Thanks in part to the delightful Miss Snark and the estimable Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Writer Beware’s 20 Worst Agents List has been proliferating across the Internet. We thank everyone who has re-posted the list–we’re thrilled it has gotten so much exposure. The more writers know about literary predators, the better.
To date, however, the list hasn’t appeared on Writer Beware itself. That’s because in order to make a major addition of this kind to the site, we need permission from those in charge at SFWA, which sponsors us. Last week they told us “bring it on!” So here it is, home at last.
Something important to note: the 20 agencies on the list account for the bulk of the complaints Writer Beware receives–but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. As of this moment, we have files on nearly 400 questionable agencies, and we run across a new one every few weeks. So don’t let the list give you a false sense of security. Even if you know the 20 Worst, there are plenty of lesser bad guys waiting to trip you up.
A Worst Publishers list is in the works.
Also, Cris Robbins sent me a nasty e-mail, thinking I was Jenna from AW, which I am not, and joked about the AW site being down. This is one nasty woman. Please, whatever you do, if you are new to writing, NEVER send her anything. She will only come after your money and then call you mean names. Watch, send her an e-mail about anything, just the weather, and watch how she responds by name calling and evil jokes. She is pure evil. She should be number 1 on the 20 worst list.
Cris Robins tried to scam me a long time ago. When I saw her name on the list I emailed her to tell her to pack it up. Here was her response to my email so you all can see what a nut case she is.
Fro m Cris Robbin:
Ah, your ignorance is only exceeded by your lame attempts. Publishing via vanity presses or print on demands or in e-book form don’t count; like their authors. 🙂
Cris Robins tried to scam me a long time ago. When I saw her name on the list I emailed her to tell her to pack it up. Here was her response to my email so you all can see what a nut case she is.
Fro m Cris Robbin:
Ah, your ignorance is only exceeded by your lame attempts. Publishing via vanity presses or print on demands or in e-book form don’t count; like their authors. 🙂
Oh, I disagree. Miss Snark is delightfully informative.
Your efforts are truly appreciated.
… but to call Miss Snark “delightful” is pushing it. Informative, yes. Delightful, no.
Tilly, it’s not just US companies. We have info on agents and publishers in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and even South Africa.
I just attended a book conference in Germany where I gave out info for Preditors and Editors to the aspiring authors in my workshops.
Thanks for making writing safer, lol!
That should have been keep.
*sigh*
Yay!
Are all your complaints about US companies, or do you kepp information on companies in other countries?
Congrats!!!!
I’m proud to have the list on my blog and now as a permanent feature of my website.
You guys ROCK!
This is a real milestone for us, Victoria. We’ve waited for this day for years.
Thank you, SFWA Officers!
-Ann C. Crispin