The official blog of Writer Beware® shines a bright light into the dark corners of the shadow-world of literary scams, schemes, and pitfalls. Also providing advice for writers, industry news, and commentary. Writer Beware® is sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association.
Ann and I often hear from writers who’ve unwisely signed with a scammer or an incompetent, and want to know how to get out of the relationship. In many cases, I don’t think that it’d be a big deal simply to walk away. Since the contract was offered under false pretenses (that the agent wasRead More
I’ve said here and elsewhere that when you’re evaluating literary agents, track record is the bottom line. Even more than business practices, it’s the most important indicator of an agent’s legitimacy. (I’ve gotten in trouble for saying this, by the way. Many people who keep an eye on the shadow-world of literary scams feel thatRead More
Here’s a good reason to always read the fine print when you’re thinking of entering a literary contest: this contest from UK-based SFX magazine. Many aspiring writers think that entering literary contests is a way to build a list of writing credits. For the most part, I disagree. Of course there are prestigious contests, whereRead More
Just back from a few days in New York City, staying with my mom. We had a great time–did some shopping (is anyone else out there addicted to Peter Fox shoes? Just call me Imelda), saw a movie (Brokeback Mountain–very subtle and artful, beautifully acted, heartbreaking at the end, but overall rather slow), saw anRead More
Okay, folks, time for the last post in my “What REAL Agents Do” series. Today’s topic will be a brief overview of the subsidiary rights agents handle. A caveat: I am not an agent. I am not a literary or IP attorney. I’m basing these posts on what I’ve observed and experienced during the pastRead More
Manuscript display websites promise to showcase your writing to agents and editors in electronic form. Instead of printing out and snail mailing your cover letter, synopsis, and first three chapters, you can display them online in a venue that agents and editors can easily visit. Some display sites are free, but many charge membership fees,Read More
