Publish America Scam

Pawrig 30 hours ago

I can really understand open communications, but they are the ones slamming all the doors. There is no real live person to deal with. I know because I have tried over, and over. All I get is hung up on or generic e-mails that say nothing about my situation. They, as a corporation should step and and do what is right, and that is to correct there own errors that they made in my book, because I would pay to correct my own error. I have already been in touch with W5 a section of CTV in Canada that goes after bad employers and bad companies that abuse employess and upcoming authors, like us...I might be a little fish in a big pond, but I shouldn't have to pay for Publish America's own errors.

Larry Chiapelli 36 hours ago

Dear Pawrig, I just can't seem to understand why all you people are having so much difficulty with PA. Like I said before, I don't work for PA, but they did a flawless job for me on my book, Poker in Las Vegas. However, I will let everyone know that you really have to develop a good rapport with a publisher, and any book, especially one that is 250-350 pages long requires constant editing, constant proofreading, and approx 10-15 correction levels (each correction level containing up to 200 mistakes you or the publisher made) bounced back and forth with the publisher. My suggestion to you at this point is to "stoke the fire" with cash! In other words, order one of your books from PA (at its' current level--mistakes or not), look the whole thing over very close for mistakes, itemize all your mistakes (and theirs) in a Word file, and spend the lousy $199 it takes to do a running cover/text change. Make sure you put a 1st Edition logo on the cover and have the publisher write "First Printing (1st Edition) on the beginning pages. When the text changes come to you in a PDF file, make absolutely sure you've captured everything with the designer--even if you have to bounce it back and forth 5x to get it right. Soon you can order fresh books and be happy you finally got things right. After that, read the new book over again and look for mistakes you missed. A year later do a running Text change and move to book to a 2nd Edition. I hope this helps. Try to look hard a yourselves when things like this happen. Stay organized and look at your own mistakes. Hope I've helped you some. I do hope this note doesn't appear to be rude. I am sharing my success with any author that is having problems with publishers, especially PA.

pawrig 39 hours ago

I guess everyone has had some sort of problem with Publish America. Mine started off rough and never got any easier. I thought I had read on the website that editing services for a price was available. I sent an e-mail with my query and asked about it. I only received urgent e-mails stating that time is running out and I should send in my manuscript. I finally felt pressured and sent it in, requesting the use of the editing services. Apparently no one knew about this area. I told them my manuscript was not final as per my e-mails. They told me it was final. I ended up paying $249.00 to have them accept my second manuscript, which I had a professional edit for me. Back to square one. Manuscript submitted. When the proofs were sent to me for proofing, I was working at a seniors home with no internet access. I was given 48 hrs to confirm for errors. I arrived home a day later and saw the e-mail. I responded right away to Ryan at Publish America indicating that there was errors in the text that was not on my manuscript, these errors were done by Publish America. Ryan replied that I should send in the errors and he also indicated how I should show the errors on the list. Three weeks later I get an e-mail that they can't accept the errors, because I missed the dead-line by 1 day. I fought with them for close to 3 months with e-mails going back and forth. I finally received an e-mail with Publish America apoligizing and that they will correct the errors. I was happy to hear that, and requested the proofs for proof-reading. About 2 weeks later I received an e-mail saying that corrections were done and my book is going to print. I e-mailed them asking for the PDF file, so I can proof-read before the book goes to print. They told me they don't do that at this point. I called support on the phone...(no help there)Candy told me that the only way to know was to order a book. I ordered my bood and waited 8 weeks. My book arrived and yes, the errors are still there. I phoned support and spoke with Candy...I explained my promblem. She said she couldn't help me, becuase they are just there to take order over the phone. I asked her if there was another number I could have, so I could speak with someone who could help. She told me no. She told me to send a support e-mail from the website. I told her that I had already done that serval times, she hung up on me. I did send another support e-mail that same day; it's been 12 days and no answer. 2 days ago I sent a follow up e-mail to Ryan at Publish America, no reply back as of yet. What more can I do??

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 2 days ago

Dear Becca, This is exactly what I'm saying. No matter what publisher you'd go through, PA or otherwise, you fell short (with all due respect) of becoming proactive with your book before, during and after production. Like most authors, they're too cheap to get their book professionally edited and proofread. Plus, they don't take the time to engage with the publisher (on a technical manner) during the pagination process. Correction levels, back and forth, are very common with a publisher/author. You need to really look at your book carefully. I reviewed my book 15 times and submitted 15 different correction levels with PA. Each correction level had 200 changes that I missed (mine and PA's mistakes). I finally release the first edition. Now I read it over again and found 50 more mistakes I missed. I'll resubmit the final corrections in one year and call the book, "The 2nd Edition." It's very common, so don't expect any publisher do do things for you. That's unrealistic. THE AUTHOR MUST CONTROL EVERY DETAIL. From how the cover is designed to how the book Text is paginated. Larry

Becca Hightower 3 days ago

Ok, well since everyone is still posting on this forum, i guess ill give my piece now.

I published my first novel, 'Robinson' with PA... they did not go through and edit it. or at least double check. in fact, I found many typos that were not in the original manuscript i sent in. They ADDED typos!! so when i contacted them about changing it, they wanted a fee to edit it.

Also, they asked for a list of bookstores in my area to do book signings. they said they would call them and set events up. so I sent a list...didnt get a word back. Went into a few stores after a few weeks and talked to the managers. PA did NOT contact at all about doing a signing AND my book is only available online. YOu cant buy it in the store, even if the store manager wanted to buy a few copies for thier inventory, they couldnt.

To turn my book into an e-book, i would have to pay a fee. To have my books featured at any event, i would need to pay a fee. In the contract they state theyre not a print on demand company...but they only print if their is an order for the book.... um...isnt that the same thing?

I'm sure this company has NO IDEA what theyre doing.

Who even accredited them to be a publisher? I mean, yes. they published my book. but i feel like I sold my soul for the next 7 years.

Oh, as far as royalties..talk about starving artist, i get a TINY percentage of profit from each book sold. my novel is little over 100 pages long. its a short quick read...theyre selling it for $25!!! and even if someone buys it. guess what i get... less than $2 per book.

They withold profit until it reaches $50 and then they send you a check.. oh wait, i forgot..i get an advanced payment of $1.

lovely.

I think we're all better off hiring a literary agent so our works can actually be PUBLISHED THE RIGHT WAY.

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 3 days ago

Dear Steven, The complaints about PA online are all from a bunch of incompetent writers. Ones who lack the organizational skills to even pull off anything successfully in life--book title or otherwise. Why is it that I had great success with PA and they help me pull off a major book title--for FREE no less? I wouldn't say this about them unless I felt they deserve credit where credit is due. I dislike you bashing PA and other publishers that do good work. Like I've said before on this site, try showing more gratitude towards companies and focus in on your own work and mistakes in writing. Try not to be like all these people, who sit in these writer's guilds discussing their hand-written drafts. Get organized, get edited and get properly proofread. Especially avoid bashing publishers online because nobody will ever want to work with you in the future--you'll be "black-balled" so fast that it will make your head spin. Stop the negative cycle now--go in a more positive direction. Mr. Chips

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 3 days ago

Say what you want; the fact remains I did spend the money on professional editing and proofreading for both of my books published. Anyone that is an author these days realizes that's SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). Also, regardless of what publisher does your book, vanity press or otherwise, you have to take a proactive stance working with them through the different stages of production. That's where most people fail (unable to get it edited and proofed properly. Plus, their inability to work with ANY publisher). Now PA did a great job on my 2nd book, and Strategic/Eloquent did a good job on my first book. They both sell good, I get checks in the mail, so whatever you naysayers want to say about me or any publishing processes I chose to go with--so be it! Plus, if you honestly believe some agent is going to come along a find you a great book contract for the unmarketable books you may be writing, then you're only living in denial--your manuscript, along your dreams will be sitting on your kitchen table for years and years. Best of luck to all.

Stephen Post 4 days ago

I will only warn you to NOT use publish America! They published my book last year and have not been able to contact them, and when I finally did get emails back they were nasty. They have NOT done one thing they said they would do and have my book way overpriced to where i wouldnt buy it. They are by far the wort company i have ever had to deal with, and all you have to do is google their name and you will see hundred of authors with the same complaints.

Ben Reeder, Author 3 weeks ago

Wow, whoever is claiming PA gave Larry Chiapelli his big break needs to look for his books. Larry Chiappelli, your books are listed as published by Strategic Books, tehn by Eloquent books, both of whom have reputations as vanity presses. And then you're coming out in support of PublishAmerica? AND telling people they have to pay upwards of $4K to be ready to submit...WOW! Since you're obviously lacking in experience with traditional publishers (PA is NOT a traditional publisher, nor are they even considered a small press), let me educate some of you on how publishing has worked in my personal experience. I wrote the best book I could, I had several beta-readers working with me as I went, and when I submitted it to my publisher, THEY did the editing. THEY did the proofreading. I paid nothing. Not a dime. Because Yog's Law is the golden rule in real publishing (Money flows toward the writer). Professional editing can help you create a more polished book, but the editing for publication is done by the publisher. A real publisher takes submissions from agents. Real agents don't charge you anything up front. Anyone who is telling you differently is trying to sell you something.

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 7 weeks ago

Dear Suzanne, you have to insist that they give you what's called a sales matrix. It's an Excel spread-sheet indicating what sales have occurred, where your books (or e-books) were sold, the publisher's cut, and of course your "small" percent. All publishers provide that for their authors. Don't expect much, but be appreciative that your book sells and you get anything. Also, publishers are very slow at dishing out royalties. In the meantime, start concentrating on re-editing your first edition to make sure all errors are fixed, build a killer website, gather friends on Facebook, do book signings at stores, leave books on consignment at busy stores, learn how to optimize your website so it gets on the first page of ALL major search engine (e.g., Google, AOL, Yahoo), and be sure to get your book in the hands of many people. Be it by donating it to libraries everywhere, gifts to people, promotional gifts for other things sold at your business, etc, etc. As I said, I don't work for PA, contrary to what other people on this site think. I just want to help authors realize their dream come true. Merry Christmas to all. Keep writing in 2012. Larry

suzanne 7 weeks ago

I have to but 49 copies of my other works from them? Just to get published again?! If my other works had sold? I'd have the money.., but I don't!

dear wishedtobepublished 2 months ago

Do read my last letter and try to understand what I'm saying to you (and everyone else). When you are absolutely sure you have your manuscript done, be sure and have a good, PROFESSIONAL EDITOR go through it all. Realize that may end up costing you close to $2000-3000. After that's complete, which could take up to 4 months time, the next step is to have a good, PROFESSIONAL PROOFREADER go through your manuscript. That may end up costing you at least $1000. Then, and only then, will you be ready to submit a manuscript to any publisher in what is called a "raw" state. If you should get a publisher to give you a contract (PA, I-Universe, Strategic or anyone else), realize that you will be going through absolute hell with revision rounds in the pagination process. Plus, the publishers have the right to change or edit your work too. Then you absolutely must have that looked at again with a PROFESSIONAL PROOFREADER. I'm giving you this advice (N/C) because that's the reality of it all. If you're an author of a book, that's what it takes to get a manuscript to the proof stage (your 1st book) and on to the first edition of the first production book. It's both very financially draining, and emotionally draining. Stop listening to all these crybabies that sit around bashing publishers because they are "clueless" of the costs and production work it truly takes to see it to print. Emulate other books in your genre, stay focused, and have deep pockets. Write me anytime a lchiapel2@yahoo.com if you need further advice. I don't work for PA. I am generous with information. Good luck. Please stay in touch--keep things positive. Stop listening to naysayers! Larry Chiapelli

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 2 months ago

Dear Author, I don't work for PA. What the heck gave you that idea? I just like to give credit where it's due. I'm not a millionaire poker player, just a good writer. I'm currently a columnist with Poker Weekly, and the magazine Poker Pro. This is my second book published, and even now my expectations from both books are not that high. Are both of my books, Chiapelli's Live Poker Strategies and Poker in Las Vegas, selling? Yes, they are selling "worldwide." I just think most so-called book authors have difficulty with any publisher, PA or otherwise. They fall short of realizing that they need to be highly organized, constantly edit and proofread their work, and spearhead all the design/marketing aspects of their work. My first book actually cost me well over $10,000 to get produced--that was a "joint" venture with Strategic books. After 18 correction rounds, each round consisting of 100-200 changes, I finally got it right. Now PA did the same exact thing for me--absolutely free. I went into a venture with PA knowing that I'd even be responsible for the whole marketing aspects as well, regardless of all the "hype" they presented to me. However, I am very grateful to PA that they save me thousands. The book, Poker in Las Vegas, essentially just came out. I realize it may take years to become popular, but the fact is they pulled it off flawlessly. Like I said in my previous letters on this site, some of these authors need to take a hard look at their own selves before they start bashing publishers--PA or otherwise. Personally, I don't give a darn if you, or others, ignore my letters here. Just realize you have to be more proactive with book writing. Don't think ANY publisher is going to be your "golden parachute" in life. Keep things positive and most of all have a little gratitude, especially if a company does something for free and does a good job to boot. Larry Chiapelli

Arthur Wiederhold 2 months ago

By the way, Mr. Chips: I have published 23 books with IUniverse and four with Trafford. I have never been lied to, promised anything or plagued by scams to sell me copies of my own book and I get REGULAR ROYALTY CHECKS wired to my bank account (which PA says they can't or won't do!)PA sends me an average of 15 emails per day regarding phony book fairs and other promos--but only if I buy x-numbers of my book first. That's how they make money. I will concede that they do list books with major online booksellers like the other vanity presses, but their claims for everything else are total bullshit. This author will never again use PA to print one of my books. In fact, as soon as the contract expires on my last one, I will let Trafford republish it so I can actually earn s few bucks back.

Arthur Wiederhold 2 months ago

Update on PA:

After hinting that I'd sue them, they finally sent me a complimentary copy of my book and the same congratulatory letter they did with first book. The production is very good, but I should not have been given the run-around by their so-called "customer service" department, threatened with lawsuits, etc. As for Mr. Chips: I have searched for your book. If PA did all as you say, where is it and why hasn't anyone in Vegas heard of it or you? You are merely a PA Shill and nothing more as pointed out by several other authors. I say the rest of us should ignore any comments from you because you are obviously an employee of PA.

larry chiapelli 2 months ago

Like I said in previous comments, I feel PA did a phenomenal job on my book Poker in Las Vegas. And unlike most of these self-publishing outfits, like I-Universe and Strategic Books, you'd have to literally spend thousands to get your book title done and on the market. PA didn't charge me anything and actually pulled of a MAJOR title for me. Now if you people are having trouble with any publisher, PA or otherwise, maybe you should re-examine your own organizational skills when it comes to manuscript releasing, professional editing, professional photography, and professional proofreading. Plus, you absolutely have to make sure you control all designs, pagination, images, etc. Stop blaming PA or other publishers for your lack of knowledge when it comes to ALL these aspects. Getting a book into production takes a lot of organizational skills, teamwork, and becoming friendly with your publisher. Bashing them, especially on the worldwide internet is a great way to get yourself black-balled from every major publisher. Look hard at yourself and stop this defamation against PA. Mr.Chips

Arthur Wiederhold 2 months ago

Earlier this year (2011), I republished a book (In the Path of the Reaper) with PA. They even sent me a copy of the book when it was published. They did actually post it with Amazon, B&N and the like and I received a royalty statement (but no check). Based on this, I sent them a second book (Prime Evil) which they did an abysmal bit of cover art (which I outright rejected and they published the cover anyway). When I asked about an author's copy, they told me I have to buy one as they no longer do that. They cited printing costs. I see that I get dozens of emails each day about various scams to publicize my books--if I'll buy set numbers of copies. In other words, they only sell books to their authors. I complained. They threatened to delete my emails because I want's nice to them. Our exchanges are interesting as they keep trying to discredit me even though I can point to THOUSANDS of complaints, lawsuits, newspaper articles, etc. backing up my problems with them. I would like advice on how to get the rights top both my books back from them without having to pay these pirates and in joining any class action suits against them. These thieves need to be put out of business. I've published over 30 books to date and PA is the only one I've had problems with (although IUniverse is starting to act like them in many ways but at least they wire royalties to my bank account--which PA claims they are incapable of doing). I would appreciate any suggestions in dealing with these crooks. Please e-mail me at alzari@att.net. Thank you.

WishedToBePublished 3 months ago

I've been sitting here trying to decide whether I wanted to take the dive and sign the PA contract, or change my mind and accept not being published. I think after reading these comments, plus several other internet pages about PA, I decided to not sign the contract. It will probably haunt me some, but I think it would haunt me more to have my work that I cherish changed forever because of a lock in a contract. Thank you all for saving me from making a big mistake.

paula commerford 4 months ago

I did the dirty dead of sending all copies of promo's to all, Rowling, Disney, My four contracts of course have been canceled.I have helped 5 other authors get out from under PA in the last month,I guess by getting back at me-I am now receiving porn emails from address- vec@publishamerica.com- of course I can't prove who sent them.When I asked PA, their reply was of course you don't have such emails if you do you created them yourself I have the emails! sweetsoot1@yahoo.com

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 5 months ago

Hello, I guess you guys are entitled to your own opinion on things, but like I said already, if things went wrong on your books with PA, then you really need to look at your own style and work. Getting published is real hard and takes lots of editing and proofing. You can say what you want, but most readers can see right through it all. Yes, I did work hard on this book, however, it was PA's expertise that actually pulled it off for me. Now they've agreed to even do a e-version for me! When that happens, the book, Poker in Las Vegas, will literally dominate the internet fast. I'm estimating 2000-3000 copies will be sold annually. That's not bad for a company you say is running a scam. If this is a scam (free book, free e-book, plastered all over the world), then I must be pretty naive because this is one heck of an impressive scheme on their part. They really do phenomenal work--bottom-line! That's reality. Give up all your negativity. It really doesn't water because the work they did for me negates it all. Sorry :) Larr

Jack 5 months ago

I too have a book with Publish America. They must be stopped. I can't stand all their scamming offers. I have over 169 offers in my mailbox, and that's after deleting 300+. The only reason I keep them is proof if someday we can take action against them.

They are a ridiculous company. And to Larry "Mr. Chips" Chiapelli, you can stop right now. You say over and over that you've done such hard work, and that is exactly right, because PA does nothing for you other than putting the book together and a few distribution channels. My question is why would you be proud of a company that runs scams day and night? You could go to any other company that is actually legit and get the same thing done and more. PA clearly doesn't make money off anyone but their own authors.

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 5 months ago

Daisy, thanks for the compliments. Stop being so negative and afraid of success though. I'm sorry it didn't work with you and PA, but that doesn't mean you have to post slanderous letters about them. Personally, I feel I'll have lots of success with PA. How can I go wrong--they did a phenomenal job for me--for FREE too! Anyway, try and look deep within yourself when it comes to writing books. Like I said before, you have to be very organized, hire "professional" editors (spending $2000-3000), hire "professional" proofreaders (spending up to $1000), and be prepared to go through 10-15 rounds of revision levels with any publisher. Even after your book goes into production, you're constantly reviewing it for corrections. It's all about constant editing! With this being said, please try and turn things around for yourself in a positive way. Ciao, Larr

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 5 months ago

Hello Fans,

The book, Poker in Las Vegas, just came out recently--one week ago. I own three other major websites, so it's difficult for me get a new website, for a new book, designed and fully operated overnight. Unlike most people that aren't proactive with their businesses or books, we won't mention any names, I write and design my own sites, single-handed. This book IS currently being sold on every Amazon site, around the world. Plus, hundreds of other sites (e.g., B&N, Book Depository, Powell's, Borders) are now selling it. It's migrating everywhere, literally dozens of additional sites each week. I'm currently working with PA to get the e-version done. I have a business farm that takes precedence over my books, but I will finish designing the site when I see the first run of books. The important thing to note here is: how can you, as an author, become successfully published? First, start by becoming friends with me on Face Book because that is where I communicate with magazine editors, publishers, fellow authors, and other successful business owners. Second, I'd be glad to answer all your questions about how to get "successfully" published. I don't even charge for advice--it's really for FREE. So let's put aside all this negativity I'm hearing through this site. I'm not employed by PublishAmerica, nor are they paying me to support them. Like I said I support them because it's all about "GRATITUDE." Best Wishes, Larry

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 5 months ago

Dear Daisyf1305,

My book that PA did for me is now done and cropping up everywhere around the world. Look on Amazon, and everywhere else. Also, look at my initial website for teasers and a whole book outline. Go to www.PokerInLasVegas.net. I'm always being accused of being some sort of fascist individual, but it's not true. I support businesses that I'm involved with. If a publisher, like PA, does a good job for me (like they did), then I support them 100%. If a magazine company prints my articles, pays me and plasters my name and books all over the world, then I'm behind them 100% as well. It's called "gratitude and dedication." Like I said, I know what it takes to work hard on a book and get it into production. I don't sit around, like many people do, and think the publisher is going to do everything. I compose it all, spearhead the formatting, control the cover design, and even do the entire indexing myself. I literally worked hard, with PA for 2 solid months straight, everyday, just during the text pagination process and cover design process. They spent so much time and resources with me to get this right. If I were to say anything bad about PA now, I'd be considered a real A-hole. So there it is. Query my name, visit my website--see for yourselves before everyone sits up there a criticizes PA for their work. I'm saying they are phenomenal!

larry "mr.chips" chiapelli 5 months ago

Dear Revo and everyone else,

Like I mentioned in my last posting, I felt that PublishAmerica did a fantastic job on my second book. Plus, the fact they poured a lot of time and energy into getting my book project done, with no cost to me, is so much better than the thousands I would have paid any joint venture publisher to do the same (e.g., Strategic Books or I-Universe). Sure you can be critical of my last note and this one here--assuming I can't write well or feel I'm some sort of shoddy designer. However, the fact remains I am a published author of two different poker books, a major columnist with poker magazines, am a qualified design architect, automotive designer, and a very experienced web designer. I know good design work, so in spite of what everyone else says about PublishAmerica, I feel they do good work. Also, since I've had two books published, I'm familiar with the fact that it takes a lot of revising, editing, and constant proofreading to get your book perfected. I'm stating that a complicated book, like the poker books I write, will literally take over 15 different revision levels (bounced back and forth with any publisher) to finally get it perfected. Being imperfect, as a published author, is something you must come to terms with. Blaming a publisher for your own mistakes is not a way to deal with things. Look at yourself first. Perhaps say "Is there something I'm not doing right that's prohibiting my book from being successfully published?" Stop making PublishAmerica look bad. Look at your own short-comings.

missie 5 months ago

i have been with pa for over a year and i have not seen anything about my book. i know that i have sold at lest 100 book cuz it is friends and family and they said i only sold 3 and i have singed 50 that i know of lol i am bad at counting but i know i have singed at lest 50. when i tried to get info about my book they don't get back with me....what do i do i don't want to be with them any more.

Shari 5 months ago

The weekly updates charge is ridiculous--shouldn't they be doing that anyway? I've had my own problems with PA, especially printing errors. But, the daily marketing crap just needs to be evaluated carefully before biting. I'd advise spending your money on a legit book-marketing pro instead of being "nickle-and-dimed" by PA with no results. That said, my last couple of book orders were sent to me timely, with no mistakes. The binding even looked more professional! Check out my book at http://sharibookstaff.com/sharis-book.html

paula commerford 5 months ago

MORE NEW PROMO'S OUT BY PUBLISH AMERICA !!!!

Now you PA authors can for $299.00 get weekly updates on all information concerning one of your books for a period of six months .Book Masters has gone in to business with PA. GREAT !!! two companies scamming together !!.Updates on

my site .

http://paulaspublishamericainformationsite.weebly.

Len 5 months ago

Like so many who have written before, Publish America: forced me to change the title of my book

printed with gross errors in spelling, format and grammer (only a few of which were mine)

failed to provide any evidence that they represented my book as promised at the Los Angeles book fair

charhed to correct mistakes THEY made

and have repeatedly responded to my questions in a condescending and unprofessional manner.

With a company like this, no single author can take them down. There is power in numbers. We need to find a lawyer who will represent us in a class action suit.

Revo 5 months ago

Considering the amount of structural errors in your post I can see why you graciously accepted PA's 'help'. Your grammar school teacher could have helped too, minus a slimy contract.

I hope you're a better card player than you are a writer.

1) "helped me pull off my second book" rather than "help me pull off a second book" (since you allude to the fact that the 'help' was already performed)

2) Ease up on the comma scatter-gun. They have a purpose besides marking when you ran out of breath.

3)"...some THEY did to cause problems." (?????) Did you, perhaps, think 'something THEY did to cause problems' instead?

What, exactly, are you a 'highly experienced designer' of besides typos?

larry (mr. chips) chiapelli 5 months ago

To all you naysayers about PublishAmerica, I am tired of reading about all this negative press about them. They bust their a$#%es and help me pull off my 2nd book--with absolutely no cost to me. In fact that were so patient with me an bounced back 10 rounds of corrections. I knew I was supposed to submit the manuscript to them error free, but found over 200 changes that needed to be done before the book went into production. Besides all their hard effort with my book, their design staff pulled off the text pagination portion and cover design phenomenally. I am a worldwide columnist and highly experienced designer, so I know good work. I think they do excellent work and deserve credit for being a great publishing company. I think these people that complain so much should take a hard look at their own self and see if it was some THEY did to cause problems. Larry "Mr. Chips" Chiapelli

paula commerford 5 months ago

I WAS THE ONE WHO SENT PROMO TO EDINBERG INTERNATIONAL BOOK FEST EVERY ONE OF THEM, ALSO DISNEY PROMO TO DISNEY, ALSO WALMART PROMO TO WALMART, ALSO TO LHJ ,MY CONTRACTS WITH PUBLISH AMERICA HAVE BEEN CANCELED FOR WHICH I AM THANKFUL. NOW I AM HELPING OTHER AUTHORS TRYING TO GET OUT OF THEIR CONTRACTS.I ALSO SENT ALL PROMO'S TO MARYLAND NEWSPAPERS AND MARYLAND ATTORNEY----I HAVE BEEN BUSY--I WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO !!!

Duped Author 5 months ago

I just had a real good conversaton with the IRS about PublishAmerica. There is one thing PublishAmerica has forgotten to tell its authors and infact the IRS! When you are an author from Canada or America or anywhere for that matter you are (through PublishAmerica) to be given an ITIN number not to be confused with ISBN number. The ITIN number is for taxation on the earnings from sales from your work. Well, being with PublishAmerica for 6 years and being “Duped” out of so much in royalties and more I had it with them and from this threats of a lawsuit I sent to them. They sent me letters indicating my rights have been given back and that my work would not be listed on their websites no more and they would not be publishing my books no more. YET, they continue to have them listed on various sites like Amazon, Barns and Noble and so on. Well, it hit me, I wonder if they ever paid taxes or better yet, DO I OWE MONEY to the IRS. Well, a phone call later asking for my “ITIN” number. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise…so was the IRS! This is one thing PublishAmerica didn’t count on anyone finding out nor are they in a position to fight this one. I encourage all authors to go to http://www.irs.gov go to the search bar type in 3949A and this will take you to a form that is about frauding the IRS of taxes. Everyone needs to fill this out and lets bury the nightmare once and for all…PublishAmerica I have a new title for you to publish…”I’m Screwed Now!”

paula commerford 6 months ago

just found a Korean website called NATE---found my two books listed for sale ---check it out see if your books are listed there/ if they are and being sold, we would never know about it. email me-----sweetsoot1@yahoo.com or

http://paulaspublishamericainformationsite.weebly.

paula bennett 6 months ago

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS!!!!!ITS ON MY WEBSITE

http://paulaspublishamericainformationsite.weebly.

PA CANCELED MY 4 CONTRACTS, JUST BECAUSE I SENT THEIR PROMO TO EDINBERG INTERNATIONAL BOOK FEST . OF COURSE PA'S

REASON WAS MY WORK WAS NOT UP TO THEIR STANDARDS. MORE NEWS

I HAVE A PHONE INTERVIEW WITH INVESTIGATOR FROM NEWSPOST IN MARYLAND ON MONDAY--ALSO REPLY FRM. DISNEY.

Roci 6 months ago

Hi,

I email PA asking them to break my contract and they want me to pay $300.00 to break the contract. They did not edit, correct or did nothing to sale my book except selling to my self. Why do i have to pay fro breaking a contract?

paula bennett 6 months ago

new scoop---- I think we got them----please e-mail me it is concerning promo fraud with the up coming fest in Scotland , did any of get that one?

paula bennett 6 months ago

BOY ARE THEY MAD AT ME AND I HAVE BEEN SO NICE------NOW MY

E-MAILS ARE BANNED---EXCEPT HAVE TEN MORE AND A DIFFERENT E-MAIL ADDRESS------- I WANT OUT OF MY CONTRACTS AS DO MANY OTHERS, IF YOU ARE IN THE SAME BOAT AS I AM, PLEASE

FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT sweetsoot1@yahoo.com . I'll tell you just why they are mad. Last e-mail from them they said I was losing it ha and said cease and desist my reply--

cease and desist or what?

Amy 8 months ago

Thank you so much for all of your input. I was going to contact them to see if they would publish my book - but after reading this - I'm going to continue my inital plan of self-publishing.

Thanks again!!!!!

Mary Brand 9 months ago

If I knew then what I know now P/A would NEVER have gotten my book. They say no more discounts but yet they do one right after the other. They say I have sold 13 books. Yet I have signed over 40. Hmmmm, something wrong with this picture, aye.

Do not fall for them no matter how bad you want to be a published author.

W. K. Hayes 11 months ago

Hi Daisy,

Currently, a class action lawsuit is being filed against Publish America. Anyone itnerested should contact this attorney:

Please contact Jan (pron. Yohn) Berlage, attorney at law. 410-752-1261

However, if you have proof of book sales and have received a royalty statment from them showing less or no sales and can prove otherwise, press charges on them with at ic3.com a division of the FBI. Falsifying documentation across state lines is a Federal Offence.

Lori Mondry 12 months ago

This is actually a pretty funny story, although still hurtful to me, at least, and, yes, it will fall under the negative category for this comment board, sorry to those who have asked us to "grow up" or "be patient".

I signed a contract with PA almost a year ago now.

When I first received the email telling me that my book had been submitted because it "deserved a chance", I was still skeptical. I have been and always will be, especially now, skeptical of my own work and self-conscious, no matter what friends and family tell me about my writing. This is how it is for me, but when PA sent me that email, yes, I was skeptical, but I was also ecstatic. Living with my mother at the time as I was still eighteen, I ran out of my room, screaming that they accepted my book [which was probably not a happy moment for our neighbors, due to we lived in an apartment] but my mother was happy and screamed with me anyway and she cried because she was so proud and told me all the regular parental stuff that you hear, no matter what you do as their child, such as they are proud, ecstatic, etc...

Now, this is to VENT, merely because no one understands how I feel here where I am as do other writers and I wish to share my doubts of PublishAmerica simply to get rid of the hurt it has caused me. Starting with...

I reread the contract they sent three times. I had my fiance read it. I even had my mother, who was an expert in legal matters being as she operated successful businesses before, look over the contract and we all came to the conclusion that it was legitimate. I even called my brother, who could have cared less about contracts and more for the actual book, to listen to any worries I had and I decided I was being a worrywart even going to him for advice.

I signed the contract, still worrying, of course, because that is just me, I guess. "What if they screw me out of my rights? I don't have the money to get a lawyer and they're a big-name business who have lawyers up the whazoo. I think my book deserves to be secure and so should my decisions." All my worries were put to rest when I received the email following the acceptance. I thought, "Wow, this is starting to look even more professional."

I wish. My first worry was them questioning me about my SSN. I questioned my mother, who has always been my doctor, teacher, and just about every other professional in the real world to me because I believe she knows everything, if this was normal for PA to do that. She admitted that it seemed a little fishy and told me to be careful. I read over the site FAQs about why they need your SSN and she didn't see any problem with it. Oh, well. Onto the next worry...

As I have already said, I am a worrywart. If I submit my book, it will have NO mistakes. Therefore, this one did not. I proofread it three times over, several of my friends read it, I checked it against the Microsoft Word spell checker, made sure there were no words in the "modified dictionary" that weren't supposed to be there, spell-checked it again, and had several others read it over beforehand. There were no errors in that document. I kept the original, which has not been touched since I sent ANOTHER file to PA exactly like my first copy. I also printed my own copy for friends and family because sitting at a computer, reading a digital copy is straining to the eyes, legs, back, etc so, technically, I have TWO original manuscripts. I received an email notification saying that, before it could officially go to the text production department, they wanted me to check the file over that I sent them one more time to make sure everything was correct. I did, thinking nothing of it because it had been checked out so many times with no mistakes before I even sent it in. Foolishly, they sent ME the copy BACK. Well, that's where I raised my eyebrow. I saw the mistakes that they had made note of in the text format and, being a perfectionist, I just HAD to go back to my original file so I could make the corrections like I made in the file for PA. Unfortunately, when I checked my file, I found none of the spelling errors.

For some reason, I gave no never mind. Now, I can clearly see how foolish I had been to believe that just because they had testimonials from "good authors", this meant they were a good publishing company. I did my research on Google but not as much as I should have, it seems, and I should have known better.

When they asked for the corrections, I eagerly sent them in, making notes for them of what had been changed. They replied back, saying that they recognized "my" mistakes and would go right ahead and put them in before it went to editing. Once again, I received email confirmation stating if it was the way I wanted it and I replied back 'yes', in a sense. Sadly, when I got my first print, I was disheartened. I don't know if they are using magical ink over there or what but the mistakes seemed to multiply, with the original mistakes plus some news ones being in the final copy. Again, they asked me if I wanted anything changed and I brought up to them that none of the original mistakes had been corrected and there were even new ones. They said that they could fix it... for a fee. Yes, the never-dying 'for a fee' phrase that you hear on every scam. Of course, but I believed this to be a good publisher with a good name... however, I gave them no money. I simply told them that I should not have to pay for mistakes that were never really corrected in the first place. I heard nothing back from them after that except on certain aspects of my book--"your book is now in this department, yakety-yak". I tried contacting the woman who sent me the majority of the emails. Her time and dates were incorrect on when I should be receiving a certain email with more information, etc. And, of course, the spam in the email inbox. That is disheartening, too. None of it matters, except for this fact...

We are authors. By our definition, we are damn good authors. I spent three years writing, editing, rewriting, editing, and completely rearranging that book to be exactly how I wanted it to be before I even considered a publisher seeing it. Like many have said on here, especially the wonderful lady who first set up this page, daisyf1305, to warn us about PublishAmerica, "it's in our veins not our pockets".

Exactly to that and to add, if I might, when you are a writer, you put your entire being into a book. It doesn't matter if none of the characters are based after you or someone in your life or whatever. You have your own style, you have your own wording, that's what makes your book YOUR BOOK [essentially what daisyf1305 has been saying for so long but I love to rant and I believe I am allowed to on here, as I have seen in earlier posts, no 'grow up' from any of you who had good experiences with PA]. This is your book. When PA tells you they are accepting your manuscript, you feel so overwhelmed. You tell your friends and your family, not because you're going to be getting royalties and hopefully be rich someday, but because you created something you loved and someone else believed it was good, too.

This is what I mean. By accepting manuscripts from wonderful authors, PublishAmerica has an obligation to that author to review it. No matter if they accept it or not. Reviewing it is still big. And when it is accepted, you feel proud because it's A BIG THING. Therefore, when you find out later that it's all a big scam and you try hard not to listen but you see them duping YOU, lemme tell you, I took it hard.

Basically, to me, it means that they don't care about my book on its own. They don't believe it's a good book that DESERVES to be published. They only want my money and the money of others who could completely disagree and hate the book. It hurts a lot as the one who wrote the book because, to me, that means that, since it was not published under the principles and morals I believed it to be, to me, it was never really published in the first place because it was never reviewed. Now, as an author who takes great pride in her work

Stephanie And Tiara 12 months ago

Me and my wife tiara use to work at publish america,between 16-18 hours a day 6 days a week getting paid 11 and 8 dollars an hour,and having 200-300 dollars of taxes taken out of our pay checks every pay day,so you authors arent the only ones losing money and being scamed.We started the job due to a friends mother being the manager of the warehouse part were we put the books together and send them off,but we got fired!!! For no reason at all!!! And after we got fired the manger who fired us had her daughter who was 16(which you have to be 18 to run the machines)run the machines,and after and before we were fired she pretty much was on our ass like a married couple(as if one or the other got cheated on!!).I was not trained to run a machine the right way and when i asked for help the manager yelled at me threw stuff at me pushed me away and cursed me out and sayed every name in the book.Which the machine couldve burned me really bad if i wouldve got hurt!!! and she had me clean the part of the machine(with something that was as strong as pure bleach in a consealed room) that was hot enough to burn to your bones AND COULD KILL YOU!!!!. So were advise anyone who is looking for a job DO NOT APPLY!!!!!!!!

Dr, Mike 13 months ago

My dad had his book published through PA and there were several typos in his book. He figured if he could get one book published, it would establish him as a "published author" and he would be able to get his second book published through normal channals. Since PA is POD, he is being told that his first book was "self published" so he is NOT concidered a published author. I am looking to get his second book published after I revised it as written by both of us. No one will seem to take the book unless I put alot of money up front. I might just have to use PA just to get the satisfaction of publishing a book. Wish me luck.

Mrs. Jones 14 months ago

Here is my 2 cents worth. First of all if you are a first time author like me and you do not have the money to have your book printed, then like me you may want to go with Publish America (for that reason)

If you know how to sell anything on your own and you believe in your project then who better to pick up the phone and call book stores than the Author themselves. I have done it with Borders and it works believe it or not.

As well if you have any creativeness to you at all you can think of other markets in which your book should be advertised (For Free) and get on the internet writing press releases, sending emails and also calling small book stores.

There are a TON of things an Author can do if they are not "Too Good or Too Lazy" to put their finger to anything besides writing the story itself. I am doing it so I know. On my facebook alone I have sold many books just this week!

Sometimes in life you have to "Take The Reins" and make things happen. Or you can just sit on your couch writing more and more books that may never even get to the printing process, all for what? To look at them in a box all of your life? Having done nothing with them!

I had NOTHING to loose. Yes they send emails about this promotion and that but guess what? I IGNORE THEM and go about MY BUSINESS of selling my books my way.

At least I have a book in print to buy!

There are pros and cons about every publisher. If you know anything about publishing at all, you would know that NO PUBLISHER will give your book extra attention until it has SOLD 5000 copies. So that means that YOU have to get on the horn, get on the net and do what you can to sell those 5000 copies. I have known a Literary Agent for over 15 years who is hooked up with Random House, Doubleday, and many more places. He represented MANY HUGE books such as "Let's Roll" a New York Times Best Seller and guess what he told me to do?

To either Self-Publish or go to a small house like I did with Publish America and be writing another book while I am selling 5000 copies of this one. Once I have sold those copies, then present my new book to a larger publisher with the success of my last book, then they will take notice. Or I could come back to him and let him represent me at that time.

Then he went on to tell me a title he has for a book, asking me if I wanted to write it with one of his writers and pay $5000 for him to represent HIS OWN BOOK TITLE that I WOULD WRITE! THIS MAN IS A HUGE PERSON IN THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY!

I declined and took his advice to go with a small publishing house.

So far Publish America has done all they have agreed to for me and I am happy with them. But then again I do NOT have any extra expectations from them because I do know how to sell and market my own book for free. All I really need is for them to print it.

So once again if you can not afford to have your book printed but you believe enough in your own project that you can convince others to buy it once it's printed, then I would say go with Publish America and be in control of your own destiny and work your way up like Stephen King did.

KimD 15 months ago

It sometimes takes time for a book to get circulated and recognized,Publish America gives chance to most unknown writers to get published.Not everybody has a best seller in few months.Some of you that are complaining seem to be very impatient,remember there were famous writers and painters that didn't sell their work right away and were poor for a long time in their life,many of their work is now in museums worth millions.That is also life...

KimD 15 months ago

It sometimes takes time for a book to get circulated and recognized,Publish America gives chance to most unknown writers to get published.Not everybody has a best seller in few months.Some of you that are complaining seem to be very impatient,remember there were famous writers and painters that didn't sell their work right away and were poor for a long time in their life,many of their work is now in museums worth millions.That is also life...

reader/author 15 months ago

From reading the comments above, it is no wonder that the books are having problems being published. Some people cannot spell and there are many errors in the comments, so what kind of errors are in the books. It is hard to read books when there are all kinds of mistakes in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Why do they want to publish the books? Their own ego?

Benjamin Slater 15 months ago

File lawsuits in your hometown. keep the heat on PublishAmerica to hire lawyers to defend themselves, then they will soon close down. Most courts will assist you with the paperwork and waive filing fees if you are income eligible.

AdamFratt 15 months ago

Zorro 15 months ago

any one think about contacting the IRS?

If they are not reporting sales to the government

Major problem for PA

Mark 16 months ago

FuzzySoulTiger, I feel your pain and I am sure there is no real way of finding out how many books actuall sold unless you hire an accountant. my suggestion would be when they offer 60% off or other great deals buy the books and sell them yourself. When they do that with my hardcover book I plan to buy a lot and sell them myself.

FuzzySoulTiger 17 months ago

The 1st time I had my road rage book published with them and had gotten royalty checks barely making $2.00, I was heartbroken.

The 2nd time, I changed gears and wrote a book of love songs and poetry but still got royalty checks just under $2.00

Now I was figuring, maybe it's just me. Maybe I haven't written something the public wants and maybe I haven't done enough to promote my work. So, the 3rd time, I wrote a book of inspirational and uplifting poems including my artwork on each section. I made videos performing selections from my book that's circulated very well on youtube, passed out loads of flyers and business cards so I did whatever a starving artist could do to promote it online. STILL...a royalty check that can never go past $2.00?

This is ridiculous! I am tired of being paid peanuts for all the hard work I did. They say they do promote their authors to the best of their abilities but if that's so, how come they only show that only 1 book sold? I am tired of getting chump change and the royalty checks I get is not even enough for a ride on the train! This is tremendously discouraging. Makes me feel like I don't even want to write anymore. I've lost total faith in the publishing industry overall. I can't seem to win. Wish i could afford a lawyer.

Mark 17 months ago

Hi Daisy,

Well, I will not go into the specifics of the contract. I believe they had the right to ask me to change the name of my book, and I researched it found out why and changed it. There was no problem with that. As for looking for my books on Barnes and Noble, if you go there look up: "Ma Ma, I'm Home" and "Stranger Awareness"

You will see the books listed there. They are to 2 books that Publish America published for me.

JJ 17 months ago

I had my book published through PUBLISH AMERICA just to be met with THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE possible. You can rarely get anyone on the phone and when you do, they don't have any answers. Emailing them is just as horrible. I requested a change in the contract and instead they took my book off the market because they failed to understand what we were requesting and were afraid of so-called lawsuits rather than speaking with me for a simple resolution. They never gave me an answer as to whether they were going to comply with my request or when they were going to put the book back on the market so I emailed them and called after a few days advising that I would contact them until they provided an answer.

They then sent me this email:

You are herewith instructed to NOT contact us "daily" in any manner, or at any time in the future at all. Your failure to heed our instruction will be considered harassment and will be treated as such.

We have declined to further publish your book. Pertinent termination paperwork is in the mail.

Not considering this our final word would be an error.

THIS IS HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PUBLISHERS. After the lousy experience I've had with PUBLISH AMERICA, I was glad to have them cancel me so I can take my book to a REPUTABLE publisher instead. Further, they market themselves as publishers rather than self-publishers because they don't charge an upfront fee but the lack of service and the number of books you have to by yourself from them to get it marketed can be more costly than an upfront with with another Self-Publisher.

I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND PUBLISH AMERICA!!!

Mark 17 months ago

Hello everyone,

After reading what everyone has to say I do have to say this: I have two books published with PA. "Ma Ma, I'm Home" and "Stranger Awareness' I two was asked to change the name of my second book, I researched it and saw that they had published a title with that name and went ahead and changed it. I HAVE VERY LITTLE PROBLEMS WITH THEM! Yes, I have to promote my book and yes i have to set up my own book signings. I try to make sure my book is print ready before I submit it and so I don't have to pay for any changes. The contract specifically states these things you guys are complaining about. The bottom line for me is that my books are published and i don't have to pay a dime. I am willing to put up with all the emails they send me, I DON'T HAVE TO BUY A THING! Most of your complaints appear moot. Now, the only valid complaint would be your commission, there is no way of knowing how many books you sell. They needs a way that an author can keep track. I don't like what they charge for shipping 3.99-4.99 per book is very expensive, they can make much more money if they put more effort in promoting the books instead of trying to sell them to the authors. Previous to them I published two books through TRafford. I do not recommend them. It will cost thousands of dollars and you still have to make your own changes and promote your own book. But, to break into the publishing market and have a best seller is not an easy task. That is my two cents. i am not a PA plant and feel free to email me any questions: mark@andrsn.com

RDMS1363 17 months ago

Wow! I's funny Loretta did well by them and is telling all the other 100 people scammed on here to "Grow up and get patients (what you get in the hospital if you're a nurse) instead of patience...and she wrote a book? She doesn't even realize she was scammed. I wrote 4 children's books and have been writing them since 2006. I researched heavily on publishers. Everyone on here (except Loretta of course) needs to buy the book by Mark Levin..what an excellent book on publishers!It is an author's Bible!! It stopped me from getting Authorhouse and Publish America they day I was about to send out my manuscript and illustrations. Please EVERYONE, get your book copyright first. All you have to do is go online to Library of Congress and fill out the application and send manuscript and 35$. its that simple!! Good Luck everyone!

Charliegirl1st 17 months ago

Anyone contact the Federal Trade commission to file a complaint about PublishAmerica? Also if we have receipts to prove sales of books and statements from publishamerica that read Zero sold..Doesn't that easily prove that publishamerica broke their contract with author? Also say that a whole lot of authors file big fat one complaint against publishamerica through the court system and turn in all our receipts as part of the evidence...and the royalty statements that dont match the receipts (and we know it wont) THEN do we have a case? I realize some of us dont know who purchased our books but some of our friends have and we can get them to save and give us the receipts. I am going straight to the federal trade commission and bbb. It doesnt do any good going to publish america. They dont care and they will just ignore our emails. Its been proven time and time again. I changed my pen name and switched genre so I cant be recognized that I am associated with a business that has a horrifc and criminal like reputation.

Dead Contract 17 months ago

If you are serious about getting free from a corrupt contract with PublishAmerica, Please sign up?

http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/awful-co

——————

PublishAmerica must be stopped from its persistently arrogant crimes.

Please e-mail your particulars to me at: asimpik@aol.com. You may also reach me by telephone at: 617-566-2524.

——————

Thank you and please inform others of the building class action litigation.

Loretta 17 months ago

I disagree. I signed with PA last year, 2009,

and I also was asked to change my title on my poetry book. I did not see why at first until I searched for another book with the sme name as mine, and the first thing I thought was if I change the name of my book then people will be able to see my book even with a different name which turned out to be a better name.

I can see that if a company receives thousands of submissions everyday and all these submissions have to be read, then it may take a while to give you an answer on yours.

PA has accepted at least 10 of my books and I am pleased with their procedures.

I believe that if you disagree with them you should also know that their company has rules and regulations to follow and it is worldwide so others are happy with there work.

Grow up and learn patients and good things come to those who wait.

Thank You PublishAmerica!

Loretta

Jamie 18 months ago

I'm not sure if this has been posted here yet but now not only is there a PublishAmerica.com there is also a PublishAmarica.net! The exact same web site from what I can tell. I'm afraid there are many others being duped be these people. I also know for a fact that people have bought my book but have never received a single royalty check. I continue to get the SPAM emails that I'm afraid others are falling for. You buy so many copies of your book and an equal number are sent to some big name. Think about it. You buy copies of your book they pocket the money for the cheaply printed books.

Please, please, please, if you think PublishAmerica is the way to go. Do yourself a favor and get an MRI. Your brain needs to be checked!

cbj 18 months ago

Between February 19th and August 10th I have receieved 117 offers from Publish America for me to buy copies of my book to be used by Publish America for some phony advertising scheem. They even wanted to send a copy to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Justawriter 18 months ago

Greetings. I'm just another run-of-the-mill writer here, which who know's a mere couple reputable people In The Know, on the subject of contract / publishing. And if what I've all read about this PA publisher is true, then I have some advice for my fellow writing-community members:

The first being, if you've already sent PA your work, but haven't signed ANYTHING in agreement for them to move forward in it's development, then they are seriously held liable if they even touch a Period on your manuscript without asking you first. And if they send you any kind of royalty (which a dollar is BS in itself) before signing a contract, you are still under no obligation to accept that fund or accept their contract of any form. From any publisher, of course. Simply, ignore that contract!!!!

As for title-change, major publishers will only ask this if they've just published a book which has the same title as another succesful author. Otherwise, you can either keep your title, let the publisher pick a title, or change your work's title---but usually, a good publisher will not ask you to change your title. Not a small press. Mostly big named publishers will ask this. Publishers who already have more than one or two big names published under their belt, or are with the very same publishing house. How many big names could there be with this reasonably small PA press? None that we know of (or I)---each author stands as reputable as the next, as with any other small press publisher. Least I've never heard or seen any small press publisher's Star-author butt heads over another small press publisher's Star-author over title choice. Have you?

But you might... if the names were Clancy and King, or Koontz.

So if it's reasonably rare to ask an author to change their books' title with the "big-dogs"... it's probably reasonaably mere to none with small presses, wouldn't you think?

So being asked to change the title of your work by a small press (any small press), should spring a fat Red Flag. Be cautious, and even ask the publisher who it even is that has already published a book which has your same title. If they can't do that, back out of any further dealings with them immediately. Because most publishers will give you a good enough reason (if their reputable ones) on why you shouldn't publish your work under a certian title. From what I learned, only a big publishing house will ask you to change your books' title, but only because it may butt heads against another already popular author's book. If your book isn't even in the same genre as another author's book which has the same title as yours, a big publisher normally wouldn't ask you to change the title (because it isn't the same book overall, just the title). So if any small publishing press asks for a title change: ask questions, even go as far as researching the other author's book which has the same title as your book.

Ending my yacking, I just want to say to anyone who's already signed a contract with this PA publisher: It is very possible that, even if you do get out of your contract with them, that they could very well go on and publish your work anyway, even if it isn't up-to-par (due to them). Even though determinating a contract doesn't give them the right (or anyone anything legal, for that matter), you as the author still have full rights of your work and always will. And you have the right to have stores pull that book, so PA doesn't get get a darn penny. Also, regarding this, you have the right in completely deleting the un-edited copy of your work they send you, and emailing it right back to them. Because if they send your work back messed up, nobody's gonna buy it anyway, and thus----they won't make money, and you won't have to worry about being memorable in a lot of readers' minds. If it isn't good, they won't read it. And they'll let other's know not to, either. In that regard, you should be safe, as safe as you could be in this kind of situation.

BUT, most small print publishers are as they say they are: Small Print. Or self publishing, which is basically Self-promoting. Research other small publishers thoroughly, keeping in mind that you have to take care of your own work (like editing and proof-reading), before sending off your manuscript. You may make mistakes in choosing a publisher, but if you take care of your writing, it will show... And your writing will take care of you.

ferncliff 18 months ago

To those looking to get out of a PA contract. Here's how I did it almost two years ago (I'm the fourth posting on this site.)

#1 I emailed PA asking to terminate because I started getting suspicious by their unprofessionalism and because they printed my kids chapter book with such small font, you'd need a magnifying glass to read it. They wouldn't change the font unless I paid a fee. I threw their contract wording back in their face - I don't have the contract in front of me (that went into the circular file over a year ago) but it had something to do with the appearance of the book. I claimed the appearance of the book (font size, words per page) was not appropriate for a children's book and did not look like other childrens' books in bookstores and libraries.

Now since I had approved the proof, I had to add that local bookstores and schools told me they would not carry them after seeing the proof (I made that part up, but it helped support my case.)

#2 Then I bugged the you know what out of them. I found all the top people of PA on a website and emailed them weekly, sometimes daily.

#3 I also filed a complaint with the BBB of Maryland. They were very nice and understanding.

#4 Then PA did something even more stupid (if that's even possible). They put an ad for a book about a military man fantasizing about a teenage girl in my childrens book. Brilliant, huh? So I added this to my BBB complaint and now used this as the basis of my reason to terminate. "Schools would not let me promote my book with such an ad."

#5 I also went as far as emailing 20 reputable publishers asking them if they ever include ads for adult books in their childrens book. I got five responses and emailed these to both the top folks at PA and the Better Business Bureau.

Alot of effort on my part, but I was determined to get out of this contract. I also found a fellow PA author who on a blog page who got out of her contract and she was a great support. She told me she even threatened PA with calling local papers where PA is located.

My advice ~ I think if you are tactful (I was never downright rude to them in my emails, even though I wanted to lose my cool several times) and are persistent, PA will get sick of you and eventually let you go. It may take a few months, but stick with it. You'll be happier in the long run.

I truly hope this helps someone. I read some of your postings and really feel for you. Good luck.

Fern

Bill 18 months ago

P.A will not terminate a contract. They will threaten but it is just a bluff.

The only money they make is selling to the writer and family members. Sometimes they will offer your contract back, for a fee.

Don't fall for that.If you decide to pay for the contract ask them to send it C.O.D.

Finally after the initial disappointment with P.A now I am actually amazed at their games. This outfit would not exist if the writers were not actually stupid. I am one you folks, except I spend very little money. I saved all their emails and offers.I get at least two special offers per week, all of them involves buying at least five books.If I bought all their offers,

I could keep my fire place running all winter.

Bottom line if the do publish you, do not buy more that three books, do not give them emails of relatives or friends.

Good luck.

Alaxander 18 months ago

Publish America not only does absolutly nothing positive for authors, they do almost nothing at all. Besides over-charge the authors for their own books. Representitives are rude, they will NOT take you seriously, return your calls, or even listen to you. And they spam up your computer with rediculous e-mails. Sadly, I published with these frauds. This is an actual e-mail they sent me.

"Your book goes to the White House!

PublishAmerica will donate your book to the White House library. It is where presidents and first ladies often receive guests. Redecorated by Jackie Kennedy, it is the room where Ronald Reagan once famously hosted Soviet leader Gorbachev.

If you want to have copies of your own book on hand, order now.

PublishAmerica to donate one or more copies of your book to the White House library, at NO COST to you... Orders of 12 or more copies guarantee that two copies of your book are shipped to the White House, and that they're shipped first ,and that your message to the president, if you want to write one, is enclosed. In the Ordering Instructions field, write your message to President Obama."

How stupid do they think we are? Might I add that this "No Cost" actually costs the author buying their own book. At a minimum of 5 copies of course. A second e-mail the next day stated something similar. "Your book goes to Disneyland!"

t_weinman 18 months ago

Yeah. It still bothers me though. If we could sue them for money we could pay our lawyers by promising them half, but convincing them to take the time to go through contract after contract looking for a wormhole worthy of a lawsuit is another thing, especially if they can't find one in the end. No lawyer is going to want to waste their time. Sigh, it just makes me upset. I wonder if that dollar they send you is your payment. Literary agents sell your rights to the book to a publishing company. You usually get a lot of money up front and then possibly some along the way. But what if in the fine print of that contract or something they said you were selling them your rights but you really wouldn't be making any money. Even thought it says you'll make 8% for the first 2000 copies and bla bla bla. What if somewhere in there it says that's optional and you only have, like, 10 days to send them some paper saying that's what you'd like to do. So you don't send them that paper and they send you a dollar, making it look like it's just your first of many, but really it's what you sold your rights to the book for. One lousy dollar. And then the book is theirs. That would be terrible but I wouldn't put it past those losers.

t_weinman 18 months ago

So I just sent them an e-mail two weeks ago, just as I wrote earlier, and left them a voicemail. They didn't get back to me (some 48 hour policy!) so I wrote them again telling them that what they're doing is wrong. They responded to me. They labeled the email "rant" and all they said was "so your question for us is, what?" THAT WAS IT! After writing two long emails, one threatening to sue them, and both of them explaining that I just want to be able to keep track of my book and I would love a phone number to the person who can help me do that, they respond with attitude and ignorance all packed into one sentence. I wasn't ranting, I was chewing them out. I am through being the nice girl. I have sent them email after email for the last year, and they have not responded to me, and now I find out my book is being sold behind my book and they STILL won't respond and at least tell me where my mother can buy it, so I write them an email telling them how upset I am, and they respond with that sentence and label it as a rant. Messed up. I wish I could terminate my contract but I can't afford a lawyer.

mk4321 19 months ago

@daisyf1305:

Hello again! Please do give me any advice on how to terminate my contract with PA; as I stated above in my earlier comment, my book hasn't gone to press yet, AND I haven't seen the proofs, but I DO have the $1 advance.

So if you have any advice for termination, please help me. I would be eternally grateful to you. In your advice, could you also let me know how you know your contract has been officially terminated and what PA did to terminate your contract agreement with the company? Did they send your manuscript back and send a written notice, etc.

I'm afraid that if PA does say it will terminate my contract and sends me written notice; it will illegally go ahead and publish my book without my knowledge. I think I read a post somewhere where they still had terminated books being sold on their web site. Or perhaps that was just supposedly out-of-print books? I don't know. But anyway, I'm just a college student who had several people check out the contract before I signed--a lawyer, a published author who is published with a real commercial publisher, two people knowlegable in the publishing industry, and one person who is 99% of the time able to spot a scam. All contracts and red flags seemed to "check" out with PA. I even Googled for scams, checked on Snopes.com,and still didn't find out anything. I only found out yesterday morning by accident, or maybe it wasn't an accident. . . . I just want out and am so frightened because I don't know what to do. I'm just a college kid who doesn't want to be part of a scam. As of yet, I haven't given PA ANY of my money; the company doesn't have my credit card info., but it does have my SSN and contact info. And the only other thing the company has is my manuscript, which is supposedly with the text department at the moment. I've notified PA, asking that my contract be terminated, hoping that because I haven't seen my proofs yet, I can still have a chance not to scam myself, friends, and family. But maybe I'm trapped because they've already sent me a $1 advance.

Again, please provide me with any and all information about the process of termination with PA! Thank you so much!

mk4321 19 months ago

@daisy1305--

I noticed on this forum, in which you commented, that you said PA threw your contract out. How? Please help. My book hasn't gone to press yet. I haven't even seen the proofs. Please help, if you're able.

t_weinman 19 months ago

Yeah you're right Daisy. I signed on with Lulu.com before I signed with Publish America. My book is still on Lulu and no word, but Lulu is such a big place that is kind of understandable. Thank you for your support and for your email. I left Publish America a very unhappy email and an even worse voicemail, so hopefully they'll get back to me and I can ask about dropping out of the contract. I doubt they'll let me go, but it's just so sad that I wrote a book about my hardships, and they get to sell it and keep all the benefits. Sad day. But I will keep trying. I'm writing a new book that Author House is interested, and they are a real place as far as I know, so we'll see where that goes. Wish me luck.

t_weinman 19 months ago

I am so upset I could cry. I signed on with Publish America when I had just turned 18 a year ago. I was so excited. I wrote a book on being in the juvenile system and being locked up. I survived it and became a better person because of it, so I wanted to publish my journal that I kept while I was in there. It's really a great read, and they seemed excited, which made me excited. However, I sent them 50 dollars to quick publish my book after they had me change the title, and then they wouldn't respond to my emails for 5 months. They just kept sending me ad after ad to buy MY OWN BOOKS so they could DONATE them to other places that might like and then sell them. So I ignored them, hoping my book would finally be out on sale. Well come to find out, a few staff members from the place I was in juvenile Detention at ran into my mother and told her to tell me congratulations on the book, they've bought some and plan to read it. I didn't even know my book was out for sale yet. So I wrote PA telling them of my email address change, and they RESPONDED IN LESS THAN A DAY! But when I asked them why people are buying my book when I wasn't informed it was being sold, and asked how I could keep track of the sales of my book, they haven't responded and it's been over a week. This was the best book I've written and I pretty much gave it to them to sell and reap all the benefits, thinking I would get paid as a published author. Nope, I'm just a nobody again with a-holes selling her book and keeping the money.

lisa wang 19 months ago

Hey Shane Maddon. Don't correct other people's spelling, unless you can spell yourself. It's 'dealt' not 'delt'.

------------------------------

Hey Birdie...You "Write" a book, not "right" lol

PS Yea.. Publish America is a huge fraud, as I have delt with them before and now currently in the process of terminating a contract with them.

Don Davidson 19 months ago

PublishAmerica makes its money by selling your book back to you, not to the general public. They do not do any marketing, publicity, or distribution like commercial publishers. They are essentially a vanity publisher. If you want the low-down on PublishAmerica (or their new subsidiary, Independence Books), go to the PublishAmerica page of my web site, christianityforthinkers.com, and/or the Newer Never-Ending PublishAmerica Thread on AbsoluteWrite.com, at http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php

CatSlave 19 months ago

Here's the report by the journalist who went undercover to expose PA: http://www.examiner.com/x-45527-Fort-Lauderdale-Pa

Joy 19 months ago

Publishamerica incorporated errors into my book, and then charged me for THEIR errors. I was told if I didn't pay the money, the book would be released with the errors. When I told Publishamerica that surely, they would not release a book with intentional errors, I was told they would. So much for being a quality, reputable publisher. There were so many errors placed into my book. Then, after the release, I asked for help with the marketing dept. I was ignored- never even received a response. The "scam" or "spam" emails that arrive each day are unbelievable...always trying to get authors to buy their own books, offering endless discounts, promising authors their books will be on Oprah, read by Stephen Spielberg, placed in the White House and other ridulous things. They are desperate and unethical. Publishamerica already breached its own contract by mispresenting itself as a "traditional" publisher. The agency is a "Print on Demand" or POD publisher. I was told by an attorney that once a party breaks the contract, it makes no sense that one side can breach it while the other party must abide by it. The contract is null and void. I am not an attorney though, so do not take this as legal advice. These people are a joke. No reputable publisher conducts business like these antics. There are over 150 complaints to the Better Business Bureau in Maryland. Publishamerica should just close its doors...the public is on to their scams.

News 19 months ago

Word on the internet is that a couple of journalists went undercover for a few years and are about to come forward with an expose on PublishAmerica.

Poetlight 19 months ago

Try Lulu.com and even Amazon.com to self publish your book, you can't go wrong with them:

my books are on there, J. Asheley Brown

Poetlight 19 months ago

I have 2 books published with PA and I too wish I never had...I had a major bookstore wanting to give me a book signing and they just needed PA to sign some forms in order to buy my book and stock in the store(all writers know this is a big deal) but PA would never return my calls or emails...I spent 2 weeks calling them every day and received no answer until finally some lady picked the phone up and gave me an email saying I was contacting the wrong email and calling the wrong number(which I wasn't because I was using the contact info the incompetent acquisitions editors gave me) I used the info she gave me but to no avail...never heard from anyone, lost the chance for the bookstore to carry my book and give me a free book signing...yet I receive their ridiculous emails from PA Support every day...I really want to get out my contract....who has been able to do this? Please tell us quick! I have since then published with Lulu.com and I am very pleased with them...I recommend them to everyone!

sciantel 19 months ago

Thank you so much for this site! I too was so excited about being published with publish america but something told me to check a google search on these guys to check for scam. I'm glad I did. I now will use the self publishing. Thanks!

bill 19 months ago

Do not sign up with Publish America.This is a sleazy company. I have saved every email they ever send me. If I bought every offer they made me, I would have been in the hole for a thousand dollars or more. That is their objective, selling to you and only to you,family members and friends.

So before you sign up, read as much as you can about this publisher,

it is not pretty.

bill 19 months ago

I disregarded everything negative article I read about the Publisher.I am not going to bore anyone with the details. Everything written about the publisher is correct. The only thing I can say is this out fit makes car salesmen look real good.

Margaret Curry 19 months ago

I too have been scammed by pubishamerica and would warn anyone thinking about signing a contract with them - DON'T. They are publishing my book despite my objections on the grounds that I made many errors in it because it was only a draft version and they won't accept the changes. So I am boycotting my own book and asking everyone to do the same. If you come across a book called "Ma's Secret" by Margaret Curry DO NOT BUY it its rubbish.

Jo 19 months ago

Just a question, an online friend of mine from years ago has a book with PA. Its sold out everywhere (barnes and noble etc) but it seems I can still submit an order on PA's website.

My question is, have the resellers (barnes and noble etc) boycotted PA and the book is actually available through PA?

More importantly, if I order on PA, will i get the book (or is it possible its sold out already)?

Bubba 20 months ago

If you just wanted to hold a book in your hands you could have just gone to a printer and not been trapped in a seven-year contract. A book isn't printed 'free' if you have to buy it yourself just to get a copy.

I recommend reading the Abosulte Write Water Cooler. They have a whole seperate forum just for Publish America. And advice about how to get out of your contract.

Revrichard 20 months ago

Publish America is the biggest scam in the publishing industry! This Publish on demand (POD) company has been misleading authors for years. They claim to be traditional publishers, which is a total LIE. This company has made bundles of money off new gullible authors by publishing their books and selling them back at discounted rates to the authors. They do no conduct any promotions or distributions, even if the authors facilitate it. The alleged promotions are paid for by the authors when they buy their own books. No one will actually ever know if these promotions have actually taken place. PA's representatives are only addressed by first name or anonymously as "Publish America support." It takes miracle for them to get back to you with the simplest question. Most book stores will not carry Publish America books, because they equate PA to any other self-publishing house or worse. It also takes over two months to receive a book after you order it from Publish America.

Their royalty statements are vague and inaccurate. You will never know how many books your book has sold, unless you hire a private investigator. They can basically do whatever they want. This is an unethical and integrity free company. You are better off being unpublished than being stuck with this alleged publisher. Review the innumerable complaints against this company on the internet. It is truly a publishing mill that will publish anything they receive. They actually have an electronic editor that will keep your book filled with mistakes. You better hire an editor before you approve your final transcript assuming that you will decide to go with this scandalous company. Ironically, their representatives are taught to defend their scams, and they pretend to have pride and ethics. Publish America is truly the biggest scam in publishing history! It's so big that many other scam artists have started their own POD publishing houses.

Beware!!! Research this publisher before you submit your transcript.

Txlady 21 months ago

I am in the same boat..no life jackets or oars..I did google them before I signed my contract and found nothing bad. I had a friend who was educted in contracts read mine before I signed it. Three days later I google them again because something told me I had made a serious mistake. That's when I found all the bad stuff. PA and all it's staff are no better than any rapist of little old women. I pray they cancel my contract and return my work. I plan on making thier lives HELL. If anyone has managed to get their contract back I'd really love to know how.

Ron Schaeffer 21 months ago

I published a book with PA and am in the same boat as the rest of the writers on this page. I will file all the complaints because I would like to have the rights to my book returned to me.

Ernest Mack 22 months ago

Im a recent PA author. Before I became a PA author I did my research. I saw the complaints and went ahead knowing what to expect. I am very pleased with them. I received the Book with a very good cover and just as promised. The thing is...I knew going in that they were not going to edit, or try to sell my book. But they gave me the chance no one else would...to see my book in print for abosolutly Nothing.

I love them for that.

No they are not like most good publishers, but they do America a service...you just have to know what they do and if it works for you great...if not try another way. Im a happy PA Author - Baby Talk, Ernest Mack

daisy 22 months ago

Fletcher its crazy the way we get taken advantage when you hear something to good to be true then we know its just that. Hang in there and eventually they'll send your manuscript back these people are not worth our time and effort. I just hope more readers will think before they submit do some homework. Like I didn't do but Destined to make it known what happened to me.

CHARLES FLETCHER 22 months ago

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ReplyReply AllMove...InboxRECEIVED Flag this messageRE -- DISAPPOINTEDMonday, April 12, 2010 10:51 AMFrom: "Charles Fletcher" Add sender to ContactsCc: "Publish America" PUBLISH AMERICA,

I HAVE BEEN TAKEN AGAIN BY YOUR MISREPRESENTATIONS.

YOU PUBLISHED 2 BOOKS FOR ME AND EVERY TIME I ORDER I GET SCREWED BUT THIS IS THE GRAND DADDY OF THEM.

I ORDERED 5 BOOKS ON A PROMOTION CALLED MAD MARCH ON MARCH 6th.

I PAID FULL PRICE PLUS SHIPPING AND WAS TO RECEIVE 15 FREE BOOKS. 5 BOOKS ARRIVED TODAY. (ORDER NO.29830) I CALLED YOU ABOUT THE OTHER 15 BOOKS

AND WAS TOLD THAT I LEFT SOMETHING OFF THE ORDER THAT DIDN'T ENTITLE ME FOR THE FREE BOOKS. THESE 5 BOOKS COST ME FULL PRICE PLUS SHIPPING.

I HAVE BOUGHT OVER $5,OOO OF THIS BOOK SINCE PUBLISHING.

I MAY HAVE ERROED WHEN ORDERING BECAUSE I AM 88 YEARS OLD AND DO MAKE MISTAKES. I WOULD LIKE MY CONTRACT FROM YOU FOR THIS BOOK SEEING THAT I CAN'T TRUST YOU ANYMORE.

WHY CAN'T I BELIEVE THE PROMOTIONS YOU SEND ME?

DISAPPOINTED,

CHARLES FLETCHER

Fairbro 22 months ago

Thanks for all these postings. Yes, I did click on a PA ad after I read the part about no money up front, and still get your book published.

That said, their website should be a horn blaring like the town hall warning system here (I'm in Kansas) does in case of tornado.

Being of a fussy pecuniary nature since I lost all my money gambling in the stock market, I immediately checked for what the royalty payments would be. None of the links on their website to "royalties" seem to work. Lack of FAQs on that, Jack. A lot of different links point to the same page, which lectures repetitiously about the nirvana and nectar the newly-signed up author ambrosiates in.

Such an unprofessional website and they are in the business of publishing? I consider my books to be art. At least I aspire to make them "art." Everything is a unified whole. The title. The paragraphs, the conversation, the characters, the flow of the story, etc. And the cover and back cover art, too, of course. And what you write on the back cover to attract the interest of the casual bookstore browser, that should just reach out and grab that guy or gal like they just happened to walk by a two-headed squirrel.

PA's website is NOT artistic. It's not even unified.

I am still wondering what the royalty rate is. Does anyone know? I spent 30 minutes on their website, but it seems to be a secret.

Another blast from Gabriel's trumpet at the local town hall telling you to get under cover. Their building looks similar to the Church of Scientology building in DC. The DC org's former quarters. They both have recently moved. And the similarity seems to be in their styles - they both have a mountain of minute print in the contracts, they recycle most income into advertising for new participants, they retain an army of lawyers, and they reveal a willingness to "neutralize" enemies - "enemy" = person who they perceive as being bad for their continued accumulation of currency. Mayhaps they are ex-Scientologists. Or Scio's in good standing.

And a farewell booming blat from Gabriel at the Town hall - announcing his forebodings about the bad weather you can soon expect - take a gander at their photos. There are many office pictures. In some, they are sitting at old-fashioned bulky monitors (the local used goods emporium turned up their nose when I asked if they wanted my old monitors as donations). In several other pictures, the office ladies are admiring (like I should flaunt a scab on my nose?) their imitation (or maybe they're real) tattoos, such "artwork" seeming to resemble what would appear on the floor if a hurrying printer, carrying an open bottle of dark ink (a big-mouth bottle), slipped and fell.

Now would you trust your book to these people?

Anyway, thanks for the warnings.

Character 22 months ago

Wow - so sorry to hear of your misfortune, but so glad that you decided to let the world know about it.

I wish you all the luck for the future. Many thanks for sharing

daisy  22 months ago

thanks for that I do write to them and I even sent information to the BBB but of course they are not listed. New advice for writers like myself our goal is getting our work out there so we hear sweet nothings whispered into our ears and we fall for them.

No we must research these individuals we don't know who is real and who is not.

Author Author 22 months ago

Authors victimized by Publish America must UNITE!

Authors, if you’ve been victimized by Publish America and in addition to feeling violated, misled, cheated, bullied, ignored, taken for granted, exploited, and/or approached with extortion, and you feel powerless to right the wrong perpetrated against you, take heart. You are not alone!

Bullies are cowards who prey upon the unsuspecting, timid, and weak. They also operate in the dark. TOGETHER, WE will aggressively and unrelentingly take the fight to them. WE will expose them, individually and severally, very publicly and ultimately kick their ass! Refuse to be their victim! Become soldiers in the army against the Publish Americas victimization of yourself and aspiring authors everywhere!!!

Following is a step by step approach to unite victimized authors and to involve powerful agencies for their assistance and enforcement. Many of these agencies are already aware of Publish America, their rotten reputation, their negative press, and how they prey upon the unsuspecting. It is very important that you do everything outlined below and name the deceiving Publish America individuals that you dealt with. Follow up with each organization to your satisfaction. VERY IMPORTANT - copy/paste this letter to Publish America related blogs and websites all over the www.

1. Call, write, email, and fax Publish America daily, expressing your issues with them. They can be reached at: 111 E. Church Street - Frederick, MD 21705, P.O. Box 151 - Frederick, MD 21705, 4510 Metropolitan Court , Frederick - MD 21701, Phone - 301.695.1707, Fax - 301.874.4793, and emails - support@publishamerica.com, Support2@publishamerica.com,

shawns@publishamerica.com, christopher@publishamerica.com, sydney@publishamerica.com, gail@publishamerica.com, jeannetteg@publishamerica.com, pr@publishamerica.com,

carriel@publishamerica.com, acquisitions@publishamerica.com, jenny@publishamerica.com.

2. File complaint with Maryland’s Attorney General Doug Ganzler at 410.576.6300. www.oag.state.md.us.

3. File complaint with Maryland’s Senators Ben Cardin at 410.962.4436 and Barbara Mikulski at 410.962.4510.

4. File complaint with Maryland’s Congressman Roscoe Bartlett at 301.694.3030. Fax - 301.694.6674. Seek out Ashley Collier who will coordinate with the Frederick MD police, as well as with the local FBI.

5. File complaint with Maryland’s BBB at 410 347.3990

6. File complaint with Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley at governor@gov.state.md.us.

7. File complaint with Maryland’s Mayor Randy McClement at 301.694.1380.

8. File complaint with Maryland’s Assistant City Attorney Rachel Depo at 301.600.1391.

9. File complaint with Frederick, Maryland’s police Sergeant DeGrange at 301.600.2118

10. File complaint with your own states Senator.

11. File complaint with Maryland’s Volunteer Lawyer Service at 800.510.0050

12. File complaint with Frederick County’s Bar Association vs. Publish Americas attorneys at 310.663.1139.

13. File complaint with Maryland’s local network television news crime tips, crime watchers, and investigative teams.

14. File complaint with Baltimore, MD FBI at www.ic3.gov. They are aware of Publish America and want victims to post their stories and complaints on their site.

15. File complaint with the Maryland State Police at 301.600.4151.

16. File complaint with Maryland’s State Attorneys office at 301.600.1523, 301.600.2026, and 301.600.2993.

17. File complaint with the US Attorney General at 950 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20530-0009. 202.353.1555?.

18. File complaint with the FBI at Federal Bureau of Investigation - J. Edgar Hoover Building -

935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20535-0001. 202.324.3000.

19. File complaint with ISBN at 908.219.0274.

20. File complaint with Ingram Book Wholesalers at bookbuyer@ingrambook.com. 800.937.8200 and 615.793.5000.

21. File complaint with Baker & Taylor Book Wholesalers at 800.775.1800 or 908.541.7000. Ask for publisher relations.

22. File complaint with Brodart Book Wholesalers at 570.326.2461. Ask for Jim Bobak in acquisitions or email Mindy Engel at mindy.engel@brodart.com.

23. File complaint with amazon.com.

24. File complaint with Borders.com at 734.477.1941 or 734.477.1100. Ask for someone in acquisitions, publisher relations, etc.

25. File complaint with the federal BBB at 202.393.8000.

26. File complaint with Maryland’s FBI at 410.265.8080.

27. File complaint with the Attorney general in your home state.

28. Put your thinking cap on and come up with additional ways to FIGHT Publish America. Share these ideas via blogs, newsletters, websites, etc

See. You are not powerless. It is critical, however, that you do all of the above, follow up with the agencies, and keep the heat turned up fully on Publish America and it’s complicit co conspirators. The might of our right will crush their wrong!!!

Bruce_Blanchard 23 months ago

Hi, I'm one of the newer victims of our not so beloved PA. At this point it is too early to say what I will do in my own point of attack. In the meantime, I and other friends are going ahead with the self-promotion. I was struck by a common parallel with my case. I too had to change my title but it didn't seem to change that much. Curious fact that.

Angus Chittenden 23 months ago

Just use lulu.com. You retain all the rights, anyone can order as many as they want. Quality is good, but editing is completely up to you.

Good luck.

grace 23 months ago

So sad, it is now 2010 and it looks like publishamerica is still going.

I saw an ad on my phone through an application, clicked on it and was actually very impressed by what they claim on their website. Thank God for google and people like you guys who take the time to write about your experiences.

I was so excited to finally be able to get my poetry book publish by them, but thanks to you all your posts showed me the true.

I noticed that this post has been going for years, I just can't believe that after so many complaints, lawsuits, the company is still standing. That is just insane and shocking to me.

Maybe turkofile should get on this

Sven 23 months ago

I am so glad that I didn't sign the contract they sent me in 2007 for one I was never done my manuscript until this year 2010. I was going to apply again to PA but seeing as I stumbled upon this I am not going to I will find another publisher. I am glad I found out Publishamerica was scam.

joygirl 23 months ago

Publishamerica will send you continuous, ridiculous emails saying they will "donate" your books to Wal-Mart, Target, to Stephen King, to the NBC Today Show, Oprah...it goes on and on. I have to purchase MY OWN BOOKS for this to happen. In other words, if I purchase four books, publishamerica will "donate" four. If you are a poor author who cannot afford to purchase your books that have mark-up prices...good luck! Some of my emails say they will "donate" my books to Borders and Barnes and Noble. Why donate? It is a publisher's job to market the books and get them in the stores. No traditional, reputable publisher would be so unethical. The idea is to sell books and a publisher would be flooding the market with them! Also, grammatical "errors" were created on my manuscript and then I was asked for my credit card number so I could "pay" to have the errors "fixed." I had the original manuscript and the errors were obviously created. They even put a period at the end of the title, on the front of my book. Oh my...! At the present time, amazon.com says they are out of stock for my book and publishamerica will not send more at the current time, until I buy more of my books. It is a scam. Do not publish with this company as I promise you that you will regret it.

Lennyrats 23 months ago

November 10 2009

PublishAmerica, LLLP

Post Office Box 151

Frederick, Maryland 21705-0151

Re: My published book

Dear Sirs,

As to your PublishAmerica Web Site screen identified as “Facts and Figures”, this serves to question that Fact # 10 and Fact # 12 are not totally true. Each fact set is copied from your web site and print as follows:

FACT #10: As for the production time of our books, we put the author in full control. If an author wants us to release his or her book fast, we can do that. Depending on how fast they submit all necessary information and materials, they may see their book go to the printer within as little as 4 weeks. If we decide that additional editing is required, we assign an editor who will spend time going through the text. We don't touch style issues, we don't edit the author's voice, tone, or delivery. We edit for spelling, mechanics, grammar, and typos. In all situations, before the text of the book goes to print we send a book back to the author, to ensure that it looks exactly as the author wants it to look.

The above fact did not allow me to be in “full control”. From the time I submitted my first draft, I was hustled into having a final draft within 48 hours. This fact also states “We edit for spelling, mechanics, grammar, and typos.” This was never done as I was never contacted formally by a Senior Editor either by phone conversation or in written correspondence that my book passed all edits. I found out afterwards, “Adam”, who refused to identify himself by job title when questioned, was my Senior Editor. During my interactions with Adam I had to beg for more time. He always put me on a short-time frame leash. He was rude and extremely rigid as to his demands. He ought to be fired as he caused me undue duress.

When my published book became available, I made some personal sales to several persons and friends. From several, the comment I received back was there were many spelling, grammar and typo errors. I was shocked, upset and embarrassed. Shocked and Upset as I conveyed no editing was done by PublishAmerica. I assumed my book was error free. One person said she couldn’t get past the 12th page. As to the embarrassment, I have petitioned a new version, which I am spending $199.00 out of my pocket. I made this payment on September 3rd and as of the date of this letter; I have not been notified the new version is in production. I’m not happy about that. Once the new version goes into production, I will trade off to those people the new version for the badly edited version. I made several large purchases of the older version to the tune of 100 books, which I refuse to sell. I have 75 books left which is a further cost loss.

FACT #12: PublishAmerica is only interested in a book's publishing rights. We don't want any other rights, unless an author insists that we carry them on his/her behalf. Movie rights, audio rights, TV rights, merchandising rights, the copyright, they all remain the author's. We are a BOOK publisher, the only way we earn our money is by selling books, and we're very good at that. Everything else can be done better by others. Our contracts expire after seven years, unlike the life term that most other traditional publishers require. Maybe that's one of the reasons why our contracts seem to be particularly liked by lawyers: we count a few hundred attorneys among our authors.

The above fact states you seek no “movie rights unless an author insists …”. That’s not true, I insisted on no such thing. Your contract submitted to me by your choosing to do so, and not me, states on my page 3 that Publish America will receive 50% for any movie rights. I want you to return a contract override document to cancel your receiving any movie rights.

In another of your statements, you pride yourselves in treating your authors with due respect and your staff responds to web site queries within 48 hours. I have sent several queries in the last few months but rarely do I get a formal response. I have to make phone calls to do my follow-ups.

From Lenny another unhappy author

michelle 2 years ago

I am right there with you I recieved my proof and it was full of mistakes not made by me. When i tried to get it fixed they sent it to print already Jan the 7th I spoke to someone on the phone and they told me they would put a hold on my book i resumited my changes and the next day recieved an email saying it was shipped and on the website. The changes were not made and I am beside myself becaus I have to wait till monday to reach someone. I don't understand they have a great chance to really make it happen for someone and it and they screw you over. I paid 100 for my cover art to be used that should have been my first sign. and I paid fifty dollars to have it printed. I just want them to fix the mistakes print the book and ride out the next 7 years with it and move on to my next book with a wonderful publisher.

Arkay Kane 2 years ago

I was trying to ignore the bad press that PA was getting. It seems to me that many authors were just mad because PA did not "promote" their books, and I was not expecting them to promote, so I ignored that. People who had to change the title of their book, that is not because of their preference, that is because there is a copyrighted book by that title in existance. (These are my justifications). Then my troubles with them started. They wanted to charge me $100 to fix mistakes in the book, some were admittedly mine, some where not there when I submitted my word version-there was a carriage return in the middle of a sentance that did not exist in my copy. I complained and was able to get the text department to agree to do "a few" edits, so I decided to move forward and allow some minor things to slip by. Notice went out on Nov 12 that my book was ready (to the list of people that I sent them so this was all my coworkers, friends, and family). A number of friends and coworkers ordered their copies right away. Follow my time line here. On Nov 19 I got an offer for 50% off the book, one of their promotions. The last paragraph said "Find Mistakes? We will fix them for free, please indicate "Needs Edits" in the memo portion of your order." So I ordered 50 books, and indicated "Needs Edits" in the memo box. A week went by and I did not hear from anyone regarding the edits. I was sent a link and asked if I had submitted my edits through the link. I had not, so I did. This was Nov 30. I had a chain book story agree to host my book signing, which I had to cancel because I did not have the books in time. I emailed every day in December, asking about the progress, and when I would be getting the book. I was told the binder was broken. I was told that orders were stacked in the corner waiting to be boxed and shipped. I was told that the text department was behind because there were so many requests for changes. I was told that my release date was not until Jan 10, and I would get the book "some time around then." So around Dec 19 I stopped emailing. Upon return to work on the 4th, I started emailing them again. I wanted to plan a big even on the weekend of my release- but on the 4th I did not have the book yet. I had three interviews with media on the 5th, and I had to pose with a print out of the cover of my book. I emailed them again. The 6th, same, emailed asking about the book, no response from ANYONE at PA. Yesterday I hired a lawyer. At this point, I have spent hundreds on marketing materials, using the existing cover of the book. I just want the book. I will not deal with them in the future, but for now, I guess I am stuck unless they will agree to let me out of the contract and I will drop the lawsuit if they let me keep my cover art- or they will have to compensate me for all of this stuff. Then I will be left trying to find a PoD publisher or self publisher of some kind to get the books out that have been ordered. I also have to worry about the $500 I sent them for books, and eveyrone who has ordered a copy through them.

I did not want to have to hire a lawyer but I do not know what to do! A contract is a two way agreement, it would seem that they have some form of responsibility too. It is sort of ironic, my book was about being the survivor of domestic abuse. They are just bad people, but I appear to be married to them for now. Wish me luck.

Mike 2 years ago

Perhaps PA is bad news, but your blog entry here is hardly an example of a scam. Big legit publishers do the exact same thing. They take over ownership of a book's copyright, change the title, and decide the cover's design. Authors are forced to change character names which are similar to famous people's names. This is done to avoid potential lawsuits. Would you rather lose everything you own if they didn't?

Like I said this outfit may be bad, but your entry here shows utter ignorance on how the system works.

Juanita Miller pen name Joan Miller  2 years ago

Went with P/A on the advice of a friend in writer's group. I think she meant well but all I've had is misery for my efforts. P/A has yet to give a direct answer to any questions I've posed. I've come to the conclusion that P/A is comprised of retired politicians. Don't make the same mistake I did. DO NOT LET PUBLISH AMERICA ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR WORK.

Dennis Bryan Buck 2 years ago

I made the mistake of using Publishamerica. They will charge the author $100 to fix a typo that they caused. They will try to charge $100 to fix a bad cover design. Word of warning...DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE!

Dennis Buck 2 years ago

I mistakenly signed a contract with PA. I realize it was a mistake after they wanted to charge me $100 to add a dedication to my mother. I'm embarrassed and ashamed that I fell for this. I will not promote my book or allow any friends or family to purchase one. They can be nasty...so can I.

Ron 2 years ago

I just signed the contract with PA and they told me I needed to change the book's title. I was okay with that. However, when they asked for my social security number for the contract I became suspicious. I've signed many contracts without my SS number. The only time I've needed to give it away was when I've applied for jobs. We'll see.

anne 2 years ago

I signed a contract with PA but they said it wasn't the final contract. It is in the pre-production right now but i haven't heard from the for almost a month and have asked them to contact me but no one will respond. is it too late for me because i have a second chapter to this story and if i can get away with getting out of this contract i would like to send it to someone real.

Patricia A wade 2 years ago

(6-13-09)I was accepted by Publishamerica and am waiting for the contract. It took me 10 yrs to write my book "A BABY BOOMER AND THE BIBLE" (TITLE CHANGED AT THEIR REQUEST)WAS... "A BABY BOOMER AND GOD"(fact or fiction). I'm 63, a 7 yr contract will cover most of my life expectancy.I have no funds to self publish.They'll get my book printed and sold. I'm praying they've grown and I will get ALL my royalties......♥

Rodney 2 years ago

Hello to everyone;

I have had my head stuck in the clouds, and I'm just now taking a closer look at Publish America. Is it too late? I just mailed off my manuscript for my fiction book titled The Devillant Factor. I have not seen a contract, or have signed one. Can I back out now before it's too late, or am I stuck with them? I would think not.

Please advise.... Rodney

keithasting@mchsi.com

Andy 2 years ago

PA SUCKS I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT 1,235 COPIES OF MY BOOK WERE BOUGHT SINCE SEPT 08'. PA TOLD ONLT 3 WERE SOLD. THEY ASKED WHERE DID I GET MY NUMBERS FROM? I REPLIED I AUTOGRAPHED THAT MANY I NUMBER THEM. PA HAS YET TO REPLIE. ANY WAYS HOW DO I GET THEM TO DROP MY ASS?????

Shane Maddon 2 years ago

Hey Birdie...You "Write" a book, not "right" lol

PS Yea.. Publish America is a huge fraud, as I have delt with them before and now currently in the process of terminating a contract with them.

Daisy Fabelo 2 years ago

I have my book in lulu.com and I am very excited I am my own boss the best part is I keep all the rights to my book. Look into this guys it is a better way to see your hard work in print and not by scammers like Publish America.

DavidP 2 years ago

Oh Holy Crap,

I wish that I could have found out about them before I signed their contract. I'm stuck now. Any help on how to get out of their contract so that my 2 years of writing and editing doesn't go down the drain?

ferncliff 3 years ago

Publish America placed ads in the back of my childrens book - one for an adult book that no parent would want their seven year old reading. I got the same responses you did when I repeatedly questioned this. And you're right, it's not in the contract, at least the one I signed months ago. It took almost three months, but I was able to get out of my contract. I wonder if the authors paying for these auction ads realize that Publish America is not even marketing to their intended audience.

Dan Saylor 3 years ago

Well, it's Christmas time, 2008 and Publishamerica seems to be at the end of their rope. Their latest grasp for survival is to 'auction' the rights for a PA author to have an 'advertisement blurb' be placed in the books of all other PA authors. I asked them if they had the authority and how they chose which books: "Thank you for your email. The books chosen are books that are actually ordered, and can be chosen from all genres. The authors are not paid a portion of the auction funds...." This email is clear: Every book ordered will be automatically printed with an ad for someone else's book. So, not only will the parasite books have better marketing than any host book - she went even further to ward off my next email which might ask if the host author will be paid. "...placing ads in books is well within our rights under the contract." Well, actually it wasn't written that way in the contract, but by now they have enough attorneys on staff that they won't be able to pay their actual staff for much longer. At the rate of about 18 email pleas per month to purchase our books at cut-rate prices, I think they might not last until the next 'royalty' period.

TrisJazz 3 years ago

THank you so much for posting this. I've completed my novel after 7 years of work, and Publish America wanted to sign me right away. Well, needless to say I was excited. Until I got the email saying I had to changed the title of the book. That's when I began digging deeper into their past, and lets say I'm never signing any contract with them. It's a shame people do this to writers.

Birdie 3 years ago

Pblish America, i have been on the edge about sigining my contract with them for some time now. Almost a year now. They are always nagging me about getting my contract signed, and everytime i ask them for advice, they never reply to me. Its our work, we do the hard part. We right the book. Don't need the scams of publishers to interfer with our work. . .