For a disturbing report on Sullivan Maxx agent Melissa Lee, see this thread in Ask the Agent (I've been given permission to reveal the agent's name.)
Here are the basics, from the original poster:
This is a red flag: an agent shouldn't start subbing out a manuscript before offering a representation contract, or make a contract contingent on getting publication offers. Hedging your bets this way is not reputable behavior.
The OP followed up.
Writers be warned.
Ms. Lee doesn't appear to have had any professional agenting experience before getting hired by Sullivan Maxx, and she doesn't appear to have made any book placements for her clients. Which makes her unprofessional behavior less surprising, but no less disturbing.
One also has to wonder about the policies of an agency that's willing to hire an apparently completely unqualified, dubiously committed agent.
- Victoria
That poor writer. This is why these forums are such a valuable tool.
