Writers Beware...

Publishers and writers have always had a harrowing time sorting out reputable professional services from questionable practices. Thankfully, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America's Writer Beware site is making the process easier with their proactive fraud busters.

At www.sfwa.org/beware/, volunteers (mostly anonymous due to the controversial nature of their work) maintain a database of 600+ questionable agents, publishers, and independent editors. The intrepid staff continually researches, updates, and post warnings about nonstandard practices that violate writers' best interests, i.e., extraordinary fees, conflicts of interest, abusive or nonstandard contract terms, unprofessional practices, nonperformance, and dubious qualifications.

These investigators are in constant communication with legitimate agents and editors to get a good feel for standard business pr actices, plus they keep close counsel with an experienced intellectual property and consumer protection attorney. They also offer a free research service for writers with questions about agents, publishers, and others (e-mail atbeware@sfwa.org ). Many thanks to SFWA!

Web Resources

www.ResearchForWriters.com is a for-profit organization that specializes in providing information on any topic. As professional researchers, their task is not only to find your requested information, but also to verify its accuracy beyond a shadow of doubt. With services specially tailored towards media professionals, this company can assist either by giving you information directly or by helping you find a knowledgeable expert. Anyone looking for that extra edge on their next project may want to contact Research for Writers for a price quote.

www.oneword.com is a creative writing site dedicated to stomping out writers block. Visit the site to participate in a simple writing exercise. Each day there’s a new word that visitors free-write about for 60 seconds. The purpose is to alleviate a writer’s tendency to edit everything and encourage words to flow. Visitors also can view entries by other writers. Give it a look if you need new stimulus.