AKA Literary Agency (formerly Anita Kushen & Associates)

AmyC · 03-11-2006, 03:07 AM

Does anyone know anything about this agent? She has just responded to a query that she would like to see my manuscript and I can't seem to find out any info about her.

Thanks!

zarch · 03-11-2006, 03:36 AM

Why'd you query an agent you know nothing about? Be careful...too many scammers and crooks out there.

The blind-date approach to getting an agent scares me.

But what the hell do I know?

CaoPaux · 03-11-2006, 04:02 AM

Heh. Indeed, all I'm finding is that AKA - Anita Kushen & Associates, Inc is in Colorado and reps "Fiction & Non, Sci-Fi, Romance & Kids".

Amy, ask her for recent sales info, etc. before you commit to anything.

victoriastrauss · 03-13-2006, 07:28 PM

I've gotten questions about this agency, and can find no information about it whatsoever beyond a few online listings. A reputable agent, or a new agent with a publishing industry background, is generally more researchable. Proceed with caution.

- Victoria

Branwyn · 03-14-2006, 03:48 AM

Any more news? All I found is she's a memeber of S.Colorado BBB.

James D. Macdonald · 03-14-2006, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmyC

I can't seem to find out any info about her.

Where did you find the original listing?

Branwyn · 03-14-2006, 04:42 AM

I found her here;

http://www.writers-free-reference.com/agents/index.html

AmyC · 03-14-2006, 04:45 AM

I found her at that same link - on the Writer's Free Website. Is it possible that she is simply new--not necessarily a "preditor"? Yes - I'm very new at this game, but I feel that unless an agent is trying to charge a fee, their intentions are good. Or, am I just being entirely too naive?

Amy

James D. Macdonald · 03-14-2006, 04:55 AM

See the four classes of agents here:

http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight...es/004772.html

Notice that only one of the four is "scammer." Notice that only one of the four will do you any good.

Branwyn · 03-14-2006, 05:05 AM

Thanks...I read that and the other link you provided. If you have someone willing to buy your book...why have an agent?(Am I being naive?) I understand they hopefully are an avocate for you(the writer), aren't they?

It's so confusing, the next step is asking for a list of recent sales.

honeysock · 11-12-2009, 06:48 PM

Ms. Kushen now has a recent sale to HarperCollins listed on her website, to be released in 2010. I don't subscribe to PM--has anyone seen any other recent sales by her or her associate, Ange Tysdal? She wrote this:

<http://www.ianthealy.com/main/node/29>

I also read where a writer claimed to be represented by a Terri Wolf at this agency. Anyone heard of her?

Ms. Kushen has requested two fulls from me. I have several partials and one full out with some well-established agents, so I hesitate to invest the time and money for printing. That's what I get for only giving her website a quick glance before querying and not searching AWWC sooner. (She has numerous authors posted--but their publishers, when listed, are either very small and don't require agents or have questionable reputations.)

Giant Baby · 11-12-2009, 07:34 PM

I find 3 posted since Oct 2008. The one to Harper Paperbacks and two to Llewlleyn. All are non-fic titles, and all sales attributed to Anita.

ILSinTexas · 07-11-2010, 05:25 AM

Bumping up this thread. I pulled a honeysock

I found Ange through their new agency, AKA Literary. Here is their newest website:

http://www.wix.com/sightworx/akaliterary

Apparently Ange and Terrie acquired Anita Kushen & Associates early this year. There is another write up here:

http://ppwcon.org/2010-faculty (Scroll down the page)

I looked on AW for a thread on AKA and couldn't find one (because it was under Anita Kushen). I looked over their website, they have reported sales, so I queried Ange on 7/8/10. She responded this morning with a request for the full to be sent to Terrie (who handles MG). I checked PM, and Terrie has one reported sale to a major house for a non-fiction.

So now I'm wondering if I should send the full?! I mean, they are a new agency with only a few months under their belt. Their lack of sales, however, does make me a little nervous. I googled both agents, coming up with very little information.

The email I received from Ange was very upbeat and professional. I just wish I had found this thread before querying them.

Does anyone else have any more recent information on this agency?

Thanks in advance.

CaoPaux · 07-11-2010, 05:38 AM

They've got a book with Plume now, so that's positive.

ETA: Terrie made that sale, so I presume that's the one you refer to. Better 'n nothing, but fiction would be best.

ILSinTexas · 07-11-2010, 06:15 AM

Thanks, CaoPaux.

I think I'm going to sleep on it and make my decision tomorrow. I'll post when I decide. I mean, it's not like this is the only agent who's asked for pages, but I don't want to waste Terrie's time, either. I want to be confident enough in her that if she asks to represent me, I can say yes without doubt.

Update: I decided to send the full. I'll let you all know what happens.

charlys · 09-30-2010, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaoPaux

They've got a book with Plume now, so that's positive.

ETA: Terrie made that sale, so I presume that's the one you refer to. Better 'n nothing, but fiction would be best.

Cao, I cannot get into the AKA Literary site (unless I use flash which I don't want to). Do you or anyone else have Terrie's direct e-mail so I can query here on my novel?

C.T. Richmond · 07-13-2010, 05:03 AM

Wow, ILS, congrats! That's very exciting!

I'm going to send you a PM...

Little1 · 07-13-2010, 05:55 AM

My opinion is that if there your agent you should be able to talk freely with them. Isn't that the point? That you can go to them with questions..

ILSinTexas · 07-13-2010, 06:47 AM

Little -

I'm trying to set up a phone call for this Friday. She's not my agent -- yet.

Little1 · 07-13-2010, 06:28 PM

YAY! I just receaved a full request from this agency. My vary first full request

ILSin-

What I mean is, even if it is a agent you quered, you should still be able to have an open dialog. You know what I mean? You should feel free to ask any question stupid or no.

EDIT: I realized you might think I am saying your questions are stupid. I am not. There valid and questions you should be asking.

ILSinTexas · 07-14-2010, 05:48 AM

I understand, Little1

Congrats on your full request! It looks like they are building their client list. I have a phone call scheduled for Friday, and I've prepared a list of questions -- Yah, me!

Little1 · 07-14-2010, 03:58 PM

Thanks. That's awsome!! I hope it goes well. Has she sent you a contract to look over?

ILSinTexas · 07-15-2010, 06:46 AM

No contract yet, but I will ask her about it.

ILSinTexas · 07-16-2010, 07:03 AM

Okay, guys...

Tomorrow is the big day. I'll ask Terrie if it's okay that I post some of her answers to my questions on this board, particularly those about her background and experience. I think it would help any of you who are thinking about querying her. I have to admit, I'm impressed so far, plus, she has a great sense of humor. If she's building her client list, then she should be open to more exposure. Maybe she'll even become a member here -- it's hard to gauge her reaction before I've even spoken to her.

I love that she believes in my book as much as I do. That's a major selling point for me. I know she's read it, because of some of her comments in email. However, I still have a full out to agents with much more experience. I so want to make the right decision with an agent, and I wonder how much sleep I'll get tonight. I'm not nervous about talking to her, I'm more afraid of the decision I'll be forced to make. Once I talk to Terrie, then I have to send out a notice to all the agents with my full or partial. Scary? Hell, yes!

Anyway, I'll keep you all informed. Little1? Have you heard anything on your full?

EagerReader · 07-16-2010, 07:20 AM

You're in a great place right now, ILS. Thanks for sharing your situation and I'll have my fingers crossed for you until it all works out (as fabulously as possible). I'll be keeping my eye on this thread!

Best of Luck!

03-11-2006, 03:07 AM	#1
AmyC figuring it all out Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 65	AKA Literary Agency (formerly Anita Kushen & Associates) Does anyone know anything about this agent? She has just responded to a query that she would like to see my manuscript and I can't seem to find out any info about her. Thanks!

03-11-2006, 04:02 AM	#3
CaoPaux Mostly Harmless SuperModerator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Coastal Desert Posts: 10,587	Heh. Indeed, all I'm finding is that AKA - Anita Kushen & Associates, Inc is in Colorado and reps "Fiction & Non, Sci-Fi, Romance & Kids". Amy, ask her for recent sales info, etc. before you commit to anything. __________________ ICAO --------- Achievers strive for excellence. Perfectionists drive themselves to extinction. -- A Grapple A Day I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage. -- Charles DeSecondat 2012: II2013:

03-13-2006, 07:28 PM	#4
victoriastrauss Writer Beware Goddess Absolute Sage Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Far from the madding crowd Posts: 6,314	I've gotten questions about this agency, and can find no information about it whatsoever beyond a few online listings. A reputable agent, or a new agent with a publishing industry background, is generally more researchable. Proceed with caution. - Victoria __________________ Victoria Strauss www.victoriastrauss.com Writer Beware: www.writerbeware.com Writer Beware Blog: www.accrispin.blogspot.com Follow me on Twitter

03-14-2006, 03:48 AM	#5
Branwyn Print release:Sept.1,'09 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Purgatory's Pit of Doom Posts: 1,766	Any more news? All I found is she's a memeber of S.Colorado BBB. __________________ The Hanging Tree-WIP Harvest Moon-WIP myspace.com/elladonna The Upside of Karma

03-14-2006, 04:42 AM	#7
Branwyn Print release:Sept.1,'09 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Purgatory's Pit of Doom Posts: 1,766	I found her here; http://www.writers-free-reference.com/agents/index.html __________________ The Hanging Tree-WIP Harvest Moon-WIP myspace.com/elladonna The Upside of Karma

03-11-2006, 03:36 AM	#2
zarch lover of fonts Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 332	Why'd you query an agent you know nothing about? Be careful...too many scammers and crooks out there. The blind-date approach to getting an agent scares me. But what the hell do I know?

03-14-2006, 04:45 AM	#8
AmyC figuring it all out Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 65	I found her at that same link - on the Writer's Free Website. Is it possible that she is simply new--not necessarily a "preditor"? Yes - I'm very new at this game, but I feel that unless an agent is trying to charge a fee, their intentions are good. Or, am I just being entirely too naive? Amy

03-14-2006, 04:55 AM	#9
James D. Macdonald Your Genial Uncle Absolute Sage Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 21,577	See the four classes of agents here: http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight...es/004772.html Notice that only one of the four is "scammer." Notice that only one of the four will do you any good. __________________ "The Clockwork Trollop" by Debra Doyle & James D. Macdonald Free online. Text and podcast.

03-14-2006, 05:05 AM	#10
Branwyn Print release:Sept.1,'09 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Purgatory's Pit of Doom Posts: 1,766	Thanks...I read that and the other link you provided. If you have someone willing to buy your book...why have an agent?(Am I being naive?) I understand they hopefully are an avocate for you(the writer), aren't they? It's so confusing, the next step is asking for a list of recent sales. __________________ The Hanging Tree-WIP Harvest Moon-WIP myspace.com/elladonna The Upside of Karma

11-12-2009, 06:48 PM	#11
honeysock Tell me to leave. Please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: A hideout in the Tx Hill Country Posts: 618	Ms. Kushen now has a recent sale to HarperCollins listed on her website, to be released in 2010. I don't subscribe to PM--has anyone seen any other recent sales by her or her associate, Ange Tysdal? She wrote this: <http://www.ianthealy.com/main/node/29> I also read where a writer claimed to be represented by a Terri Wolf at this agency. Anyone heard of her? Ms. Kushen has requested two fulls from me. I have several partials and one full out with some well-established agents, so I hesitate to invest the time and money for printing. That's what I get for only giving her website a quick glance before querying and not searching AWWC sooner. (She has numerous authors posted--but their publishers, when listed, are either very small and don't require agents or have questionable reputations.)

11-12-2009, 07:34 PM	#12
Giant Baby thinks you're pretty. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: First-person omnicient Posts: 894	I find 3 posted since Oct 2008. The one to Harper Paperbacks and two to Llewlleyn. All are non-fic titles, and all sales attributed to Anita. __________________ Moral of the story: Soy yogurt is evil and don't cross picketlines. -Twizzle Who the hell is Margaret? -Twizzle

07-11-2010, 05:25 AM	#13
ILSinTexas requiescat in pace Requiescat In Pace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 816	Bumping up this thread. I pulled a honeysock I found Ange through their new agency, AKA Literary. Here is their newest website: http://www.wix.com/sightworx/akaliterary Apparently Ange and Terrie acquired Anita Kushen & Associates early this year. There is another write up here: http://ppwcon.org/2010-faculty (Scroll down the page) I looked on AW for a thread on AKA and couldn't find one (because it was under Anita Kushen). I looked over their website, they have reported sales, so I queried Ange on 7/8/10. She responded this morning with a request for the full to be sent to Terrie (who handles MG). I checked PM, and Terrie has one reported sale to a major house for a non-fiction. So now I'm wondering if I should send the full?! I mean, they are a new agency with only a few months under their belt. Their lack of sales, however, does make me a little nervous. I googled both agents, coming up with very little information. The email I received from Ange was very upbeat and professional. I just wish I had found this thread before querying them. Does anyone else have any more recent information on this agency? Thanks in advance. __________________ It is with the deepest sadness that I must tell all of you that my wife, Irene Schaft, passed away on Monday, 9 August 2010 from a massive stroke. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Parker Paws, http://www.parkerpaws.org/donate.html a local animal shelter. Irene's system will only be up infrequently for the next few weeks, and her mail will not be checked regularly. Any messages of condolence can be sent to her husband George at schaft@schaft.com Irene's blog: http://sybilsimon.com/

07-11-2010, 05:38 AM	#14
CaoPaux Mostly Harmless SuperModerator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Coastal Desert Posts: 10,587	They've got a book with Plume now, so that's positive. ETA: Terrie made that sale, so I presume that's the one you refer to. Better 'n nothing, but fiction would be best. __________________ ICAO --------- Achievers strive for excellence. Perfectionists drive themselves to extinction. -- A Grapple A Day I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage. -- Charles DeSecondat 2012: II2013: Last edited by CaoPaux; 07-11-2010 at 05:43 AM.

07-11-2010, 06:15 AM	#15
ILSinTexas requiescat in pace Requiescat In Pace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 816	Thanks, CaoPaux. I think I'm going to sleep on it and make my decision tomorrow. I'll post when I decide. I mean, it's not like this is the only agent who's asked for pages, but I don't want to waste Terrie's time, either. I want to be confident enough in her that if she asks to represent me, I can say yes without doubt. Update: I decided to send the full. I'll let you all know what happens. __________________ It is with the deepest sadness that I must tell all of you that my wife, Irene Schaft, passed away on Monday, 9 August 2010 from a massive stroke. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Parker Paws, http://www.parkerpaws.org/donate.html a local animal shelter. Irene's system will only be up infrequently for the next few weeks, and her mail will not be checked regularly. Any messages of condolence can be sent to her husband George at schaft@schaft.com Irene's blog: http://sybilsimon.com/ Last edited by ILSinTexas; 07-12-2010 at 03:00 AM. Reason: updated

07-13-2010, 05:03 AM	#17
C.T. Richmond Sloths are awesome Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: DC area Posts: 238	Wow, ILS, congrats! That's very exciting! I'm going to send you a PM... __________________ MG/YA writer, repped by Jim McCarthy of DGLM Blog Twitter

07-13-2010, 05:55 AM	#18
Little1 Hakuna Matata Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: york, PA Posts: 1,280	My opinion is that if there your agent you should be able to talk freely with them. Isn't that the point? That you can go to them with questions.. __________________ In Progress: Prince$$ Ti@ of Alumin@ Querying :S

07-13-2010, 06:47 AM	#19
ILSinTexas requiescat in pace Requiescat In Pace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 816	Little - I'm trying to set up a phone call for this Friday. She's not my agent -- yet. __________________ It is with the deepest sadness that I must tell all of you that my wife, Irene Schaft, passed away on Monday, 9 August 2010 from a massive stroke. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Parker Paws, http://www.parkerpaws.org/donate.html a local animal shelter. Irene's system will only be up infrequently for the next few weeks, and her mail will not be checked regularly. Any messages of condolence can be sent to her husband George at schaft@schaft.com Irene's blog: http://sybilsimon.com/

07-13-2010, 06:28 PM	#20
Little1 Hakuna Matata Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: york, PA Posts: 1,280	YAY! I just receaved a full request from this agency. My vary first full request ILSin- What I mean is, even if it is a agent you quered, you should still be able to have an open dialog. You know what I mean? You should feel free to ask any question stupid or no. EDIT: I realized you might think I am saying your questions are stupid. I am not. There valid and questions you should be asking. __________________ In Progress: Prince$$ Ti@ of Alumin@ Querying :S Last edited by Little1; 07-14-2010 at 12:17 AM.

07-14-2010, 05:48 AM	#21
ILSinTexas requiescat in pace Requiescat In Pace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 816	I understand, Little1 Congrats on your full request! It looks like they are building their client list. I have a phone call scheduled for Friday, and I've prepared a list of questions -- Yah, me! __________________ It is with the deepest sadness that I must tell all of you that my wife, Irene Schaft, passed away on Monday, 9 August 2010 from a massive stroke. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Parker Paws, http://www.parkerpaws.org/donate.html a local animal shelter. Irene's system will only be up infrequently for the next few weeks, and her mail will not be checked regularly. Any messages of condolence can be sent to her husband George at schaft@schaft.com Irene's blog: http://sybilsimon.com/

07-14-2010, 03:58 PM	#22
Little1 Hakuna Matata Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: york, PA Posts: 1,280	Thanks. That's awsome!! I hope it goes well. Has she sent you a contract to look over? __________________ In Progress: Prince$$ Ti@ of Alumin@ Querying :S Last edited by Little1; 07-14-2010 at 04:15 PM.

07-15-2010, 06:46 AM	#23
ILSinTexas requiescat in pace Requiescat In Pace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 816	No contract yet, but I will ask her about it. __________________ It is with the deepest sadness that I must tell all of you that my wife, Irene Schaft, passed away on Monday, 9 August 2010 from a massive stroke. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Parker Paws, http://www.parkerpaws.org/donate.html a local animal shelter. Irene's system will only be up infrequently for the next few weeks, and her mail will not be checked regularly. Any messages of condolence can be sent to her husband George at schaft@schaft.com Irene's blog: http://sybilsimon.com/

07-16-2010, 07:03 AM	#24
ILSinTexas requiescat in pace Requiescat In Pace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 816	Okay, guys... Tomorrow is the big day. I'll ask Terrie if it's okay that I post some of her answers to my questions on this board, particularly those about her background and experience. I think it would help any of you who are thinking about querying her. I have to admit, I'm impressed so far, plus, she has a great sense of humor. If she's building her client list, then she should be open to more exposure. Maybe she'll even become a member here -- it's hard to gauge her reaction before I've even spoken to her. I love that she believes in my book as much as I do. That's a major selling point for me. I know she's read it, because of some of her comments in email. However, I still have a full out to agents with much more experience. I so want to make the right decision with an agent, and I wonder how much sleep I'll get tonight. I'm not nervous about talking to her, I'm more afraid of the decision I'll be forced to make. Once I talk to Terrie, then I have to send out a notice to all the agents with my full or partial. Scary? Hell, yes! Anyway, I'll keep you all informed. Little1? Have you heard anything on your full? __________________ It is with the deepest sadness that I must tell all of you that my wife, Irene Schaft, passed away on Monday, 9 August 2010 from a massive stroke. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Parker Paws, http://www.parkerpaws.org/donate.html a local animal shelter. Irene's system will only be up infrequently for the next few weeks, and her mail will not be checked regularly. Any messages of condolence can be sent to her husband George at schaft@schaft.com Irene's blog: http://sybilsimon.com/

07-16-2010, 07:20 AM	#25
EagerReader commaholic and adverb junkie Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 406	You're in a great place right now, ILS. Thanks for sharing your situation and I'll have my fingers crossed for you until it all works out (as fabulously as possible). I'll be keeping my eye on this thread! Best of Luck!

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