Who is the literary attorney you hired to vet your contract and/or agency agreement?

Elaine English. Her rates are reasonable, and she works with authors who aren't local or located in the States. You can find her contact info here.

I can't afford to hire an attorney. Will you give me free legal advice?

Sorry, I'm not a lawyer and not qualified to do so. If you can't afford an attorney, get a copy of Negotiating a Book Contract: A Guide for Authors, Agents and Lawyers by Mark Levine.

Can you refer me to your agent?

Sorry. In order for me to do so, I have to know you and/or read your writing, and I don't have the time to read anybody's writing these days.

Can I ask you questions about your agent?

Sure. But please be specific about what you want to know. If you ask me something vague such as "Do you like your agent?", you'll get a vague and not-so-helpful response (such as "Yes").

How much do you make from your writing?

I can't give any specific answers, but I'll say this: I've made a profit on every piece of work I've self-published. (My cash outlay included editing and covers.) As for the publishers I've contracted with, it's all case-by-case. To get more information, check out Brenda Hiatt's Show Me the Money or subscribe to Publishers Marketplace for the latest publishing deals.

Will you critique my manuscript?

Sorry. I don't read manuscripts from people I don't know or have an existing crit partner relationship with.

I read somewhere that you're looking for a critique partner. Is it still true?

Sorry again, but I'm no longer looking for one.

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