BEWARE: Children's Literary Agency (WL Childrens Agency)

[silverjoy]

RGAME
Actually I found your story piece quite funny in a simpsons kind of way. I would have enjoyed reading it as a book just to see what happened next. It had me laughing quite a bit. I don't know if these other publishing folks actually read your story but I did and I think you could have a whole new style of book there. what do you think? Well for those of us who did like it will you write more? please! I hope to hear from you again sometime thankyou

[James D. Macdonald]

Silverjoy: Self-publishing is a very difficult road to take.

The other companies you mention (Xlibris, Vantage, Roval) are all pay-to-play vanity presses. I'd avoid them all.

In the normal run of things authors get paid to write. Authors don't pay to be published.

[silverjoy]

Silverjoy: Self-publishing is a very difficult road to take.

The other companies you mention (Xlibris, Vantage, Roval) are all pay-to-play vanity presses. I'd avoid them all.

In the normal run of things authors get paid to write. Authors don't pay to be published.
Thank you for writing me back.. I know it is a hard way to go but it makes me feel good to know that people are buying my childrens books. In the beginning I was offering them for very little money, and folks kept wanting to pay me much more so of course I took the amount they wanted to give me. Now I ask for just under the amount that folks were giving me for the books. I've made more off the books selling them than I had to put out making them. I did mention in my last post that I bought all the materials and did it all myself right? I didn't go through any of those vanity publishers etc. It just makes me feel good to know that I am accomplishing another goal I have. Another book will be out by this Christmas. Do you write childrens books? Well thank you for all your information and posts on here. I have found them very informative and helpful. God Bless

[AndyPolyak]

we offer ONLY top quality work to our buyers

An ordinary scam! They want you to pay for their editing!

[AndyPolyak]

Silverjoy: Self-publishing is a very difficult road to take.

The other companies you mention (Xlibris, Vantage, Roval) are all pay-to-play vanity presses. I'd avoid them all.

In the normal run of things authors get paid to write. Authors don't pay to be published.

I agree with that entirely!

If publishers want authors to pay, then, they may write books themselves!

[Keyan]

[quote=RGame;1709768]

So I was expecting my "query" to be accepted, and of course it was. I decided to have a little fun and make up another picture book in about ten minutes, "Timmy and the Sinister Ducks," which was as stupid as I could make it. I even purposely addressed Sherry as "sir."

Not surprisingly, they like it.


Timmy and the Sinister Ducks


One warm sunny afternoon, Timmy and his father were
visiting the duck pond. Timmy's father showed him how
to feed bread to the ducks, who gobbled up the bread
like they were starving prisoners of war.

"Not too much, Timmy," said Timmy's father. "Feed
them just enough to keep them alive, but not enough to
actually satisfy them."

"Okay, Dad."

"We strike tomorrow at dawn," said Timmy's father.
Then Timmy suddenly realized it wasn't his father who
had spoken.

But who, then?

"We will eat all the humans."

Timmy looked at one of the ducks with surprise. It
was talking.

No. Not talking. Thinking.

Timmy was reading its mind. The ducks had somehow
developed the power to communicate through thoughts.
And so had Timmy!

"They have kept us down for far too long," thought
the duck. "And they will pay for it. WIth blood."

Suddenly Timmy had an idea.

He closed his eyes and squeezed hard and thought:
"Tomorrow's not good for me."

"Who said that?" thought the same duck. He was
obviously the leader of the ducks, their big evil
leader.

"Not me," said another duck. "Although tomorrow's
not really good for me, either"

"Stan's got a point," said another duck. "Let's set
the attack for sometime next week."

"Better yet," thought Timmy, doing his best
impersonation of a duck, "let's not attack at all."

"Who said that?" thought the evil leader of the
ducks.

"Who cares?" thought another duck. "Whoever it was
had a point. Attacking the humans was a dumb idea in
the first place."

"Yes, dumb," thought another duck.

They all paddled off to the other side of the pond,
leaving the evil leader of the ducks all alone. The
evil leader of the ducks stared malevolently at Timmy,
as if he suspected Timmy had something to do with his
plans being foiled but had no proof.

Timmy just smiled.

"Let's go home, Dad," he said.

"Okay, Timmy."

As they walked across the grass, his father said,
"Timmy sure can be bossy at times."

Then Timmy realized his father hadn't spoken. He had
heard his father's thoughts, as well.

"This could be fun," said Timmy.

But then, as they drove home, Timmy saw a duck flying
in the sky and a cold chill went through him, like a
harbinger of doom, or like when he ate an ice cream
too fast.

"It's not over," Timmy thought meaningfully.


THE END

quote]

I'd have bought a book called Timmy and the Sinister Ducks for my kids! If it was really well illustrated, even for myself.

I think you should try this one out and see if it flies. (No pun intended.)

[scully931]

I'm another who almost took this place as a real agency. I submitted a picture book last week, then discovered the agency was a fake a couple hours later -- first from reading their unbelievably long list of letters from satisfied customers who were glad to pay $80 for a critique and then from seeing what was written about them here.

So I was expecting my "query" to be accepted, and of course it was. I decided to have a little fun and make up another picture book in about ten minutes, "Timmy and the Sinister Ducks," which was as stupid as I could make it. I even purposely addressed Sherry as "sir."

Not surprisingly, they like it.

Hey, I liked it too! It was funny. Plus, I'm always fond of stories where animals overtake evil humans. :e2bouncey

[CJ Hull]

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT get involved with them. It is a scam. I am out $80.00 and spent an evening feeling really bad that my dream was trashed. That was in August. I am now trying to get published with legitimate publishers. Or at least get an agent to look at my work. Take care. CJ

[big canucks fan]

I felt the need to write this after going through this thread. I paid for the critique, which according to many university professors and such here in Canada said is the norm.

But other than that the communication and effort on the part of this agency is Nill. What is really frustrating though is the letter. It is the same. I hope others continue to read this thread.

At this point I am a writer with 3 kids stories, and one Sci fi novel that I cannot even get heard because no Literary agency in Canada wants child's or Sci fi work.

SO now I am working on a non-fictional piece.

Georgina, if you truly might read this, please respond to my email... lol I needed that laugh.

[LloydBrown]

I paid for the critique, which according to many university professors and such here in Canada said is the norm.

They're completely wrong here. Feel free to consult the university professors on matters relating to education or school policy. For advice on writing, talk to writers.

This might be too obvious, but have you tried Edge?

[big canucks fan]

They're completely wrong here. Feel free to consult the university professors on matters relating to education or school policy. For advice on writing, talk to writers.

This might be too obvious, but have you tried Edge?

To Be honest I don't know what to try. I know only I have some stories that must be told. Suggestions?

[LloydBrown]

Get a copy of the current Writer's Market or subscribe online. Search for publishers who publish what you write. Submit to them in perfect accordance with their guidelines. Repeat as necessary.

At the same time, submit to agents in perfect accordance with their guidelines. Repeat as necessary.

It's not easy, but it's not complicated.

[josesims]

I am also a bit suspicious, Emma. They have had my first book for more than six months and keep me dangling. They asked me to shell out $76 to have my manuscript critiqued, and the "outside company" had a web site that looked very similar to WL. Now they are suggesting I shell out another $200 to $300 to have the book illustrated and ready for a marketing Web site--again by a company that looks suspiciously similar to WL. Let's keep each other posted if either of us learn anything.

[Toothpaste]

Um josesims . . . have you read any of this thread? Because there is nothing to be "suspicious" about. They are a scam plain and simple. End it now before you waste any more of your money.

[LloydBrown]

Toothpaste, posts are often moved here by the mods from all over AW. You can't assume that a poster has read this thread.

Josesims, WL xx and all its variations are scams. No question.

[dizzy3112]

Thanks folks, you've just saved me from making a big mistake with the general fiction version of this company... I was thinking it had all been a bit easy to get an agency interested.. and obviously it was! Thanks again!

[LloydBrown]

Check Preditors and Editors and the index here before you pick your next agent.

Avoid clicking on internet ads to find an agent. Real agents are buried in submissions and don't have to pay for ads to bring in new customers.

[bullseye24]

hey im so glad i found this site. like so may of ye iv gotten the same emails from wl literary agency. iv signed my contract too and submitted a full manuscript. i found them to be fine, had no worries, didnt even mind the thought of paying for editors. ws plannin on doin this as theyre are a shortage of them where i live. just wondering is thre any good comments out there about this agency . . thanks

[LloydBrown]

There are no good comments. They're not an agency. They can't sell a manuscript if you put a gun to their head. They're not good editors, either. Have you read the posts they've made here on AW? They don't demonstrate high-school level language skills. How well do you think they'll edit your work?

[PaigeP]

I just started seriously looking for publishers for 2 different books, both dealing with mental illness, but one geared toward children and the other to parents. I self-published the kids book alerady at lulu.com. But it cost a fortune..... the books are expenisve. I thought I would just publish through them because I've been a press secty and I already made characters and took them to the beach to debut the book in Dec....and started web site... but they won't distribute color hard copy books. Sooooooo.... I went looking for publishers, and saw that most sites recommended getting an Agent. Most of the kids' books are scholastic, etc., and they won't take new submissions. I received this reply from the Children's Literary Agency and I was excited, but I thought I should doublecheck, because they asked for money up front. I am a song writer, who can't play an instrument, so I have had to pay to get songs produced and cut for demos. I understand that process NOW, but that can be a similar process. I got the attached reply today. Thought I'd post here. Looks like I will not be responding to them. Shoot. I knew that was too easy!

PaigeP
www.adventuresinartlantica.com (http://www.adventuresinartlantica.com)



Thank you for everything that we have received from you thus far. Our review
team believes that your work has commercial potential and we would like to
proceed by offering to represent you.
We feel that your concept and writing thus far has potential and that if it
is polished and presented properly, we can sell it.
To take the next step, please read the information below and follow the
instructions at the end of this email. Unfortunately, this email is quite
long, but it has to be as this sets the stage for our working together.
The summary of what is below is this:
1. We choose to represent authors that can demonstrate beyond a shadow of
doubt that their work meets or exceeds industry writing quality standards.
That's our promise to our buyers and publishers that we work with.
2. If a writer is willing to improve their work, and has a decent topic,
then we think that writer deserves a chance. It is the willingness to
improve that impresses us.
3. Our biggest frustration as an agent is when a publisher asks us if we
have a book like "xxxx yyyyy zzzz" and we don't have a work to pitch in the
'xxxx yyyyy zzzzz' category. Frankly we want to say YES! to any request
from a buyer and to know that the author's work is prepped and ready to
send. So, we take more authors than other traditional agencies.
I hope we work together and you see the ruthless efficiency of our credo.
The information below explains what the next steps are.

Best regards,
Sherry - VP Acquisitions
ps. Please forgive this form letter. I don't like to receive them, and I
don't like sending them. However, this is at the behest of our lawyers.
They like it when we say it the same way every time. If this email appears
truncated at the bottom, please let me know.
NOTE: if you have the documentation for the fact that you have been edited
already you can skip to the bottom of the email. If you have not yet been
edited, please read the information below.


INCUBATING TALENT: We are willing to develop new, fresh talent.
================================================== =============
Most manuscripts that we receive need some level of polishing before we can
submit them to buyers. Over the years, we've learned that it is worth our
time and effort to do what it takes to develop new talent. We've learned
that incubating new talent makes good business sense.
We'd hate to lose a good writer by not accepting someone who is willing to
improve. There are very few literary agencies that will take the time to
develop talent. Most barely return emails. We've answered every email you've
sent us, and we've kept our promises regarding turnaround times. We hope
that you will acknowledge that our level of communication and
professionalism already far exceeds that of other literary agencies. We
pledge this same level of professionalism and courtesy in all subsequent
communications should we work together.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?
================================================== ==
You don't know us, and we don't know you beyond these informative (and long)
emails, and what you have sent us. We like you and your work, and hopefully
so far, you appreciate that we have treated you professionally and
efficiently. Yes, we use forms, but that's so that we have more time to
answer your questions about specific problems or nuances.
If we were in your shoes, we believe you should be looking for a
professional relationship with professional people who will ultimately
benefit your writing career, whether your work is sold or not.
We never promise a sale. However, we do promise that we will work with you
on a professional basis and do what we can to promote you and your work to
our buyers.

Our Buyers Rely on Us To Only Present Top Quality Work
================================================== ===
We are very, very concerned about what we present to our buyers. At a
minimum they expect the mechanics of punctuation, grammar, spelling, and
format to meet or exceed industry standards.
According to what you have sent us, you have not been through a formal edit
with a disinterested third party. That process is invaluable to you as a
writer, and to us as your agent. Why? Because we can tout it when we pitch
your work.

The polishing process begins with what is called a 'critique'
in the publishing world, and 'coverage' in the screenplay world.
==============================================
What we have learned over the years is that nothing is more invaluable than
having an unbiased, critical review of an author's work as a roadmap for
bringing the work to market.
In writing circles this is called a critique. We want you to have a critique
of your work. You might already have one, or you may need to get one.

FYI - About Your Competition (Other Writers)
---------------------------------------------
According to the submissions we receive, we see the following pattern. The
take-home for you as an author is that your competition is getting more and
more sophisticated.
About 50% of authors have worked with an editor or critique group/process
About 15% of authors have been through a full editing process.
About 50% of authors have never worked with a 3rd party to improve their
work.

Here's what one author had to say about his critique.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Dear Sherry: The critique was more favorable than I had anticipated. I'm a
long time editor of academic works and I know from experience that good
authors appreciate good critiques. As for my own writing - again academic -I
have always taken criticism well. I don't always go along with everything
the critic says, but I try the best I can to incorporate anything I feel is
worthwhile. And that's what I did today. Within minutes I was at my desk and
my laptop, trying to find out what I could do to satisfy this critic. I also
wanted to judge how much work would be required, how long a re-write would
take, and so on. If you have that option, you can pass along my thanks to
the critic. And you can say that I will try to turn it into a popular book,
not an academic treatise. As an academic, I'll never be able to put that
aside completely, but I'll do my best. And I suspect I can do it within a
month or two. Your service is phenomenal.
----------------------------------------------
HAVING A CRITIQUE PROTECTS YOU from unscrupulous agents who tell you to keep
getting editing. Having a critique protects our agency from egocentric
writers who think their work is perfect.
Doesn't the publisher provide editing you may ask? Yes, they do. However
there are two levels of editing. The first is our internal level. The second
is the publisher level. When you pass our internal level, it means that we
will put our reputation on the line for you, however, it doesn't mean that
it has been exhaustively edited, like a publisher would do. Their edit is
MUCH more extensive. Our edit requirements are related to pitching and
selling only.
ok?
If the critique says, "Green light--good to go" then we can start marketing
immediately. If the critique says, "Some improvements can be made in
grammar, punctuation, etc," then we can pause with you while those changes
are made.
About 2/3 of what we receive moves quickly to marketing without too much
additional work required. About 1/7 is perfect, and about 1/7 needs
substantial work.

WHAT DOES A CRITIQUE LOOK LIKE?
=======================================
Here are some links for sample critiques that our authors have received. (We
realize that not all of these apply to your genre, but we want you to see
how versatile and powerful this critique format is.) Also, please realize
that a critique is a fast overview. It is NOT a line edit.
http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-children-ya.rtf (http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-children-ya.rtf)
http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-children-rhyme.rtf (http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-children-rhyme.rtf)
http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-poetry.rtf (http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-poetry.rtf)
http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-christian.rtf (http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-christian.rtf)
http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-novel.rtf (http://www.writersliterary.com/Critique-novel.rtf)

Critiques do not supersede what you have to say as a writer.
-----------------------------------------------------------
We have a saying, "if you put 10 editors in a room you will come out with 12
opinions". Ultimately, the final decision is yours. If you don't agree
with them, we are on your side, especially about subjective items. For
mechanics and formatting issues we side with the editors.
However, you probably should ask yourself, "if they don't get it, why not?".
That's a very valuable insight for you to noodle on. The American viewing
public is so "challenged" that if an editor can't get it, then the public
won't either, and the buyer may not, which is the more important
consideration.
That said, we side with the writer, period.

YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE A 3RD PARTY CRITIQUE* A good number of our applicants
do**. (As a serious writer, you should get one every year or two).
================================================== =============
The critique should be inexpensive, usually around $70-$90 depending on the
company you choose. It will tell each of us if the work is ready for
marketing right away, or if more polishing is required. As we mentioned if
you have a critique already, great, if not, we can provide a referral for a
critique service.
As we mentioned, if you already have a 3rd party critique or have been
through a formal edit, please let us know. It must match the level of detail
that you see in the examples above.
If you have an associate that you believe can do your critique, then be sure
to send us their credentials first for approval. Please don't try to
critique your own work. (Yes, we've seen that happen and we can tell
immediately.) Also, many people ask if they can get a friend to do the
critique, or a teacher, or an associate; if they don't do editing for a
living, then it's like asking anyone to do something for free--it takes
longer, and it may not be done correctly.
As we've mentioned before, we need a common platform of trust from which to
begin the representation process together. Many authors wonder if the
critique just leads to more and more editing. The answer is NO! Editors are
people with high integrity and solid educational background; if they say a
work meets or exceeds industry standards, then we can all trust their
opinion. Once an editor says 'Good to go,' then everyone can move to the
next step.
In summary, the critique protects you from unscrupulous agents that will try
to tell you that you need endless rounds of editing. Once you have a
critique you are in a much stronger position in your writing career.
** If you have given me the name of your editor already and I missed it,
please remind me by choosing Option 2 below.


PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR MONEY.
We want you to have a critique by a qualified industry professional.
================================================== ====
MANY AUTHORS MISUNDERSTAND THIS SIMPLE REQUEST. We don't want you to pay us;
we want you to have a critique to start our relationship so that we can
start from the same page. (If I told you the number of writers that accuse
us of using this to take their money, you would be flabbergasted.)

Many authors ask, "Why we don't do the critique as part of our Agency?"
================================================== =====
In the old days, perhaps that occurred. However in today's competitive world
we must focus almost entirely on our core competency, which is selling your
work. Our company relies on editors to work with you to bring your work to
industry standards. We are not editors. We are sales professionals. We
contract out all editing work. (As you might imagine, it turns out that
editors are usually lousy salespeople, and we love the editors we work with
dearly). Editing and sales are two VERY different skill sets. And, because
the value of editing and critiquing stays with you, the owner/writer of the
script, even if you fire us, then it would make logical sense that you would
pay for services that improve the work.


-- One more positive response from an author about the critique ------------
"Dear Sherry: Thank you so much for your quick responses and
professionalism. It was so refreshing to hear an unbiased critique of my
work for the first time. I have hungered for it since I've been writing.
Someone actually read the whole script and took the time and care to provide
a professional critique and show me the areas that need improvement. I am so
determined to make my work a success, and it helps me to know what my
strengths are and where I need improvement. Thank you, and please pass on a
big thank you to my editor."



Typical FAQs that we see at this stage:
=================================
Q) I have a critique, what do I do?
A) First look at the critique and compare it to the examples above. Many
critiques are long on plot and character development. The critiques that we
prefer include that PLUS a strong focus on the mechanics, i.e. punctuation,
grammar, format, and spelling. If your critique does not address those
mechanical elements we will ask you to get a new one. However if your
critique is reasonably close to our examples, then simply let us know that
you have one, and we'll send you the contract, and then you put your
critique in with the contract when you send it in.
Q) I don't have a critique, what do I do?
A) You can search for them on the web, or you can use our referral. We
supply them so much business that they give a reduced rate to our authors.
Also, they do it 'our way' every time so there is no possibility the
critique won't be accepted.
Q) Why did you accept me if my work needs improvement?
A) Our mission in the Acquisitions Department is clear and very "cut and
dried". We answer 3 questions:
1.Will the subject matter sell? Is it commercially viable?
2.Is the writing good enough, or would it be good enough with some degree of
assistance?
3. Did you as the evaluator like the work and would you believe in it if you
were selling it?
If we get a "3 Yes" designation then you pass (at my level). After that, we
leave it up to the experts to really dig in and get detailed with polishing
your work.
Q) Why can't I get a more personal response?
A) You will have much more personalized interaction when you reach the Agent
(which occurs after the critique is completed). Unfortunately, my job is
just too intense and I do sincerely apologize for that fact. It really is
like drinking from a fire hose over here. Many authors want me to tell
them what we liked, or what we see that needed polishing. It's just too
cumbersome to try to maintain those notes. You passed, now let's move
forward.
Q) My work isn't finished, should I finish it first?
A) The value of the critique is actually greater for the author of an
unfinished manuscript. Why? You can apply what you learn to the rest of
your work! So, it behooves you to get started as soon as possible.
Q) I need a referral.
A) If needed we will provide you with a referral to someone we trust and who
discounts their prices to our clients. You can certainly use any qualified
person to do the critique if you know one, but they MUST have been in the
industry.
Q) How long should a critique take?
A) It should take about two weeks. It should cost no more than $70-$90. It
should be thorough. Many "old style" critiques are long on plot and short on
mechanics. The critique that we desire will not only include commentary on
the plot, it will also critically review grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
the mechanics of writing. We know, we know, it's all of our least favorite
aspect of writing, but to succeed as a writer, your mechanics must meet or
exceed industry standards.
Q) Do I have to pay for it or does the publisher provide for the final
polishing and editing?
A) Both. As your agent, we need it to be 'great' before we will pitch it,
and then, if the publisher wants to make changes, then they will pay for the
changes they desire.
Q) What if the critique says my writing is horrible? Will you still
represent me?
A) The critique will never say that your writing is horrible. The critique
will point out your strengths and weaknesses. It will come from a coaching
point of view, not from a judgmental point of view. As we've mentioned
earlier, our Agency is different in that we are willing to develop talent.
We will not fire you because of a poor critique.
Q) My teacher/friend/pastor/writer/PhD/English Teacher, etc. can do the
critique, right?
A) Yes, maybe. We've seen very poor work from PhD's, teachers, and many
writers. If they haven't had a stint as a true editor, then usually they
aren't going to do a good job. Here's one situation we say about using
someone you know, "I had a lovely chat with Kim. Her professor was editing
the work and it got out of control for her. She and her professor fell into
the teacher pupil trap and neither of them was able to get through the task
well. He didn?t want to hurt her feelings with a harsh critique and was
trying to help her fix it not just critique it."
Q) My work is my work; it's special and I'm not changing anything!
A) That's fine, but we do insist that spelling, grammar, and punctuation
meet or exceed industry standards. We have a saying, "If you put 10 editors
in a room you will come out with 12 opinions." Ultimately, the final
decision is yours. If you don't agree with them, we are on your side,
especially about subjective items. On the mechanics and formatting issues we
side with the editors.
Q) What do the buyers/publishers think of this model that you use?
A) Frankly, our buyers know that before we pitch a work, we've put the
writer through the proverbial wringer! Our buyers know that our writers can
understand a contract, comply with reasonable requests, and that we've
weeded out the 'something for nothing' writers that are basically lazy about
their craft. This hyper-competitive industry will only reward the best, and
that's our commitment to our buyers, and to you.
Q) How do I know that this won't turn into endless rounds of editing that I
have to pay for?
A) At some time and some place, we have to trust each other. We believe that
this is where it has to start. Your risk is $70-$90. Our risk is that our
internal cost of our time with you at our hourly rate is easily greater than
that amount. (And you never pay us for that time, we don't charge any fees
as we've mentioned earlier). So, we'll spend the time to work with you if
you'll do your part to make sure your work is the best it can be. Unless the
critique points out the need for substantial rework, there shouldn't be any
more fees. That's why we require an independent 3rd party for the critique.
This protects YOU from an unscrupulous agent, and it protects US from
egocentric writers.
Q) I'm still nervous, what does your contract say?
A) First you keep the copyright to your work, and second, you can fire us in
90 days. Our contract includes the following two clauses designed to protect
you. There are no payments to us in the contract unless we sell your work.
Here is the exact language in the contract:
--------------------------------------------------------------- --
1)The copyright and ownership is specifically retained by the AUTHOR for
this work and all works submitted to, and accepted by, the Agent. The Writer
does not grant to Agent or any other party any right, title or interest of
any kind in any copyright, ownership and/or any other intellectual property
right contained in or as a part of any work of the Writer submitted to the
Agent. The Agent agrees to make no claim to any such right, title or
interest, however denominated.
2) The Writer/Producer may terminate this Agreement after 90 consecutive
days of no sale by Agent.
3) We receive 10% only if we sell your work. There are no other fees in the
contract.
-------------------------------------------------------------- ----
So, if you don't like us, or we don't perform, you can fire us in 90 days,
and we clearly state that you keep your copyright so there is no chance of
us claiming your work. We don't know how much safer we can make it. (If you
think we are going to steal your work, then you are too paranoid to work
with us anyway and we're happy if you decline). Other than that, the
contract is for one year duration, and we ask for a reasonable 10% if we
sell your work.

================================================== ============
IN CONCLUSION, THE NEXT STEP IS SIMPLE.
Please "Reply" to this email with one of the following three statements:
================================================== =============
1) I understand how a critique protects each of us and will improve my
writing (or validate that I'm as good as I think I am). Please send your
contract and a referral for a critique service. I will get the critique
underway as soon as I hear from you. We have to start trusting each other
somewhere and I am committed to my writing as a business.
or,
2) I have a critique (or been edited) already. Please send me your contract
and I will include my critique or editing information with the contract when
I send it in.
or
3) "Thanks but no thanks," If this is your choice, we wish you the best.
Keep in mind that your competition (other writers) are aggressively
improving their work with coverage, edits, and coaching. To compete you are
going to have to consider these options. It is a very, very competitive
marketplace.
Also, should you change your mind after continuing to search for another
agency, please feel free to come back to us, and we can pick up at this
stage. (You will still have to have evidence of working with a 3rd party
though).
================================================== ===
In conclusion, no matter what your reply, I truly and sincerely wish you the
best in your writing career and I want you to know that I have enjoyed our
interaction immensely thus far. Continue to follow your dreams, and it is my
deepest hope that you succeed with your writing career.
I remain yours truly,
Sherry - VP Acquisitions

[beatlesluv]

^
I was scammed by them to. 2 or 3 years ago probably. I'll look in my email inbox to see if it is still there. I doubt it, but I'll look anways.

They have a typical email message where they mention your book has 'promise' and are interested in recieving more.

I have to say one thing though...gotta admire their persistance in the face of falling backwards and landing on their scabby, scam artist behinds.

[magpie]

Funny, today I received a very promising letter from WL Childrens Agency-my skepticism took over and I "googled" the company and ended up here-so, now it seems that anyone writing anything has promise with this company and so my skepticism was valid. I can't help but report though, that I can't actually find "rules" to publishing my stories except in bits and pieces here and there. I'm young and motivated, so even vanity press companies and self publish companies sound promising, sometimes it seems taking a chance will pay off. I guess though, it's hard to know what chances are worth it-usually when it's too late is when you realize it wasn't worth it.

Also, thank you to Victoria Strauss who has been kind enough to answer emails and provide a little help.......:Hug2:

[scope]

Since I haven't read through this entire thread please excuse if what follows has been said before.

According to Predators and Editors online site, re literary agents it states that "CLA is Strongly Not Recommended. Also a Top Twenty Worst according to Writer Beware."

It's kind of obvious from their initial reply to you that they are a sham. I guess when something sounds TOO good, there's cause to pause.

Good luck.

[fluffybunny]

Gosh this thread has been running for a while .... I wish I had found it earlier. I am another of those mugs who has just been scammed. New to writing and an eternal optamist - guess that's what they play on. I think the trick is that they don't charge much ($78 in my case) which with exchange rates I didn't choke on. I received my critique and they had definately read my children's picture book picking up some very minor punctuation errors - this signified to me that they had been through it with a fine tooth comb. So by this stage I was ever hopeful. However I have only ever received automaticaly generated form letters despite trying on a number of occasions to have specific questions answered.

I have just set up a fake e mail account and sent them a complete and utter load of rubbish to see if I get the same result - from reading ALL of this thread I guess I am going to.....

this was the response after filing the completed critique and made my amends

Hello, this is Hil, Senior Agent. Please allow me to introduce
myself (Hil@wlchildrensagency.com (Hil@wlchildrensagency.com) ) and my administrator, Andrea
(andrea@WLwritersagency.com (andrea@WLwritersagency.com)). Together, we will be working with you
to first prepare you for marketing, and then to begin the process of selling
your work. Sherry is working with acquistions so you probably won't
interact with her again. If you have administrative, clerical, filing, or
other items to discuss, please take them up with Andrea. If you have
questions about the marketing and agenting, please take them up with me.
Please DO NOT cc everyone as that creates make-work as emails are forwarded
and duplicated. If you ever haven't heard from someone, please let me know
as I am your senior contact.

Whew, now that those details are over, let's get started.

You should have already received your critique from Writers Literary but if not,
it is attached here again. (Please always check your spam filters to see if it may have ended up there.)

A very nice critique! The editor said, "there's not much to change, and
that you can probably make the changes yourself". That's almost rare, so we
congratulate you. We call this a "CR-GOOD" designation.

Many of our authors that get this CR-GOOD designation feel as though there
should be more to change. This isn't the case. Frankly, you've received the
top designation that the editors offer and we'll move directly to marketing
because of it.

Please let me know if you are going to make the changes and approximately
how long you expect them to take. (If you ever want assistance let me
know).

After we receive your changes, we'll discuss marketing. Good job!

Best Regards,
Hil- Senior Agent


Steer well clear they obviously pray on our hopes and dreams. I just wish I had found this thread earlier

[LloydBrown]

We've been netting people falling for WL and its clones about daily recently after a long period of slowness. Have they done anything different to start catching more people? I don't think AW has done anything to become more prominent.

[rjuracka]

I have recently been in contact with WLCA and the story is the same. Thank the Lord that I felt uneasy about it after submitting my book and found this site while snooping around for info on them.

Here is the reply that I received:

Thank you for everything that we have received from you thus far. Our review
team believes that your work has commercial potential and we would like to
proceed by offering to represent you.

We feel that your concept and writing thus far has potential and that if it
is polished and presented properly, we can sell it.

To take the next step, please read the information below and follow the
instructions at the end of this email. Unfortunately, this email is quite
long, but it has to be as this sets the stage for our working together.

The summary of what is below is this:

1. We choose to represent authors that can demonstrate beyond a shadow of
doubt that their work meets or exceeds industry writing quality standards.
That's our promise to our buyers and publishers that we work with.

2. If a writer is willing to improve their work, and has a decent topic,
then we think that writer deserves a chance. It is the willingness to
improve that impresses us.

3. Our biggest frustration as an agent is when a publisher asks us if we
have a book like "xxxx yyyyy zzzz" and we don't have a work to pitch in the
'xxxx yyyyy zzzzz' category. Frankly we want to say YES! to any request
from a buyer and to know that the author's work is prepped and ready to
send. So, we take more authors than other traditional agencies.


I hope we work together and you see the ruthless efficiency of our credo.
The information below explains what the next steps are.


Best regards,
Sherry - VP Acquisitions

ps. Please forgive this form letter. I don't like to receive them, and I
don't like sending them. However, this is at the behest of our lawyers.
They like it when we say it the same way every time. If this email appears
truncated at the bottom, please let me know.


NOTE: if you have the documentation for the fact that you have been edited
already you can skip to the bottom of the email. If you have not yet been
edited, please read the information below.



INCUBATING TALENT: We are willing to develop new, fresh talent.
================================================== =============
Most manuscripts that we receive need some level of polishing before we can
submit them to buyers. Over the years, we've learned that it is worth our
time and effort to do what it takes to develop new talent. We've learned
that incubating new talent makes good business sense.

We'd hate to lose a good writer by not accepting someone who is willing to
improve. There are very few literary agencies that will take the time to
develop talent. Most barely return emails. We've answered every email you've
sent us, and we've kept our promises regarding turnaround times. We hope
that you will acknowledge that our level of communication and
professionalism already far exceeds that of other literary agencies. We
pledge this same level of professionalism and courtesy in all subsequent
communications should we work together.


HOW DO WE GET STARTED?
================================================== ==
You don't know us, and we don't know you beyond these informative (and long)
emails, and what you have sent us. We like you and your work, and hopefully
so far, you appreciate that we have treated you professionally and
efficiently. Yes, we use forms, but that's so that we have more time to
answer your questions about specific problems or nuances.

If we were in your shoes, we believe you should be looking for a
professional relationship with professional people who will ultimately
benefit your writing career, whether your work is sold or not.

We never promise a sale. However, we do promise that we will work with you
on a professional basis and do what we can to promote you and your work to
our buyers.


Our Buyers Rely on Us To Only Present Top Quality Work
================================================== ===
We are very, very concerned about what we present to our buyers. At a
minimum they expect the mechanics of punctuation, grammar, spelling, and
format to meet or exceed industry standards.

According to what you have sent us, you have not been through a formal edit
with a disinterested third party. That process is invaluable to you as a
writer, and to us as your agent. Why? Because we can tout it when we pitch
your work.


The polishing process begins with what is called a 'critique'
in the publishing world, and 'coverage' in the screenplay world.
==============================================
What we have learned over the years is that nothing is more invaluable than
having an unbiased, critical review of an author's work as a roadmap for
bringing the work to market.

In writing circles this is called a critique. We want you to have a critique
of your work. You might already have one, or you may need to get one.


FYI - About Your Competition (Other Writers)
---------------------------------------------
According to the submissions we receive, we see the following pattern. The
take-home for you as an author is that your competition is getting more and
more sophisticated.

About 50% of authors have worked with an editor or critique group/process
About 15% of authors have been through a full editing process.

About 50% of authors have never worked with a 3rd party to improve their
work.


Here's what one author had to say about his critique.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Dear Sherry: The critique was more favorable than I had anticipated. I'm a
long time editor of academic works and I know from experience that good
authors appreciate good critiques. As for my own writing - again academic -I
have always taken criticism well. I don't always go along with everything
the critic says, but I try the best I can to incorporate anything I feel is
worthwhile. And that's what I did today. Within minutes I was at my desk and
my laptop, trying to find out what I could do to satisfy this critic. I also
wanted to judge how much work would be required, how long a re-write would
take, and so on. If you have that option, you can pass along my thanks to
the critic. And you can say that I will try to turn it into a popular book,
not an academic treatise. As an academic, I'll never be able to put that
aside completely, but I'll do my best. And I suspect I can do it within a
month or two. Your service is phenomenal.
----------------------------------------------

HAVING A CRITIQUE PROTECTS YOU from unscrupulous agents who tell you to keep
getting editing. Having a critique protects our agency from egocentric
writers who think their work is perfect.

Doesn't the publisher provide editing you may ask? Yes, they do. However
there are two levels of editing. The first is our internal level. The second
is the publisher level. When you pass our internal level, it means that we
will put our reputation on the line for you, however, it doesn't mean that
it has been exhaustively edited, like a publisher would do. Their edit is
MUCH more extensive. Our edit requirements are related to pitching and
selling only.

ok?

If the critique says, "Green light--good to go" then we can start marketing
immediately. If the critique says, "Some improvements can be made in
grammar, punctuation, etc," then we can pause with you while those changes
are made.

About 2/3 of what we receive moves quickly to marketing without too much
additional work required. About 1/7 is perfect, and about 1/7 needs
substantial work.


This was not the entire email, it was actually a long, boring, redundant novel that I didn't even finish reading, they should've payed me to read it!

They are still up to the same tricks, just 'editing' some of their responses from what it looks like.

[jbryson]

Got stung (not a big amount, but it still smarts!) by another literary agency that was actively pursuing manuscripts whose name later surfaced on a reliable board such as this one as being nothing more than a scam, so I'm a bit wary this time around. I'm only inquiring about Children's Literary Agency though, as I haven't read any negative comments about them so far. Has anyone out there heard of them? worked with them? Would appreciate any feedbacks. Thanks muchly!

This from the Peditors & Editors site:
http://www.invirtuo.cc/prededitors/pealc.htm

Children's Literary Agency, The: Strongly not recommended. Also a Top Twenty worst according to Writer Beware. A literary agency. A Division of The Literary Agency Group, Inc.

How good does your writing have to be to interest the Children's Literary Agency?

http://www.invirtuo.cc/prededitors/warnlag04.htm

[monica_artist]

hi everyone, this is my first post. I stumbled on this website today whilst researching the children's literacy agency after recieving an offer. Sadly, after being rejected for so many years i was dubious someone said YES hence the research. lol. So thanks for all your posts and here's back to looking for an agent. ;)

[Roger J Carlson]

hi everyone, this is my first post. I stumbled on this website today whilst researching the children's literacy agency after recieving an offer. Sadly, after being rejected for so many years i was dubious someone said YES hence the research. lol. So thanks for all your posts and here's back to looking for an agent. ;)That's great, monica. But I hope you stick around now that you've found us. There are a lot of good writing related boards here. You might find something here that will improve your chances of finding an agent.

[Barn0429]

Got stung (not a big amount, but it still smarts!) by another literary agency that was actively pursuing manuscripts whose name later surfaced on a reliable board such as this one as being nothing more than a scam, so I'm a bit wary this time around. I'm only inquiring about Children's Literary Agency though, as I haven't read any negative comments about them so far. Has anyone out there heard of them? worked with them? Would appreciate any feedbacks. Thanks muchly!
Hi,
I am also new and found this site via Google after researching the same agency. I have a contract in hand (unsigned and it WON'T be after reading stuff here) Let me guess, did they ask or suggest to you that you need a critique but "we are not asking for your money"? I asked for a link to (supposedly) a third party to do this. The domain name in the link is going to the same agency (with a slightly different name)

[storyteller]

Another potential victim saved from CLA! My story, of course, is the same as the rest. I'm so glad I found this thread before I committed to anything with them. Thank you, everyone, for the insight!

[JenUK24]

I was so close you being ripped off by the company. I was a little nieve and just thought of nothing else apart from I was one step closer to my book being published. My husband wasnt so sure when I told him, so he did some research online and found this site. I'm SOOOOO glad he did.
I was abit upset a first but looking back I'm glad it happened. It made me realise you cant always trust everything online and to research as much as you can before you send any details to anyone.

Many thanks to AW.

J x

[Gwenllian111]

Hi

I've just come accross this thread, via google. It seems I am yet another victim on the WL childrens literacy scam, and yes, I have already paid for the critique, which is a shame. I wish I knew then what I know now! :(

I should've known it was too good to be true.

x

[LaurieD]

OMG! Thanks so much for posting! I just submitted a short story to these people - thankfully nothing has gone further and after reading what a train wreck these people are, nothing will go further!

[k.san]

Same here, except I've had the 1 year contract end 6 months ago (I queried and they said it could just continue...hmm, not a legal beagle....but don't you have to sign something?) They got me to pay for a critique, and also the AA (agressive agent program), "what's a few extra bucks?" I thought, if it gets me the one foot in the door I've tried so hard for so long to get? Now, surprisingly, they've put me in direct contact with a publisher, Strategic Book Publishing (yes, yes, I know....I can hear many of you now shouting at your screens, "run girl, run!) Don't worry, I'm not paying the $675 to participate in the 'Joint Venture Program' I did find 10 books by Eloquent Books on Amazon (their non-traditional publisher). Anyone care to comment?

[PeekABooWriter]

It's a good thing I researched a bit and found this thread as I was considering sending that agency my synopsis because they want it. Something didn't feel right in their communcations. I was also a bit put-off by the fact that their response to my enquiry was merely with some initials CB and the Aquisitions department, plus a lengthy seemingly very contrived letter which attempt to put forth this aloofness to give the impression they are very busy and professional and I'm a drop in the bucket of nothing. The overall message seems to be, we don't have time for you, but send us your crap and we'll publish it after you do all the work and pay for what we should pay for. Not likely. I won't be responding to them. I knew there was a reason I didn't send in my synopsis. *sigh*

[Madisonwrites]

I almost fell for this place too. Luckily I was warned over Facebook (off all places!) and didn't sign the contract they sent me. But I'm actually glad it happened. Now in my agent hunts, I can spot a scam a mile away!

[PeekABooWriter]

Hi MadisonWrites. I just posted in your site blog, as anonymous. I didn't know what I was doing lol. I'm not registered to post so it came out that way..but I wanted to let you know it was me. :)

[PeekABooWriter]

Does anyone know of a website that might have a good list of bad or unreliable agents and publishers? I am scouting the UK and have already run into some bad tempered agents by email. I'm in Canada but the literary business is in the toilet here, and I figure the UK is a good place to push a unique children's fantasy series.

[PeekABooWriter]

Ah, after reading the thread I see a good list..thanks she says embarrassingly.

[Memory]

Um, Ok, I'm new to this board and by all means not a writer but my wife is. I have been contacted by this Agency through 2 emails, one "form" and one personal. I took the time to read maybe the first 5-6 pages of this painfully long discussion. I do have on question though, it seems like everyone on this board does nothing but say "beware" and offers no help to anyone searching for agents or publishers, why?

Now maybe I have not looked in the right place yet as my exposure has been limited to pretty much this thread. Are there areas here that actually offer help or contacts or is it just the typicall posting board that attracts all the haters of the world?

Just some questions from a fish out of water. Now please be nice about my grammer and puctuation and definetly my spelling and anything else related to writing as I do not claim to be a writer and don't aspire to be one. I'm just a guy trying to help his wife publish a book that she is to modest to persue herself.

Thanks for any help!

[brittanimae]

There are loads of resources here Memory. If it's primarily agents you're looking for, you can get names and addresses at www.agentquery.com and you can get more information about the agents by checking Bewares and Background checks (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22)on the boards here.

Best of luck!

[Memory]

Thank you brittanimae- you are the first person to respond to me on this web site. Thanks for the info about agent query I will be going there.

Thanks again

[Toothpaste]

Memory if your experience with this board is limited to this one thread, then that is hardly representative of the entire forum now is it. You should really check out all the areas before drawing conclusions that this is a place of haters only and only interested in posting bewares and negative information (and really, what is hating about this thread? It is incredibly supportive and important, and has saved many an author from falling prey to a scam).

I know you were not actively accusing us as such, but you were not far from drawing that conclusion, and quite frankly that is a tiny bit offensive considering AW is one of the most helpful writing forms out there, approved by agents and editors alike, with numerous successfully published authors who either became so with its help, or who just like to hang out here because of the supportive atmosphere. Checking out the Bewares and Background section you will find numerous threads about scams true, but also many about legitimate agents. If you got to the Ask the Agents section, you will find thread after thread with useful advice, with two threads where you can ask two separate agents (Nathan Bransford and Jennifer Laughran) in the business today specific questions. Most everyone here is immensely supportive, and to say thank you for someone responding as if you are being widely ignored on this site, is not really fair. You posted one question. It takes time for people to get back to you. I am sorry you had to wait an entire hour for the response, but sometimes things here aren't instantaneous.

I think it is awesome that you want to help your wife, that is super sweet of you, but if your experience of a forum is basically one thread then maybe, in future, you may wish to refrain from making sweeping (negative) generalisations when you also want help from the members here.

Nonetheless, I will still assume the best, that you were merely upset that you discovered your wife's good news was actually a scam, and therefore taking that out on the rest of this forum, and will now try to help as best I can with your question.

You have been told already about www.agentquery.com. Another great site is: http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/ , where you can check up to make sure whatever agent you submit to is not a scam. www.querytracker.net is another excellent resource.

On this site I would recommend:

Bewares and Background
Ask The Agent
Ask The Editor
and the Share Your Work section which has a sub section on Queries where you can get your query letter to agents dissected.

If you would like to know about the process of getting an agent etc in very basic terms I have written two blog entries on the subject:

So You Want to Get Published - Getting an Agent (http://ididntchoosethis.blogspot.com/2008/08/so-you-want-to-get-published-getting.html)
So You Want to Get Published - From Agent to Editor (http://ididntchoosethis.blogspot.com/2008/08/so-you-want-to-get-published-from-agent.html)

I would also recommend the agent blog www.pubrants.blogspot.com where not only will you find some great advice, but in the sidebar yet more links to helpful industry blogs.

Hope this was helpful, and I do hope you spend some time getting to know this forum and realise that your initial assumption was entirely unfounded. :)

[Memory]

Toothpaste-

First off I love the name very nice. Second I'm sorry that your were slightly offendid it was not my intent, I was just asking a question... after all is'nt that how we learn? Since I posted that, I have been to several other areas and found people to be most helpful and very nice.

Thanks for the links I will be going and doing as much reading as I can.

Mem

[Trish]

I just have to say something. I found this website because of the same reason that you did, Memory. I also received a letter like that from the same agency WL Children’s.

I ended up here. I had no idea where to start or how to write. Since finding AW I have written a whole series of children’s chapter books. Okay, they aren’t published yet, but I have had a publisher ask for the whole manuscript of one. At least I can say that I have written a book even if it gets rejected. I couldn’t have done that at all without the help I’ve had here on AW.

I had no idea where to put commas. I didn’t know what a query letter or synopsis was, never mind how to write one. I learned all that on AW. I also learned how to format the word document to submit to an agent. I even had help on here when I had problems with my computer.

My spelling was atrocious, but no one was mean to me. Everyone just helped and was so supportive. I just thought that you should know that.

Oh, and I don’t even live in this country. I live in Australia.

I am very happy that I found myself on AW.

Trish.

[lesley.parks@orange.]

I. too, have lost money and a bit of confidence through the Children's Literary Agency. I'm currently being pursued by AuthorHouse publishing. Thankyou for sites like this one or I may well have made another mistake.

[Alphabeter]

Lesley, do check out the Beware and Background board.

Authorhouse is not a nice place for writers.

[tico1177]

I posted the below in another forum. I want to get the word out!

Alot of info on the entire group for this company and the whole. What sux is that right now I think I am in the trap with their Literary Agency. But the bonus on that is two fold.
1. I'm not as stupid as they think I am and I copyrighted my material.
2. I'm a computer geek by trade and know how to research them!

So here it is folks. The truly official information on the Writer's Literary Agency/Strategic Book Publishing/any other name they came up with!

When you take their domain name "strategicbookpublishing.com" and "wlwritersagency.com" and plug them into my favorite site: WHOIS.net, you will get the below:

(Please notice the bolded areas!!!!)


As you see, they are registered with the same exact address, therefore the agency tries to sell you their services!

So to further think about this revelation...
They publish your book and make money from the sales. They sell you their services and make money.
They charge a 10% agent fee and make money from you.

Well it won't work for me because I am going to push them for a real publisher.

Up until their contract is up.

[James D. Macdonald]

If you have had any dealings with the WL Childrens Agency...

(under any of its names, including but not limited to Writer's Literary Agency Group, Writer's Literary Agency, Writer's Literary & Publishing Services, New York Literary Agency, Writer's Literary Children's Agency, The Children's Literary Agency, Children's Book Publishing Agency, Writer's Literary Poet's Agency, Poet's Literary Agency, Poetry Book Publishing Agency, The Christian Literary Agency, Writer's Literary Screenplay Agency, Screenplay Writers' Agency, The Screenplay Agency, The Literary Agency Group, f/k/a Rapidpublishing-screenwriter911, Inc., Stylus Literary Agency, S T Literary Agency, Inc. , Writers Literary & Publishing Services Company, Writers' Book Publishing Agency, Strategic Publishing Group, Strategic Book Publishing, Strategic Book Marketing, AEG Publishing Group, My Editor Is A Saint, Author's Edge, Sydra-Techniques, Global Book Agency, and Eloquent Books)

...the Florida Attorney General wants to hear from you (http://myfloridalegal.com/lit_ec.nsf/investigations/31273A2F06893B9B852573760050A9EA).

[Plot Device]

If you have had any dealings with the WL Childrens Agency...

(under any of its names, including but not limited to Writer's Literary Agency Group, Writer's Literary Agency, Writer's Literary & Publishing Services, New York Literary Agency, Writer's Literary Children's Agency, The Children's Literary Agency, Children's Book Publishing Agency, Writer's Literary Poet's Agency, Poet's Literary Agency, Poetry Book Publishing Agency, The Christian Literary Agency, Writer's Literary Screenplay Agency, Screenplay Writers' Agency, The Screenplay Agency, The Literary Agency Group, f/k/a Rapidpublishing-screenwriter911, Inc., Stylus Literary Agency, S T Literary Agency, Inc. , Writers Literary & Publishing Services Company, Writers' Book Publishing Agency, Strategic Publishing Group, Strategic Book Publishing, Strategic Book Marketing, AEG Publishing Group, My Editor Is A Saint, Author's Edge, Sydra-Techniques, Global Book Agency, and Eloquent Books)

...the Florida Attorney General wants to hear from you (http://myfloridalegal.com/lit_ec.nsf/investigations/31273A2F06893B9B852573760050A9EA).


I have had ZERO dealings with them. However, I am confused by one entry I found on the web page for the Florida Attorney General. I realize this is just a very picky little question, but it's downright annoying me. Here's what it says on that web site:


Subject's business:Talent agency


As a screenwriter, I was told there are (for the most part) two kinds of agents in Hollywood: talent agencts and literary agents. Hollywood talent agents represent actors and directors. Hollywood literary agents represent screenwriters.

So then ... why is this agency being classified by the Florida Attorney General as a talent agency? Is this agency representing actors or directors (or even fashion models?).

[Alphabeter]

They claim they're scouting for talent. Its a classification to avoid Florida's rules.

The guy who once managed The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC is behind bars because of a pyramid investment scheme in Florida. He's STILL running a new boyband because his "talent agency" was separate.

[Plot Device]

They claim they're scouting for talent. Its a classification to avoid Florida's rules.

The guy who once managed The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC is behind bars because of a pyramid investment scheme in Florida. He's STILL running a new boyband because his "talent agency" was separate.


Ahh! The light dawns!!

[suneel.sule]

I went through this whole routine of raised hopes and subtle demands for money and then nothing. I am embarassed to say that I paid twice once for a critique and then for a full edit. Then I saw this blog and got wiser, otherwise I would have paid for a web page as well. I am thinking of responding to florida AG's call for reporting this as a fraud.

Suneel Sule

[Momento Mori]

Hi, suneel, and welcome to AW!

I'm sorry that you went through all the pain associated with these SOBs, but I would definitely recommend that you report it to the Florida A-G, if only because it might help to prevent someone else going through the same horrible experience.

In the meantime, I hope you stick around this Forum and check out the other boards.

MM

[Danni]

Just want to throw in a thank-you to all of you for sharing your research and experience with those blood-sucking fiends. I nearly fell victim to their dastardly plot, but luckily, I stumbled across your info instead.
Down with evil scammers!

[Danni]

Ha! So, when I found out how evil these folks are, I sent them an email, inquiring into whether or not they are legit. Here it is, and then their reply to me, and I hope this helps someone out there!

To Whom It May Concern:

First, let me tell you how utterly delighted I was to receive your email this morning asking to see my manuscript SHAPESHIFTER. For a new author, as you well know, there is no bigger ego boost. I promptly squealed and called my family.
And then I did a little more research on your agency. There is a blog out on the internet discussing your agency, and I must admit it made me nervous. One blogger insisted that she did some research that proved you were scammers (so sorry, I'm really not trying to insult you at all) who will basically take my money for editing or illustrations.
I must admit, I'm torn. On the one hand, you have listed on your website that you will only receive payment if you sell my book---hurray. That sounds right.
On the other hand, you tout the fact that you work with new authors who show promise, helping them to improve their manuscript, which sounds like editing to me, even though you insist this is not what you do.
So, I am hesitant to send my work to you, especially since you are not members of AAR, unless you can offer some evidence that you are, in fact, legit and not the evil, blood-sucking scum a researcher claims that you are.
Again, if you are legit, I do hope you understand my hesitancy and can reassure me of your honorable interest in my work.
Please feel free to email or call me.
Thank you so much for your time.


If you really want to 'research' as a good author should, start with the following questions to the people you are basing your opinions on:

1. When was the last Book Trade Show that you attended? How current is the data feeding your opinion? (We go to shows every year and we have the most current data in the industry. We will put our industry knowledge up against anyone. We just got back from the BookExpo in Los Angeles. Ask them if they attended. They didn't because they can't afford it, see next question).

2. Approximately how much money have you made as an author? (We know the answer to this one because we've done the research (it isn't very much).
Many of the authors we know and work with make more in one month, than these pundits have made their entire life. So, if you want to choose this kind of advisor, then please realize that you are choosing advisors that are a lot less successful than we are.

I think you get the point by now.. they aren't current, and they don't make money. We stay current, and we/and our clients, make a lot of money.




Now let's discuss "misleading" authors.
========================================
WHEN WE SAY WE WANT ONLY EDITED WORK, WE MEAN IT.
WHEN WE SAY YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY VENDOR YOU WANT, WE MEAN IT WHEN WE SAY THIS IS A TOUGH BUSINESS, WE MEAN IT


Anyway, there was more, but it was basically just the whole, "we don't take anything that's not edited by a third party thing". I found it very interesting that they didn't once try to defend their legitimacy, just ended up slinging mud at whoever badmouths them.

[Roger J Carlson]

Well, it looks like they've finally built a new boiler-plate response.

I'm not going to do a line-by-line. We have other folks who are better at that. But I will say something about the BEA (Book Expo America). I've been to two, New York and Chicago. Children's Literary (WL, NYLA, ST Literary, et-naseum-cetera) weren't there either time.

The BEA isn't all that expensive. Air fare, hotel, and a couple hundred bucks for the expo itself. The BEA isn't extremely choosy. Anybody can get in. I know 6 AW members who have been to at least one. I'm sure there are more. Mostly, authors don't go because the BEA isn't for authors.

The purpose of the BEA is to connect book sellers (bookstores/chains) with publishers. So there will be agents and authors there, but mostly they're authors who already have a published book and they're there with the publisher. What's more, the staff from the publishers is their sales force, not their acquisitions people.

I'm not sure why this "agency" would even be there because agents don't sell to booksellers. And the publishers there certainly know that they're not a legitimate agency.

It's just more hype to convince uninformed authors they're legitimate. They aren't.

[agent0fchaos]

Hi, everyone. I am SO SO SO glad I found this thread. I submitted my work to "WL Children's Agency" less than a week ago and they replied to me this morning with a very long, convoluted, impersonal e-mail that just gave me the willies. So I did a bit of fishing around and found this forum. You guys are life savers.

Since this is my first experience dealing with this situation I am kind of nervous about them having my work - will they just delete my info & submission once I reject their offer? (which I did - I just said "Thanks but no thanks.") I'm not trying to sound egotistical that my work is OH SO FANTABULOUS but I just want to protect it.

Thanks in advance.

[Toothpaste]

Don't worry about them having the work. The whole scam is that they ask you for lots of money and don't actually do anything, like, you know, submit your novel to publishers. That would be work you see. So there is no risk that they will try anything with your stuff.

And welcome to AW!

[agent0fchaos]

Don't worry about them having the work. The whole scam is that they ask you for lots of money and don't actually do anything, like, you know, submit your novel to publishers. That would be work you see. So there is no risk that they will try anything with your stuff.

And welcome to AW!


Thank you :)

By the way - I called the Attorney General in FL using a link given way back in this thread and after talking to a few people the attorney that is handling this case is Teresa Bland Edwards and she would LOVE to hear from anyone who has even been in contact with these people - regardless if money was exchanged or not. I am helping her out in anyway I can. I have the number for the office you can reach her at in case anyone needs it. I don't know what the rules here are about posting phone numbers (it is a business, not a personal contact)

[blacbird]

As you are newly here, Agent, welcome. You might want to research threads in the Bewares forum. There's lots of stuff on these people, in their various incarnations (which change regularly). The main principle is, however: Never pay an "agent". Real agents make their money only when they sell a work to a publisher, at which time they get a contracted commission, commonly 15% of the deal.

caw

[James D. Macdonald]

The latest wrinkle is that they eventually do submit your book to a publisher.

A vanity press, that they themselves own, where you'll have to pay (them) to be published.

[jmascia]

Drop em! They are definitely not going to help you sell your work! They are likely going to ask you to pay for editing and then tell you that they can't sell your work. Don't bother. Keep submitting.


James Mascia
www.islandofdren.com

[kat101]

Hi Everyone,
I just happened onto this site and I read all the comments...I too have been dealing with wlchildrensagency. I sent in the contract, and I was referred a "critique" by the agency. I haven't paid anything yet, but they are asking me to pay for a "critiquing" ($70 to $90)..I wish I came across this site a few days earlier!! now what do I do??

[TnTexas]

Hi Everyone,
I just happened onto this site and I read all the comments...I too have been dealing with wlchildrensagency. I sent in the contract, and I was referred a "critique" by the agency. I haven't paid anything yet, but they are asking me to pay for a "critiquing" ($70 to $90)..I wish I came across this site a few days earlier!! now what do I do??

If it were me, I'd simply send tell them thanks for the suggestion but no thanks. I'll continue searching on my own. Either that or I'd just ignore them.

[James D. Macdonald]

What you do is trash their letter, keep on looking for an agency, and meanwhile write your next book.

A real agency has sold books that are really on the shelves of real bookstores. That's where you go to find those agencies: Bookstores. Find books similar to yours, find out who represented them, and submit to those agencies (following their guidelines to the letter).

[Harrison Senior]

My experience is that if the agency requires their recommended reviewer to review your manuscript to determine if you know how to write: (1) there will be a fee up front, (2) you will receive a good report, and (3) there will be no more input from them for the next 6 months, if ever.

[Gillhoughly]

Welcome to AW novagem! :welcome:

Never ever pay to get published. Not even a little.


Rule number one for ALL writers is Yog's Law: (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Transwiki:Yog%27s_Law)

Money flows to the writer.

And the only place an author should sign a check is on the back, when they endorse it.

I can also add never be in a hurry to get published. That's how subsidy, vanity presses, and ripoff publishing mills like Publish America get rich.

Cancel your appointment with this subsidy crew. They only want as much money as you're willing to throw at them. You don't have to give an excuse, just cancel and walk away and keep your money!

If you should see them, flat out refuse to pay for publication. Let them know that you know publishers are supposed to pay the writers, not the other way around.

They may smile and be encouraging, but so is a lap dancer until you run out of cash.


Hang out at AW and the members here will be more than happy to help.

Here is a safe place to find a publisher: your local bookstore.

Find books similar to your own and look up the publishers to find their guidelines.

You will NOT find vanity or subsidy books there.

Bookmark this website:

http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/

It will warn you away from the sharks in the publishing pool.

my stories and illustrations are worth the gamble.They aren't gambling. They know you're good for a few thousand if you believe their flattery. All they'll do is take your book to a printer, but it won't cost them that much and they keep the difference. You can do that yourself, but it's better to sell to a publisher.


Take your book to a real publishing house like Penguin Putnam, St. Martins, Random House--the ones that pay writers an advance, the ones who get books into stores and not just on Amazon.

If they think they can make money from your words they will pay YOU. That's how it works!

Maybe you know all this, but we do get a lot of people who believe that you have to pay to get published, and that's just not true. Subsidy and vanity presses perpetuate that pay to publish lie, hoping to get more business from people who don't do their research.

And finally, if you absolutely don't want to go through a legit, advance-paying publisher, we can help you find safer alternatives to any vanity press that will not put you out of pocket.

Please, keep posting so we know how things go for you!

[Sue]

Thank you for your warnings about the Writers' Lit Agency. I just signed the contract yesterday http://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif and was about to consider paying for the critique (despite feeling a bit sceptical), when my husband suggested I look for a forum discussing the Agency first... So glad I did. I will now be withdrawing from the contract before I spend any money.

I feel a bit stupid and let down (I have read many posts here from others in the same boat). I guess, like many, I was just so keen to see my writing in print that I wanted to believe it could be that easy. My question now to anyone who is in the same position (unpublished author with several manuscripts waiting to be published) is where to now? Is there a legitimate online agency out there??? CAN it be that easy?

Thank you too, Gillhoughly, I did just read your message above. And I checked out this site http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/. It says that new authors need not have an agent... The only reason I started heading down that road was because EVERY time I looked up a Publishing house that publishes books of the same genre, they say "no unsolicited manuscripts accepted".

I am getting frustrated, to say the least. I have a children's picture book (text only) that I am sure is a winner. What is my best option???

Please help
Sue

[Cyia]

I am getting frustrated, to say the least. I have a children's picture book (text only) that I am sure is a winner. What is my best option???

Please help
Sue


Google publishers of children's books (get the names from the books in the store) Some of them will accept unsolicited MS.

[Roger J Carlson]

Actually, our own Bewares and Background Check (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22) forum is a terrific place to look for agents and publishers. While many of the threads warn against scams like Children's Literary, a great deal more talk about legitimate agencies, who is accepting queries, how they've responded, and so forth.

For instance, this thread about Writer's House (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9981) (a very legitmate agency) is a wealth of information about various agents there. Some represent children's writers and others don't.

Another source for publishers and agents, is Writers Market On-line (http://www.writersmarket.com/). You do have to be careful though, as Robert Fletcher is listed there in his many guises. But it's a good place to start. Before you submit to any market, check here and at P&E.

[Sweetleaf]

I just posted in the Writer's Beware thread on these guys that Robert Fletcher may be going by the name Robert Williams now. Robert Williams is listed as the CEO of AEG publishing, and as they are all the same crowd, I'm picking that's him.

I nearly got sucked in too. He got very ratty when I called him out over the appalling contract he sent me.

[Mogiz]

I got the exact same letter! When I asked if they were AAR members and why I had to pay for illustrators and editors I got a "Sorry, we've just filled our allocation for this quarter." Run, Emma!
Kimberly Young

Same here, next I looked CLA up on predators and editors web site. they are not recommended

[SignedContract]

I recently signed the contract and THEN Googled after the waiting period was up. How do I fire them?

[Sweetleaf]

I recently signed the contract and THEN Googled after the waiting period was up. How do I fire them?

I think that may depend on the contract you signed. I got sent two completely different ones after I complained about the first. Does it have an out clause? Have you paid any money yet?

Good people to get in touch with are mods Victoria Strauss and James Macdonald who may be able to advise you better than I.

Good luck!

[SignedContract]

Thank you. I will have to look into it and the contract.

[James D. Macdonald]

You fire them by sending them a registered letter telling them that they no longer represent you in any way.

And you send copies of all your correspondence to the Florida Attorney General.

[James D. Macdonald]

They're currently advertising using Google AdSense ads.

#
Children's Book Agent
Growing Literary Agency. Child books only. Submit Online.
www.WLChildrensAgency.com

Remember, any agent that runs AdSense ads is either clueless, or a scammer, or both. Stay well clear.

===================

And if you've had any contact with Robert Fletcher (under any of his names), get in touch with the Florida Attorney General. (http://myfloridalegal.com/lit_ec.nsf/investigations/31273A2F06893B9B852573760050A9EA)

What are some of his names?

Robert M. Fletcher a/k/a Robert Williams a/k/a Bob Williams a/k/a Robert West.

Who's his partner?

Leslie Williams a/k/a Leslie W. Mroz

What are the names of some of his scams?

Writer's Literary Agency Group, Writer's Literary Agency, Writer's Literary & Publishing Services, New York Literary Agency, Writer's Literary Children's Agency, The Children's Literary Agency, Children's Book Publishing Agency, Writer's Literary Poet's Agency, Poet's Literary Agency, Poetry Book Publishing Agency, The Christian Literary Agency, Writer's Literary Screenplay Agency, Screenplay Writers' Agency, The Screenplay Agency, The Literary Agency Group, f/k/a Rapidpublishing-screenwriter911, Inc., Stylus Literary Agency, S T Literary Agency, Inc. , Writers Literary & Publishing Services Company, Writers' Book Publishing Agency, Strategic Publishing Group, Strategic Book Publishing, Strategic Book Marketing, AEG Publishing Group, My Editor Is A Saint, Author's Edge, Sydra-Techniques, Global Book Agency, and Eloquent Books.

[pjlove51]

I had the same bad experience with Wl children's agency. I signed the contract and THEN did my homework. After reading all the negative stuff about this agency I emailed my so-called agent "HIL" and asked her about it. I get an e-mail back from her. The first line said "What do you think we're going to do, steal your book?" That's real professional. I knew I could cancel after 90 days, which I did. The e-mail address is in your contract. Just e-mail and say you want to cancel. I heard back from them by the end of the day saying, "Sorry it didn't work out!" and that everything of mine had been deleted. Everytime I e-mailed this lady I would get back the same exact e-mail. It was a long 90 days.
Then today I get an e-mail from Tht Mocknick agency saying he'd like to read my manuscript. The reading is free, but it will cost me $450 if they want to sign me. This time I did my homework. Gee guess who's on the worst 20 list.!
I am alot smarter and wiser!!

[James D. Macdonald]

The today I get an e-mail from Tht Mocknick agency saying he'd like to read my manuscript.

Had you ever contacted the Mocknick Agency?

If not ... I wonder if Robert Fletcher/Robert Williams/Robert West sold your name to them.

By the way, there's no reason to believe that "Hil" even exists.

[pjlove51]

No I sent a query to him, but I'm doing my homework now. Since I kept getting the same e-mail everytime I'm sure she doesn't exsist

[Timothy]

I received some good advice from a person when I asked a writing for children question on another website. Below is her advice word for word.

"The writer gets paid. Never EVER pay to get published.

Never EVER pay for an agent or "book doctor."

Some websites make it seem that's how it's done, but they are scams.

This is called YOG'S LAW: "Money always flows TOWARD the writer!"

Obey Yog's Law and you'll stay out of trouble with scammers and sharks who want you to pay to get published.

Join http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/ (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/)

It is FREE and pro writers lurk there and run the place. You will find lots of help on writing there. You can post your work for feedback. They don't allow flame wars or trolls, the place is for writers wanting to improve their craft!

When your book is ready to go (finished, grammar and spell checked and beta read and polished) you go into a bookstore and look for titles similar to what you've written. Inside the front page will be the names and websites of publishers. (You won't find vanity press or POD or scam books there.)

Visit their websites and follow their guidelines to the letter.

Most will have a "Submission Guidelines".

If you see "Testimonials" RUN away, they're a vanity, pay-to-publish scam operation. No real publisher has "testimonials" on their site!

STAY AWAY FROM these "Publishers"

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2007/02/ha… (http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2007/02/happy-valentines-day-from-writer-beware.html)

That's the top 20 "thumb's down" list. They're the worst. One calls itself a childrens publisher, but is run by a scammer out of Florida we all call "Bouncing Bobby." Every time he's busted he opens a "new" agency.

ABOVE ALL, STAY AWAY FROM PUBLISHAMERICA. They are the BIGGEST ripoff site of them all.

They say they're free and don't want your money, but that is a LIE. You end up buying overpriced copies of your own book! They eat childrens authors alive.

They will not put your book into a store--but lie and say that you are supposed to do that. Most PA writers submit their book, and whether it is good or horrible, it's quickly "accepted," (they take everything!) and then you never hear from the poor writer again. Your rights are tied up for seven years!

Just google "publish America" + "scam" and find all the writers who got ripped off by them. They are what is called a "print mill." you don't want anything to do with them. They ruin lives and careers.

They're a reverse vanity printer. They pressure you to buy overprice copies of your own book. (A real publisher gives you a boxful.) They have no distribution, so your book won't get into bookstores like they say. They only pay a stinking one dollar advance, too, all this while waving the flag and praising Jesus. PA is so bad they have their own forum on Absolute Write to warn people away!"

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/foru… (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/foru…)

I hope this advice that was given to me helps you to. This person's advice is what led me to Absolutewrite.com.

[James D. Macdonald]

Robert Fletcher's lawsuit against Writer Beware has been ruled frivolous (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=151424). Fletcher has been ordered to pay all of Ann and Victoria's legal fees and expenses.

From the Court order:
Basically, Fletcher and LAG were running a fraud by charging fees for all services while falsely giving hope to the authors that Fletcher and LAG would find a publisher for their book.

[Wstewart1986]

Wow, terrifying stuff. I was just about to send part of my manuscipt with illustrations to WL Children's Literary Agency but I stopped and said I'd better be sure.

They sent me a huge email expressing interest in my children's book which I wrote, illustrated and produced for my final major project. I had just attached the PDF and answered their questions when I found this site and a huge scam alert.

Promptly I cancelled the email... rats, and I was hoping there was going to be further interest haha

Thank you Absolute Write forum dwellers, thank you for saving me

[James D. Macdonald]

Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against “Literary Company” (http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/0CA04161DA4BE29C8525762600550D21)

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office filed a lawsuit against a Boca Raton company that allegedly preyed on aspiring authors. According to the Attorney General’s lawsuit, Writer’s Literary Agency and owner Robert Fletcher used more than 20 websites and related companies to collect funds from potential authors, but misled victims about fees, costs, and promised results.

The Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division received more than 175 complaints from around the world claiming Fletcher and his associates, who claimed to act as literary agents and publishers, allegedly collected money from victims anxious to see their work published. Potential writers paid anywhere from $89 for an initial critique to over $600 for various services including editing and marketing of a manuscript to publishers. Allegedly, Fletcher also told potential writers that fees were paid from book sales when in fact all costs of publishing were paid by the authors. According to the lawsuit, few books were ever sold as a result of the efforts of Fletcher’s companies.

Investigators determined Fletcher expanded into the field of publishing within the past year. Fletcher admitted to having no background as a literary agent and to using at least 10 aliases in his businesses.

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief against Robert Fletcher and his associates, as well as his many businesses, prohibiting further business activities in the field of literary agencies or publishers. The Attorney General is also seeking full restitution on behalf of all victimized consumers, civil penalties of $10,000 for each violation of the Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and reimbursement for fees and costs related to the investigation.

A copy of the lawsuit is available online at: http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MRAY-7VJLSY/$file/WritersLiteraryGuildComplaint.pdf

[James D. Macdonald]

In short, if you are a victimized consumer, get in touch with the Florida Attorney General so you can get in line for that restitution. If you know someone who paid money to Fletcher (under any of his names or to any of his businesses) point them to the Florida Attorney General.

[justdawn]

This just seemed too-good-to-be-true, but I really couldn't figure out why....So, I looked at the books this company had published, read a few pages (on Amazon.com) and one author's bio. Not good writing, even the bio wasn't well written. That was all the convincing I needed.

[LClaveau]

Wow...wish I had read this before I took time to answer the questions and send me a small portion of a story I wrote. High hopes fall far...thanks for the cushion! I will keep plugging along and go back to what I know was the best way in the first darned place....stuck in a library or bookstore pouring over the pages of the books to make sure I have it right....As for some of what I read..."Something for nothing" Seriously? My work is everything and I deserve something for my everything. Thanks for being here for the newbies.

[stormie]

Welcome to AW, LClaveau! It's good you found out now, rather than later. Stick around AW. A lot of great info and people.

[Evvie]

My high school creative writing teacher had a run in with them a few months ago for a children's picture book. She refused to pay for an editor... (she's been a english teacher for 20 years) I highly doubt she'd need it for a picture book.

She's finally out of contract with them after I showed her the author beware site and this thread months ago.

She's not the most computer savvy so I gave her a list of agents and helpful sites..

I really hate people that scam on aspiring writers!

But I also have to say don't consider all Florida agencies bad. I know that the famous Knight agency has offices in FL and The Brown Agency handles romance and erotic in FL. (I spoke with the woman when I applied for an internship) Really nice and helpful, and very legit. I looked up plenty of her authors and they had legit sites and books on amazon etc.

[grandma]

got the same email 2 years ago from them.
paid $200 for a reviewer they said I had to have.
A 10 year old could have done better.
I was told I would have to change the story because children would try to do some of the things the children in the story did.
That is when I got the idea the reviewer didn't even read the story. Why you ask?
Because the story was about a dragon.
Don't know many dragon children.
in two years I got 2 emails.
1 telling me they were working hard on getting it published and the 2nd saying it had been put on hold, and I should publish it myself so they could then show publishers that I was published.
I told them to forget it since by that time the contract was ended.
just my experience.

[summerbayexile]

Hi all,
A newbie on the boards who had the misfortune to run across WL CLA when trying to get my first novel published. Thanks to my trusting nature, I took these guys at face value. Thanks to my wife's suspicious nature she found this website and board!
Thankfully I didn't sign a contract so no harm done except to my pride! I feel so stupid, having plastered news of my 'success' on Facebook and via email. Was I just hopelessly naive? Of course! When someone says yes to a novel you've spent three years of your life writing, editing and polishing you see it as a vindication.
Now I have no idea what to do next. Every agent's site I go to says no unsolicited manuscripts so I hope you more experienced writers can understand my desperation and stupidity. What's my next step guys?

[Momento Mori]

summerbayexile:
Every agent's site I go to says no unsolicited manuscripts so I hope you more experienced writers can understand my desperation and stupidity. What's my next step guys?

Hi, summerbayexile, and welcome to AW.

When an agent says no unsolicited manuscripts, they usually require you to send a query letter. There's a forum here that can help you to polish yours so that it sells your book in the best way possible. Check out the agent's submission guidelines because some will also ask to see the first 5 pages of your manuscript.

MM

[pjlove51]

You have to start out with a query letter to the agents. Go to, Query tracker, 1000 agents, publishers marketplace,Agent Query,Author advance. Make sure to check Preditors and Editors to see if the agent is any good.
Good Luck. There's also the top 20 worst agents list too.

[Alanna B.]

:)Hi Summerbayexile! Welcome to AW! When I first signed onto this sight I wandered around extremely confused for about two weeks :). Once I got the hang of it, I began to understand the true value of the contributers. There are a lot of people on this site that offer valuable advice. I don't think you should feel foolish. We all want someone to appreciate our hard work and our vision. I never thought it was possible, but I found my agent through reading the reviews and information on this site. Its worth it to take a look around. ;) OH! And props to your wife!:Thumbs:

[purple1artist]

Hi everyone, I too have had contact with WL CLA. I'm sooo glad I accidentally found absolutewrite. I'd been searching the web for how to find an agent and they contacted me. Actually 3 different people contacted me. I noticed in their emails that they all had the same address even though there were 3 different company names. Then they started calling my cell phone wanting to represent me. I did some research and found all of you. Thank god I was listening to my 6th sense...I had a bad feeling...I was right.
But I'm not sure where to go from here. I've written and illustrated a childrens book and started a second. Everyone here says you need an agent. Help...don't know what to do!!

[LGP]

I'm taking the ride with childrens lit too. After nearly 7 months of waiting without speaking with anyone, they've recommended I try an AA program where I pay to have query letters sent to publishers. This after having paid $80 to have someone tell me nothing I needed to know. I'm proud of my work and know it has a place in the market, where do I go from here? Self publish?

[Momento Mori]

Hi, LGP and welcome to AW.

I'm sorry that you got taken in by CLA. If you've paid any money to them, then you might want to contact the Florida Attorney General who is looking into bringing a civil case against Robert Fletcher (the man behind CLA and a host of other scam agencies).

LGP:
I'm proud of my work and know it has a place in the market, where do I go from here? Self publish?

Don't self-publish.

The best thing you can do is to query and research legitimate agents for children's fiction. Check out the Bewares, Recommendations and Background Check Forum here (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22) as a starting point, but you can also look on Publishers Marketplace.

Do you research on agents you're thinking of querying (not because they're scams, but because different agents look for different things), hone your query letter (the Share Your Work Forum here has a place where you can post letters you want to check) and polish your manuscript until it's the best it can be (there are Forums here that can help you find betas for it if you want a second opinion).

Best of luck.

MM

[The MG Renegade]

Hi, LGP and welcome to AW.

I'm sorry that you got taken in by CLA. If you've paid any money to them, then you might want to contact the Florida Attorney General who is looking into bringing a civil case against Robert Fletcher (the man behind CLA and a host of other scam agencies).



Don't self-publish.

The best thing you can do is to query and research legitimate agents for children's fiction. Check out the Bewares, Recommendations and Background Check Forum here (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22) as a starting point, but you can also look on Publishers Marketplace.

Do you research on agents you're thinking of querying (not because they're scams, but because different agents look for different things), hone your query letter (the Share Your Work Forum here has a place where you can post letters you want to check) and polish your manuscript until it's the best it can be (there are Forums here that can help you find betas for it if you want a second opinion).

Best of luck.

MM

I made the mistake of querying both CLA and a Self-Pub. I was fortunate enough though to find AW. Embarrassing enough as it is to admit, I was not doing my homework before submitting.

I took it as a couple rookie mistakes that I was fortunate enough to learn in the minors.

[CassandraW]

I am going to try to post this on the message board. I've never used one, but was emailed the link by the agency. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8286

I'm Pete the www.peeperandfriends.com (http://www.peeperandfriends.com%20/)(the hook) and author of Peeper The Kinkajou, Peeper Goes To Florida, and Boomer To The Rescue. I would first like to say that I am offended by you saying it's a scheme. You need a bit of my background first. I was a Marine Special ops guy who was highly decorated for putting my life on the line to go evacuate innocents out of hostile environments. I came out of the military and became a stock broker. A top producing stock broker. I left that business on top because I wasn't fulfilled with just making money. I wanted a purpose and to help. I guess I was looking for the feeling I had coming through the door with my small team and rescuing people who thought they were to face slaughter. I started a private investigation agency, which I still own www.soginv.com (http://www.soginv.com/). I helped many people there, but still felt a need for more so I wrote and published children's books, which educate children on unique creatures, their ecosystems, and their need for our help. I have had a greater positive impact on more adults, children, and the environment than any of you and all of you together. I say this confidently.

Going back to my issue with the message board. Since I am a private investigator and have learned from many cases that you can't assume anything only investigate fact. It bothers me that you all have these expert opinions based on nothing and they are not even educated( sorry Dr., but the Dr. doesn't always account for common sense).

I am writing this against the wishes of the agency. They said be nice. it's hard to be when offended. Why don't you contact me and let me waste my time proving to you what fact is. One they Children's agency did lie about me making $50,000 last year. I did it in 3 weeks with honorarium and book sales. I asked them why they didn't put the truth about how quickly i did it and they were right in saying that the authors will think it not believable. Now to show you. I am going to be touring 2 weeks from April18-29 in Loudoun county Va and Ocean City MD. come see what I do fist hand and I will show you the numbers. I will make around $40,000 for the 2 weeks. The problem is that unsuccessful authors like to sit around and need to have a purpose by giving expert opinions to new authors. I am way to busy being successful to do this, but some of you need a wake up call. You own failure is your fault and you really aren't helping, only hurting authors when giving them advice on good and bad when you have no idea what you are talking about. My job isn't to waste time complaining or I would then turn into you complainers. I am willing to show you fact. Are you willing to see it? I know several other authors who are happy with The agency.

The agents from the CLA have great business minds. I was the one who suggested they recommend editors because any one can edit grammar and spelling. I have a button on my computer that does it. Knowing how to better communicate to your target market is also important. Most seasoned writer's think they do, but don't. Why do you think such a small percentage of people get published. And beside they may waste money like i did with the first person i had edit. She was an english teacher so the grammar and spelling were perfect. I have personally helped best selling authors who were previously published through big houses finally make money. That's the difference between the new and old era. I was a successful investment banker who understands business. Most book industry people know what they know and aren't great at business.

If you would like to contact me to educate your self more on the real world, call me or email. You can reach me through my website. I feel for all of you experts who have time to play on all the message boards. Turn that negative time and energy around and focus it on positively moving forward in your life and you may become successful also. I don't mean all in money, but to me success means fully being happy with where you are and what you're doing and with all your negativity, you're not there.

If I offended you I'm sorry, but maybe you needed to be offended. I will also entertain any apologies for tieing me into what was called a scheme. This may not be about you I just grabbed all the emails from the board so you could here my side. By the way. I was first printed Jan 05 and within 6 months I accomplished more than most writers do in a lifetime so I believe I speak from authority about business epecially with my background and experiences.

Peter Parente

What they did for me:

sold my publishing company and got me the terms I required.
set up my school appointments based on my school models
told me not to create such a big website, but to keep it simple and not waste my money. I chose to waste my money to do extrs because I wanted to
Got me to an editor who gave me some priceless advice
currectly working on licensing for toys, games, T.V., and Movies. I was in meetings yesterday with investment bankers about the TV show.
Helped some authors I know
They work with they author in the capacity they are looking for. Most authors just want to be published until they are and then are unhappy with the deal. I like being rewarded for my work, you?
That's all for now. I won't be checking back.

Even if I were considering blowing off the Absolute Write members' concerns, Mr. Alternate View here has convinced me that his alleged agency is a scam. Look, dude -- if you're going to put up an indignant sock-puppet post going on and on about what a successful published author you are, at least make the damn post well-written. And if you want to convince people on this message board that the agency can help them, you've gone about it the wrong way. Your defensive, ranting tone has precisely the opposite effect.

I googled Peeper and the Kinkajou. It was written by Peter Parente and published by "Peeper and Friends." Peeper and Friends is a publishing company founded by -- wait for it -- Peter Parente. I suppose I could start my own publishing company to get my book out there, but I can't think why I'd need this agency in order to do that.

[Cyia]

Zombie post rising.

That post is 7 years old.

[CassandraW]

Ha! I didn't even notice! Sorry about that! I've spent so much time battling demons in query hell that zombies look normal to me.