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This week: Beware of the Scammers. Edited by: esprit  
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Welcome to the Action/Adventure Newsletter! I will feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com
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Beware of the Scammers
This is a reprint from 2006, but it's an important reminder. I hope those of you who haven't already done it, save the links at the end in your bookmarks. The site is produced by hard-working writer ninjas who continue to fight the good fight for the rest of us.
 Which Way Does Your Money Flow?
How badly do you want to see your work in print? Would you pay an agent? The publisher? There are plenty of unscrupulous people who are ready and eager to take your money. They're in the business of selling empty promises and they're very good at it. Be careful out there.
Agents who charge reading fees. Legitimate agents earn their money by selling marketable material to publishers. They earn a commission on everything they sell; they don't waste time with material that won't. If they charge reading fees, they won't care whether the work is saleable or not. They've already been paid-by you. Since they now have no incentive to market your work, you're no closer to publication then you were before you paid them a reading fee.
Agents who 'scout' for customers. Reputable agents usually have more work than they can handle. They don't need, want or have time to hunt for unknown authors. If an agent solicits your work, be suspicious. It doesn't work that way.
There is always the exception--but be cautious and don't hand them any money.
Amateur authors are often so thrilled to be approached by an agent that they are willing to grab at any offer, no matter how improbable it may seem. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Agents who refer you to a specific independent editor or 'book doctor.'
If they tell you your book is 'almost' good enough to publish, but still needs some corrections, then refer you to an editor that they work with, run! Chances are they are a team of scammers. A real agent or publisher will know that if you are a good enough writer to write a book 'almost' good enough, you are good enough to take it the rest of the way. They might ask for a change or two, but they won't ask you to pay someone they recommend to do the work. They want you to become better so they can look forward to another book down the road. They want an author they can depend on to make money for them. If it has errors, the house may suggest you clean it up-but it won't tell you to hire an editor. They leave that decision up to you. You should view specific referrals as suspect.
A publisher who asks for an 'investment' to defray costs.
If a reputable publishing house doesn't believe your manuscript is worth the financial risk, it will simply reject it; it won't ask you to pay for publication.
The golden rule of publishing is simple: Money flows from the market to the writer, not the other way around.
If your money is flowing in the wrong direction, someone is taking advantage of you.
For more information on scams and hazards to writers, see
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/penulist.htm
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html
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Comments on "Invalid Item"
Submitted By: walpole72
Submitted Comment: Very informative and many of the points I found, at times, relate to myself. It is comforting to know that there are those amongst that are helpful. I look forward to the next letter.
Submitted By: Doug Rainbow
Submitted Comment: My often-repeated refrain is that the interests of the readership, not just the author, are an important function of the review. Otherwise all reviews would be private ones. Readers have legitimate interests in being advised as to whether to read a piece, in being entertained, and in learning something even if they are not the author of the piece being reviewed.
Submitted By: sarahreed
Submitted Comment: Great advice! I never thought about how reviewing could be a tool for practicing self-editing skill. It puts a whole new perspective on it. Thanks!
As for useful feedback, it always helps me to know what does or doesn't work for a reader. Whether its a character or description or whatever, when a reviewer tells me it does or doesn't work for them, it helps me greatly. That helps with knowing what to change and what not to change.
Submitted By: Coolhand
Submitted Comment: Bravo! You touched the right balance in self editting and reviewing. We're all growing and working at different skill levels. I appreciate any honest review, and, equally important, I'm thankful for the opportunity to offer my opinion.
We always appreciate the feedback, thanks!
Editors:
billwilcox
NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth 
Your guest host this week was esprit |
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Action/Adventure: September 30, 2009 Issue [#3299]
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