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Learn what’s selling and what’s not—for traditional and self-published authors alike.
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“The Hot Sheet is The Economist of publishing but a lot easier to read.”
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.
Links of interest
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 2,200 subscribers.
An award-winning resource you can trust
We offer Authors Guild members a subscription discount—and Hot Sheet subscribers receive a discount on Authors Guild membership.
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.
The Hot Sheet is a partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, meaning we are recognized as a trusted resource for authors.
Keeps you sharp about changes in publishing
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.
Offers smart analysis and interpretation
We’ve been in the publishing industry for more than 20 years, working for small and large operations, and at an executive level. We know the histories and biases of all the players.
Gives you a front-row seat at industry events and conferences
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.
Distills dozens of industry publications in one place
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.
Kristin Nelson
Literary agentAuthors: You’ll love the publishing industry news in Hot Sheet (even if no hype or drama).
Orna Ross
Founder-Director of ALLiThe Hot Sheet gave us the right tip at the right time. I knew exactly what to pitch, when, and to whom.
Dr. Barbara Ellermeier
Author and consultantI 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!
Roz Morris
AuthorFull of publishing nitty-gritty and sharp analysis, The Hot Sheet fills a glaring gap for authors. I read every issue.
Donald Maass
Literary agentI 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.
Jessica Sinsheimer
Literary agentWill The Hot Sheet help you get published?
Probably not. The Hot Sheet isn’t meant to help unpublished writers find or identify publishers or agents. While we do include 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.
Unpublished writers who are interested in long-term success, full-time authors, and anyone who wants to be informed about the business realities of the industry will enjoy The Hot Sheet.
Meet the Team
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
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
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.
Recent Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
We come out every two weeks on Wednesday, around noon Eastern Time.
The Hot Sheet is an email newsletter. Every issue will arrive via email.
The newsletter was founded in August 2015 by Jane Friedman and Porter Anderson. It is now published and edited by Jane Friedman.
You can see a couple of our older issues here and here that we released for free.
If you become a trial subscriber, we’re happy to send you the last four issues for free.
It lasts for 30 days or two issues.
It’s $59 per year for the email only, or $79 for the email + archive access.
Yes. If you become a premium subscriber at the $79/year rate, you can search and access the archives going back to 2015.
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.
Yes, email us to inquire.
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
author