Author: G.Barison
Date:   05-17-97 17:20

Literary agent wants $650 for "marketing plan." Kosher?

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   05-17-97 21:51

G. Barison:That literary agent that charges for anything is not a reputable one. There are good agents out there, but they do not charge. This is what happens when a good agent likes your book, (1) that agent offers your book to publishers, (2) a publisher likes it, (3) the publisher offers an advance or to publish it, (4) only after the publisher has offered to publish it;do you see money mentioned, not before. Marva

Author: Rel Davis
Date:   06-01-97 15:29

I just had a couple of scams from agents listed here! Key Agency wanted an "advance" to cover mailing costs (Thanks but no thanks!) and Erica Literary Agency seems to be a front for a vanity publisher; after months asking for re-writes etc., they finally sent out the sales pitch. Anyone else have problems with these two?

Author: Steve Brenessel
Date:   06-01-97 19:58

Has anyone heard of The Frustrated Writer's Ltd.? They've requested my manuscript, but I don't know anything about them. They asked for a $25 fee for processing. That seems minimal compared to what a real fee-charging agency asks. Got the lead from the 1997 Guide to Literary Agents. Has anyone dealt with them? (Wayne Fontenot is the principal agent)

Author: Mark Thornton
Date:   06-02-97 13:28

To: Rel Davis: I've signed with the Key Literary Agency, so far I haven't had any problems and I did pay a $100 up front fee. I've been told by at least a couple of other agents that is common for new authors, but be careful. I've also recieved an e-amail from another writer who signed with Key back in January: he too was pleased with their efforts, but they've yet to sell his book. I hope their legit, but I can't swear to it. Has anyone else delt with them? Mark Thornton markt@redrock.net

Author: Mark Thornton
Date:   06-04-97 10:32

I have recently been made the following offer by an agent who says she works closely with an international publishing House: She is paying for a third of initial print costs, the publisher is covering a third, and I am expected to cover a third. Since we're talking about a very large sum of money ($7800), can I trust what I'm hearing, and how can I check up on this situation? (TGibbons9@aol.com)

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   06-05-97 10:41

Jack, G. Barison, Rel, Steve, and Theron: Most agents do not charge fees up front. Rel, will you have to pay any more money? What have that agency done for your book? Have they sent to you any rejections showing that they are sending out your manuscript to various publishers? They should send you a status report every so often. Have you had them checked out through the Better Business Bureau? These are important questionsd. Have you talked to other published or unpublished authors dealing with this agency? Theron: Skip this agent, who will take your money and run with it. Marva

Author: Steve Brenessel
Date:   06-05-97 14:09

Thanks, Marva. Simple math plus the funny feeling of ‘something’s wrong here,’ tells me you are right. My reply was dated four days after it was mailed. It was a form letter with a blank for my name and one for the book’s title. The sample writing was returned without even a creased page. The feeling I got was that they read my cover letter just far enough to extract the title, then popped it in this form reply including instructions to send twenty-five dollars, in the form of "money order only, a non-refundable processing fee made out to Wayne Fontenot." And "absolutely no phone calls." It’s apparently a fact that agents with listings such as the Guide to Literary Agents sometimes get up to a hundred inquiries a day. Even if The Frustrated Writer’s Ltd. gets ten proposals daily that’s $250 a day or $1,250 a week for mailing back form letters! I think if the agent is sincere he or she will write a personal letter. I appreciate rejection letters, saying they don’t handle fiction or whatever, much more than the encouraging letter which asks for money and reeks of a possible exploitation.

Author: Theron L Gibbons
Date:   06-06-97 07:41

Thanks for your input, Marva. It was helpful in me making my final decision.

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   06-06-97 10:48

To All Writers: There is a web site for any kind of information that you might need for writing and looking for agents. An agents check list, literary agents, translators, and publishers, and etc. It is: Writers Resources: http://www.arcana.com/shannon/writing.html Marva

Author: W. Gail Manchur
Date:   06-09-97 15:59

I agree that many "agents" are conducting scams when they ask for money up front, but many are also legitimate. For instance, as a submissions agent I do not ask for money up front, but I do bill for clerical costs and postage fees (clerical costs - not more than $5 per submission, and actual postage fees). I send my invoice every two weeks with a list of submissions attached. I only get a commission if the work is sold to a publisher, and that is only 5 percent. I have to fight against all the "scams" because they are giving submissions agents a bad name!

Author: W. Gail Manchur
Date:   06-14-97 08:14

Has anyone had experience with b Tale Wins Literary Agency ? I would appreciate any information. Thanks.

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   06-14-97 23:14

W. Gail: I had never heard of a submissions agent. Thanks for setting us straight. Not all agents are crooked, but there are some that do have the "Taco Neck" Marva

Author: Stephen Toth
Date:   06-18-97 10:56

Anyone ever hear of Alex Kamaroff Associates in NYC? Sent me letter saying he knew I was look for an agent and I have never submitted to his agency nor can so far find any information on him. Anyone?

Author: Tanya Adams
Date:   06-21-97 00:21

Has anyone heard of the Brock Gannon Literary Agency? I sent them a copy of my novel, and they sent me a form letter and a contract. They want $150.00 up front for six months of representation. I would certainly like to see my book in print, but I don't want to get ripped off by a phony agency. If anyone knows anything about this agency, I would appreciate the info. Thanks.

Author: Dave Beemon
Date:   06-21-97 12:44

>Hey Marva What's a taco neck? d.c.

Author: Austin Elliott
Date:   07-01-97 01:28

I sent 16 pages of my manuscript On A Collision Course to The Literary Group International at 270 Lafayette St in New York. I received a letter from the president Frank Weimann asking for the complete manuscript and return postage. Do you have any info about this agency and should I send a copy of the manuscript without copywriting it? How can I find out if this is an up and up agency?

Author: Barry Spatz
Date:   07-01-97 23:02

Seeking info on Kathleen Hamilton and Hamilton House Literary Agency. Anyone know anything on her or them? Please response ASAP, they have asked for mss. No fee at all. Thanks.

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   07-02-97 11:50

Dave: I just made that expression. Agents that charge a fee are not considered a good choice. However, Gail has set me straight on this. On Writers Resources and the Authorlink web sites there are sites that provide the information to ask an agent to see if they are. Austin: It only cost $20.00 to copyright your manuscript. But it's up to you. The Better Business Bureau can be contacted to find out if there are any complaints against that agency. Good luck. "A SMILE IS WORTH A MILLION!" MARVA

Author: Austin Elliott
Date:   07-02-97 11:56

Marva, do the agents have to be (or should they be) members of a professional association? What is the name/phone number/E-Mail for that agency? I don't want to let my hard work go to a scam person in NY.

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   07-04-97 19:37

Austin: There is one, but I don't know the name. Check out these two web sites. Writers Resources http://www.arcana.com/shannon/writing.html and Authorlink! http://www.authorlink.com/ They have all sorts of information and list some very good agents and some bad ones with author's comments about each one. Marva

Author: Rebecka Persson
Date:   07-04-97 22:37

Has anyone heard of "A Paul Franc Literary Agency"? The other day I received an e-mail message from Paul. I can't find him in Literary Market Place or here on the net. Thanks.

Author: Rebecka Persson
Date:   07-04-97 23:04

Rebecka here again. She who seeks shall find! Whilst surfing about recklessly I located Paul Franc Agency on this very site. I am very glad that his agency does NOT charge a fee and that it specializes in mystery fiction. Sounds promising! Now, back to that query letter... Alas, I find it hard to tear myself away from this wonderful forum!

Author: Rebecka Persson
Date:   07-04-97 23:06

Rebecka here again. She who seeks shall find! Whilst surfing about recklessly I located Paul Franc Agency on this very site. I am very glad that his agency does NOT charge a fee and that it specializes in mystery fiction. Sounds promising! Now, back to that query letter... Alas, I find it hard tearing myself away from this wonderful forum!

Author: Dave Beemon
Date:   07-05-97 14:02

To Marva and everybody else: Thanks for the imput regarding agents' fees. After purchasing a copy of Jeff Herman's book, which lists bunches of agents who don't charge anything up front I've decided that it's the way to go. I was contacted by another writer who was "accepted" by Mark Maine and also charged a $250 fee and I began to wonder if Mark Maine ever rejects a query or manuscript. If he didn't, he could be quite wealthy by now. Even if an agent is legit, why would they wear the same suit of clothes as a con man or woman? Charging up front looks like a scam even if it isn't. Scam clothes and a taco neck and you can be sure that something is up.

Author: Barb England
Date:   07-06-97 22:17

It seems we are all asking the same question-mine is has anyone info on American Literary Services-Atlanta ? a $375 fee and they have part of my short story book. They did not include taco neck in the contract. Ha!

Author: Chondra Fuzie
Date:   07-07-97 19:48

Dave B.- I'll bite.... um... I mean, I'll ask! What's the title of Jeff Herman's book, and where could I find it?

Author: Dave Beemon
Date:   07-09-97 22:28

>Chondra, The name of the book is Writer's Guide to Book Editors , publishers, and literary agents. I bought it in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, at WordsWorth Books. They have a website at www.wordsworth.com Dave http://home.earthlink.net/~ultrabop/

Author: Steve Brenessel
Date:   07-13-97 19:37

Tanya Adams, if you're still checking this board . . . I would also like to find out about Brock Gannon. They requested my manuscript, but the form letter they sent was extremely impersonal and it makes me wonder. Before I begin investing time and money I'd like to talk to someone who has experience with them. Did you send money and/or enter into a contract with them? I'd really like to talk to you, on this forum or by mail. My address is rocketman@sprynet.com Thanks.

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   07-15-97 06:53

To all writers: For more information on literary agencies that have a "Taco Neck"; please go to DejaNews web site. Do a search on 'newsgroups' It is: http://www.dejanews.com/ Marva

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   08-14-97 23:58

To all writers: Please check out these Writer's Digest books at the library. They are helpful in giving information for finding the right agent, how to write that irresistible query letter, writing a book proposal, and the format of a manuscript. They are: HOW TO WRITE IRRESISTIBLE QUERY LETTERS by Lisa Collier Coo, MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION by Scott Edelstein, and QUERIES & SUBMISSIONS by Thomas Clark. Marva

Author: Jeff T Thorne
Date:   09-01-97 22:10

Does anyone have any info on Hamilton House, thanks

Author: Jon Warshawsky
Date:   09-19-97 15:48

I have submitted my fiction manuscript to 2 agents who both recommended that I send it to a book doctor (Edit Ink). The phrasing in the reference was remarkably similar. I called Edit Ink and experienced the worst form of Hard Sell imaginable. The two agencies that recommended Edit Ink were Literary Bridge in Sedona, Arizona and Silver Branch in New York state. I would be interested in knowing how commonly this occurs.

Author: Steve Brenessel
Date:   09-19-97 19:39

Jon: Edit Ink is a notorious scam. The agent most likely receives a commission for referring you. There are many, many messages on this forum and on others about Edit Ink. There's even an internet site dedicated to the pending legal case against Woodside Literary Agency which doesn't seem to do anything but refer writers to Edit Ink.

Author: Marva L. Dowdin
Date:   11-10-97 12:59

To all writers: Check out Andrew Zack Literary Agency frequently asked questions: http://pw1.netcom.com/~andyzack/fag.html This will give an idea of what to ask an agent to weed out the bad ones "taco necks" and the good ones. Marva

Author: Walker Jackson
Date:   02-02-98 17:09

WRITERS!!! Check this page: http://www.talewins.com/Post3.htm and look for questionable agencies. It will link you with Writers Connection. They have developed a list of agencies who charge for critiquing, reading, and editing manuscript. Walker Joe Jackson, straving writer - walkerj@ct.net PS: Check my first chapter of McTrite, Private Dick, at http://www.digitalsuccess.com. Also displayed there you can read my poem about Frank Sinatra's first forty years: "The First Chorus"

Author: Kenneth Baker
Date:   05-30-98 01:52

Does anyone have any information on the Brock Gannon Literary Agency. If so E-Mail me at kebaker@sols.net Thanks

Author: christian anders
Date:   07-07-98 04:07

I wrote a book about AIDS being manmade and am selling it currently on the net. Sales are good, but I think it is time now for an agent or publisher to take over. Title: THE MAN W.H.O. CREATED AIDS Adress: http://www.lanoo.net click on AIDS IS MANMADE! Lanoo

Author: Herbert Edwards
Date:   10-15-98 01:42

Here it is. I've been contacted by the Barbara Bauer Literary Agency, Inc. and they say that they are impressed with my novel and for a non-refundable $900 they will be my exclusive agents. The money is not a problem, but what I would like to know is if this agency has any credibility. Who have they published? Where can I find this information? Are they a great or mediocre agency? Whoever has the answers, please let me know post-haste.

Author: Tom Arnold
Date:   12-08-98 22:38

Herbert Edwards, Hell, the word NONREFUNDABLE makes my skin crawl bad enough...what better word could you use to tell someone "I'm gonna take you for a ride!" Think about it for one sec. If they had any confidence in their ability to get your book published, they wouldn't need or want the $900 up front. A good agent makes his/her money by getting the book published, not by raping your wallet. Tell them to get screwed, and look elsewhere.

Author: James E. Haley
Date:   12-31-98 17:13

Has anyone had any experience with Erica House Publishers? I should like very much to hear about it.

Author: Jennifer Ismail
Date:   07-19-99 11:05

Steer clear of EKP Productions (Eddie Kritzer). They referred me to Edit Ink and when I emailed them to ask about other editing services (all this before I did my research and found the real scoop on both parties) I received a nearly illiterate and incomprehensible (and very defensive) reply from their "story editor". When I read the accounts of how Edit Ink and their fraudlent agency "fronts", I count myself lucky that I only lost a FedEx fee...

Author: Brent Lee
Date:   10-05-99 05:51

One suggestion might be to see if they are a member of AAR, or Association of Authors' Representatives. Try visit www.RandomHouse.com and you may find something about AAR and how to contact them, which I think is a legitimate group of literary agents. Please send us feedback whatever you may have found out. Brent Lee