Apex Book Company

Wading the waters of the writing life can be dangerous even for seasoned pros, let alone newbies looking to make their mark on the world.

Because I care and don’t want to see anybody get hurt, I’m going to list some resources that will allow writers to protect themselves from scammers, lamers, nitwits, and crooks.

WRITER BEWARE BLOGS! - This blog, ran by Victoria Strauss, Richard Wright, and A.C. Crispin does a detailed and precise job of dissecting the disreputable publishers. If you’re thinking of selling a book to a small press, you’ll want to check with these ladies.

I’ve met A.C. Crispin a few times. You don’t want to be on her blog or her bad side.

PREDITORS AND EDITORS - Nothing fancy, just the facts. This website gives you the dirt on the good guys and the bad guys. In fact, one of the bad guys have sued the P&E folks for reporting the facts. If you’d like to donate to their legal fund, click on the link and find the Donate via Paypal button.

ABSOLUTE WRITE FORUM - Lots of back patting and support goes on in these forums. Want to cry on somebody’s shoulder because Mari Adkins rejected you AGAIN. This is the place. Just remember, editors can see you EVERYWHERE, so if you publicly state that Mari Adkins pisses you off, she’ll find you.

MARI ADKIN’S BLOG OF HATE - Check here to see if you’re on Mari’s “Shit List.” You’ll want to check often.

Jason Sizemore is the publisher and editor-in-chief of all things Apex. During his free time he writes weird fiction that can be tracked down from his personal website at http://www.jbsizemore.com.