-- THE RENAISSANCE LITERARY AGENCY SCAM --
The Renaissance Papers, my correspondence with a rip-off artist purporting to be an agent.

Ever since I posted the tale of my dealings with the Rennaissance Literary Agency on a web site back in 1996, I have been receiving emails from folks who happened on the page and had their own tales of woe to tell. I have reproduced some of them here. The litany of abuse and mendacity quickly grows disheartening. It's sad that people like Leon Jones (or whatever his name is this week) feel free to prey on the unsuspecting. This page is my own little blow struck for freedom and fair play.

A typical victim: June 19, 2000

Subject: Scammed also
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 13:09:56 -0500
From: ignia@swbell.net
To: jazzpolice@w3pg.com

June 19, 2000
Found this interesting sight (sic). I'm afraid I am a victim of Melvin Jones as well. I had a manuscript at Carlton press a millenium ago, and after ten years he contacted me in regards to putting the manuscript with him. I did so, but managed to not send him the total fee-only half. Shame on me for being so eager as to hand out my hard work to just anybody. It has been two years since I signed this contract with him, and am trying to track this scum down to retrieve my poorly written novel. Any ideas???
Signed, Susan Hancock
email: ignia@swbell.net

I find it particularly pleasing that several people who were about to have dealings with the Renaissance Literary Agency called or sent email to me after reading The Renaissance Papers to thank me for alerting them to the practices of this bunch of scumbags. There may not be a lot of people hitting this page, but it has clearly served a valuable purpose in the online writing community, and I could not be more gratified!
Not that I am the only writer to have been targeted. Far from it, I am sorry to say. For details of a truly nightmarish experience much worse than mine, read about what happened and is happening to Jayne Hitchcock.
Please Note!

Gene Cartwright genecar@earthlink.net writes:
"I read the first reference to The Renaissance Literary Agency and my heart fluttered.
"I am represented by the Renaissance Literary Agency, now The Renaissance/Irving Lazar Agency, of Los Angeles. I was relieved to learn that the agency you refer to is one in another state. Perhaps an early disclaimer, noting the location of the charlatans you properly lambast, would save a few palpitations."
Indeed. The Renaissance Agency which concerns us here seems to be doing business in and around Atlanta, Georgia. However, another writer, Jane W. Chartrand, notified me as of May 11, 1998, that she also has "rec'd the exact same letters/pamphlets, etc. from 'literary agent' Leon Jones. Only now, he's Melvin Jones of the Phoenix Literary Agency, PO Box 500429, Atlanta, GA 31150. Phone: 770/552-0999." So it would seem that Mr. Jones is still up to his old tricks. Please beware of him and his dishonest practices. And remember: No reputable literary agent charges a "reading fee!" Run, don't walk, from any agent demanding money to read/promote your work.

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