I think most people will say don't pay an agent an upfront fee....it was one of the first things I was told by other published writers, and that I read in various references when researching agents several years ago. They generally have a litany of "excuses" for charging an upfront fee, i.e. postage costs, long distance calls, xeroxing, blah blah blah.....but in the end, unfortunately MOST of these take your money and run. Not ALL but MOST.

Louisa I hope your friend DOES get her money's worth from Harris and they will do right by her faith in them.