"Is WL Writers Agency an agency
that is ethical and can get results?
They are interested in my manuscript."

That's the question of the day, submitted by a writer named David.

The answer: Absolutely not. WL Writers Agency is actually a sprawling agency that is comprised of many little fee-charging agencies, such as the notoriously bad New York Literary Agency and Poet's Literary Agency.

In fact, this agency is named one of the "20 Worst" by Writer Beware, a site dedicated to protecting writers from all the Internet scams out there. See the Writer Beware "20 Worst" page here for more information.

Always remember: When in doubt, simply Google. I Googled "WL Writers Agency" and was immediately immersed in dozens of message boards, forums and blogs where writers were denouncing the agency as unscrupulous.

2008 Article Excerpt:

WD book editors talk about how
writers can avoid getting scammed
by dishonest agents. 

"First of all, it can't be stressed enough that you should never pay agents any fees just so they consider your work. Only small fees (such as postage and copying) are acceptable - and those miniscule costs are administered after the agent has contacted you and signed you as a client. 
      A typical scam goes something like this: You send your work to an agency and they reply with what seems like a form letter or e-mail, telling you they love your story. At some point, they ask for money, saying it has to do with distribution, editing, production, submissions, analysis or promotion. By that point, you're so happy with the prospect of finding an agent (you probably already told your family and friends) that you nervously hand over the money. Game over. You've just been scammed. Your work may indeed end up in print, but you're likely getting very little if any money. To be a successful author, publishers must pay you to write; you must never pay them."

            - "Sign on the Dotted Line: Research Your Options and Beware of Scams" (page 51)

While Guide to Literary Agents is best known for its large and detailed list of literary agencies, every edition has plenty of informational articles and interviews designed to help writers perfect their craft and contact agents wisely. The 2008 edition is no different, with more than 80 pages of articles addressing numerous writing and publishing

With the exception of those representatives new to the business and actively building their client list, agents will likely have a full roster of clients (writers) that demands much of their time. There are contracts to negotiate, edits to suggest, manuscripts to submit, bills to pay, etc. Add all that up and you get this: Agents are busy people, and aren't exactly racing around the world looking for a whole bunch of new clients to sign.

That's why writers should be wary of any agent that seems overly enthusiastic. Real agents don't offer you representation with a snail mail letter, complimenting generic aspects of your work. And here's a big tip: Real agents don't advertise. They get too many poor submissions as it is, so why would they spend money to attract more? If you see a Google Ad for a literary agency, such as the infamously bad New York Literary Agency (a member of the "20 Worst Agencies"), that agency is a scam. They will lure you in and then mention money.

Sure, real agents are still looking for new writers. As one rep put it, "We're always searching for an unpolished gem." But remember: If something seems too good to be true, it very well may be, so make sure you're in reputable hands before signing anything.

Since this blog is relatively new, I feel compelled to include informative posts where, sometimes, the information is not exactly breaking news.

That said, check out Writer Beware's famed Thumbs Down Agency List, where Writer Beware lists the 20 worst agencies out there that prey on new writers.

What's the difference between a legitimate agency and a scam? Simple: money. Scam agencies will charge you upfront fees just to consider your work or submit it to publishers. The Thumbs Down list was updated in March 2007 and is definitely worth a look-see if you're not familiar with it. Note: Guide to Literary Agents, and writersmarket.com, list no agents that charge upfront fees.