Lindsey's Literary Services (Emily Armenta, Bonnie James)

Conflict of interest with an editing service.

smallthunder said:

Greetings --
I've read on P&E that this agent/agency is "not recommended" -- can anybody provide me with details on why this is the case?
Thanks.

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Lindsey's Literary Services refers writers to an editing service run by Kay Garrett. It also shares an address and fax number with Durban House, a publisher that has offered contracts requiring authors to pay $25,000. Durban House is run by Richard Lewis, husband of Karen Lewis, who runs Karen Lewis & Co., a literary agency that places books with Durban House and refers authors to a paid editing service run by...Kay Garrett. Can you say "multiple conflicts of interest"?

- Victoria

*Figures*

I was happy to get a request for my first three chapters, synopsis and something about me last night. I did my usual "What's wrong with this picture" and came here to see what was wrong. Now how do I politely word a reply that I have no desire to pay them?

*back to the grind*

Perhaps wait and see if they approach you for the editing for a fee and then say thanks but no thanks...and that you'll keep looking for an agent that doesn't charge.

I presume that along with the multiple conflicts of interest, Bonnie has a minimal track record of legitimate sales?

Try this for a letter:

James D. Macdonald said:

I presume that along with the multiple conflicts of interest, Bonnie has a minimal track record of legitimate sales?

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I've confirmed that all the "sales" the agency cites are to Durban House (a vanity publisher), though they use different publisher names.

- Victoria

Lydia Manx said:

I was happy to get a request for my first three chapters, synopsis and something about me last night. I did my usual "What's wrong with this picture" and came here to see what was wrong. Now how do I politely word a reply that I have no desire to pay them?

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Why tell them? Why be polite? Write back with more questions. Be creative. See what they say. Save it up and post it all here when you're done.

Lindsey's can't spell

i got a reply from Lindseys 14 months after I submitted a letter of inquiry. I was requested to provide the first 3 chapters along with a bio but the header to the letter I received read:
Lindsey's Leterary Services

They can't even spell! I'd rather let a blind person walk me across the street.

It would be interesting to know if they misspelled it deliberately for trademark purposes.

The last contact I have for them (from an author who was referred to Kay Garrett) was from July of this year, so I think they're still active, just maybe in stealth mode.

- Victoria

I haven't heard anything about them since sometime in 2008...but you never know.

- Victoria