The following quotes are from some of the readers who have been kind enough to e-mail Jim with their comments on Ten Percent of Nothing:
I just finished Ten Percent of Nothing and found it fascinating, both in terms of the depths of the Deerings and the sky-high dreams of those they swindled. A great case and a tale you told well.
Adrienne Martini
2004I just finished reading Ten Percent of Nothing. It's fabulous! I laughed out loud at some of your dry wit. What a sad, sad story.
Jan Vaughn
2004. . . I hurriedly rifled through the pages until I found the chapters about my experience with the Deerings. I have to say, it was very well written. Thank you for being so kind about me in it. Nevertheless, it brought back a flood of emotions and after I finished reading the chapter I began to sob. I haven't been the same since the Deerings stole my dream. I am so happy that you have exposed this crime to other would-be writers.
Carolyn Steinmetz
2004I have just read this with mounting (but unsurprised) horror and with the exact sensation of your proverbial witness to a train wreck. A cold, clear, wonderfully reasoned documentary. . . . A splendid book, Mr. Fisher.
Barry N. Malzberg
2004I am a collector of books and ephemera about frauds, swindles, and confidence games, and have over 2,000 titles in my collection, going back to 1790. I have been at it for over 30 years. I just finished reading your Ten Percent of Nothing and have added it to my collection with pleasure. I found the book most informative, entertaining, and well-written.
William D. Gall
2004I am thrilled that you wrote the book about the Deerings. If no other book was ever written for authors, yours is surely the one to have been written.
Glenda Ivey
2005I recommend anyone in publishing get a copy of Ten Percent of Nothing to help their own education about the importance of using common sense and also avoiding fee-based agents.
Terry Whalin
2005. . . . I bought and read your book, Ten Percent of Nothing. It was a great read, and really told the story of the Deerings with precision. I can honestly tell you that I read the entire book in one sitting, it was that riveting.
Ed Williams
2005. . . . I finished reading your book last night, and I think you did a positively fantastic job on it. Thanks to you. I've spent the past few nights hanging out with Dorothy [Deering] and gaining valuable insights into the corrupt aspect of the publishing industry.
Lynne M. Zerance
2006