Is this agent legit?

[miranda west]

I've been offered a contract by an agent but have some concerns about the agent's legitimacy. She has offered me a contract, but the only address she will give me is a p.o.box. Entering into a legal contract with someone who will not give me a street address makes me nervous. Also, this agent is relatively new and has not made her first sale as yet. This is not a huge concern since she is new. She doesn't charge a fee and there are no other red danger lights about her. Any thoughts?

[JC]

have you looked her up on the Absolute Write site? They've got a lot of great info. on just about everyone.

Otherwise, are you willing to post her name? I imagine it would be tough for people to help if they don't know who you're talking about.

[gulliver h]

gives me a creepy feeling already.

And what makes you think she can sell anything--haven't NOT done so? What are her credentials? I'm skeptical, honestly.

[Ann Crispin]

I can't check an agent's record without the name.

I'm not a mind reader...sorry I can't be of help.

-Ann C. Crispin

[Sarah H.]

What's her name?

[Mark Ellis]

Probably Pudden Tame.

Most likely the same one Kathy W is dealing with.

[Keith .]

"this agent is relatively new and has not made her first sale as yet. This is not a huge concern since she is new."


This is a big no-no.
km

[M. K. Theo]

I gather you are relatively new to the writing game ... and in many respects, it is a game.

Another place to double check on agents is Agent Query. http://agentquery.com/ If they aren't in their files, I'd ask some serious questions about her ties to editors and her experience in the royalty end of the publishing industry.

Actually, you have an invitation from one of the best sources on discovering scam artists, Ann Crispin. If you don't feel comfortable mentioning the agent's name in an open forum, you can go to her listing and contact her personally. I'd advise you to do it.

K

PS: If the agent offers any services for a fee, run the other direction.

[Wonky]

"this agent is relatively new and has not made her first sale as yet. This is not a huge concern since she is new."

That doesn't mean she's a scammer, just that she probably won't be able to sell your book.

[gulliver h]

The wonk is right. 'this is not a huge concern because she is new' is, in fact, a big concern. For the thinking folk in the crowd. (You said new twice and not sold anything and nothing about her creds. Except she likes your thing. And only has a po box. People who have po boxes are generally not so much on the up and up. In case you didn't know.)

eek. a mouse. run.