Fletcher in the Wild

S.T. Literary Agency - Is anyone familiar with them? I sent them my manuscript. They responded with interest and a questionnaire. Before filling out the questionniare I wrote back asking if they would require any fees for their services. This is their reply:

We specialize in helping new authors get the credibility they need. I have recently joined the company and we are expanding the number of authors we represent. However, the timeframes are long and the odds are stacked against new writers so we have made a business decision to defray the administrative costs associated with maintaining our relationship. We charge a one time fee of $129 when you are accepted into our company and that covers putting you into our database, our communications, and the marketing materials we build on your behalf. There is a $14 fee for printing, binding and mailing a manuscript.
Those fees are DEDUCTED from our commission upon a sale.
I hope that helps.

What do you think?

still charging fees

Before I was aware of this website I sent these guys my recently produced show for the stage. They wrote back that they were interested in representing me. when I asked if they charged any fees, they sent me this...


We specialize in helping new authors get the credibility they need. I have recently joined the company and we are expanding the number of authors we represent. However, the timeframes are long and the odds are stacked against new writers so we have made a business decision to defray the administrative costs associated with maintaining our relationship. We charge a one time fee of $129 when you are accepted into our company and that covers putting you into our database, our communications, and the marketing materials we build on your behalf. There is a $14 fee for printing, binding and mailing a manuscript.
Those fees are DEDUCTED from our commission upon a sale.
I hope that helps.

Best regards,
Jill Mast
ST Administration


********************
I've since replied and told them I was not interested in being represented by anyone who charges me a fee. To please destroy my script. So if any of you hear of a play called "Southern Exposure" that my show...if it's not written by Thomas Amo...then something is very wrong!!!

Jill Mast ST Literary Agency

Could anyone offer any info on this?

I recently rec'd this from

Jill Mast
ST Literary Agency

ST Literary Agency has performed a top-level review of your submittal package and we believe that you have potential. However we are very particular about the authors that we choose to work with. As success in this ultra-competitive business requires the "whole package" we would like to know more about you, and about the history of your work, before we take the next step.

Below is our PreContract Author Intake Form (AIF). Would you please take a minute and fill it out?

Thank you again for your time. As always, we congratulate you on your achievements thus far, and we encourage you to continue to follow your dreams.

Best regards,
The New Author Group
ST Literary Agency
:clover

ST Lit Update

To All concerned:

ST authors are receiving the exact same emails concerning the exact same submissions made in the exact same amounts to the exact same publishers in the exact same time frame. Sound fishy? Do you really think Fletcher is printing, binding, and submitting your work to who he claims he is? Read the emails, compare them to your own, then decide. Contact me: [email protected] if you wish to compare your notes to ours. In the meantime, check this out:

Let's begin with the so-called submittal list. Any of these publishers sound familiar?

"Number of contacts:&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 13
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp We submitted your work to these
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp companies.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Contact&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp City&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp St.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Simon & Schuster&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Regan Books / HarperCollins&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ballentine Books / Random House&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Random House / Vintage&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Kensington Publishing Corp.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Viking&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Delacorte&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dutton&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Doubleday&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp SOHO PRESS&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Fawcett&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Scribner&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NY
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp G.P Putnam's Sons&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp New York"


ST Lit 1st submission email:

"As promised, we submitted <insert name of work here> to the attached list of
potential buyers after we qualified their interest.

Next begins the follow through process. Sometimes we will hear feedback
immediately. Sometimes we never hear anything (not very often though).
We will contact you in about 2-3 weeks about what we have heard, or not
heard, as the case may be. We typically will let you know when we have
received about half the responses. Of course, if we have any good news,
we will let you know immediately.

Because this is your first time to go through this with us, there are a
few things to understand about our submittal process.

First, we cannot reveal the recipients names although we can tell you
the company. If the person were ever contacted outside our channel for
any reason they would immediately terminate their relationship with us.
(And yes, it has happened). Unfortunately, in many ways this is a very
"closed door" industry, much to the detriment of new authors.

Secondly, many writers wonder why certain companies were chosen? Be
advised that we have relationships inside these companies that know the
"behind the scenes" situation. It may be that a smaller company is
really a feeder for a larger company, or that our contact knows about an
upcoming opportunity, or that our contact recently moved from one
company to another. It's a moving target out there.

Finally, if you gave us some suggestions and they are not on the list,
the reason is that we could not get authorization to send to that
particular contact. It doesn't mean that we won't ever get to them,
just for now, they weren't open to receive.

Also, we tend to target the larger companies on the first batch. We've
learned that we can work just as hard for a lot of money, as for smaller
money. We will look at smaller niches later on for additional batches
if needed.

Best regards always,

Robert Fletcher
Principal

p.s. the extras are on us."

The "extras" are a nice touch, huh? EVERYONE gets the same emails. I have 5 authors on my list so far. We have compared notes and discovered this ruse. More are welcome. EMAIL me your emails. Discretion is assured. Victims of this scam artist please contact me.

Need more proof?

2nd email:

"As promised, it's been about two weeks since we mailed for you and here
is a summary of what has happened for <insert name of work here>.

The good news is that I have one lead who has indicated that on first
glance it looked pretty good. About half have passed, and the rest have
not responded or gotten back to me. (This is normal for this time
frame).

This is actually good news. Even getting a halfway positive response is
good in this crazy business.

I will continue to followup and achieve closure on the missing
responses. Believe me, I am very diligent in the followup process.
Other than our upcoming vacation, this usually takes 2-3 more weeks.

Continued best wishes for our mutual success. Patience is a virtue in
this industry!

Robert Fletcher
Principal

What does 'looks good' mean? That means that the OPP caught their
attention (like it is supposed to do) and they want to actually spend
some time with your work. It does NOT mean that they read it and want
to buy it. Don't quit the day job, please!"

Sound familiar? Exactly how many clients does Fletcher have at $129.00 a pop?? A regular rotation of payments for non-existent hardcopy submissions that probably ranges in the thousands of dollars. ST authors CONTACT ME! We cannot allow this FRAUD to go unpunished.

Need MORE proof?

3rd email:

"Sometimes this is a tough job for Agents... unfortunately all the
recipients of <insert name of work here> from the first batch have passed.

Here are a few sample comments that we received. Unfortunately, most
are this brief. Also, quite a few of the 'pass' comments are given to
us right on the phone during our followup calls.

------------

"Thanks for the read. This one's not for us. Good luck."

Thanks for submitting your manuscript to me. It is a pass for me.

Thank you for submitting your manuscript. Unfortunately, it is not
right for us at this time. Please feel free to contact me in the future
with any new queries you might have. Thanks again,

We have read your material and enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it is not a
piece that we would be able to pursue at this point in time.

Thanks for the read. Although it is an engaging and well conceived,
unfortunately we do not
feel that it fits with our current development needs. Good luck with
this project.

--------------

I really do try to dig in and get feedback. It's an uncomfortable phone
call, and, just like all of us, they don't like to say "no", and believe
me they have to say it all too often.

We continue to believe that your material is saleable, we just need the
right combination of factors to fall into place. We believe in you so
hang in there.

At this time we have to decide if you want to send out another batch.
Because we did get the positive response we are willing to work it with
you . Some authors don't get this offer because their first batch falls
totally flat.

Furthermore, we would like to do another batch because, in our opinion,
one batch is not enough to draw conclusions from, but two are.

I continue to wish you the best and I have the highest hopes for our
mutual success. Let me know about the next batch at your earliest
convenience because it is easier to work it when it is fresh in our
minds.

Onwards, ever onwards,

Sincerely,
Robert Fletcher
Principal"

How about a "Second Round of Submissions" email:

"Good news on <insert name of work here>
>
> One of our contacts has advanced your manuscript to the next level.
> (Unfortunately, the rest have passed or not responded). What this means
> is that they liked it enough that they will show it around to others and
> try to build a consensus inside their company.
>
> You are now competing with about 5-10 other competitors,.... so....there
> is still a long way to go, and the fact that they make their decisions
> by committee is always tough, but at least you've made it to the next
> level."

Or the THIRD round of submissions:

"Good news on <insert name of work here>

Maybe the third time will be the charm ... we think we have two
interested parties at this point from the third batch. Both are solid
leads and they will now be working it through their respective
companies. (As usual the rest have not responded or passed, but so
what, it just takes one)."

Surely this is enough proof for any doubting Thomas. ST authors compare these emails to your own, realize that you've been victimized, and contact me at the above email address. The authorities can ignore one or two disgruntled authors, but can they ignore us ALL?

It's time for Fletcher to answer for these crimes. Let's see if he has postage receipts for all of these so-called submissions, hmm?

TruthSeeker

Interesting

This email discussion occurred over the last two days between P&E and Wendy Conger who appears to be a member of ST Literary Agency. Read the messages from the bottom up to get the correct sequence. The "Whatever." is her last response to me at P&E.


Whatever.



-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto [email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 12:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: I think it's high time...



Dear Ms. Conger,



No. P&E is a service to writers. As such, it has a right to post recommendations.



Cordially,

Dave Kuzminski, Editor

Preditors & Editors (tm)

-------------- Original message from "Wendy Conger" : --------------

….you take your derogatory remarks about ST Literary Agency off your site. Your concerns are unfounded and it’s not fair to this company. Please take it off. Thanks!

Wendy Conger

Mundelein, IL

ST Contract

I'm new to your boards, but not the writing game. I was recently "accepted" by ST. I was very excited when I received my AIF (Author Information Form) until I read that they liked to deal "with writers like me".

This phrase gave me shivers, so I did more investigating and ran across the boards. Judging from the number of adverse comments sprawled through these pages about ST Literary Agency (and I admit that I haven't read them all in the two days that I've known about you), I became quite wary.

Sure enough, this evening I received an email with the contract offer. Granted, I'm not a lawyer, but the contract is straightforward. It mentions nothing about "up front fees", but it does mention admin fees. Here is the contractual paragraph of which I speak:

"Any Administrative fees approved, by, and paid by Writer for services performed by Agent will be reimbursed from Agent proceeds in the event of a sale. The Writer is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any administrative fees not specifically agreed to by Writer in advance. The Agent is not responsible for damage or loss or return of any material."

The contractual package also included pages that constituted the up front "fee" in the form of an OPP (Online Pitch Page). This is the second paragraph from the explanation of the OPP form.

"There is a one-time intake fee of $79 for the building of the website Online Pitch Page and a one-time fee of $50 for setting you up in our database system that we will use for the term of our engagement. ($79 for the OPP and $50 for the database and setup processes = $129 total)."

As a Database Administrator, I know that it takes approximately ten seconds to add a new user to a database, although, I have to admit that the OPP page is intriguing because it is in the form of a web site.

However, I think I'd much rather tape 129 George Washingtons to my TP roll than to use it for "Administration Fees".

Victoria, if you are reading this, and you want a contract for Writer Beware, just post it here. I'll watch for a response. My guess is, however, you have already had this offer.

Sincerely,

Ulysses Grant Lyman

A rapid response -- this time

A follow-up to my post of yesterday.

I sent STL a frosty email yesterday severing any potential relationship I had with them. Today I received the following from Jill Mast. (All other emails had a week's lag.):

The negative comments on the web are from 1) people we didn't accept, 2) people we fired, 3) people that don't understand the real ins and outs of running a Literary Agency that will even work with brand new, unpublished authors. We have sales, we defray our costs, we give you personal and timely communications (like this one).

Professionals see through the innuendo and misinformation. Our goal is to have relationships with writers that understand this is a business.

We deleted your materials per your request. If you should happen to get another email from us, please disregard it and that will remove you from our
process completely.

Our company has a time lag in certain communications from department to department.

Best to you in your career.

I can't thank everyone here enough for making me see I had to take the rosy glasses off my eyes.

callalily

Re: ST Literary Agency, 'editing next?'

Letter (oops email) from STL BEFOIRE I read these posts. Everything is 'canned' I am sure their PC's have 200 form letter with spaces for your detales.
From ST LIT:
Sometimes (usually) this is a tough job for us as Agents...
Unfortunately we must report that all the recipients of Series: Terry
the Little Red Tip Truck from the first batch have passed.

Here are a few sample comments that we received. Unfortunately, most
are this brief (and this generic). Quite a few are given to us right on
the phone during our followup calls. I really do try to dig in and get
feedback*. It's an uncomfortable communication. Just like all of us,
they don't like to say "no", and believe me, they have to say it all too
often.

------------

"Thanks for the read. This one's not for us. Good luck."

Thanks for submitting your manuscript to me. It is a pass for me.

Thank you for submitting your manuscript. Unfortunately, it is not
right for us at this time. Please feel free to contact me in the future
with any new queries you might have. Thanks again,

We have read your material and enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it is not a
piece that we would be able to pursue at this point in time.

--------------

If you would like to get more extensive feedback let me know and I'll
connect you with someone that can coach you inexpensively.
If you know that your work is where it needs to be, then let's press on.
As I mentioned, we can't make too many decisions from just one batch.
In short, it's your call, we can either dig into the material or press
into the second batch.

One way to look at it is that we didn't get any 'strong negatives'.
Therefore, we continue to believe that your material is saleable, we
just need the right combination of factors to fall into place. We
believe in you so we're not throwing in the towel if you won't.

At this time we have to decide if you want to send out another batch.
Because we did get the positive response we are willing to work it with
you . Some authors don't get this offer because their first batch falls
totally flat. We would like to do another batch because, in our
opinion, one batch is not enough to draw conclusions from, but two are.
As you know, the literature is replete with stories as to how many
rejections most authors received along their path to success.

I continue to wish you the best and I have the highest hopes for our
mutual success. Let me know about the next batch at your earliest
convenience because it is easier to work it when it is fresh in our
minds. Also, the next batch is less expensive ($95 instead of $140) ((Actually it was $50 DB))
because you are loaded into the printing system and we have some
efficiencies we can pass along. We do everything we can to keep your
out of pocket costs at a minimum.

In short.. onwards, ever onwards is the mantra of this day. If you
would like to get the next batch going while everything is still fresh,
just let us know and we'll send you the paperwork, or drop us a check
for $95. Our mailing address is ST Lit / RapidPublishing, P.O. Box
272503, Boca Raton, Fl. 33427.

Sincerely,
Robert Fletcher
Principal

Dawn (Sinrise43)

Re: ST Literary Agency, 'editing next?'

Just a quick side-note. A few pages back, our old friend Robert Fletcher posted an angry letter demanding our respect or else lawsuits "were gonna fly." Of course that was April, and he hasn't sued anyone yet. Apparantly hasn't sold a book either.

I am a screenwriter, and I nearly fell victim to Robert until checking this site before making a move. Thank God.

For any fellow aspiring scribes out there, don't be fooled by ST's b.s. or the alleged testimonial of a "screenwriter" client of Robert's.

This pseudo-screenwriter said of ST, and Robert quotes:

"I would be happy to give a reference. ST Literary has always been upfront and proactive whenever I
communicate with them."

--- From what other members have posted, ST has been sending out the EXACT same generic e-mails some 2-3 weeks after sending out a "batch." And not one former, disgruntled ST client has ever spoken on any telephone conversation with anybody at ST.

In the film world, next to NOTHING is communicated by e-mail, even today. The film industry, especially with spec sales, is still a face and phone industry. So, scribes, don't be fooled by rising technology. This would-be scribe is full of it.

"I always receive a timely response whenever I ask a
question or for ST Literary to do a follow-up with a production company."

--- Of course, if this writer was smart, he'd be using his agented credentials and talking his way into the prodco's doors, and selling himself like a pair of shoes. That's Hollywood. But it's clear from the first sentence that we're not talking about the loftiest of career standards/expectations.

"In the business of writing...I have learned the following. As a new writer (even though I have been pursuing the craft of screenwriting for six years) you must actively market your work on your own."

---Which he is clearly not doing. No mention whatsoever as to whether or not the guy is even L.A., which is THE place to market your script strengths. If he was, he would surely know that ST is not, and thereby be on to the scam.

There is no magic pill or quick elevator to the top. To reach a level that is expected in Hollywood, a screenwriter must constantly write and learn from each creative task via a screenplay."

---Gee thanks, Mr. McKee. We asked for a testimonial on the genius of Robert Fletcher. Not a how-to, common sense guide. Who died and made you Syd Fields? And what exactly is an "expected level" in Hollywood? Everyone expects you to fail. The industry thrives on kicking fallen bodies (see the new docu: "Overnight"...woah boy).

"I am currently writing screenplay number eight (the industry average for a first time sale is nine)...I feel that I am getting close to my goal."

---Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Nowhere is it documented that it takes at least 9 specs to get it right. Very few agencies stick around long enough for the ninth script, especially when the previous 8 couldn't open a can of tuna fish, much less the eyes of a studio exec/"name"/prodco., etc. In today's increasingly competative industry, agents are looking for a ball right out of the cannon, which is alternately productive and counter.

Or, at the very least, they're trying to get their writers in the door for possible assignments, re-writes, pitch meetings, or anything resembling a paid gig if the specs aren't moving. Doesn't this writer realize what ST is not doing?

"I look forward to the day when I make that first sale and I know I will be good hands with ST Literary as they will be there to look after my business interests."

---And what an amazing job they've done so far. He didn't specify how long he has been a client, but I hope to God he didn't have ST "moving" the previous 8 specs that nobody read (obviously because ST never sent them), which would mean that he paid...I don't even want to do the math. At this point, I'm hoping this testimonial is completely false.

"I would say to new writers that sign with ST Literary...don't expect things to happen quickly...if they do that's great...becoming a great writer is like becoming a great doctor...it takes study and training over a number of years."

--- The difference being, of course, that one spends truckloads of money on med school and comes out with guaranteed employment. You're not supposed to spending hundreds of dollars on a third-rate con artist to pretend to be pushing specs in Boca Baton, FL. And what exactly are you learning about screenwriting in the process?

"An agency (any agency) is only as good as the writers they
represent..."

---With scribes like you on board, cowboy, your advice is well taken. And consider yourself a nice example for all of the other screenwriters on this board that agencies like ST do, in fact, exist. It took me two or three attemped scams to realize it myself, but it truly is a take-no-prisoners industry.

"Naturally they're those writers who don't write with an
intensity that separates them from the masses and the elite number of professionals..."

---An obvious positive/negative typo that actually sums you up nicely, Gary. Not to mention that the selected passage makes precious little sense. Man, I can't wait to see Spec #9!!!

"I strive to tell the best story I possibly can that will be
entertaining and also be marketable."

---But when you're paying your way in and thinking you're making productive strides, you're only swallowing your own tail. If you really do exist, Gary, and are not just a figment of Fletch's imagination, I hope to God you're reading this. A marketable script isn't marketable by itself. Pages don't pitch themselves. Writers do. Please, for the sake of humanity, get out from ST's bank-breaking grasp.

In other words..."don't quit your day
job...the one that pays the bills"...but work on improving one's skill level...and to be honest...it takes time.

---What shouldn't take time, Gary, is one's b.s. barometer. If you trust a guy like Fletch, you're going to end up like the greatest screenwriter who's ever lived, who, by the way, is sleeping unsoundly on a cement floor tonight, because he was almost as gullible and clueless as you.

I wouldn't quit my day job either.

RESPEKT
----cdr---

Re: ST Literary Agency, 'editing next?'

Hi, Sinrise.

Here you are, with a letter from Fletcher that says:

<BLOCKQUOTE>------------

"Thanks for the read. This one's not for us. Good luck."

Thanks for submitting your manuscript to me. It is a pass for me.

Thank you for submitting your manuscript. Unfortunately, it is not
right for us at this time. Please feel free to contact me in the future
with any new queries you might have. Thanks again,

We have read your material and enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it is not a
piece that we would be able to pursue at this point in time.

-------------- </BLOCKQUOTE>

and here was TruthSeeker back in May, with this letter from Fletcher:

<BLOCKQUOTE>------------

"Thanks for the read. This one's not for us. Good luck."

Thanks for submitting your manuscript to me. It is a pass for me.

Thank you for submitting your manuscript. Unfortunately, it is not
right for us at this time. Please feel free to contact me in the future
with any new queries you might have. Thanks again,

We have read your material and enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it is not a
piece that we would be able to pursue at this point in time.

Thanks for the read. Although it is an engaging and well conceived,
unfortunately we do not
feel that it fits with our current development needs. Good luck with
this project.

-------------- </BLOCKQUOTE>

Freaky, isn't it?

Re: ST Responses

I received a response from ST as a result of my questions. One from Robert, one from Leslie and a beeeuty from Robert telling me how they have sent out my second batch!!!!!:rollin

-----Original Message-----
From: Dawn Bellamy >D
Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2004 12:28 AM
To: Jill Mast; John Rain; Julie; Lesliew@rapidpublishing. com
Subject:


Hi, Robert, Jill and Leslie, can you please explain these extracts from a 16 page web link I am sure you are familiar with. There seems to be several hundred against and only one or two for, and they are in the cycle and haven't received results from "Publishers"

so far I have paid you $229 USD.

Dawn Bellamy

And the Response!

The bottom line is this:
1. We do what we say we are going to do. Your manuscript is sent out, we follow up to try to sell it, and do everything possible to that end.

2. This is a very competitive business, and we are very upfront with you and our other clients about that. We tell you that there is a low overall chance of success, and there are no guarantees. Even very good work can go unpublished if the timing is not right, or there are too many other choices available, or for a slew of other reasons. We took on your work because we feel you have a chance. Otherwise, we would not spend our time reviewing, sending and pitching it.

3. "Old school" agencies did not charge anything to authors up front, but there is a catch. They would only take on a tiny, tiny number of clients, leaving most authors with no chance at all of selling their work. ST takes clients on based on their work, irrespective of whether they have been published already. This increases our overall risk, and so we ask for our clients to help defray some of our costs associated with sending out the packages. Again, we are very upfront about the cost, and the reason for it. Any author has the opportunity to say "no, thanks" and we go on our separate ways.

4. ST has sold three titles to date. This may not seem like a lot, but in this competitive business it is quite good and we are proud of our accomplishments. Without our work, these authors might never have gotten published. Now they have a real chance of success in their chosen field.

In short, just because people are saying negative things doesn't mean that they are true. Some are disgruntled authors whose works didn't sell, and they have a tendency to "shoot the messenger" and others have their own agendas. If you, personally, are unhappy with the job we are doing, then fire us. Otherwise, let's just move on and leave the online grumbling to the curmudgeons.

Sincerely,
Robert Fletcher
President




-----Original Message-----
From: Dawn Bellamy []
Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2004 12:28 AM
To: Jill Mast; John Rain; Julie; Lesliew@rapidpublishing. com
Subject:


Hi, Robert, Jill and Leslie, can you please explain these extracts from a 16 page web link I am sure you are familiar with. There seems to be several hundred against and only one or two for, and they are in the cycle and haven't received results from "Publishers"

so far I have paid you $229 USD.

Dawn Bellamy

ST Lit: Fletch walks, reflects on successful year.

I have very much enjoyed the massive thread dedicated to ST Literary Agency, those wannabe third-rate con artists.

I stopped by the site and saw more lies posted. And apparantly they have a new CEO, and an urgent request for manuscripts

From www.stliteraryagency.com/-children:

<<<<<INFORMATION REQUEST:
Publishing Company Looking For School Focused Manuscripts to Publish or Distribute
===================================================================

Your Name:
Your Phone:
Your Email:


Title of Manuscript or Titles of All Manuscripts that you believe would sell to School Systems:
=================================================================== >>>>>>

I'm a screenwriter, so this seemingly enticing post doesn't mean anything to me. But I wouldn't want some newbie novelist falling for their lies. Any of the experienced writers on this board want to check out the link and shoot the appropriate holes?

Also, and I don't think this has been brought up before, but our old friend Fletch is stepping down "to pursue other projects in the industry." I suppose the scam business isn't bringing in enough cash?

From the press release:

<<< ST Literary Agency Announces New CEO:
Founder Steps Aside to Pursue Distribution Company.

ST Literary Agency, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Jennifer Dublino to the role of CEO. The founder, Mr. Robert Fletcher, is stepping down to pursue other projects in the industry.

"Every growing company must realize when the entrepreneur needs to step out of the way and let the company grow," said Mr. Fletcher.

As we've all seen first hand, Fletch, you've done an amazing job thus far. Was it four writers your profiled on this very board just eight months ago who hadn't a single sale between them?

By the way, real literary agencies grow by expanding their staff, selling books and screenplays, everything but making the writer pay their way in. They don't succeed with constantly-changing management. Clear-cut sign of disorganization.

"ST is rapidly becoming a major force in the publishing industry. My skill set is different than what the company needs now. We need more organization, more quality control, and more planned growth.

Where's James MacDonald at? Haven't we already established over and over on this board that ST is the antithesis to a major force in the publishing industry?

The need for more organization, control, growth, etc. is just corporate babble. Another way of saying "I don't know what I'm doing."

I've known Ms. Dublino for years and she can provide what our clients need. My decision is based on what is best for our clients."

This is the first time that name has cropped on on any ST-relate thread, at least to my knowledge. Has anybody dealt with this woman before? There's a novelist at Writer's Net (www.writers.net/forum/rea...4/22073Vf) who has done extensive background checks on ST, exposing their fraud piece by piece. But I haven't seen that name before. Perhaps just another alias?

Mr. Fletcher will no longer be involved in daily management. Mr. Fletcher will be focusing on the Platform Program, certain key accounts, and creating a distribution company.

And this relates to selling books and screenplays how...

"Distribution is key," added Mr. Fletcher. "I have seen great work not make it to the consumer and I'm going to change that".

Huh? Are they now fancying themselves a production company/publishing house as well? How many literary agencies have a distribution company? Perhaps things are a tad different in the literary world, but I haven't heard of any agency that does this?

And distribution to where? To bookstores? Don't legit publishing companies already have that end taken care of?

Ms. Dublino is a writer, an editor, and a self-employed entrepreneur. Most recently she was the CEO of Pro Creative Marketing Group, Inc., a creative marketing and technology company. She has been associated with the writing industry for over 10 years.

Anbody feel like fact-checking this? Seems like everybody Fletch does business with is a writer and CEO, completely self-made, like our old friend Paul Anderson, the rabble-rousing self-help "futurist" / bottom-feeding public speaker. And what does a marketing CEO know about selling manuscripts?

"I know what writers go through", said Ms. Dublino. "I plan to provide more coaching and more feedback and increase the quality of our offerings".

Based on your predecessor's track record, honey, your company's problems are far greater than feedback and quality control. How is coaching going to help your business when you haven't sold a book yet?

Ms. Dublino added, "Also, the sales team and processes that Mr. Fletcher has put in place are working nicely. Our sales team is working with the top buyers in the world and I just need to give them more quality product to work with".

Sales team? Top buyers in the world? Are you a literary agency or Coca-Cola? And why haven't these top buyers in all over the world bought a book from you yet?

Ms. Dublino does plan to make changes. "One of the first changes that I will be implementing is that ST will only take edited work, or work that is given a passing grade by one of our editors. I plan to be more selective."

No mention whatsoever to a change in the laughable fees mandate or the needless "pitch page" that ST boasts about.

But wait, folks, it gets better. I present to you, Fletch's final speech to the troops. Light it up, Bobby...

A Mid-Year Letter From the President of ST Literary Agency, Inc.

To: Prospective and Existing Clients
From: Robert Fletcher, President
Re: Some Thoughts For Our Mutual Success


Whew! What a whirlwind the last few years have been for St. Literary! Book sales have been made, screenplay option agreements have been signed (and refused), and we’ve hired another four people in various capacities.

Is this guy out of his mind? And this is the "mid-year report"? That would place the date of this letter (which was undated) at about May or June 2004, about the time he was posting angry, empty threats on this board, and having every single of his non-arguments shot to hell by the educated among the board members.

This would also be about the time where he provided testimonials from at least 4 authors who hadn't a single sale to speak of. So did these sales magically occur at about the same time, Fletch?

Oh, and by the way, for clairty purposes, producers option screenplays. Agents sell them. Just thought I'd let you know.

We’ve just signed a lease on a new office and we're growing quite smoothly. We continue to get praise letters about the efficiency of our electronic methods.

But where are the SALES, Fletch? Efficiency of our electronic methods can mean a lot of things, but it doesn't mean you're selling books. I send e-mails to my grandmother twice a week telling her how proud I am that she's gotten the hang of using e-mail. Her electronic methods are growing in efficiency also. Have you sold a book yet?

The professional level of our client base is still climbing as well. At this point in time we have a dozen lawyers, as many doctors, and many, many accountants, engineers and other professionals on our roster.

Doing what? The guy posts this letter on the website of the company he's stepping down from, and what? Are we supposed to be impressed by the litany of "clients"? Are these supposed to be writers or agents?

I guess it does take a lot of accountants to calculate all the money you've ripped off of vulernable writers, Fletch, but engineers and doctors? Doing what? Selling books?

We also have teachers, ministers, stay-at-home moms, military officers, business owners, and a wide cross-section of talents that we can turn to for any writing assignments that we receive.

In my experience in film, writing assignments come up through production companies who deal with known writers with at least somewhat of a track record. They don't go to agencies with completely unknown and unproven talent, so on the film end of that statement, he's lying again.

We are becoming known for our ‘depth-off-the-bench’ by the buyers as well. We easily have 3-5 authors in every genre, both fiction and non-fiction. If one work doesn’t fit, we can offer others and cross-sell our authors on every sales call we make. Furthermore, we have a growing group of international authors whose non-US-centric view is quite often a refreshing change for our buyers.

I guess this really is how some people move up in the world, by any means possible. Most of you are going to laugh when you read these disgracefully self-aggrandizing statements. He goes on and on using every corproate cliche in the book, but not one sale to speak of.


On the darker side, we’ve now been around long enough that there are numerous detractors out there. One of my favorite rants, is that ‘we steal manuscripts and send them to China and Europe where they are hungry for anything American’. Yikes! Can you imagine?! . ..

I knew he read these boards. But that was a concern of a writer on Writer's Net, while the novelists here to seem debunk the theory that Chinese and European readers would care about unknown U.S. authors. I don't know. I've heard different sides to this argument.

If you see these comments please take them with a grain of salt. I easily have 20 letters of praise for every bad apple that we have terminated and who is ranting and I’m happy to share references at any time.

How about 20 letters or praise from 20 different people for each and every person who has complained on the 17 pages of the S.T. thread, Fletch? Now that would be showing me something.

And who cares about letters of praise? If I were a legit agent who was constantly being hounded like this, I'd show 20 letters of sales to shut up the detractors. Who cares what nice things people have to say about me if I'm selling books? Alas, Fletch...


What’s next? ….


There is only one acceptable answer to this question, and that answer is, MORE SALES FOR OUR AUTHORS!!!!

Good luck, Fletch, perhaps you could "sell" three books in 2K5 to PoD houses. That would be three more than your 2004 sales seem to indicate.

As our first plan of attack we’re exhibiting at Book Expo in June in Chicago. Secondly, we’ll be attending the Frankfurt Bookfair in Germany in October.

I think a German novelist on this board saw them in Frankfurt, but nothing happened. And apparantly they didn't sell any books as a result of their presence there.

International rights management is a very rapidly growing aspect of our business. This featured very prominently in the book we sold to Globe-Pequot, “Too Much Tuscan Sun” written by a tour-guide in Italy with strong European sales already.

First time I've ever read anything by Fletch where he mentions a sale. It is available on Amazon, with some genuinely flat reviews which seem to sum the book up nicely. The positive reviews look like plants.

But I don't get it, guys. If this letter is dated mid-year, when he posted that memorable letter to his "detractors" on Page 5 of the ST thread, how come these authors weren't mentioned? Why not go for the author for whom you have sold a book to sing your praises? What's the real story on this?

And finally, perhaps most interestingly, we are putting our own money behind authors that have a viable ‘platform’. What? An Agent that will back an author with capital?… Yes, that’s right.

Huh? First they make "informed business" decisions to charge $129 for them to not represent you, but now all of the sudden they're putting "capital" behind authors? What's up with this?

"Some authors have the ability to move 1000+ books based on their track record, constituency, or another marketing factor. If we see this situation, we will sometimes offer to step in and back the author with resources."

He makes less and less sense everytime he opens his mouth. I thought S.T. only wanted to deal with authors with no track record, thus making it more enticing for vulernable authors to pay up. Now he drops a vague notion about taking the extra step to ensure the author gets out there?

Is ST going legit? The horror...


Sorry for the length. Just figured you'd all get a kick out of it.

RESPEKT
---cdr---

About ST's Platform Program..

In my last thread, "ST Lit: Fletch Walks" I re-posted Fletch's letter about their new platform program, which is designed to put "capital" behind authors with track records.

Just thought I'd share this new scam with you guys:

Do You Think You Qualify For Our "Platform" Program?





To: Prospective and Existing Clients

From: Robert Fletcher, President




Re: Platform Application

This is a very aggressive and unique program where we will consider backing your manuscript with our resources and capital.

Pardon me for being a screenwriter, but aren't literary agencies supposed to do this anyway?

The gist of the program is that if we can assist you in reaching between 1000 and 3000 sales, you are much more interesting to the traditional publishing community as their risk is less and their odds of success are greater.


1. The program is only designed for authors that have demonstrated sales of their work. We'd like to see a minimum of 500 sold..... 1,000 sold is very good, and 5,000 plus sold is very powerful.

2. Repeat: The program is only designed for authors that have demonstrated sales of their work. If you don't have existing sales, please follow the regular submission requirements.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS LEVEL OF SALES, DO NOT FILL THIS APPLICATION OUT. I'm sorry, this program is NOT for ideas or proposals.

Also, we're looking for niches that we can mine and market to with our resources to assist you. Straight fiction is tough due to the difficulty in differentiation.

If you would like to enter into a dialogue and see if we are a fit for each other, please answer the questions below and then email.


When answering the questions below, feel free to paste any existing writeups that you have. I don't mind if you send me a very long email (or very short for that matter).

A. Describe the work... title, synopsis, market focus, etc.

B. Describe yourself... background, career, etc

C. Describe Sales to Date, and Selling Activities to Date.

D. Describe what you would like to do in the future if you had the resources.


Upon receipt of your email we will get back to you within 48 hours. All information that we receive will be kept in the strictest confidence. If you want more protection please feel free to request a non-disclosure form.

We look forward to a stimulating conversation with you.


Robert Fletcher

President



Anybody want to shed some light on this nonsense? This seems way outside the realm of what lit agencies are supposed to do.

But wait, here's the best part:

p.s. Our protege in this arena has sold 30,000 books and is still going strong. This program works.

I tell you, that Paul Anderson just doesn't go away, does it? I knew he was involved in this somehow. Is this another one of us his Customer Service mish-mash ideas?

None of this even makes sense. Why don't these guys just do business the legit way. It's a lot easier.

RESPEKT
---cdr---


p.s.s. Even if you don't qualify for the Platform Program, we still may be interested in representing you. Please feel free to submit your work to us. Visit the Submit Page for more information.

ST's New M.O.

Already the hand of ST's new management is beginning to be felt! Instead of merely charging authors for "setup" and submission, ST is now also tapping them for editing, in a scheme that's eerily (and perhaps not coincidentally) reminiscent of Edit Ink.

Here's an excerpt from a letter recently received by a writer who queried ST:

A manuscript that has been edited by a 3rd party professional is much more attractive to potential buyers and we commend you for your commitment to improving your writing.

Because of this we plan to offer you a contract for representation. First though, we would like for you to get your editing underway.

You may certainly choose any professional editor that you can find. However, we've had so many authors ask for an editing recommendation that we found a quality company to provide the editing service. We can vouch for the editors that they have and we've negotiated a good price for our authors. Go to www.myeditorisasaint.com and have a look at their New Author Starter Package. It's a good value and it works. I've taken the liberty of giving them your name so that if you contact them they will give you the priority that we've negotiated with them.

Remember, our primary goal is to sell your work. However, we are committed to a secondary goal and that is that we see you improve as both an author and as a writer business-person as a result of our interactions together.
Can we play "spot the fallacy"?

I'll start. myeditorisasaint.com is ST's own operation, run by Mark Bredt of "A Day In The Life of an Agent" fame.

- Victoria

Happy New Year from ST Literary Agency!

Hi! I'm new here, but the things I read about ST Lit. Agency on this message board saved me $129! My book was "accepted" by these folks a few months back, but then after reading all the unsavory things about ST on here and elsewhere on the web, I chose to tell them to take a hike. I'll take my chances somewhere else.

However, they sent me this email a few days ago and thought I'd share:

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Fletcher ST Lit Agency
[mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 10:17 AM
To: Mary Garner
Subject: ST Literary 2005 Update


Hello, and Happy New Year! Continued Best Wishes To You and Your
Writing Career!
==================================================================

The purpose of this email is to update you on some great changes at ST Literary Agency for 2005.

First and foremost, we have been steadily increasing the number of buyers that we contact regularly and are building strong relationships with them. We have added two administrative staff members to better handle the sales load created by our aggressive agents and to more
rapidly get our authors' material into the marketplace.

Secondly, we have successfully recruited new senior management to assist Mr. Fletcher. Ms. Jennifer Dublino will be taking on some of Mr. Fletcher's duties of communication and senior level management. Ms. Dublino is a writer and editor, as well as a businesswoman, so she is uniquely qualified to assume the role of CEO and to take ST and our clients to the next level. Mr. Fletcher will be focusing more on sales
activities and special projects, and will be traveling more frequently to New York, LA, and internationally.

New York in June: ST will be exhibiting in NY at the Book Expo America in June. We will also be attending the London Book Fair in March. We are committed to the international sales marketplace and we see it as one of
the best growth areas for our authors and our company.

Children's Initiative: We have been asked to put together a national children's book initiative aimed at school systems. We are honored to be chosen for this program and we will fill you in more as it develops. One
of our authors has had a very successful year with his children's books and we will be replicating his success in certain markets.

Movies & More: We are seeing a number of our film properties in action now and option agreements look imminent. Note: every year we suggest that our authors be sure their work is posted on www.inktip.com. (We are
not affiliated with this company; we respect what they are doing and the results they are achieving.)

In conclusion, we are still here, growing stronger every year, and look forward to 2005 being the best year possible for all of us.

Continued best regards,

Robert, Jennifer, Jill, Ray, Georgina, Leslie, Julie, Andrea, Mark, and Diane and all of the people who work with us to make your writing career a success.

******

ST in the WD!

Sunrisepro, forgive my ignorance, but why did you become suspicious of ST when they requested a profile? Do you think they are stealing material? I didn't become suspicious of them until they requested upfront money. their BBB banner had given me confidence that they were legit. Obviously, I was wrong. However, I told "Jill", who sent me an email using "John Rain's" account "No thanks." She replied with the following:

We specialize in helping new authors get the credibility they need. I have recently joined the company and we are expanding the number of authors we represent. However, the timeframes are long and the odds are stacked against new writers so we have made a business decision to defray the administrative costs associated with maintaining our relationship. We charge a one time fee of $129 when you are accepted into our company and that covers putting you into our database, our communications, and the marketing materials we build on your behalf. There is a minimal fee for printing, binding and mailing a manuscript.
Those fees are DEDUCTED from our commission upon a sale.
We wish you the best in your career.
Take care.


Best regards,
Jill Mast
ST Administration



What happens when there is no sale? We writers get nada and they keep $129 x (a bunch of hopefull writers).

Oh, well. You reap what you sow. I'd hate to be ST when the harvest is full.

Re: Rule of Thumb

HapiSofi,

I actually still have my email with the questions. Here they are:

ABOUT YOU:
==========
(please offset your answer from the question on the line
underneath the question)

Your Name:

What is your primary occupation? Many of our authors say "writer". Of
course you are a writer. What was your most recent "day job"? (If you are
a student, or a stay at home mom, that's fine too.)

What level of education did you complete?

What is your age? (Note: we are sorry but we cannot accept minors or
authors less than 18 years old.)

How long have you been writing? Briefly describe how you came to be a
writer and anything else that you feel may be helpful for your profile.

Please paste what you consider to be your professional author's bio here.
If you don't have one prepared yet, then just write up your background or
paste your resume.

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

ABOUT YOUR WORK:

What is the exact title of the work you are submitting to us now?

Please state if your work is a manuscript or screenplay.

Are there any contributors or other authors that must be credited? If there
is any question on who owns the copyright bring it up NOW.

What Genre and Keywords do you think apply?

What other works do you think it is similar to?

What is the word count or page count? (We can help you do this if you need
our
assistance).

What demographic target market do you think your work is targeted at?

Please describe any additional market research you have gathered?

Please paste the abstract/summary of your work here.

How many agents have you submitted to in the last year approximately?

What marketing have you done thus far?

What contests have you submitted to?

What Awards or Recognition have you or your work received?

How many other works do you have? (List them and describe them briefly
please).

===== END =======

Whew, that's it. Thank you again for taking the time to give us a more
complete overview of yourself and your writing.

You should expect to hear more from us within 2-4 weeks. If we have any
further questions, we'll send you an email.

Best regards and best wishes,
The New Author Team

I rejected ST, and here's what they said!

Hi all,

I was on the verge of submitting it all to ST (before I knew they charged a fee) when I found this delightful little sight. I politely declined their offer, and they sent me something totally out of the blue. Makes for an interesting read, if nothing else!

-----Original Message-----
From: Ford Gunter [mailto:********@********.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 11:18 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: ST Literary Agency : Query Received


Jill,

After doing some research of my own, I've decided to pass on your offer to read my manuscript. Please do not use my query letter in any way, and destroy any hard copies you may have printed out.

Thank you for your interest in my work,

Ford Gunter
---------------------------------------------------------

We deleted your materials per your request. If you should happen to get another email from us, please disregard it and that will remove you from our process completely.

Our company has a time lag in certain communications from department to department.

Best to you in your career.

The negative comments on the web are from 1) people we didn't accept, 2) people we fired, 3) people that don't understand the real ins and outs of running a Literary Agency that will even work with brand new, unpublished authors. We have sales, we defray our costs, we give you personal and timely communications (like this one).

Professionals see through the innuendo and misinformation. Our goal is to have relationships with writers that understand this is a business.

Here's our lawyers reply:

Re:Our Client: Robert Fletcher
Our File # : 264057

Dear Mr. Spencer:

Please be advised that the Law Offices of Glantz & Glantz, P.A., represents Robert Fletcher, President of ST Literary Agency, Inc. The firm is writing on Mr. Fletcher's behalf with regard to defamatory statements about our client published by your company on the Writers Net Website.

Mr. Fletcher advises that Writers Net has begun publishing a series of e-mails on the website that make untrue and derogatory statements about him and his literary agency business. These statements include, but are not limited to, untruths such as that he was convicted of a criminal offense
related to fraud on elderly investors, and that ST Literary Agency was "created to steal money from people across the globe." Other statements accuse Mr. Fletcher of being a "wanton perjurer," characterize his business as a "con game," and call his prior businesses a complete con.

These statements, and others, have adversely affected the business of ST Literary Agency, Inc. and include damage to the company's reputation. The statements also adversely affect Mr. Fletcher's personal reputation in the literary agent business and in the business community in general.

We have advised Mr. Fletcher that Net Concepts, as owner of the Writers Net Website and publisher of these defamatory statements, is liable for these statements in the form of injunctive relief and money damages, under applicable laws.

Accordingly, demand is herby made that Net Concepts and Writers Net immediately cease and desist and further derogatory statements about Mr. Fletcher, and about ST Literary Agency. Demand is also herby made for a public retraction and apology for these statements.

Your failure to respond as demanded herein shall be considered as an intention on your part to refuse to amicably resolve this dispute between you and Mr. Fletcher and ST Literary Agency. You will therefore leave us with no choice but to advise our client concerning the avenues available
under Florida and other applicable laws to enjoin publication of defamatory statements and recover damages.

PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY


Very truly yours,

LAW OFFICES OF GLANTZ & GLANTZ, P.A.
NANCY BERGER, ESQ.

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

Re: ST's New M.O.

Okay, let me know how many of you have seen the striking similarities between their new Modus Operandi and other operations shut down by State Authorities in NY. ST Literary is skirting the boundaries of mail fraud on a razor thing edge.

It will take notices to the Attorney General in Florida, and District Attorney of Boca Raton to set up a course of action. Although they skirt the area of the law by sending out bulk submissions to publisher slush piles, with probably verifiable USPS certified mail stamps.

But as with other greedy agencies, I am sure that they don't send out every single manuscript they bill for. So this oversight is probably where they will end up in jail and not just fined. But it would take a legal subpoena and extensive accounting investigation to catch this one.

In this day and age, I feel sorry for new writers to see shams like this existing. Unfortunately, they were the first "over-eager" agency to respond to my recent submission.

Thank you Mr. MacDonald, Shiva and the rest for helping pass the word on this preditorial agency.

Operating a business for several years without more than 2-3 sales is horrendous. I contacted these people and if I hadn't surfed Google when I became suspicious (and found this site) I would have been another victim.

It now appears a new author MUST use their editing firm to get a bogus contract.

I recieved this in the mail after my (professionally edited) submission a few days ago:

FROM ST LITERARY AGENCY 01/25/2005

Thank you for your reply and your openness to editing.

A manuscript that has been edited by a 3rd party professional is much more attractive to potential buyers and we commend you for your commitment to improving your writing.

Because of this we plan to offer you a contract for representation. First though, we would like for you to get your editing underway.

You may certainly choose any professional editor that you can find.

However, we've had so many authors ask for an editing recommendation that we found a quality company to provide the editing service. We can vouch for
the editors that they have and we've negotiated a good price for our authors.

Go to www.myeditorisasaint.com and have a look at their New Author Starter Package. It's a good value and it works. I've taken the liberty of giving them your name so that if you contact them they will give you the priority that we've negotiated with them.

Remember, our primary goal is to sell your work. However, we are committed to a secondary goal and that is that we see you improve as both an author and as a writer business-person as a result of our interactions together.

Please keep me posted as to your progress and status. Once your initial edit is underway we will issue you a contract. It takes a while to prepare your work for the marketplace and we can work in parallel with the editing
process.

If you do choose to communicate with them, please forward this email, or mention STL so that they will prioritize you.

Sincerely,
The New Author Evaluation Team