The Wrong Agenda
Today I ran across a website called, The Write Agenda. I started perusing it and soon realized there was something rotten in Denmark. Don’t let the name fool you. The so-called “Write Agenda” is actually wrong, very wrong. They claim they are watching out for you, the writer, that they are there to keep you informed about the publishing business, and that they are unbiased and looking for the truth.
But the real truth is, they are attacking the actual watchdogs, the true defenders of writers’ rights. Just take a look at their “Author Boycott List.” Every name on there is an active voice in bringing publishing scams to light. These names are really watching out for you against unscrupulous literary agents and fly-by-night publishers.
This is their list: Author Boycott List (Revised 10/08/11).
Read through a few of those names:
Ann “A.C.” Crispin and Victoria Strauss are best known for their work exposing the scammers. They host the site, Writer Beware. It is the best resource for authors to learn how to avoid being screwed by the unscrupulous.
David L. Kuzminski is the man behind Preditors & Editors. One of the best guides to publishing and publishing services available for the aspiring and serious writer. listing businesses it recommends and those that should be avoided at all costs.
James D. MacDonald is a professional author, who is well-known for educating aspiring writers. He coined what has come to be known as Yog’s Law: “Money should flow toward the author.”
P.N. Elrod is a professional author and editor and is also very vocal in educating writers against publishing scams.
John Scalzi is the President of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. I’ll say that again. He’s the President of SFWA, which is “a professional organization for authors of science fiction, fantasy and related genres.” Basically, he’s the head guy at one of the most respected writers sites evah. And he hates scams.
What we have here is a veritable who’s who of some of the most respected names in protecting writers’ rights. These are our defenders, not the rogue’s gallery The Write Agenda would have us believe.
Why would “The Write Agenda,” who claims to be watching out for you make a boycott list of the very people who have actually been watching out for writers? There can only be one explanation. The Write Agenda must be working for the very people who will do you, the writer, the most harm: the scam publishers and unscrupulous agents. Nothing else makes any sense.
Remember, no matter how these people try to debate it, “Money flows toward the author.”
So next time you’re out at a bookstore, remember that boycott list and use it as your Christmas list for good reads. You won’t be disappointed and you’ll be showing support for these fine people.
In the meantime, here are some more sites to visit that are great sources for writers:
Absolute Write, a comprehensive informational Website for writers of all levels.
Absolute Write Water Cooler, a place to chat and learn with writers of all experience levels.
Making Light, an informative blog by Teresa & Patrick Nielsen Hayden.
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