The 2020 Publishers Weekly Rep of the Year, Bob Barnett, is marking his twenty-fifth year as a sales representative. National sales manager for the University of Texas Press, Barnett was singled out as a good book man with a passion for independent and university press titles.

“I’ve known Bob Barnett for all twenty-five years of his career as a rep,” wrote Mitchell Kaplan, owner and founder of Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida, in his nominating letter. “I’ve not met anyone more knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and committed to the books and bookstores he or she represents and services. He truly understands the power of indie and university presses and has turned me on to some of our bestselling titles that I wouldn’t have come across but for Bob knowing me and my store so well. Bob embodies just what a rep ought to be.”