The Old Neverending PublishAmerica Thread (Publish America)

Hi, Aceisone. Welcome. I'm glad to hear you're going to keep writing.

Have you found the Share Your Work board yet? It's here: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?daysprune=-1&f=26 . That would be a good place for your poetry. We try to stay at least a little on topic here, though we're bad at it. *g*

Aceisone said:

...I really want to know if I just ask PA to terminate my contract would they.

Click to expand...

A few people report having done just that, but the majority seem to get sent a 'rights release agreement' which is even worse than the original contract. It features a non-exclusive grab of ALL rights, seven more years added to your contract term, and a very very questionable gag clause.

So, you COULD ask them, and they MIGHT agree, but if they send you the nasty release agreement, please please don't sign it!

Kris

Let us put on our prancing shoes...

...and hop, skip, and jump over to the Merry Olde Land of Poz, wherest we find:

In response to a question about what PA charges for shipping and handling on book orders, we find:

This I know I can help with! They charge $3.00 shipping on the first book and .50 cents for each additional book you have shipped. So 3.00 + .50 x 49

Did that make any sense?

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It makes lots of sense if you're Moe-randa, Larry, or Curlem, seems to me like they may be making a few bucks here on this end of the equation as well.

Folks, our Jenna is being the pro that she is when she references this little cretin who's maligning her on the PA private boards, she is being much nicer about it than I would. Just for the record, this person is a liar and an obvious idiot when it comes to understanding writing/publishing. Son, learn something about writing and what and who you're talking about before you start running off at the mouth. When you tell lies and half-truths about people you can expect to have your wrist slapped, and frankly, you're sort of like a class D minor league player taking on a seasoned pro. You need to shut up and worry about your own situation, as you're going to find that you are going to experience plenty of your own problems to deal with because of your choice as publisher. And believe me, as you should've learned the first time, there are consequences to telling deliberate lies about people....

Welcome Aceisone...

And Tracy, I already welcomed Argile and spelled his name wrong initially (apologies). My daughter's name is Tracy so you have got to be a good person. Welcome to all who have just joined the "good fight" at AW.

Aceisone, because my book was not selling according to PA, and because PA had done some rather shady things without explanation, I asked for the rights to my book back. They sent me an "amended contract" (sans "gag" clause). Garbage - it favoured them not me! I told them so and received an insulting letter back. We had a tug-of-war over my second book. I won and refused to sign the contract they sent. I have since split that book into two parts and re-edited it, maybe twenty times. I am in the process of submitting to REAL Publishers. It is a difficult process and I recognise that.

You have my sympathy, but even if you did sign that "amended contract", you would not immediately get the rights to your book back. Even if you did, they would probably continue to sell the book and make money off of it.

My advice - let it go - write another book. Do not let them know you care. As others will attest, they will just hold it out of spite. They can keep my first book forever as long as they pay me my royalties. I check on that every so often.

Join the fight here and accept the support of a lot of friendly and helpful people.

Hard-to-swallow advice, but just my take on things.

postshy/

TracySutterer & ArgileStox said:

I was a PA Ambassador, a title given to me by Miranda Prathers over three years ago. It's a strange feeling being banned...but not a bad one. Tracy

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Hi Tracy,

I know the feeling. I was labled "One of PA's top selling authors and supporters" at the convention. I was asked to move to the tables with the red tableclothes that were reserved for their best authors.

I was banned twice for nonsensical reasons. Then my contracts were terminated. They terminated one of their top sellers. They teminated someone with a newsletter going out to over 400 PA authors. They teminated someone whose books received five star reviews from book reviewers. I am not sad. I am overjoyed to be free and move ahead with my career. I'm struggling a little bit with self-doubt thinking no publisher will look at my work since PA published it first. But I will get past it.

TracySutterer & ArgileStox said:

Thank you, Alan! I'm glad I'm loved here!

Ed, thanks again! I'm very glad that no dead people are allowed on this board! I am very prone to nightmares; therefore, the last thing I need to start seeing is dead people!

Thank you all for giving me a place to write about all of this!

Tracy

Click to expand...

Tracy and Argile,

My warmest welcome to you both. I hold each of you in the highest esteem. PA is less withhout you and we are stronger with you.

Pass the Blueberry Muffins please.

Respectfully,

-Sparhawk

Couple of Points from Ann

Hi, folks. I'm trying to play catch up here, but this board moves so fast!

So, in no particular order:

*If you want to take part in Phase Two, it is not too late. If you haven't received your mailing, email me at [email protected]

If you don't hear back from me within 48 hours, please then email [email protected], and ask Victoria to forward your message. Aol has very strong spam catchers operating now, and they catch things that aren't spam, sometimes.

It does NO GOOD to send me a PM here on the Absolute Write boards, unless you include your email address with it. Phase Two comes as an attached file, and there's no way to attach it to a PM.

*Potshy, thanks for sending my that email from Jerry Duncan. I am mad as hell, and consulting with my team to see what can be done. I spoke with Mr. Duncan in February, and he VERBALLY agreed with me that PA's methods were extremely sleazy and that they deserved their new (at that time) unsatisfactory rating. For him to do this kind of turnabout, I can only wonder what happened. Pod person substitution? A big payoff from PA? Your guess is as good as mine, but Writer Beware is not taking this lying down.

*I am looking for PublishAmerica authors who unhappy with their publisher and who are Maryland residents. Please email me immediately if you fit that description at: [email protected] with a cc to: [email protected]
Thanks!

*Welcome to all the newcomers, and if you want to join Phase Two of THE PROJECT, write to me. It's not too late.

Best,

-Ann C. Crispin
Writer Beware
www.writerbeware.com
Author: STORMS OF DESTINY/HarperEos
www.accrispin.com

AC Crispin said:

...I can only wonder what happened. Pod person substitution? A big payoff from PA? ...

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Companies pay to be in BBB. That is a situation not without conflict of interest.

--Ken

The BBB are not consumer advocates. They do that as a sideline to their main goal -- promoting local businesses.

The BBB does not screen its members. If you can pay their fee, they let you join until they get enough complaints for it to be an embarassment.

Remember: legitimate businesses don't usually talk about their BBB membership. Scammers brag about it.

Thanks....

For the info, "ResearchGuy" and "realitychuck". I guess I will be using the BBB a lot less than I did. To those who are thinking of going withPublishAmerica, I would strongly recommend that you visit this site (AW) first. Obviously, I visited all the wrong places two years ago. I got "taken". You can avoid it.

postshy/

"And the man at PA has just bought a new car with the profits he's made on your dreams."
This is my personal favorite on this site. It pretty much says it all now doesn't it?

BA

The e-mails below reflect PublishAmerica's arrogance concerning HB Marcus, banning Tracy Sutterer from the Message Boards & her request to be released from her current contract.

Had Tracy Sutterer known about PublishAmerica's decision to reinstate HB Marcus to the Message Boards, she would have not signed an additional contract to publish her third book.

In addition, PublishAmerica has been given a time-line in which to agree to Tracy Sutterer's demand to be released from her contract. It would be in the best interests of all concerned that Tracy Sutterer be released from her contract - to which end, will relieve PublishAmerica from any further embarrassment.

Please scroll down to the first e-mail....

Argile Stox & Tracy Sutterer


Dear Ms. Sutterer:

We have always treasured our relationship with you as an author, and we will
continue to prefer to remember our past years with you in that vein.
You have always been more than average satisfied with your publisher, and
you have chosen to contract no less than three books with us. After it was
announced recently that you had found private happiness again, we celebrated the moment with you.
And now, suddenly, you are turning hostile -- not because of how we are
publishing your books, but because you disagree with, and continue to
misunderstand, a message board policy. That, Ms. Sutterer, is silly. And
because it is, we cannot possibly honor your request to terminate your
contracts. Having an issue with other individuals does not constitute having
an issue with their and your publisher, not to the extent that it affects
the publication of a book.
We will accept and respect your word that you will decline non-exclusivity.
Therefore your exclusive contracts must remain in full force.

Thank you,
Author Support Team
[email protected]

Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 22:12:38 -0600 (Mountain Standard Time)
From: "Tracy Sutterer"
Subject: Release from contract for "Dancing Naked in South Dakota"

PA Staff,

Since you have decided to ban me from the PA board, there is no reason
for
our association. I want to be released from my contract immediately. I
do not want the "...amendment to the contract which will make it
non-exclusive. This amendment would allow you to shop the book to other
publishers." I want out of my contract without that amendment.

No money has exchanged hands. There is no reason for this request to be
denied. I WILL NOT promote this book. I will tell my family and friends
not to buy it. You will not make any money off of this book; therefore,
it would be in your best interest to grant my request. Furthermore, my
contract states that I will receive a one hundred dollar advance for this
book. It makes no sense to continue with this contract when I won't
promote it, does it? You will lose the one hundred dollar advance to me
and you will not receive any money back on that investment.

I have no idea why you have decided to allow a mentally ill man, HB
Marcus, to continue to be your spokesperson on your board while you have
simultaneously decided to ban me, but your choice has been made. So has
mine. I will do exactly what your last email stated for me to do. I
will indeed, "....take your (my) private wars to another venue."

I look forward to your response.

Tracy Kiewel Sutterer


From: PublishAmerica Author Support
Date: 05/05/05 12:45:24
To: Tracy Sutterer
Subject: Re: Argile Stox: complaint about message board

Dear Mr. Stox,

We do not mean to be "adversarial" in any way. As we have stated
previously, we are not a part of any activities by HB Marcus. Also, we have
no more connection or relationship with him than we have with you or anyone
else.

Please use [email protected] as your contact address.

Given this information, is there anything remaining that concerns you?

Thank You,

PublishAmerica Author Support

Hope Contract is NOT Fulfilled!!

All I can say is I have been an idiot!..

I signed my first contract with PA back in September of 2003 and was thrilled.

I began promoting my work immediately through a web site created for it, by writing articles for E magazines dealing with the subject, aming speeches, joining several Internet groups dealing with the subject and much much more.

The book was released in June 2004 and thus did not expect a large royalty check considering the date of release.

I had by then completed a second book...a somewhat continustion of the first though not a sequel.

I worked even harder at promoting my first book.

Yes, I even bought some of my books as they tend to sell rather well when I actually give a speech in relation to it.

I was so happy my first book was published that I submitted my second also to PA. I signed a contract in September 2004.

Reality hit me with the royalty check I received in March...I was losing the battle!

I had given up a good paying job to devote full time to my effort of reforming the foster care system which I grew up in....the book was only part of the effort...speeches were another part as the two sort of go together. I also spent thousands in effort to promote the book. I almost went into financial ruin in my effort.

I have sold all the books I have personaly bought at full retail price. However, sales through on line have been dismal at best.

I have grown totaly disgusted with PA, their lack of effort to assist authors in selling their books in any way what so ever.

It is almost 8 months since I signed the second contract and to date I have not even received the first proofs. I sent AP an e mail about it and got a classic form letter saying it has been assigned an editor...that was 2 months ago.

Now as 8 months approaches I am actually hoping I do not get the proofs, cover art and release within the 1 year time frame my seocnd contract was for.

I could then consider PA in breach of contract (as if they aren't already based on the lies of their web site) and terminate the contract so I can go to a real publisher.

Unfortunately I didn't learn everything I know now until after signing not one but two contracts.

I no longer promote my first book unless it is with a speech I am presenting and I know I can make sales.

I will pretty much let the next five years run its course on the first book but am hoping for a breach of contract on the second come September.

In the meantime I must do temporary work, file bankruptcy and other things all because I believed in a publisher that did nothing excpet print my first book.

Here is my web site if you want to see a bit about the first and second books:

http://www.larrya.us

I just had to begin getting all this out of my system...I am angry, disappointed and many other adjectives. I was duped as many others are being or have been.

Despite what PA has done I will not give up my dream of changing other childrens lives.

PA may have won this battle but they will not win the war!

Peace,
Larry~
(midlander)

Before it gets trashed

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 1:18 pm Post subject: MR. Lewis,

Do you know Jenna Glatzer? Ms. Glatzer is not a "Gal" but a dignifed and respected lady. I hold her in the highest esteem because of her character and accomplishments. Have you corresponded with her personally or simply maligned her with no forethought and only malice. Jenna Glatzer is a well published writer, her accomplishments and success in her field far surpass anybody on this board and anywhere at Publish America. This is not a PA Slam just a statement of fact that can be easily verified.

Jenna Glatzer offers a forum to new and experienced writers that, if we all are honest with ourselves, we've all frequented form time to time to get the "Opposing view". Jenna Glatzer is free to have her opinion, which she expresses with class, maturity and dignity. Just because you don't agree with her is no reason to attack her. Whatever YOU did to warrant a potential lawsuit is beteen you and Ms. Glatzer and should NOT be fodder here.

Jenna Glatzer has NEVER and I repeat NEVER attacked a PA Author. IN fact, the last PA Authoer who maligned her later went back and did his homework; the result of was a public apology to Jenna. Jenna is of impeccable character and I am privelaged to count her among my friends. I am more for my friendship with her not less. She has freely given me the benefit of her experience and wisdom and it has helped me become a better writer and improved my work. That is the type of person Ms. Glatzer is and I amboth privelaged and honered to call her "Friend"

Respectfully

-Esper
_________________
Living well is the best revenge

Jenna,

I could not let that remark stand without a rebuke, I am sorry for butting in where my nose doesn't belong.

-Your faithful cabanna boy

----- Original Message -----
Date: Thu, 5 May 2005 11:25:28 -0600 (Mountain Standard Time)
From: "Tracy Sutterer"
To: "PublishAmerica Author Support"
<<mailto:[email protected]
<<[email protected]&

Subject: Re: Argile Stox: complaint about message board

Author Support,

It appears that your e-mails are becoming adversarial. However, I must
correct a few inaccuracies. Marcus Howard
Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy received flowers from
PublishishAmerica on two occasions: For a death in a the family, and for
his interviews with the Media. In addition, I am currently aware that
Marcus Howard Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy has been temporarily
banned from both Message Boards.

Tracy Sutterer and I are currently discussing our association with
PublishAmerica, and will render a decision early next week. You will be
informed of our intentions.

If the tone and substance of your correspondence changes with in that time,
it will have a positive effect on our discussions.

Honor & Respect For You,

Argile Stox & Tracy Sutterer

-------Original Message-------

From: <mailto:[email protected] Author Support
Date: 05/05/05 07:59:44
To: Tracy Sutterer
Subject: Argile Stox: complaint about message board

Dear Mr. Stox:

Your contention is not only wrong, but also out of line.
Our relationship with HB Marcus is almost the exact same as our
relationship with you. The only difference is that we have never sent him
any flowers.

Thank You,
Author Support Team

I'm sorry PA is treating you like this, Tracy, but I think it was a very wise move not to sign the non exclusivity contract. I hope you find a way out of the contract soon.

Date: Wed, 4 May 2005 17:12:43 -0600 (Mountain Standard Time)
X-Mailer: IncrediMail (4001888)
From: "Tracy Sutterer"
To: [email protected]



Subject: Re: Argile Stox: complaint about message board
Author Support,

It is our contention that PublishAmerica is protecting Marcus Howard
Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy for, as of yet, an undetermined reason.

Tracy Sutterer and I (as have others) have been continually vilified by his
Posts.

It is beyond our comprehension and understanding why PublishAmerica would
continue to lend credence to Marcus Howard Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus /
Kilroy's voice, and permit him to continue to harass and insult individual
PublishAmerica Authors. PublishAmerica has silenced others for much less
simple
infractions of PublishAmerica's Message Board Policies.

Tracy Sutterer and I have sent e-mail evidence of Marcus Howard
Bretschneider
AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy's past serious abuses of the PublishAmerica Boards. I
have also had a telephone conversation with Ms. Prather concerning the Hoax
which was perpetrated by Marcus Howard Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus /
Kilroy on
Easter Weekend / 2005, and sent e-mails to her concerning Marcus Howard
Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy's planning and implementation of the
Death
Hoax / 2005.

Tracy Sutterer and I request that PublishAmerica disclose to us the
professional
and personal relationship you have with Marcus Howard Bretschneider
AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy - to which end, will satisfy our questions.

Please Advise.

Honor & Respect For You,

Argile Stox & Tracy Sutterer

TracySutterer & ArgileStox said:

----- Original Message -----
Date: Thu, 5 May 2005 11:25:28 -0600 (Mountain Standard Time)
From: "Tracy Sutterer"
To: "PublishAmerica Author Support"
<<mailto:[email protected]
<<[email protected]&

Subject: Re: Argile Stox: complaint about message board

Author Support,

It appears that your e-mails are becoming adversarial. However, I must
correct a few inaccuracies. Marcus Howard
Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy received flowers from
PublishishAmerica on two occasions: For a death in a the family, and for
his interviews with the Media. In addition, I am currently aware that
Marcus Howard Bretschneider AKA HB Marcus / Kilroy has been temporarily
banned from both Message Boards.

Tracy Sutterer and I are currently discussing our association with
PublishAmerica, and will render a decision early next week. You will be
informed of our intentions.

If the tone and substance of your correspondence changes with in that time,
it will have a positive effect on our discussions.

Honor & Respect For You,

Argile Stox & Tracy Sutterer

-------Original Message-------

From: <mailto:[email protected] Author Support
Date: 05/05/05 07:59:44
To: Tracy Sutterer
Subject: Argile Stox: complaint about message board

Dear Mr. Stox:

Your contention is not only wrong, but also out of line.
Our relationship with HB Marcus is almost the exact same as our
relationship with you. The only difference is that we have never sent him
any flowers.

Thank You,
Author Support Team

Click to expand...

What kind of unprofessional pompous *** writes the this stuff ??

Dear Mr. Stox:

In general: writers, as executors of the free word, should not be too
quick
demanding to stifle fellow writers. It's wrong.
There appears to be bad blood between your party and Mr. Marcus'
party, for
whatever the reason may be. It's a fight that PublishAmerica has no
dog in,
and it will not sway us one way or the other.
That said, we do monitor the boards regularly, and you must have noticed
that we are occasionally removing entire threads, including the one that
you are referring to. We do so when we feel that one or more posters have
gone overboard. That's when we step in, and it is the only reason for
us to
intervene. Requests from authors to shut down a thread, or another
author's
board access, have no effect on our decision making. It's a policy
that you
will appreciate, because it has equally insulated your own and Ms.
Sutterer's board access from similar pressure in the past, by others than
your current antagonists.
Now and then we declare a chill-out period for bad posters. However, we
very rarely deny permanent access to board users.
Please consider this our final word on the issue.

Thank you,
Author Support Team
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]

Hello,

My name is Argile Stox / Author: Computer-End
Program / ISBN 1-4137-2496-5 / PublishAmerica.

I am writing this letter regarding Marcus Howard Bretschneider who
uses the
pen name HB Marcus, and currently uses the name Kilroy on the Public
Message Boards.

Tracy Sutterer and I are questioning the reasoning behind
PublishAmerica's
decision to continually facilitate Mr. Bretschneider's recent attacks on
Lynn Barry and others on the Public Message Boards.

Lynn Barry has been an ardent supporter of PublishAmerica, and is a
valuable asset to the continued promotion of its Authors.

In addition, Mr. Bretschneider has been inundating the Public Message
Boards with irrational Posts, and his diatribes have cast negative
aspersions against PublishAmerica and its Authors with in full view of
the general public.

Tracy Sutterer and I request that Mr. Marcus Howard Bretschneider be
permanently denied access and ability to Post on the Public and Private
Message Boards. This proposed action will liberate the Public and Private
Boards from Mr. Bretschneider's intolerable and degrading actions.

Please advise as to your thoughts on this matter.

Honor & Respect For You,

Argile Stox and Tracy Sutterer

The e-mails to PublishAmerica below are a bit disjointed. However, I believe that you will be able to piece it together. I could not fit all on one Post.


Argile Stox

Reading PA's messages sometimes just make me want to darf.

In general: writers, as executors of the free word, should not be too
quick demanding to stifle fellow writers.

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And this from a company that repeatedly bans people from its message board if they refuse to toe the line and drink the corporate Kool-Aide.

Hi Midlander. You're in an appalling situation, and I hope you find your way through it. I, for one, don't think you're an idiot. PA are running a very professional scam.

Argile, I predict Tracy will soon receive an email telling her 'not to take that tone' with PA, and that her assertions are too ridiculous to be taken seriously. PA is not loyal to its authors. Author support is notorious for it's abusive behaviour towards authors with legitimate concerns. It's PA's responses that are too ridiculous.