Preface

The birth of a story, what a wonderful place to start! You have been playing around with an idea for a novel from an incident you witnessed the previous week. You believe it would make a great book and feel it is time to put it down on paper. However, you must ask yourself one important question before you start: “What are you willing to give up in order to turn your dream into reality. Are you willing to go as far as you have to, no matter what, even if you may hurt your future career as a writer?”

For the new writer, we wonder if you really know what you are up against. To be a creator of the written word, and produce something that sells, you have to be able to dig in and become prolific in your craft. You have to learn how to manipulate words, become your own personal secretary and manager, handle your personal and writing life while trying to keep each one from conflicting with the other and, if you belong to the working class, your job has to fit into this schedule also.

Are you a procrastinator? You should try to write everyday, even if for only half-an-hour, in order to perfect your craft. The writing market is becoming increasingly harder to break into and unless you keep up with the business, writing, and give people (agents, editors, publishers, and readers) what they want, you are going to go nowhere fast. Oh, one more question, “Do you welcome sudden praise?”

Consider what the creative process involves and do not quit your daytime job just yet. Becoming a published author can take years. In addition, being published does not make you an instant millionaire. In case you are not familiar with the process, writing can be a long drawn-out process. In many ways, it is just like the construction of a well built home. You begin with the idea and put it down on paper. However, the plan was not drawn perfectly the first time so you have to go back to the drawing table. You do this over and over until everything is perfected and drawn to please many individuals. Then you have to find a bank. One that is willing to back you before beginning to look for the building site so your plan can become a reality. You go through many sites before the right one is found. The contractor, which you hired, looks at your plan and advises you to make a few more changes, which you do. Finally, the day comes when the plan, which was once an idea, is sold, and you are in business. This is exactly how the writing process goes with agents, editors, and publishers.

So, what validates being classified a writer? We like to compare writing to an addiction, and if this is not how you feel about it, then you are tackling the wrong beast. When you write, your whole life changes. You no longer hang out with the gang. You begin all over again becoming acquainted with the world around you, seeing your surroundings in whole new light. You might even start to ignore things once important to you. On the other hand, you might be able to write for several hours a day, forget about it, and go about your business until the next day. Or, you might be the type to obsess over your writing like one well-known author does and have post-it notes all over the house. All we can suggest is that you pace yourself, because the writing market is not going anywhere. Find a quiet time somewhere in your day and create. As long as you can do this, it is safe to say, “You have been bit by the writing bug.”

The birth of this book came about when a two-ton bug bit us. We were discussing a certain literary agency one day, wondering how many writers have been taken in by the unscrupulous and began to research the topic. Through our research, we came across writers, from all lifestyles, very dedicated people, who were willing to share their experiences with us, for which we are grateful. Within the following pages, these people will contribute to your education on frauds and allow you to gain insight. If you are clueless about what signs to look for, then you have come to the right place. Just like any other business, the writing market is not unscathed by impostors. A writer’s life can be fulfilling but lonely, especially if caught up with a fraudulent scheme with nowhere to turn.

Writing is an art that nurturing will develop into a skillful use of prose. In fiction, you can lie and get away with it. In nonfiction, you have to stick to the facts, but facts can become a powerful tool when you have documented proof to back you up.
This book is a manual for the new writer on fraud and will cover all the details as they have been presented to us. It is a compilation of rules to follow and what to look out for “The people, who are waiting to turn you into a victim.” We hope you will use this manual as an encouraging friend. One that will see you through the rough spots until becoming an accomplished writer. If you become disgusted and quit, because an unexpected curve was sent your way, then your potential, as a writer, may never be realized.

No matter what genre you write in or whose biography you are putting together, we know that someone’s life will be better when touched by your words. However, you are the only one who can make your dreams come true . Of course, that might happen if you do everything within your power to be successful and stay out of harm’s way. If you are a new writer, who is dedicated to this craft, then read on to find out what is waiting for you, starting with the birth of your novel.