From Anonymous........
"I submited my children's book to an agency and was thrilled when they showed interest in it. I didn't think anything of it when they referred me to one of their editors that charged a rate. I am new to all this and didn't know it wasn't standard practice. On the advice of my family and friends, I did an extensive search and it turned out that they were on the Writer' Beware list and mentioned on the BBB as being investigated. What a slimy way to make money....making people believe as if one of their dreams is coming true."
Here is the url that was included with this email........
http://www.childrensliteraryagency.com/
Moral of the story.........I have had experience (personal, even, way back when) with this so called "Literary Group" and can tell you straight off the bat.....just looking at the website should've given you a clue. Websites of agencies and publishers are a key factor in whether or not they are indeed credible. If the website looks unprofessional or a lower standard than what you would expect, you probably shouldn't do business with them. Always check and do research on any company you get involved with. In some cases, lack of information might only mean that it's a fairly new company, which isn't always a bad thing.
You can always ask the person you are doing the business with (the agent, publisher or editor) for more information regarding the company. You can even ask for their authors contact information....that way they know you intend to follow up. There's nothing worse to a professional than to find out someone you are doing business with is running around asking questions behind your back. If you ask for the contact info up front and inform that professional that you will be contacting these people to learn more, they won't have a problem with it, as long as they know about it.
Do your research....and if they ask for $$$....run as fast as your legs can carry you!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Weenie Story
From Anonymous........
"I was contacted by the owner of a publishing company. She had requested a banner for one of her authors. I am a graphic designer, so I immediately jumped at the chance. After five attempts to create the banner to her ever-growing list of wants, she agreed to my sixth rendition and proceeded to ask what email addy to send the paypal payment to. I told her and thanked her for her business and eagerly waited for the money to arrive. After two months and numerous polite emails that have gone unanswered, it's quite obvious she never plans to pay me. Now, one of her authors is probably proudly displaying all six of the banners I labored over and there isn't a thing I can do about it."
Here is the url that was included with this email........
http://www.oceansmistpress.com
Moral of the story..........Know your boundaries. Yes, it is very important to get things right for your customer/publisher/agent, whatever, but not at the expense of driving yourself mad. Next time, be wary of publishers or anyone in a business like setting that emails you asking for work without first offering payment. After all, if they're willing to contact you, then they should already have a good idea of how good your work is......otherwise why would they email you in the first place? Almost any reputable publishing house or agency will know right off the bat that asking for work without offering payment can be very insulting to some artists.
"I was contacted by the owner of a publishing company. She had requested a banner for one of her authors. I am a graphic designer, so I immediately jumped at the chance. After five attempts to create the banner to her ever-growing list of wants, she agreed to my sixth rendition and proceeded to ask what email addy to send the paypal payment to. I told her and thanked her for her business and eagerly waited for the money to arrive. After two months and numerous polite emails that have gone unanswered, it's quite obvious she never plans to pay me. Now, one of her authors is probably proudly displaying all six of the banners I labored over and there isn't a thing I can do about it."
Here is the url that was included with this email........
http://www.oceansmistpress.com
Moral of the story..........Know your boundaries. Yes, it is very important to get things right for your customer/publisher/agent, whatever, but not at the expense of driving yourself mad. Next time, be wary of publishers or anyone in a business like setting that emails you asking for work without first offering payment. After all, if they're willing to contact you, then they should already have a good idea of how good your work is......otherwise why would they email you in the first place? Almost any reputable publishing house or agency will know right off the bat that asking for work without offering payment can be very insulting to some artists.
Meanie Story
From Anonymous........
"I recently visited a writer's blog/critique group that I found pretty neat. They had an address to email so that you could join the group. They requested a writing sample along with the email. So, I sent the email, stating how much I liked their site and included an excerpt from my latest release. Two hours later I received a response that said...."You seem like a nice person, however, we are not declining your request based on that, but rather your apparent lack of writing ability." I am a published author, so naturally this had me worried and confused. I knew I wasn't the best, but never guessed I had no apparent writing ability.
Afterwards, I went back to the blog and visited the other member's sites and was surprised to find that only two out of their twenty or so members were actually published. How rude did they have to be? Couldn't they just have easily said..."We're sorry, but we're at capacity at the moment and have no desire for any new members."??? What was the point in making me not want to write for three days afterward for fear of being a crappy writer?"
Here is the url that was included with this email........
http://www.rwunlimited.org/
Moral of the story..........Never let anyone's comments or opinions deter you from your goal or objective. It is simply their opinion, nothing more. And for every one person out there that doesn't believe in you, your work or your talent, there are three out there that do! You just have to find them and not give up. Don't ever let a meanie keep you staring at a blank screen for three days wondering whether or not you're a real writer or just pretending to be one.
"I recently visited a writer's blog/critique group that I found pretty neat. They had an address to email so that you could join the group. They requested a writing sample along with the email. So, I sent the email, stating how much I liked their site and included an excerpt from my latest release. Two hours later I received a response that said...."You seem like a nice person, however, we are not declining your request based on that, but rather your apparent lack of writing ability." I am a published author, so naturally this had me worried and confused. I knew I wasn't the best, but never guessed I had no apparent writing ability.
Afterwards, I went back to the blog and visited the other member's sites and was surprised to find that only two out of their twenty or so members were actually published. How rude did they have to be? Couldn't they just have easily said..."We're sorry, but we're at capacity at the moment and have no desire for any new members."??? What was the point in making me not want to write for three days afterward for fear of being a crappy writer?"
Here is the url that was included with this email........
http://www.rwunlimited.org/
Moral of the story..........Never let anyone's comments or opinions deter you from your goal or objective. It is simply their opinion, nothing more. And for every one person out there that doesn't believe in you, your work or your talent, there are three out there that do! You just have to find them and not give up. Don't ever let a meanie keep you staring at a blank screen for three days wondering whether or not you're a real writer or just pretending to be one.
Been Snubbed?
Ever been snubbed by another author or other publishing professional? Well, you certainly are not alone. I will include places and people here that have bad reps for being writing bullies, either through my own personal experience and research or from others who send it in.
I started this blog because I want to do what no other person in this industry would do....I want to expose those who think they are on a higher level than the rest of us. I want to catch them red-handed in their rude and ludicrous statements and I want to share it all right here.
So, welcome to Meanies and Weenies, Ms. Dunn Hadenuff's way of flipping all the bullies the bird.
And......just a footnote....I will not be spellchecking this blog, so please don't contact me with crude emails stating that I don't know how to spell. I already know that I don't know how to spell, I don't need you to point it out for me, thank you.
Sincerely Yours,
Ms. Hadenuff
I started this blog because I want to do what no other person in this industry would do....I want to expose those who think they are on a higher level than the rest of us. I want to catch them red-handed in their rude and ludicrous statements and I want to share it all right here.
So, welcome to Meanies and Weenies, Ms. Dunn Hadenuff's way of flipping all the bullies the bird.
And......just a footnote....I will not be spellchecking this blog, so please don't contact me with crude emails stating that I don't know how to spell. I already know that I don't know how to spell, I don't need you to point it out for me, thank you.
Sincerely Yours,
Ms. Hadenuff
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