I have had no trouble getting editors in the major publishing houses to read my work.

I have worked with 8 agents over the past 20 years, and while once in a while they do sell something, I am convinced that Kris and Dean know what they are talking about. Agents are a trap for the unwary. They basically work for publishing houses as outsourced slush readers, serving to keep editors’ inboxes from becoming jammed. They work for themselves first, and publishing houses second, while being paid by the writer.

Anyone know of particular good lists or references to publishers who accept submissions?

Thanks

Then the owner of the agency had a stroke and the word went out that someone had taken over as interim president. When I called I learned that the agency was going to be sold.

During the nailbiring weeks of what would happen with my contract, I learned to read an agency clause very very closely and I understaood the possible pitfalls (I’m a lawyer licensed to practice in California, so I was able to figure out the wording even though contracts are not my area of practice.)

Long story: The agency released me. A few letters to the publisher got the agency clause removed from my contract. Double good luck: This happened before the second half of my advance was paid, so my check was much larger than the first had been.

I learned my lesson. I found Laura Resnick’s list of literary attorneys, researched them, and picked the one who seemed like the best match. I’m on my own now, and much happier.

Kris, I wish all writers would listen to you. When you sign a contract, you are not imagining all the things that can go wrong. But agents leave, owners of agencies have strokes, agencies get sold.

Signing a contract is like saying “I do” at the altar. At that moment, you’re not imagining the promises will fall apart. Actually, the analogy is perfect because marriage is also a contract. They go bad. A bad agency clause can cause years of headache.

Regarding naming names, I guess it’s just the vicious side of me looking forward to the luscious image of scoundrels being pilloried in the public square. But yeah I can totally see the potential down-side of doing that, however enjoyable it may be in the short term.

Right. Back to productive work. Always a pleasure.

Craog