I too was almost a victim of this company. Luckily I was curious about how easy this process seemed to be going so I thought I should do a little research. Thank you all for this website you saved me a lot of trouble. I was so happy at first when they replied and I found that someone was interested in my work. Then all their automated responses and no contact information made me curious. I will post the latest reply from my good friend sherry here. Just for new reference. Now back to my process of self publishing which I was originally going to do.
Congratulations and my warmest wishes for our mutual success! And
again, we
thank you for your understanding and your acceptance of our business
philosophy. We look forward to working with you and because you have
indicated such a strong commitment to your work you can rest assured
that we
will be excited and committed to doing what we can to work just as hard
for
you!
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY AS IT WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND
REDUCE
YOUR STRESS (and mine!):
Please note: If you asked a question in a prior email, I may have
chosen not
to answer it in the hopes that this email will address your question or
concern. If it does not, please feel free to email me the question
again. My
main goal is to get the contract process underway. We have plenty of
time
for questions now that we are going to work together.
1. Attached is our Contract for Agency Representation.
===================================================
It is simple and straightforward. We think it is fair. It is also
non-negotiable. I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have,
but
99% of the time we will not make a change to it if requested. If you
want
to have a lawyer look at it, by all means do so, but we've spent great
time
and energy with our lawyers making it simple enough for a business
person to
understand. If you spend any appreciable amount with your attorney, you
are
probably wasting money. By all means get advice, but we think this
contract
is pretty simple.
You will notice that to reduce paperwork, mailing, and administrative
costs,
we offer an "electronic signature option". We hope you will consider
that
option.
We know signing contracts can be scary.
========================================
In general though, you don't have to be nervous because you can back
out
very easily. Within the contract we very clearly state that your 'out'
from
the contract is that you can fire us if we don't perform or you don't
like
our services for any reason. This rarely happens, but it's there for
you if
you want it. Also, we can fire you too, so please, let's keep our
relationship professional.
Your work is completely safe and remains your work. You keep your
copyright
and this contract is only for the work you submit, not all your works.
(You
can discuss other works later with your agent). We want to work with
you on
all your work, but we process them one at a time (except sequels which
your
agent will discuss with you if you have one).
We are not trying to tie your hands in any way, and as you will see
from the
contract, we only get paid if you get paid. There are no other payments
to
us. There are no fees paid to us unless we sell your work. Period, no
surprises. However, if we say that your work needs work, and that you
had
better get an editor to help you, is that a fee? We don't think so,
but
some authors do (which I can't for the life of me understand.) So, you
commit to the quality of your work, and we commit to try to sell it.
It's a
pretty straightforward business relationship.
We suggest that you use the "electronic signature" option.
==========================================================
Mailing is a pain! So, use the electronic signature option please.
However,
if you choose to mail the contract, the address is within the document.
If
you mail it please allow up to 30 days to receive the counter-signed
contract back in the mail. The contracts are sent to our NY office and
depending on the travel schedule of our President, it may take that
long to
get them signed and back to you. If you use the electronic signature
option, you'll have our countersigned contract within a week.
Critique/Evaluation Process
===============================================
As we mentioned in the prior email, if you have a critique or
evaluation
similar in format to those we sent you earlier please send it to us
along
with your contract. (Don't email it separately, we have a hard time
matching
it up. Simply print it and put it with your contract). If you want us
to
tell you if what you have is acceptable then email it to me as quickly
as
you can.
If you don't have a critique and you are using our referral, we ask
that you
get the critique started in parallel with sending in the contract. Send
in
your contract at the same time you are getting your critique. Don't
wait for
the critique to send in your contract.
If you do not have a critique, please email the following address and
tell
them that we referred you.
[email protected]
All you have to say is "Sherry referred me".
They will send you a very clear set of instructions on how to proceed
with
the critique, how to send your manuscript, payment, etc. We refer them
so
much business that they offer a discounted price to referrals that we
send
them. We send them so much business that they will prioritize your
work and
this will speed up the entire process. We can also lean on them if we
need
to make them work more quickly!
When they complete your critique they will send it to you and to us at
the
same time. Remember, we are unique in that we are willing to help you
develop your talent, so there is no need to worry about what the
critique
will say.
We know that you will improve as a writer as a result of having this
critique. It's a nice gift to give yourself as an aspiring writer!
Invest
in yourself, the more you do, the better your chances are.
What's Next?
=================
During the next 30 days we should receive your contract and your
critique
should be completed. Once we receive your contract and your critique is
finished and in our hands, you will be put in touch with your Agent.
The Agent will then become your primary contact and will answer
questions,
guide you, and hopefully, before too long, come to you with the good
news of
a sale! (Note: we never, never promise a sale, that's a checkbox for
you
within the contract by the way).
I am happy to answer any further questions that you may have.
I have enjoyed our interaction. My sincere best wishes for your
writing
career.
Best regards,
Sherry - VP Acquisitions
A Few Frequently Asked Questions
(I can't resist, you know me by now)
======================================
Please send the contract in parallel with getting the critique. That
way
we'll have you in the system when the critique is finished. Don't
wait to
send in the contract until your critique is completed. Send the
contract in
immediately. Use the electronic signature option unless you really,
really
want it the old fashioned way.
If you need an extension, simply email me and we automatically grant
one, so
don't stress if for some reason you haven't heard from me. Non-US
authors
are automatically granted an extension.
If you have a critique already please be sure it matches the
thoroughness of
the critique example we sent you. If it doesn't we will reject it. If
you
want me to look at it just email it to me. Frankly, you will save a
lot of
time and aggravation if you use our referral.
What's Next? Once the critique process is complete you will be
connected to
the Agent that will be working with you. You will discuss 'next steps'
based on the results of the critique. As we mentioned in a previous
email,
we are willing to develop talent so there is no need to worry unduly
about
the results of the critique.
We look forward to working with you. Once we receive your contract and
enter
it into our system you will receive an email confirmation.
Please note:
============
If for some reason you don't get your electronic signature contract
back in
a timely fashion (say 10 days) please resend it to me and I will
forward it
for you.
Now for the bad news....
============================
I have enjoyed interacting with you but my role with you is now
finished. I
am in charge of new author acquisitions only. If you need help with
something let me know though, and I'll endeavor to assist you.
If you have questions after this point. Please email
[email protected]. Andrea is our Director of Client Relations
and
her job is to assist the agents (and you) for the duration of our
agreement.
Now, back to drinking from the proverbial fire hose! I sincerely wish
you
the best.
Best regards,
Sherry - VP Acquisitions
p.s. One more time. It's this easy....
A. Get your critique in to us.
B. Prep your work. Meet your agent.
C. Become a best seller!
(Oh, I know Sheriff Sherry won't be comin' up with anything, but still...)
