Maybe a rejection isn't that bad.

[Magicman]

Agent Danielle Smith’s Former Clients Speak Out

This article in Publishers Weekly opened an eyelid. If Agent Danielle Smith rejected your submission, jump for joy.

It's sad that the industry has a history of many Agents and Publishers being an oligarchy, responding to authors whenever they pleased. Now, if you can't trust the responses to your questions from agents - shock and awe. If you sign with an agent, there should always be a professional level of communication. Transparency is required and if you get excuses, beware. I'm sure Ms. Smith is an exception. But one bad apple can ruin the bunch. As an author, it is still your responsibility to ensure those who are in your employ (Agent/Publishers - yes, they work for you) are in fact working for you.

 

[Marc Joan]

I'd prefer to have an agent that worked with me, rather than for me. I think a partnership would be more satisfying and probably more successful than a fee-for-service relationship. But of course, wherever there's money, there are crooks. C'est la vie. Caveat author.