How can I tell a reputable agent from a scam artist?
While I don t want to discourage new authors, the truth is that if an agent contacts you, he/she is, at best, not a top-notch agent, and, at worst, is probably running a scam. The really reputable agents like the big-name publishers are sought out by more authors than they could ever possibly represent. Quite simply, they don t need to go looking for business. The agencies that do solicit new, unknown authors are all-too-often preying upon the hopes (and naivet) of individuals who are less familiar with the publishing business. They often fill the prospective client with promises that his or her work could be the next bestseller, so long as the author pays for editing, consultation, or other services that, as it turns out, the “agency” either offers itself, or can highly recommend. One of the biggest “red flags” that should warn you to stay away from an “agent” that seeks you out (besides the fact that they sought you out in the first place) is one who makes a request for payment of a
