhardt discusses effective book promotion, what makes writing exceptional from a publishing perspective, her preference for representing women's fiction, and more in this 5 On interview.
The SheepOver

Shepherding a Self-Published Picture Book to Success: A Conversation with Literary Agent Brenda Bowen

Sangeeta Mehta interviews agent Brenda Bowen about the success of the children's picture book Sweet Pea & Friends: The SheepOver.
Looking up from the bottom of an escalator.

The Agent’s Role in the Digital Age: A Conversation with Jessica Faust

Literary agent Jessica Faust discusses how she helps authors self-publish.
literary fiction

Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option for Literary Fiction Writers?

Should literary writers consider self-publishing? How it might affect their long-term careers? Two agents weigh in.
Children's books

The Business of Self-Publishing Children’s Picture Books: Two Literary Agents Weigh In

Two literary agents offer their thoughts on the self-publishing of children's books and what the future of the picture book might look like.
Should Children’s Book Authors Self-Publish?

Should Children’s Book Authors Self-Publish?

Note from Jane: Today's guest post is by Sangeeta Mehta (@sangeeta_editor), a former acquiring editor of children's books at Little,
Writer's Digest (October 2014)

The Evolving Role of the Literary Agent

Writer's Digest (October 2014) In the most recent issue of Writer's Digest magazine, you'll find my feature article, "The Evolving
Why I Left My Mighty Agency and New York Publishers (for now)

Why I Left My Mighty Agency and New York Publishers (for now)

Olivander / via Flickr Note from Jane: Today I'm beyond honored to feature bestselling author Claire Cook (@ClaireCookwrite), who has