Testimonials

I called a friend and told him that I, a harbor pilot of all things, had written a novel. ”What kind of novel?” he asked. I told him it was a comic novel. After a long pause he said, simply, “Good luck.” A couple of days later he called back and said, “You’re not a writer, you have no credentials to speak of, and you’ve written the most difficult book to write and get published in today’s marketplace. You’re asking the impossible so I have two words for you.” Thinking he was going to wish me luck again, I said, “I know– Good Luck.” To my surprise he said, “No. The two words are— Herb Schaffner.” Herb edited, agented, and, achieving the impossible, actually sold my novel to a first rate publisher. Not only that, he did it without breaking a sweat. DO NOT go to Herb if you’re looking to get jerked around. You’ll be disappointed.

–John G. Jacobsen, author

I have rarely worked with anyone as generous in spirit and warm in manner than Herb. What makes him all the more special is that he’s also a savvy and insightful professional.

–Mark Levine, coauthor Second Acts, Die Broke, It’s All in Your Head and numerous other bestsellers

“From the moment I met Herb Schaffner at the offices of HarperCollins, I knew my first book was in good hands. Herb guided me through a year of cross-country reporting, sent thoughtful and encouraging notes, and, when I finally presented him with the work, edited it with precision and wisdom. Everything he touched, he made better. As a magazine journalist, I’ve worked with many a top editor, but Herb is and always will be my favorite.”

–Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, author of Remember Me

“Herb Schaffner is one of those people you feel lucky to have worked with. He has a rare combination of insight, guts, compassion, and business savvy. Herb just gets it. He has a profound understanding of the marketplace. He knows how to generate results. He has the courage to make the tough decisions required to achieve them. And he never forgets that the best way to get things done is through people. The rockier the road, the more I want Herb on the team.”

–Tim Hurson, author of Think Better and President of ThinkX Consulting

“Herb Schaffner is a skilled and savvy editor and publisher gifted at shaping a manuscript and message, who understands the shifting political and media landscape. He was invaluable in making Who Killed Health Care? a success.”

–Regina Herzlinger, Professor at Harvard Business School, author of Who Killed Health Care?

“Herb Schaffner combines market knowledge and editorial instinct with a inborn knack for turning good ideas into great ones. Through Schaffner Media Partners, he can hone and then deliver your message to the audience you need.”

–Jeremy Katz, Agent at Sanford J. Greenburger Literary Associates

“Herb Schaffner was the managing editor for our book The New Age of Innovation. He did an excellent job in managing the process including copy editing, media relations and in helping us launch the book.”

–MS Krishnan, coauthor with CK Prahalad, The New Age of Innovation

“Herb Schaffner’s editorial vision and publishing savvy were instrumental in conceiving and launching our “Future of Business” book series (with McGraw-Hill). Where other book editors demurred, Herb stepped in and worked with us to define and refine a coherent set of business themes and premises, then bring them to market. The result: our first two books are Wall Street Journal bestsellers.”

–Jonathan Gage, Publisher of Strategy+Business magazine

“Herb Schaffner delivers results! His ability to craft a message is responsible for positioning my business books as international bestsellers. Herb has an uncanny ability to understand the nuances of audience and maximize the impact of your message. Herb masters voice, purpose, and effective methods for making communication memorable and transformational. I will miss Herb as my publisher but my loss is your gain as he pursues his passion and gifts through Schaffner Media Partners.”

–Joseph Michelli, author of The Starbucks Experience, and The New Gold Standard

“Herb Schaffner is my favorite editor. In a world where really good editors have all but disappeared, Herb is still the real thing. His thoroughness, intelligent editing of word and structure, and devotion to the task are outstanding. I recommend this gifted editor without reservation.”

–John Naisbitt, author of Mindset, Megatrends, and Reinventing the Corporation

“Herb Schaffner was my primary advisor as I pitched, wrote, and developed marketing strategies for my book, The Organizational Champion. His leadership was essential in the development of the book as he helped me confirm my reader audience, critique my research, and organize the content in a way that would best capture the reader. Schaffner Media Partners continues to assist me in current and future endeavors and is one of my most valuable resources as an author.”

–Mike Thompson, CEO, SVI

“I’ve been fortunate to work with Herb Schaffner for nearly two decades. Everything he does is absolutely best in class. Herb and I co-authored and edited a book on the nation’s workforce, edited a bestselling, two-volume encyclopedia on the history of work in America. and launched the widely acclaimed “Work Trends” serious of national surveys on emerging trends in the American workforce. As communications director at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, Herb played a crucial role in the growth of the Center and impact of its research policy makers, thought leaders, and scholars. ”