Avoiding Scam Artists

Doesn't sound very pertinent to writing, does it? If you're thinking it's not something you have to worry about, you definitely need to rethink that. Unfortunately, writers are massive targets for the scam artists of the world. A writer is the perfect mark: someone who's spent months or years pouring themselves into their work only to have it rejected. Then along comes someone who promises to help you see your work in print. And for a small fee (small by who's definition, I don't know) they'll be happy to help you get past those old meanies in the stodgy publishing world. They tell you how wonderful your work is, and how those other agents or publishers or editors have no idea what they're doing. You accept them at their word, because your work is awesome, and since they're telling the truth about that, they must be telling the truth across the board.

First things first. A rejection letter doesn't mean you stink. (Maybe a hundred does, but not one or two or even a dozen.) Just because several reputable agents have sent you a rejection doesn't mean it's time to slit your own wrists.

Second thing: In this business, the money always flows toward the writer. What that means is: You never pay someone to sell your work. At least not up front. No matter what business you're in, you NEVER pay someone up front to sell something for you, whether it's a novel or paperclips or cars. They sell it, THEN they get a commission. The work comes first, then the money. So, any of these schisters, who tell you they need you to send them a check before they can shop your manuscript around, is full of bull.

This also goes for those scammers who tell you they'll represent you AFTER you have your work edited for a fee--and they just happen to have a friend who does editing work. (Or they do editing work themselves, and they'll be happy to rep you after you pay them to edit.) Again, no money should flow to the agent before it starts flowing toward you. Now, I'm not knocking legimate editing services. They fill a necessary place in the biz. I'm just saying, you shouldn't have to use a certain editorial service to get a particular agent.

Which brings me around to the AAR - the Association for Authors Representatives. They are the place to research agents. You don't have to have an agent whose a member, but it helps, and even if your potential agent isn't a member, you need to make sure they follow the AAR's Code of Ethics. That is the surest way to keep yourself from being screwed royally.

Another quick way to check on an agent's integrity is by visiting Preditors & Editors. Dave Kuzminski is an awesome human being for keeping this database of Agents, etc. It is an invaluable resource.

But even before you run to those sites for help, use the best defense you have for avoiding scammers - Common Sense.

Good luck out there, and Success to you all.