6. Offers of representation or publication that come after reading just a synopsis or a few chapters. Legit companies want to read the whole book, not just a few pages, before they make a decision. How else would they know if the book is as good all the way through as the first few chapters? Or if the book is even completed?
7. An agent who wont reveal details of his/her track record of book sales, or claims his/her client list is confidential. If they say you cant know who they represent, then they might have something to hide. Legitimate agents and publishers have their clients on their web pages for all to see.
8. Always have a lawyer look over a contract with an agent or publisher before signing it. It is money well spent to have a lawyer check it out first. Just make sure you pick a lawyer who is well versed in publishing contracts.
9. Avoid agents/publishers who come to you first. If you didn't submit to them, then how do they know about you? Ask questions; find out why they are contacting you. Remember, mailing lists come from everywhere, even magazine subscriptions. Also, be suspicious of an agent or publisher who contacts you via e-mail only. Some of the more unscrupulous ones haunt the writers message boards looking for desperate writer who are willing to believe their lies.
In addition, if the agent or publisher claims to have represented a famous author, then check it out. That's easy enough to do. Just go down to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of the novel in question. By looking at the copyright page, you'll see who the publisher is. In some cases, the agents name is listed as well. Checking out a writers web site will also give you their agent and publishers names.
Most importantly don't let your desire to be published overcome your good sense. Join a local or national writers organization and see if they have a list of known writing scams. Get involved with an online writing newsgroup, forum or message board; if you have a question about an agent or publisher, you may get answers there. Be aware and you wont get taken.
Remember the old adage; if it sounds too good to be true, it is!
Dawn Arkin is an author on book agent which is a site for Writers. Her portfolio can be found at www.writing.com/authors/darkin so stop by and read for a while.
Finding a good book agent - part 1.
