I really like this guy.
-
Welcome to the Fantasy Writing Forums. Register Now to join us!
Literary Agent Red Flags
- Thread starter A. E. Lowan
- Start date
pmmg
Myth Weaver
I have my own BookTubers i listen too, but the one or two I've seen with this guy were pretty good, even though I'd be unlikely to click on him just cause of the vibe his look throws off.
Carolyn
Dreamer
So, I have a question that stems from something that's come out of the blue.
An agent, vetted and seemingly legit, with signed writers and sold books and everything, reached out to me. She was knowledgeable about my work, had obviously read it (because some of the questions she asked could not have been gleaned from summaries), and was interested in why I wrote what I wrote. She asked for a submissions package on 3 different projects, all within her agent wishlist scope, and told me not to bother going through her submittable, since it was closed to submissions. She checked in once a week, reminded me to take my time, quality over speed and all that.
And has now disappeared. Her email is now returning "mailbox not found" messages.
As I said, the agency is legit. I vetted both the agency and the agent before I ever replied with a single word.
I don't want to jump to conclusions, but here's the thing...
Two other agents, both seemingly legit, have also reached out to me. Neither of them give me the same "done their homework" vibe, but it's all got me thinking...Is this a new scam? The first agent has none of my work yet, and doesn't have anything to gain by our emails. We weren't even discussing representation yet.
Anyone have any insights?
An agent, vetted and seemingly legit, with signed writers and sold books and everything, reached out to me. She was knowledgeable about my work, had obviously read it (because some of the questions she asked could not have been gleaned from summaries), and was interested in why I wrote what I wrote. She asked for a submissions package on 3 different projects, all within her agent wishlist scope, and told me not to bother going through her submittable, since it was closed to submissions. She checked in once a week, reminded me to take my time, quality over speed and all that.
And has now disappeared. Her email is now returning "mailbox not found" messages.
As I said, the agency is legit. I vetted both the agency and the agent before I ever replied with a single word.
I don't want to jump to conclusions, but here's the thing...
Two other agents, both seemingly legit, have also reached out to me. Neither of them give me the same "done their homework" vibe, but it's all got me thinking...Is this a new scam? The first agent has none of my work yet, and doesn't have anything to gain by our emails. We weren't even discussing representation yet.
Anyone have any insights?
pmmg
Myth Weaver
Its all a scam. I get this at least once a week. Some are very convincing. None are legit.
Romy
Scribe
If they come to you, they are scammers.
pmmg
Myth Weaver
You know...I ask the question, if you liked my story so much, why didn't you go on Amazon and leave a review?
Naruzeldamaster
Auror
Or be like the classic middle / high / college teacher.
'read this book and give me a three paragraph essay on what you liked about each act, go on, I'll wait'
I'm sort of concerned what the next step will be (Besides editing I mean) if I finish one of my original stories.
Both of them are written 'for my amusement' but, I could see certain crowds liking them.
Mad Swede
Auror
Yes, they are scams. Read the following: Two New Impersonation Scams to Watch For. You can even e-mail Victoria Strauss with the details.
In fact bookmark and follow Writer Beware, because Victoria Strauss has the low down on all those out there who don't have your best interests at heart.
Last edited:
pmmg
Myth Weaver
But...Victoria read my book and really liked it...
- Thread starter
- #10
This is a scam. They're getting very good. Go back to your e-mail. Check the address over with a fine-tooth comb. They can be off by only a single character, and they're finding us through our comments on social media.
Naruzeldamaster
Auror
Hmm, so the only publishers I should trust are the ones I go to specifically ?
And even then they can raise 'red flags' so if they do find someone else?
- Thread starter
- #12
Yup. It really sucks. It's the hand that we've been dealt. I don't say this to be passive. I say it to identify the hand I'm taking off of the next scammer to type at me or mine.
pmmg
Myth Weaver
Yeah...I dont get it. Most writers are not exactly wealthy. Most barely function. Why would you think they would be a good pool to get money from?
There has to be a bigger pond.
I ignore all of these by policy. If I did not approach you, then you are a scammer. Just the only way to function.
There has to be a bigger pond.
I ignore all of these by policy. If I did not approach you, then you are a scammer. Just the only way to function.
pmmg
Myth Weaver
I should post up some of the things I get. I just wish some of them were true...cause it would be nice.
And many come from names that are pretending to be known in the industry. I had Danielle Steele write me (apparently), like why would she ever be reading my book? I am sure it fell into her lap by accident, and she was like...OOOOooo, dark gritty fantasy with rape and violence, I cant wait...
Such BS...If you like my book, leave a review.
And many come from names that are pretending to be known in the industry. I had Danielle Steele write me (apparently), like why would she ever be reading my book? I am sure it fell into her lap by accident, and she was like...OOOOooo, dark gritty fantasy with rape and violence, I cant wait...
Such BS...If you like my book, leave a review.
