Writers Beware
First of all, to Mac, I appreciate you tracking me down (I think), to take part in this esteemed panel's questions about my existence and certainly the integrity of my 5-7 year old profile on what I believe was/is the WritersNet.
First, I did indeed negotiate (and close) a $1.76 million deal in 1998/99, AND followed with a $500,000 negotiated deal. I returned to my FIRST love, producing documentary films in 2000 for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the publishing industry was changing dramatically...and i did NOT like what i was seeing. Like TV, media consolidation quickly choked off the business, hording all of the imprints under one roof where there would be no intra-company competition. Also, I took up being a literary agent -- in part -- because my kids were very young and i did not want to travel around the globe while they were toddlers. I had a few friends who needed representation and I was determined to give them the opportunity for wealth and acknowledgment... and I did so.
As my kids grew, and as the industry changed, I decided that I would keep the door open to representing a VERY select few who inspired me to work on their behalf. In truth, I have tried repeatedly to change and even eliminate that profile...but could not access it because of old email addresses, forgotten passwords, etc. I even wrote WritersNet 5-6 times with no reply.
So while I appreciate Mac giving me an opportunity to "defend myself," some members of your blog shoulf proceed cautiously when they portray others as "Pinocchio." Sometimes things are not what they seem. . .even in the cynical world of writers and publishers.
Be well...and good luck to you all in 2006.
Kevin