Received July 2004
I note that another author has complained to you about the OWEN ROBINSON LITERARY AGENCY (20, Tolbury Mill, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 ODY). Here is my experience. Last February I e-mailed them saying that I had written the screenplay for a three-part TV mini series as well as a crime novel asking if they would be interested in seeing synopses of these. They e-mailed saying that they didn't handle TV screenplays but would be prepared to provide a "critical appraisal" for a fee of £80. I decided to proceed and sent the three scripts together with a synopsis of the crime novel. Some time elapsed and they then asked to see the full manuscript of the novel saying there would be no charge for reading this. I sent the manuscript and waited...and waited. I finally asked for a progress report - particularly on the screenplay for which I had paid a fee. I received a message from Justin Robinson to say that he had suffered a private trauma and asked for my indulgence. I was very sympathetic and sat back to wait. Another six weeks elapsed and I again asked about the screenplay. I received a reply to say that he was in Portugal (presumably for the football) and that both the screenplay appraisal and his reaction to the crime novel would be with me the following week. Nothing happened. That was three weeks ago. Since then I have e-mailed him four times and received no replies. My last two messages asked for my money back. As of today (July 8) still no reply.
The Owen Robinson Agency does not feature in your own listings but it is featured in the 2004 Writers' Handbook and I write this as a warning to other authors.
Received Next Day
UPDATE RE OWEN ROBINSON;
Within the last hour Owen Robinson have e-mailed to say they will be returning my cheque for £80 today (July 9). I shall report again on this situation as to whether or not it has been successfully resolved.
Received Next Day
FURTHER UPDATE RE OWEN ROBINSON
This morning's post (July 10) brought the cheque for £80 being the return of my fee. There was no covering note. I do not know why Owen Robinson were unable to provide the critique of my screenplay which they had originally offered. It has simply wasted five months during which time I have not felt able to offer the screenplay (or my crime novel) to anyone else. All very frustrating.