News article about PA and other "non-traditional" publishers

Bubastes · Oct 25, 2006

What I find interesting is that this article specifically calls PA a "non-traditional" book company. So does that make PA a non-traditional traditional publisher in their eyes?

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061015/NEWS/610150357/1326

I feel sorry for this writer. It's sad to see someone's hard work get sucked into the PA black hole just because she trusted a recommendation from someone clueless.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/lifestyles/106951,5_5_WA23_MAIN_S1.article

James D. Macdonald · Oct 25, 2006

Woo! Look at some of the quotes!

PublishAmerica's advantages are many: Jones was virtually assured of having the manuscript accepted, and her relatives and friends can now order "Lies of Redemption" through online retailer Amazon.com or at any chain bookstore. And unlike most non-traditional publishers, PublishAmerica doesn't charge writers for its services. But using PublishAmerica makes it highly unlikely the book will be on a shelf at Barnes & Noble.

Virtually assured of acceptance. Family and friends can orders copies. Unlikely to be on the shelves at B&N.

A spokeswoman for Barnes & Noble, the country's largest bookseller, confirmed the chain doesn't stock books from the likes of PublishAmerica, iUniverse and Authorhouse, though it will order single copies upon customer request.

Listed with the POD vanities... and B&N confirms that they don't stock 'em.

While PublishAmerica claims to be "picky," the company reportedly has accepted many dubious manuscripts, including one that intentionally repeated 30 consecutive pages.

Go, Purple Pony!

"They don't make their money from selling your books (to customers)," Lampe said of such publishers. "They make their money from selling to authors. Mainly what they do is nickel-and-dime authors to death. ... If your goal is to have 300 copies for your family reunion, it might not be a bad idea. And if you don't care if it's going to be edited and you're not going to send it up to The Ledger to be reviewed, go ahead."

Right on. They make their money selling books back to the authors themselves.

Sassenach · Oct 25, 2006

The story about that writer is rather poignant--she definitely sounds naive about the process. The pic of her "booksigning" at a local pizza parlor is kinda sad--especially since the only customer shown is her brother-in-law.

News article about PA and other "non-traditional" publishers

Bubastes

bananaed

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

Sassenach

5 W's & an H