How valid are the assessments on Predators and Editors? I sent out about a dozen query letters over the weekend to various agents in Ontario. Today I heard back from Authors' Marketing Services in Toronto. They sounded quite interested in my book but when I looked them up on P & E, they were not recommended. They also charge a reading fee of $395.

Does everyone here trust the P & E guidelines? Is it customary to pay a fee or is that something that I should avoid at all costs?

Thanks.
Sigrid