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. | Most agents and editors are honest, decent people, legitimate professionals--just as most writers are. But we do find a few less than scrupulous people in every profession. Someone unethical can leave you no closer to publication but a lot lighter in the pocketbook. Rule of thumb--if it seems fishy, it probably is. If you're not sure, check it out--and FWC is the place to do it. Join FWC and have access to free consultation with FWC's director. Here are just a few "storm warnings" to keep you informed. FWC receives reports from a variety of sources--including you--and we try to verify all the information provided, but we cannot be responsible for any misreporting. Report Storm Warnings to BCamenson@aol.com . One of our members just wrote the following: "I had a query response from Mike and Mary Sue Seymour asking for sample chapters, and then received a form letter from them suggesting I pay $43.00 to have the first 3 chapters edited by Mike. Since they are listed as non-fee charging, I thought this a bit tricky. (I did call to see if the offer reflected a sincere interest in the novel, but Mike never called me back...which I think gives me the answer.) Remember, agents are supposed to make their money selling your work, not editing it. There are plenty of real, non-fee charging agents out there. Most of them are AAR members. Avoid anything that feels suspicious. One Tidbits subscriber received the following letter out of the blue: "I heard you were looking for a literary agent. I specialize in new and unpublished authors, and I would be interested in taking a look at your novel. Please send only the first three chapters and a brief synopsis. The material will be considered immediately, and you will hear from us within three weeks of its receipt. Please include SASE (etc.) If we see promise in your work, we will ask to see the rest of the manuscript. Our agency commission is a standard 10%. A list of my personal credentials is included. I look forward to hearing from you. All best wishes,Alex Kamaroff" The reply to her sample said that it showed "considerable promise" and asked her to enclose a check for $95 with her manuscript. "The $95 will be reimbursed after the sale of the manuscript to a publisher." Alex Kamaroff frequently advertises his services in Writer's Digest magazine and might possibly rent their mailing list for his mailings. I received the same letter from him-- many times. The first time I wrote back and told him I already had an agent. No reply. Several months later, I received the same letter again. Rule of thumb-- successful, non-fee-charging agents do not have to advertise. Re: Edit Ink New York Attorney General Dennis Vacco is charging/suing Edit Ink (according to the Orlando Sentinel, Jan 10 1998 issue) because of their network of "fake agents and publishers to lure aspiring writers into spending thousands for editing of excellent" manuscripts. William Appel and Denise Sterrs generated $5.5 million in fees through the scam." Re: Edit Ink One member tells us: "I just read the recent Tidbits and wanted to tell you that Edit Ink is STILL in business and sending out letters! Just this past Friday, I received (and ripped up) another of its offers, plus a flyer telling me of the newest and 'useful' book both of the people who make up Edit Ink have recently published. Keep warning writers, as you have." Editor's Note--Word is that they are no longer allowed to operate in the state of NY--but I guess that doesn't apply to other states. Re: Edit Ink NEW YORK, NY 1/14/98--A civil law suit has been filed by New York Assistant Attorney General Dennis Rosen against Edit Ink, an alleged fake editorial service with ties to a number of bogus literary agencies and publishing companies. Edit Ink owners William Appel and Denise Steers, under investigation for about a year, are charged with false advertising, deceptive business practices, and fraudulent or illegal conduct. Others named in the suit are Ardvark Literary Agency, operated by Kelley Culmer; Charles Neighbors, and Eduardo Gahona. Gahona allegedly operated a phony publishing house, which referred writers to Edit Ink. Both Edit Ink and Ardvark are located in the New York/ Buffalo area. Neighbors, who operated Ardvark, has left New York for California. Culmer, who started working for Edit Ink, later represented herself as Crescent Books, Silver Branch Literary Agency and now has taken over Ardvark, according to Mr. Rosen. Until the case is tried, a temporary restraining order prohibits Edit Ink from entering into a contract with an author to edit a manuscript unless that contract is made conspicuously and in writing. Edit Ink ran a $5-per-page editorial service, but allegedly never read the manuscripts. It also allegedly offered to refer "only the best" writers to Ardvark and other literary agencies, but sent the same referral form letter to every writer. Edit Ink offered all participating agencies and publishing houses a 15% commissions on referrals. Edit Ink is said to have raked in more than $5 million from unsuspecting clients. Assistant Attorney General Rosen, in charge of the investigation, said he encourages anyone with information about either organization to contact him, preferably by mail at: The Attorney General's Office, 107 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 853-8417; fax (716) 853-8414. He said restitution may still be possible for some of the writers who were burned. Fiction Writer's Connection Phone: (505) 352-9490 (800) 248-2758  click here to subscribe to Writer's Digest |
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