Nancy Ellis

I've looked up previous threads on Nancy Ellis and their doesn't seem to be any kind of consensus. Most of what I read is from awhile back and I though someone here might have more recent, relevant experience of knowledge.

She is "not recommended" by P&E, but an aquaintance of mine just signed with her.

test

Yay! Carol's back!

"The Author’s Guild is asking members who were clients of Nancy Ellis (Bell), formerly of Litwest Group to contact them regarding the agent’s possible withholding of monies due. Ellis recently settled a suit with one her clients; since then, others have filed suit against her or alleged withholding."

Seems like she was once an awesome agent who turned out to be a bad apple. Prbably does decent things most of the time, but if you're busted stealing from authors, just a bad red flag.

I spent some time with Nancy at a conference this summer. She is very likable and calls herself The Bulldog ,referring to her determination. She praised my WIP and asked me to submit the full ms when finished in a specific manner, bypassing the pile. I'm nearly ready to do so, but screwing her authors? If true, I don't want anything to do with her. Perhaps we both should dig a little deeper.
km

In the other threads I searched for my friend here on WN there's a mention of an affiliated editing company called "Bulldog" something-or-other. I guess we know where the name came from. Someone in a previous thread mentioned that she often refers her authors to this affiliated editing service before pitching the ms.

I'd say shoot an email to the authors guild asking what ever happened with that, and then coming back and posting it so there's a record on WN in case people search.

If you decide to query her, and she accepts you, I would also recommend asking her what her side of the story is.

It is my understanding (someone correct me if I'm wrong please), that Nancy Ellis withheld money because she believed that the authors owed her money.

The authors sued her. Before the authors sued her, she used a verbal contract. After the authors sued her, she switched to a written contract.

This is third hand information, so you'll want to check this.

Strawberries

We should try to find out more about this.

If Nancy Ellis withheld an unreasonable amount of money (or dug into the escrow pile when she shouldn't have), then it's reasonable for an author to want to sue.

But, if Nancy Ellis withheld funds because the author owed her money (presumably for photocopying, mailings, and other normal costs of selling a manuscript), then that's normal practice for an agent whether the author likes it or not.

Either way, it would be good to know. Just because someone sued her doesn't necessarily mean she isn't reputable. I know many honest people who have had lawsuits against them for some pretty strange things.

Posting anything we can find out, to clear her (or warn authors, if necessary), as long as it's well researched and not defamatory, might be helpful.

--- Mya Bell

Thanks, Michelle! It turned out I was logging in at the wrong place. I think I've got it now.

Here's the news from the author's/Author's Guild perspective:

http://www.authorsguild.org/news/10_04_settles.htm

--- Mya Bell

I think it should also be noted, following the discussions here a couple of weeks ago about advances, that the author (Raymond Barnett) is well-traveled, previously published by a reputable publisher, has a platform (he's a public speaker who does workshops), and has a professional-looking Website.

What was his advance for his second book with a major publisher (Penguin/Tarcher)?

According to the AG notice---$7500.

--- Mya Bell

Thanks, Mya, for finally shedding light one the misconceptions that everyone gets huge advances from major publishers. Also, this has been a fantastic thread because this poor agent wasn't crusified on the basis of rumor and innuendo. Very thoughtful, professional, and mature reporting. Everyone who wrote here should give yourself a pat on the back--bravo!!

She reportedly was sued by a client for withholding money, the amount I can't recall. Client got their money but who wants to deal with court BS. Could be a one time gaffe, who knows. She cuts a lot of deals from what I hear.

I've just recently signed with Nancy Ellis - after I talked with her extensively about the suit that was filed against her.

From what I was told it was over a disagreement between the author and agent of what was due to the agent. Nancy didn't want to fight the suit and settled. However, to protect herself in the future, and her authors, her agency has went to a split accounting system where the agent and the author is paid directly from the publisher.

Nancy has not referred me to any type of editors or editing services, and I haven't paid her a dime for anything.

Nancy has a long history of sales, and has many new sales this year alone. She has a great personality and I like her very much. She was one of the founders of LitWest, and has now branched off into her own company, The Nancy Ellis Literary Agency. I have great communication with her.

I was very cautious before I signed with her. I did my research and asked my questions. She was very open with me about what happened and I feel that she's gotten a bad rap. It looks like her 30 year history in this business is being judged by one complaint. There are always two sides to every story.

However, I'm neither naive either. I made sure that the contract I signed with her was initially for one year - so if she does turn out to be a bad apple, I've only lost one year. But, I think we're going to have a great relationship.

Just thought I'd put in my $.02.

Hi,
Curious to know whether you would sign again with Nancy Ellis, given your relationship with her to date. Do you recommend her, or would you warn against her?
Would appreciate a candid reply.
Thank you,
J.G.

She's been a wonderful agent and I would sign with her again. I have no regrets.

Ask me again in a year - and I'll be able to give you a better summation. Our relationship is still new. But, so far she has answered any questions that I've had, answers my emails and keeps me updated on my status and her schedule.

Nancy has been my agent for a few months now. It's hard for me to imagine her being shady in any way. She's been an amazing resource and a good communicator. She's also really fun to spend time with.