DUBIOUS AGENT #42

Imagine my excitement when the submission response from agent number forty-two (The Nancy Ellis-Bell Literary Agency) arrives in the mail and they request to see the entire manuscript of Bad Moon Rising. I was thrilled. I don't remember where I got the initial information on the agency, but everything seemed to check out, so I sent the submission package. After hearing that they wanted to see the entire manuscript, however, I Googled the agency and uncovered a pair of suits alleging that while the agency was apparently capable of selling books to major houses, they were being accused of witholding advance monies from the authors. That was no good. In one of the on-line articles regarding the suits, there was a contact name and number with The Author's Guild in New York, so I called them. They said they usually don't give advice about agencies, but that was an exception and they definitely WOULD NOT send this agency my manuscript. They said the two suits were settled in favor of the authors and that the agency was forced to pony up the dough. They also said they had a pamphlet on "How to Submit to Agents," and would I like it? I said sure. When I got it, I noticed that the secretary of The Author's Guild was Scott Turow and that their Board of Directors included Stephen King, John Jakes, and Anne Rivers Siddon. If I'd had any doubts, they were now gone, as I figured they knew what they were talking about.
There was also a a DOES NOT RECOMMEND on the Preditors and Editors website for the agency that said "no further information available," although I would assume it was for the same reason.
My heart and stomach fell. I'd already gone to Kinko's and made my new copy of the novel at great expense ($30). I will not be sending that manuscript to the Nancy Ellis agency, though, because who wants the grief of having to fight for money that is rightfully yours. Even if there was some mix-up or she has seen the light and is repentent, I still don't like the set-up.
If that kind of struggle was in my future, I can afford to be patient.