Every once in a while I want to point out a couple of important resources for querying writers. These sites frequently don’t get the mentions that other sites do.
These two resources help writers protect themselves from scammers. It’s an unfortunate fact that there are people out there posing as agents or legitimate publishers who are targeting unsuspecting, hopeful writers.
Many writers are fairly easy marks. Many of us have wanted to be writers for most of our lives. We’re eager to share our work with others. We want to be published.
These scammers pose as a legitimate business, which means writers may query them. Posing as real agents or publishers they may say something complimentary about a writer’s query (or maybe it won’t even be the result of a query—it might be a random email sent to the writer that compliments their blog, etc.). They’ll butter them up a little. Then they’ll take their money.
You shouldn’t have to pay an agent anything upfront. They’re paid when you’re paid. My agent makes a 15% commission from what I bring in and she earns every bit of it. There should be no reading fees or critiquing fees.
Publishers should pay you. If you’re paying them, then you should realize that’s not a traditional arrangement. (If you’re fine with it, that’s okay. Just be very careful and realize there are other options.) If you’re wanting to self-publish, consider less-expensive methods like e-publishing directly to e-readers or print on demand services. Be the publisher, yourself. I did it recently, myself—my ebook lists the publisher as Elizabeth Spann Craig.
There are two excellent free resources for writers. One is Preditors and Editors.
Another is Writer Beware, which warns writers about various scams. It’s run by A.C. Crispin and Victoria Strauss who do a fantastic job as watchdogs. I’ve even emailed Victoria Strauss before and she very graciously checked into something for me.
You could also search forums like Absolute Write where writers frequently discuss their experiences with different publishers and agencies. Obviously you’ll sometimes come across a writer with a grudge there…just weigh what people say carefully.
If there’s a red flag that comes up somewhere in your research…well, naturally there are two sides to every story. But if the agent or publisher you’re in contact with has red flags flying everywhere…it’s better to just keep on searching.
It’s exciting to get an offer from an agent or editor…but it’s important to make sure they’re reputable and not someone preying on writers.
There are plenty of other resources, of all kinds, available for writers. What are some of your favorites (forums, sites, etc.?)
Indie writers may think they’re immune to such scams, but the plain fact is ALL writers really need to keep on top of the new scams which will continue to evolve.
(For instance, scammers often contact authors pretending to represent a movie production house which wants to buy movie rights to their work.)
I’ve been a long time fan of Preditors and Editors, and Writer Beware. Thanks for reminding us.
These are reminders to be made often, since newbies are coming along all the time who need to learn these things. Scam agents and bogus publishers can destroy careers. The tireless folks at Writer Beware, Preditors and Editors and Absolute Write do us a huge service.
But one caveat. Sometimes one bogus complaint can get a good publisher blacklisted. I’ve heard of two very good small publishers who have had to deal with this. it turns out that only one complaint from an irate writer–even if the writer has no proof and a criminal record–can get a “not recommended” rating at P& E, or a snarky threat at AW. A publisher has to work hard to get it taken off, sometimes by working with a big authors’ organization like RWA or MWA. So double check. Usually Writer Beware will have the full skinny, so cross reference, and ask a few of their authors if you’re in doubt.
Wise words and so appropriate in a an age where scams are as common as cell phones. :)
I was scammed for 20 bucks when I was 20. Thankfully, it was my life lesson to be remembered.
Elizabeth – Thanks for reminders of how easy it is to be lured by one of those shady operators. You’re so right that writers want to share their work. So writers who aren’t savvy about the business end of the writing process can easily be gulled.
The Daring Novelist–You’re right. And there are contest scams, too. And there are content mills that treat writers terribly. Sadly, there are plenty of examples. And, since publishing is changing all the time, none of us are immune to it.
Anne–This is very true…I’ve heard a couple of stories about publishers who struggled to get their good ranking back. I think it’s important to get as much information as you can–and, if there’s a red flag, try to investigate a little more. You could email individual writers who are listed with the agency or publisher, email Writer Beware directly, and listen out on forums to see if there are any other complaints. If I wasn’t sure, though, I’d probably err on the side of caution.
Excellent warning! Never pay an editor or agent to review your work. Ever. That’s a red flag. Run away.
I think the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America has warnings on their site.
Thank you Elizabeth. You are such a great resource, yourself, for writers. I like both of those sites.
Fantastic resources, thank you so much for these! They are definitely worth mentioning again as new writers are always entering the query wars.
Journaling Woman–I’m so sorry that happened to you! I’m glad that it was only $20.
Margot–And so many of us are more adept on the artistic end of things than the business end.
Diane–Definitely time to run if that happens.
Alex–I think they may be affiliated with P&E…they’re also a great resource.
Helen–Thanks so much!
Heather–I figure that there’s always a new crop of writers to evangelize to. :)
I’ve used both. Writer’s Beware were awesome about looking into a publisher that I could find no info on. They got back to me right away and did a bunch of research on my behalf. :)
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse