As a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, J.J. Hebert founded his publishing companies out of a desire to help other writers navigate the often complex and daunting world of book publishing. He recognized that many talented authors were struggling to get their work published and noticed by readers. Inspired by his own experiences and challenges in the publishing industry, Hebert decided to establish publishing companies that would provide a supportive, accessible platform for aspiring authors.
J.J.’s goal was to offer comprehensive publishing services that would empower authors, giving them the tools and guidance they needed to successfully bring their literary visions to life. Enter MindStir Media, Manhattan Book Group and Seacoast Press.
Most recently, J.J. also founded MindStir PR, a division of MindStir Media, geared toward helping business professionals and authors build their brand through guaranteed media hits in major publications.
Check out his brands below.
J.J. Hebert At A Glance
- 9-time award-winning author.
- USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author of six books.
- Influencer with over 1 million followers.
- President & 2x Inc. 5000 CEO of MindStir Media, including imprints Manhattan Book Group and Seacoast Press.
- Helped publish over 1,000 books for authors nationwide and abroad.
- Provided thousands of book publishing consultations over a 13-year span.
- Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc, Business Insider and Yahoo! Finance.
- Contributor at Entrepreneur.com.
- Member of the Forbes Business Council.
- Hailed as the “Self-Publishing Guru” by The Good Men Project.
- Professional blogger on the topics of self-publishing and business.
- Partnered with Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington and Mariel Hemingway.
- Named “Entrepreneur to Watch” by International Business Times.
- Named “The Entrepreneur to Watch in 2023” by Entrepreneur Magazine.
- Selected by Influencive as one of the Top Entrepreneurs to Follow in 2021, alongside Jordan Belfort and Barbara Corcoran.
MindStir Media is the original publishing brand that J.J. Hebert launched in 2009. USA Today contributor Molly Peck called MindStir Media the “leading provider of self-publishing and book marketing services in the United States.” MindStir Media has also won many awards; published over 1,000 books; and partnered with Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington as well as Jesse Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives). In 2023 and 2024, MindStir Media was named as one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America. International Business Times called it the best book publisher in LA. Numerous websites rank MindStir Media as the best self-publishing company, including Penny Matters, BestTechie, iTech Post, and Market Business News. MindStir caters to authors who want to self-publish but need assistance in doing so.
MindStir Media – 2024 Inc. 5000 list
MindStir Media – 2023 Inc. 5000 list
Founded in 2018 with an office on Broadway in New York City, Manhattan Book Group is a premier hybrid book publisher geared toward authors who want to work with a NYC-based publishing house but don’t want to give up their publishing rights. USA Today called Manhattan Book Group the top independent book publisher in New York City. Manhattan Book Group, although selective, guarantees media coverage and Amazon bestseller status for authors selected to publish under the imprint through its one publishing offering: J.J. Hebert’s Author Program. Mariel Hemingway, actress and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, endorsed Manhattan Book Group, stating, “If you’re looking to get published professionally, look no further than Manhattan Book Group.”
Seacoast Press was formed in 2015 to help local New England based authors, but quickly pivoted to work with authors throughout the nation. Similar to Manhattan Book Group, the company operates as a hybrid publisher. The company provides 100% royalties through either of its publishing packages as well as robust marketing services. Kev’s Best ranked Seacoast Press the best book publisher in NH.
MindStir PR is the Top Los Angeles Public Relations Agency according to Los Angeles Magazine (LA Mag). MindStir PR is recommended by Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington and caters to authors, entrepreneurs, and businesses with its unconventional pay-per-placement model. No retainers, no vague promises. Only guaranteed deliverables. MindStir PR can help you get featured on top-tier sites like Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc, USA Today, and more. MindStir PR has offices in Los Angeles, Boston, and New Hampshire.