Subscribe to The Hot Sheet

Get all of the important publishing industry news without the noise

Stay ahead

Get alerted to new publishers, agents, and services in the publishing industry.

Clarity, not clickbait

Read no-nonsense industry analysis by an experienced professional.

Evolving trends

Learn what’s selling and what’s not—for traditional and self-published authors alike.

Hear first about any changes likely to affect book sales, advances, or other earnings.

“The Hot Sheet is The Economist of publishing but a lot easier to read.”

Michael Larsen

Michael Larsen

Author coach and former literary agent

The Hot Sheet is an email newsletter delivered every 2 weeks.

Here’s what you’ll find in every issue.


Top headlines

Every issue recaps the latest news in publishing that’s relevant to writers.

In-depth articles with bottom-line takeaways

For topics of long-term merit, we delve deeper, with informed analysis and perspective. Get nuanced insights on complex issues that affect all authors.

Trendspotting

We subscribe to 150+ publications, and summarize for you what everyone is talking about and why.

New opportunities and ventures

All in one place: announcements of new publishing imprints, literary agents, reviewers, podcasts, and anything else that might represent an opportunity or signal as to where the market is headed.

Every issue includes links to 10-20 other stories being shared and discussed in the writing and publishing community. These are categorized to help you quickly identify what’s important to you.

The cost? $59 per year.

More than 2,400 subscribers.


March 13, 2024 sample content

An award-winning resource you can trust

Authors Guild

We offer Authors Guild members a subscription discount—and Hot Sheet subscribers receive a discount on Authors Guild membership. 

DBW 2019 award

In 2020, The Hot Sheet was named Media Outlet of the Year by Digital Book World. Publisher Jane Friedman was also honored as Publishing Commentator of the Year in 2023.

ALLI partner-member

The Hot Sheet is a partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, meaning we are recognized as a trusted resource for authors.

Stay ahead in the constantly evolving marketplace

Without fear of missing out, you can stop looking through comment threads or social media channels where everyone has a conflicting opinion. We’ll present the most important facts and perspectives you need to know.

Smart analysis and interpretation

We’ve been in the publishing industry for more than 25 years, working for small and large operations, and at an executive level. We know the histories and biases of all the players.

Your front-row seat at industry events

Since 2004, we have spoken at and attended major industry shows, such as BookExpo America, Digital Book World, London Book Fair, Frankfurt Book Fair, and more. We attend events every year for the sole purpose of reporting back to you on trends.

Hundreds of publications distilled for you

We read all of the industry magazines and newsletters (some of which are quite expensive), and cherry-pick the information relevant for authors. We also scan popular blogs, message boards, and communities to bring you news of important discussions.

Searchable archive of all published content

The Hot Sheet has been publishing every 2 weeks since 2015. Our site archive includes more than 2,000 articles, entirely searchable by keyword, category, and date. Premium subscribers get full archive access once the trial period is over.

What our subscribers say

I’m really enjoying The Hot Sheet. By placing issues that impact authors into timely context, it offers what amounts to next-step advice—exactly what writers need these days.

avatar

Kristin Nelson

Literary agent

Authors: You’ll love the publishing industry news in Hot Sheet (even if no hype or drama).

avatar

Orna Ross

Founder-Director of ALLi

The Hot Sheet gave us the right tip at the right time. I knew exactly what to pitch, when, and to whom.

avatar

Dr. Barbara Ellermeier

Author and consultant

I was directed to a news feature about Aer.io and Ingram Content Group by The Hot Sheet. Holy distribution, Batman—this opens up a vast opportunity to authors!

avatar

Roz Morris

Author

Full of publishing nitty-gritty and sharp analysis, The Hot Sheet fills a glaring gap for authors. I read every issue.

avatar

Donald Maass

Literary agent

I love The Hot Sheet! It’s up there with Publishers Lunch as my go-to for industry information. It’s witty, approachable, and informative. Highly recommended.

avatar

Jessica Sinsheimer

Literary agent

Will The Hot Sheet help you get published?

Probably not. The Hot Sheet does not specialize in agent or publisher listings. We suggest you peruse this list of places to research agents or publishers.

At year’s end, The Hot Sheet rounds up all announcements of new agents and publishers, then makes it available for free. Here is the 2022 list.

While we do offer continuous updates about new literary agencies, publishers and publishing imprints, and related opportunities, this is a small percentage of the newsletter. We offer this information more to indicate who and what is growing, to illustrate trends, and to help all writers understand where their next publishing opportunity might come from.

If your No. 1 motivation for subscribing is to find an agent or publisher? Don’t subscribe.

Meet the Team

Jane Friedman, photo by Ross Van Pelt

Jane Friedman

Editor / founder

Jane is the former publisher of Writer’s Digest. She spent 15 years in traditional publishing, including a stint at the award-winning Virginia Quarterly Review, and now works independently. Learn more.

Nicole Klungle

Nicole Klungle

Copyeditor

Nicole is a freelance writer and editor with over twenty years of experience. She started by proofreading for the World Bank in Washington, DC, and later worked at F&W Media in Cincinnati. Learn more about Nicole.

Mark Griffin

Mark Griffin

Production director

Mark spent 20 years in book production, procurement, and supply chain management before joining Jane’s business. He handles production and customer service for The Hot Sheet. Learn more about Mark.

How the free trial works

  • Step 1. You’ll set up your account. This requires your email address and payment method (credit card or PayPal). You will not be charged upon sign up.
  • Step 2. Get acquainted with The Hot Sheet. We will email you a 3-part introduction to Hot Sheet that shares the best articles from the last year. You can also request the most recent back issues.
  • Step 3. Enjoy your two free issues. Hot Sheet is sent every 2 weeks via email.
  • Step 4. You’ll receive a reminder 7 days before your free trial ends if you don’t wish to subscribe.
  • Subscribe by accident? No problem, you can receive a refund by contacting us.
Welcome series email


Frequently Asked Questions

How often does The Hot Sheet publish?

We come out every two weeks on Wednesday, around noon Eastern Time. Occasionally we take a break or adjust delivery on account of vacation/holidays. Every issue includes a calendar noting when to expect a shift in delivery.

How is The Hot Sheet delivered?

The Hot Sheet is an email newsletter. Every issue will arrive via email.

When did The Hot Sheet start?

The newsletter was founded in August 2015 by Jane Friedman and Porter Anderson. It is now published and edited by Jane Friedman.

Can I read an issue first to see if I like it?

You can see a couple of our older issues here and here that we released for free. Or navigate to the archive to browse headlines and excerpts by date.

Can I read a recent issue first?

If you become a trial subscriber, we’re happy to send you the last four issues for free.

How long does the free trial last?

It lasts for 30 days or two issues.

How much does The Hot Sheet cost?

It’s $59 per year for the email only, or $79 for the email + archive access.

Do you have a searchable archive of all content you’ve published?

Yes. If you become a premium subscriber at the $79/year rate, you can search and access the archives going back to 2015.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes. We offer discounts through many writers organizations, including Authors Guild and the Alliance of Independent Authors, among others. Check with your organization to see if a discount is in place. If not, have your group’s leadership reach out to us to arrange a member discount.

Do you offer bulk rates or group subscription capabilities?

Yes, email us to inquire.

Do you accept advertising?

Issue sponsorships are available. Learn more.

I have to be one of the hardest sells on the planet. It’s not that I’m cheap—I’m a former INC. 500 entrepreneur and MBA professor, and the way I’m able to make a living writing fiction full time is with an extreme bootstrapping mentality.

My monthly expenses are virtually zero, which is why it took me a few months of thinking from every angle before I made a decision to pay for your newsletter so I would keep receiving it. For me to add even one penny to my monthly expenses, the product or service I’m paying for has to offer extreme, over-the-top value and not be available from any other source. (That’s exactly what I offer my fiction readers and why I’m able to make a living doing it.)

Staying on top of the publishing industry, and particularly indie publishing, is something I must do, and to be able to do it for five dollars a month is truly a bargain.

Mike Wells

Mike Wells

author