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Storm Warnings!
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
If you have a question about an agent, check out their AAR (Association of Author's Representative status. Go to http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do
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I specialize in new and unpublished authors, and I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.
http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do
Re: Edit Ink
Ten years ago: "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.
From FWC: I haven't heard a peep on this subject in a very long time. But beware.
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