Danny Rablo, a small-time con artist, and his partner, Marie Foley, are in the business of promising fame and riches to would-be writers who are willing to buy into their scheme. Everything is working just fine for Danny until Earl Magnus, a man with actual talent, shows up among his intended victims. Not only does Danny have no idea how to deal with the real thing, but Earl and his evolving manuscript help Marie see Danny through different eyes. As she refuses to follow the script and Danny's world begins to fall apart, he turns from mere exploiter to avenger. Out to do a job on Earl, Danny ends up doing a job on himself instead.