jayene | Yet another publishing rant...

Scammers are well and good. See this? http://www.iilaa.com/ This used to be the International Independent Literary Agency. I am sure at somepoint it will be again. It's funny how these agents seem to match up with Writer Beware's 20 Worst agents ( http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html ). But honestly it's been said much better then I ever could.
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/2006/10/international-independent-literary.html
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/2006/10/why-should-you-careyoure-not-idiot_27.html
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2006/10/scammers-that-scam-together.html

Repeat after me... Money flows from the publisher to the writer! A reputable agent does not charge you up front. Why? Because they make their money SELLING books. A scammer makes their money charging fees. Reputable agents are usually members of http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do if they aren't they should abide by their code of ethics http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=10337

A reputable agent should be able to tell you (and should be actively promoting) books that they have sold. The sales should be to paying publishers (IUniverse or Publish America jump to mind). They should not recomend associated editors. Most agents won't recomend a editor, if your writing is not up to par they will reject it. Find a critique group or query wider. But please don't fall prey to scams like these. They won't get you published... all these scams do is throw away your money. Writing isn't easy, and just finishing a novel doesn't mean you are any good. 90% is dross (I include myself in the dross)... the best secret of publishing is persistance, a good critique group, and the ability to learn from your mistakes. In the imortal words of Heather Brewer Butt + chair... it worked for her. http://www.heatherbrewer.com/

See you all after NanoWrimo