There was a recent debate in the LOUNGE about an Agency called Artellus and the fact that they charge a £40 reading fee. I got a call from Leslie Gardner, who runs Artellus, this morning. I thought I would pass the information on.

Firstly, the reading fee doesn't apply to all submissions. She says that requests for full manuscripts are selective, because, like all agents, she can't spend time on something that is clearly not up to the mark. She makes her initial decision from samples and covering letters. If she thinks a writer has promise, she'll request the full manuscript and the fee. If she likes the work and takes the writer on, then the fee is reimbursed.

I couldn't get her to give me any details of clients but she did say she's taken on several people in the past six months and taken them through to publication.

Colin M

Sounds dodgy to me - my 2 pennies worth..? Try someone else!

Yes, I agree with Earl - don't do it!!

LoL

A
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