Do you have any skeletons
in your closet?
I have one,
sort of.
As you might already know, some literary agents have affiliations with editing companies, vanity presses, and god-only-knows-what-else… to scam (deceive and defraud) unsuspecting authors.
Today I’m going to tell you how one famous company did it (before they were shut down). And, I’m going to tell you why I know so much about them (at the risk of embarrassing myself). The company I’m referring to was called Edit Ink. They were a New York State-based editing service run by Bill Appel and Denise Sterrs. I learned about their deceptive practices the hard way. It happened a long time ago (in the 90s), but here it is (as well as I can remember it — for reasons that will soon be obvious I’ve tried to block it out of my mind all these years).
When I started out as a literary agent, I was in my twenties. The agency where I worked was called New Brand Agency in South Florida. It was a 1-man-show and the business was just two years old. I was hired because the gentleman who owned the agency, Eric, had just been invited to join some of his old college friends for another business venture in Orlando. Eric didn’t want to lose the literary agency, however. As a serial entrepreneur, he wanted to bring someone in to grow the agency, and perhaps, one day, take it over.
That someone
turned out to be me.
* * *
New Brand Agency – The Early Years
Eric was in his 30s and he was an entertainment attorney. Eric came from a good family, he had an excellent education from a top University, and he had lots of connections (just not in publishing, so New Brand was struggling to get established). It takes a while to start getting quality clients and making sales as a literary agent, unless you already have tons of contacts in the industry. If you’ve ever started a business, you know what I’m talking about.
For me (an aspiring author at the time), it was the opportunity of a lifetime. I was going to get paid to learn how to get my own books published. I was going to get paid to read other people’s books. And, Eric was a good man and mentor (even though he lived out of the area and I hardly spoke with him). Part of it was the fact that Eric was busy, but he also wanted me to become independent.
At some point during the first couple years (I don’t remember exactly when), New Brand Agency was approached by Edit Ink. They wanted us to recommend their editing services to authors we rejected. In exchange, they would give us a commission for anyone that worked with them. All we had to do was add a few lines to our form rejection letter saying we’d be willing to reconsider the author’s work if he or she hired Edit Ink.
So we thought about it…
* * *
Opportunity, or Disaster-Waiting-to-Happen?
Why not give authors a way to improve their work, and make some extra money doing it? Edit Ink was a large and successful company. Businesses make referrals like that all the time in exchange for a commission. And, Edit Ink provided the names of other literary agencies they were working with as references (some of them very successful). By the way, I didn’t know that making referrals like this was frowned upon by the Association of Authors’ Representatives or AAR. I wasn’t yet a member and didn’t even know what the AAR was at that point.
A few days after Edit Ink initially approached us, they sent us the language they wanted us to use in our rejection letters. I don’t have copies of what they sent us (it was more than 15 years ago), but it was over the top. In other words, it would have given authors a false impression, made them think there was a good chance we’d end up representing them if they hired Edit Ink.
That was misleading.
So…
We told the owner of Edit Ink we’d only make referrals if we could change the letter, using our own language to make it accurate. He agreed and we started making referrals. Everything was great, for a while. Then we got complaints from a couple authors. After they hired Edit Ink and then got rejected by us a second time, they weren’t happy (even though we were clear, up front, that hiring Edit Ink didn’t mean we’d represent the author – it just meant that we’d reconsider their work based on the fact that they’d worked with someone to improve it).
We didn’t want to upset any more authors, so we came up with a creative solution.
We added two more things to our rejection letter:
- We said we’d reconsider an author’s work if he or she worked with ANY professional editor (not just Edit Ink)
- We disclosed the fact that we’d get a referral fee if the author hired Edit Ink
You can’t be more
transparent than that.
Now, I’d love to be able to say
that that’s the end of this story.
But it’s not…
* * *
Edit Ink – Exposed
A little while later we started hearing bad things about Edit Ink. Some authors who’d worked with them said that the quality of their editing wasn’t very good. Rumors were also flying that Edit Ink had also set up one or more FAKE literary agencies as a “front” to get editing clients (one of them was called Aardvark Literary Agency). I don’t know who would ever submit their work to a literary agency with a name like that, but apparently many did.
Anyway, we were concerned about the authors we’d referred to Edit Ink. We were also completely embarrassed (and concerned about our reputation). So we ended our relationship with Edit Ink immediately.
We later learned the Edit Ink employed mostly recent college graduates. Nothing wrong with that (in and of itself) but they charged $5 per page for editing (pretty expensive even today). And we discovered that all they really provided was basic copy editing (spelling and grammar suggestions). There wasn’t any “bigger picture” critiquing or analysis. For example, Edit Ink didn’t proved anything about a book’s concept, organization, or structure. And, for novelists, there was no in-depth review of a book’s plot, pacing, theme, or characters. Yet those are the types of things a quality (and expensive) edit should include.
The good news is that Edit Ink was forced to close their doors in 1999. The bad news is that Eric and I were so naïve and/or stupid that we got involved with them in the first place. All I can do about that now though is know that I learned from the experience, and share my story so other people can learn from it as well. Now that I’m older and wiser (and I’ve been in the publishing industry for more than 15 years), I’m probably aware of every writer scam there is… and I do my part to make sure authors protect themselves.
* * *
Protect Yourself from Writer Scams
If a literary agency recommends ANY PAID SERVICE to you (through their company or any OTHER company) don’t do it. Some literary agencies recommend things and they’re completely legitimate. But other literary agencies recommend things and they’re not. Plus, the AAR doesn’t allow it because it’s a conflict of interest.
Was I naïve or stupid for getting sucked in to Edit Ink’s scheme? I don’t know. Probably both. Just make sure you don’t let yourself get sucked in to something similar. If you haven’t already done so, click here to read my article about bad literary agents. Then click here to visit a site called Preditors & Editors (they have reputation information about most literary agents).
But first, let me know what you think about this article. And share your horror story about any writing scam you’ve seen or been sucked into.
– Mark
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Even though I attended writer conferences, no one ever mentioned the responsibility of an editor. You writing about their responsibilities made me realize how naïve I have been and why I have been having so many difficulties. I paid my editor a great deal and didn’t receive the help that you spoke of. Thank you for the enlightenment. Now where in the word can “a-would-be” author find a good editor?
Hi Dorlies, I’m sorry you didn’t get the support you hoped for (and paid for) when working with an editor. Editing fiction and narrative nonfiction is extremely complex, so there aren’t that many people who can do it really well. But that doesn’t stop lots of people from calling themselves editors and doing a mediocre job. I’m frustrated that I don’t have a dozen great editors in my rolodex to recommend. That’s something I want to fix. If and when I do, you’ll be the first person I contact. I still believe in you. Mark
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I have not had the funds to hire an editor so it hasn’t been a problem for me. Getting anyone to read my work without funds has been a problem. I appreciate your blog, I don’t have internet right now so I’m not able to do much on line but I would like to know more about your fees.
Glenda Parker
Hi Glenda, I love writing these articles… as long as there are authors like you who enjoy reading them. So thank you for your comment. My fees are simple. As you know by now, I have a paid introductory call that I offer as a first step: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. I’m posting the link here for everyone’s benefit who might be reading this online. During an intro call I give as much feedback and advice as I can… and, by the end of the call, the author and I have a sense of whether we’re a good fit to do more together. When that happens, I try to find the right program for the author, based on their unique needs. If you have any more questions about anything, just let me know. Mark
Hi Mark
Just received this email & thought it might amuse you
Why I Care About You & Your Work
Hi Stella,
I want to share my heart with you, the real reason I offer you ways to build your platform as an author (whether that’s a webinar, a product or a consultation or live event with me). There’s a reason, and it occurred to me over the weekend it might not be apparent to you. You might think I’m a money-grubbing scam artist, when really little could be further from the truth . . .
Hi Stella, did you get that from an online marketer? Too funny. I understand what the person is trying to communicate, but… it just isn’t working for me either. Love that you posted this where everyone else can see it. 😉 Have a great week and thanks for sharing. Mark
Hi
Sadly it wasn’t an online marketer but a literary agency . .
Yikes. That’s all I can think to say. I’m speechless. Anyway, I’d love to know which agency sent you that. Forward it to me privately as an email when you have a moment if you don’t mind. And have a fantastic weekend. Mark
Thank you Mark for sharing your story! I always learn from you. I was surprised to hear the agency you partnered with was from my stomping ground–South Florida. Did you live in South Florida? As for editors, I have legitimate gem, your story only confirmed how truly blessed I am.
Off the subject, how do I upload my picture to replace my bubble head! ;o)
Hi Lisa, I did. Grew up there. Living in Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek. Hmm. Where didn’t I live? Who knows, maybe we were in a bookstore at the same time once. And I’m delighted to know you have a gem of an editor. Those are hard to find. 😉 Regarding your bubblehead, I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t have a clue how to fix that. One of these days I’m going to figure it out. Have a great week! Mark
Hi Mark
What you wrote is not new to me. When I told you I got scammed by Strategic Book Marketing, luckily only US150, they told me to get a professional editor and recommended a company they knew which would charge me almost US5000 for my 2,000 page manuscript. But I was too financially tight to accept and I wasn’t sure whether they’d do a good job. They gave a contract which they emailed to me but the contract only specified I’d be just print-on-demand. I have learned my lesson.
Hi SawLian. Yes, you would have paid a very hefty fee for a work of that length. The fee is completely reasonable. The trick is finding someone who can do a really good job. Sounds like you avoided a bad situation and I’m glad. Thanks for sharing it for everyone else’s benefit. Have a great week. Mark
Interesting stuff! I love stories about scams… helps us all to be more aware, so thanks for sharing. Fortunately I don’t have any stories of being scammed myself… oh wait… I do… I once wrote some episodic scripts for a producer working on an HBO series… HBO bought 3 and rejected the others…. 10 years later I noticed they actually filmed 4 of them – Guess the producer pocketed my script fee and sold it himself – Scam artists are everywhere… it’s a way of life for them. 🙂
Hi Gil, stories about scams are great… as long as you’re not one of the main characters in the story. 😉 Can’t believe you have your own story. Oh, wait. Yes I can. Of course it’s related to the film industry. Here’s to being so unique that we can’t be copied. Good to see your smiling face and wishing you a great week. Mark
Well, Mark, I am now reviewing the second part of my book The Last Chocolate Covered
Cherries. Until I return to work, I cannot afford to hire you. But I do have a question: if an agent requests a manuscript, does that mean hard or electronic copy.
I am still reviewing your remarks from our 90 minute session which continues to help me.
BTW, my blog The Scranton Culm is doing well.
Thank you,
Gayle
Hi Gayle, I’m just glad you’re staying motivated and moving forward with your work. And I like your picture on your blog. 😉 To answer your questions, if an agent asks for a manuscript via email, and they don’t specify otherwise, they probably want you to send it as a Word or PDF attachment. Have a great day and hope to hear more from you soon. Mark
I figured it was something like that. We all make mistakes like that…. My novella is with a press that’s been blackballed by various conferences. The owner is just a whack job. I got out before the big fall (did some editing with them and book cover formatting). I was smart enough to get out when the signs warranted it. I was able to keep the respect and friendship of many because they knew me for who I am and my professionalism.
I’m still waiting for my book contract to expire.
The worst part about it is, by pure association with a “bad apple”, you’re prejudged as being equally rotten. That’s the part that makes me crazy. But I’m doing my best to let go of the things I can’t control. Sorry to hear about your experience with the bad press. I’m just glad you were able to get out when you did. And you had a contract with an expiration date. 😉 Mark
I hate that part too. Most people will judge you just by what they hear or what “seems” real to them. Good people, the ones you want to keep around and close, are the people who are willing to get to know you and see you for who you are. We all make mistakes in judgment or are nice enough to give second chances that aren’t deserved. We get burned, but sometimes blamed as well.
Hahaha! I wouldn’t have sign it if I didn’t have an out for later. Plus, I wasn’t giving the press more than a novella length anything because of the low royalty rate they paid. I figured the word count vs the money was fair with a novella.
The entire experience wasn’t a total loss. I learned a lot about behind the scenes press stuff and technical formatting. 😉
That’s when you just have to “trust the universe” to bring the right people to you… easy to say but harder to do.
Regarding your novella situation, I’m just glad you were already pretty savvy so you gave yourself an out, when you got in. 😉
Mark
Once again sharing a story from your experience that adds to your credibility today.
Those wishing to take advantage of unsuspecting authors are very good at making themselves attractive. Thanks for continuing to help us all stay aware and awake out there.
Hi Craig, thanks for taking time to post. Hope you’re more enthusiastic than ever about your publishing prospects since our last conversation. 😉 You have a lot going for you, so keep doing what you’re doing. And let me know what you think (by email) about the material I sent you in my last email! Mark
Thank you, Mark. This article is invaluable to me. After I took several writing courses, I restructured my novel and am now ready to begin re- querying agents. I wish you were still an agent. If I could just find your carbon copy, I’d be in good shape 🙂
Hi Sue, glad to hear it… and thanks for letting me know. I always appreciate getting good feedback. 😉 I also like knowing that you’re getting your query out there. Do keep me posted on your progress. I’d love to be able to help you celebrate any nibbles and… hopefully… full on representation! Have a great day and hope to see you here again soon. Mark
Thanks Mark. Naivete is always embarrassing, but understandable. I almost stepped into a scam once — by contacting one of those pop-up ads (or something similar) about getting your book published. Luckily I checked with a writing coach I was working with at the time, who clued me in. I do have a question about seemingly legitimate agents who also offer “publication services” on their websites. I’ve run into 2 of those in the last 10 days or so and wondered.if there was any reason to worry.
Hi Ellen, you have to be careful and take each case as a separate situation. Some agents help some of their established authors publish some of their older books that have been dropped by their publisher as ebooks, etc. Completely legitimate. So agents offering publication services could be bad, or totally legitimate. Have to look and see. As long as no agent is asking you for money to publish, you’re safe. And you can keep asking me questions! Have a good weekend. Mark
I think these are both legit, but they do raise questions. One offers “publishing consultation services and book packaging”. That’s the agent who asked me for my proposal earlier this week (did you get that email, by the way?). The other is a Boulder agent who’s been recommended to me by 2 local writers — she offers editorial services for hire. (And I’ve seen others.)
Hi Ellen, most important… I believe I did reply to the email in question. I just resent it, so please confirm receipt and let me know if that’s the one you’re talking about. There’s no harm in getting offers for different things from various agents. Just make sure you run it by me before you do anything since we’re working together. Like I said previously, it can be difficult to discern who the good agents are… and those who aren’t. Have a great day and talk soon. Mark
Happy Friday Mark! It is always a pleasure reading your columns! Terrific stuff! I learn so very much! Thank you indeed! The biggest scam, or “Greek Tragedy” that I fell for, was not in the literary department, though is book worthy for certain. This proves that all of our “goings and growings” do lend to evolved soul movement, but also to some potentially publishable pages! Perhaps writing THAT story is next. Meanwhile, your piece was so enjoyable and informative! Thanks for sharing! Happy all!
Hi Leah, well now the only problem is that all of us want to know what your “Greek Tragedy” was all about. Maybe it IS a story that needs telling. Until then I’m glad to know that you read mine, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Here’s to sniffing out scams before it’s too late! Mark
Hi, Mark,
Interesting experience. Thanks for sharing. It’s too bad your mentor wasn’t a member of AAR so he would have known that such a setup was a conflict of interest and unethical. I am checking a literary agent’s membership in AAR before seriously considering querying him or her. While I can see the value of qualified editors acting as book doctors for unpublished authors who are self-taught, there is too much room for scam artists to get involved.
Hi Irene, very true… but Eric was new to the publishing industry also. It’s humbling but every once in a while we have to learn things the hard way. Working with an editor is a wonderful thing, but everyone should be careful deciding who to work with. Thank you for posting and have a great weekend. Mark
Wrong decisions are part of life. You are now helping others by sharing your experience. I knew I needed an editor for one of my manuscripts I was concerned to hire one. I found an editor via LinkedIn. He explained what changes I should make why and how to do it. He not only helped me with the one manuscript but he helped me with my writing and communication for life.
Hi Anouk, thank you for that. And, thank you for sharing your positive experience with an editor. All too often writers only share their bad experiences. Have a great weekend and hope to see you again soon. Mark
Hi Mark,
For some strange reason, I’m your winner this week. But about this article:
Editor to editor, (I’d want it pointed out to me if I’d written it) this sentence reads poorly – “The bad news is that Eric and I were too naïve (or stupid—take your pick) to get involved with them in the first place.” It implies that you were so naïve, you DIDN’T get involved. You want to say that you were so naïve you DID do it. Maybe “so” instead of “too” or “when we got” instead of “to get”? Liked the rest.
Hi Jen, winners are selected randomly each week. To qualify, you simply have to post a comment or question each week, anywhere on my website. Regarding your editing observation, I don’t see a problem with the way I had it originally. But I went ahead and rewrote so it’s clearer now. By the way, grammar isn’t my greatest gift. Ironic since I’m a former literary agent, I know. But there’s a lot more than grammar that goes in to a good book. And that’s what editors are for. Too bad I don’t have one here fixing my blog posts! Thanks for the catch, and have a great weekend. Mark
Yep, been there did that. A $300 mistake for a novelette that went into the dumpster. At the time it was the only resource I could afford. They, (you), say to beware of such losers, when they are like weeds in your garden. My book has been rejected by many agents because they have decided to become ‘selective’. What the hell does that mean. I have only had one positive reply from and agent who rejected my book. How much time does it take to be supportive and helpful? Agent indeed!
Just venting.
Hi Elizabeth, I know it’s hard to read those rejection letters. It’s also hard to write them I wish every author had to try it. No matter what you say as an agent in those letters, it’s difficult. I always said that we simply got too much good stuff for us to possibly represent all of it. That’s about the only thing I think an agent can say without rubbing someone the wrong way. To make matters worse, many agents don’t know what it’s like for authors. Hang in there, and thanks for posting. Mark
Excellent, Mark!
As in the health info field, knowing what NOT TO DO is at the top of the list.
Thanks again, and
Blessings!
Hi Raylyn, hearing from you is a blessing in and of itself. Thank you for being part of my community. By the way, I heard about a way to help some of the flood victims in Colorado that I thought I would share with you. A bunch of the business owners that were affected have created a website to sell their products since the washed out roads are keeping the tourists from getting in: http://shopestesparkcolorado.com. I’m going to promote this to everyone on my list soon. Mark
We all learn expensive lessons one way or another….Thanks for the heads up!
We just don’t always like to admit it. I hated writing this article, but I knew I should. FYI, another one of my clients just got an offer from a top agent late last night, after a roller coaster ride of submitting queries, stopping, and then starting again. Keep doing what you’re doing. Mark
I think the whole literary agent thing is a scam. Authors should be able to query directly with a potential publisher.
Hi Sharon, annoying yes… but not a scam (most of them, anyway). Plus, good agents get better terms for their clients and serve as their advocate when publishers drop the ball or don’t do what they’re supposed to do. Don’t lose faith in yourself, your work, or the process. Mark
Hi skinny Mark, thanks for your “skeleton” story. I think this experience made you the trustworthy agent you became so in that regard, it was a good thing. I queried an agent from your list and she offered representation IF I paid her $850 for editing (which I know I need.) She was also willing to do a 2 payment thing.I told her I would get back to her, which I haven’t because I am heeding your warnings. It’s just so hard to know who to trust. Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge! deb
Hi Debbie, the test in this situation is whether the agent said she’d reconsider your work if you decided to work with ANY editor. In that case, you know it’s genuinely about taking you on as a client for her literary agency, not just getting you to hire her as an editor. Make sense? But this probably isn’t good. Agents personally charging for editing in-house is almost always a bad sign. Keep sending out queries and see if you can get someone else. And, of course, keep me posted. Mark