The Old Neverending PublishAmerica Thread (Publish America)

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Ed Williams 3

Understand what you're dealing with re HB...

One of the PA authors is trying to set up a group booksigning, and the bookstore owner involved is requiring the PA authors to put up $100 each for publicity expenses, etc. Sounds like pure robbery, right? Something any of us would laugh at, right? Not so for HB - here's his response to a posting asking for which PA authors would be participating...

HBMarcus

3/06/2004
12:53:45

H. B. Marcus
CRISPY
The Joe Schmoe Show
RE: DAYTON SIGNING UPDATE


Message:
Do I have to email you? You know I'm freakin' in on this deal.

...And this is the guy that's doling out publishing advice to the PA authors...
 

FM St George

Re: Understand what you're dealing with re HB...

I know... when I first saw that post there was also the caveat that it's "all" going to "publicity" as well as lunch, etc... in other words, box lunches from the local deli and a cheap blurp on the local stations along with a handsome profit for the bookstore owner to boot...

AND, the sadder part, betcha the "authors" have to bring along their own copies since the bookstore won't order them in...

I shudder to think of the tax returns for any of these peeps... I'm not one to speak, having only two "black" years out of my four in writing to date, but this is ridiculous...
 

RealityChuck

Re: Understand what you're dealing with re HB...

One of the PA authors is trying to set up a group booksigning, and the bookstore owner involved is requiring the PA authors to put up $100 each for publicity expenses, etc. Sounds like pure robbery, right? Something any of us would laugh at, right?
But they're getting on on the ground floor!

The only problem, is that the only other floor of that particular building is the basement.
 

James D Macdonald

Re: Understand what you're dealing with re HB...

It isn't a bookstore; it's a gift-and-knicknack store. Yes, the authors have to bring their own books.

No need for the quote marks around author, BTW. Every one of those folks is an author. Making smart business decisions never was part of the job description -- an author is somone who writes stuff, nothing more, nothing less. Quality, publication, none of that is part of the definition.
 

FM St George

Re: Understand what you're dealing with re HB...

true, James - I stand corrected.

:(
 

FM St George

Laughing...

oh, sweet irony... in my mailbox, courtesy of the Author Support Team at PublishAmerica:

**************

Dear Author,

Our second convention was a resounding success! We're still getting positive comments flowing in about it!

We had more than 300 people coming from all over the country, and even from places as far away as Canada and Britain. They had a great time together!

Don't take our word for it, but see the pictures here: www.publishamerica.com/conventions. Enjoy the slides!

We ran seven different seminars during the convention, led by PA authors, some with standing room only, and others were so packed that we had to break out walls to accommodate everyone. Sound recordings of each seminar are now available at $9.95 per seminar, on CD-rom. Totaling 7 hrs. 22 minutes, they include the moderator's presentation and the audience Q&A. They are very, very good and instructive.

Seminar #1: Using Imagination To Create Flamboyant Promotional Activities. 58 Minutes.
Seminar Leaders: CC Colee, authors of the three-book series: RB: The Enchantress, RB: The Widow Maker, and RB: The Game.
This seminar deals with presentation: how, and with what tools, props, and gadgets, do you approach your potential readers when you are making a presentation in a mall, a bookstore, or elsewhere? Must you show up as pirates, like CC Colee always do?

Seminar #2: Maximizing Book Signing Exposure. 79 Minutes.
Seminar Leader: Robert Amoroso, author of Journey.
This seminar details the do's and dont's of preparing and executing your book signing event, and of dealing with bookstore managers. Mr. Amoroso is one of PublishAmerica's most successful book signers, with events all over New York City. His nickname: "Amo Rex and the City."

Seminar #3: Creativity. 38 minutes.
Seminar Leader: Cindy Sandel, author of Prey for Reign.
This seminar delves deep into the author's well of creativity. It deals with how to overcome hurdles and blockades, including the hurdle of fear.

Seminar #4: You Are Who You Think You Are - Creating An Image. 34 Minutes.
Seminar Leader: Linda Alexander, author of Until Next Time, and Dorothy from Kansas Meets the Wizard of X.
This seminar teaches the author how to become his/her true self when confronting readers and buyers, and why it is a must to do that. It explains why book writing and promoting is all about You.

Seminar #5: How to Write Comedy. 79 Minutes.
Seminar Leader: HB Marcus, author of Crispy, and The Joe Schmoe Show.
This seminar debates the art of comedy writing, including what to do, and particularly what not to do. It answers questions such as, "What is funny, and what is not?"

Seminar #6: The Benefits of Book Readings (As Opposed To Signings). 79 minutes.
Seminar Leader: Joe Benevento, author of Plumbing in Harlem.
This seminar cuts right to the chase, teaching how to be effective and straightforward in actually selling an audience to your book, and selling the book proper. The moderator makes a compelling case that book readings is the way to do it.

Seminar #7: Fun with Fiction. 75 Minutes.
Seminar Leader: Lynn Barry (aka "Queen of Enthusiasm"), author of Puddles and Bjoyfl.
This seminar teaches the art of fiction writing as only Lynn Barry can teach it. She is an "author's author", and the seminar, taught in front of a packed house, shows why this is true.

Please order your copies here, or call us at 301-695-1707.

Thank you.

***********

wonder if the actual presenters are going to get a cut... oh, I think not.

:D
 

DaveKuzminski

Copyright issues

There could be problems galore in what PA is offering. I doubt if any of the presenters were paid for their efforts, let alone offered a contract before they spoke. If not, then the authors probably own the copyrights to their presentations.
 

Dancre

Re: Laughing...

Wait a minute!! This convention isn't teachng anything. What about writing mechanics, queries, proposals, creating characters, etc.? all this convention is doing is selling their "top" authors. the PA folks should take a junior college marketing class (trust me, they'll learn more), not authors who have no clue as to what their doing! You know, i really feel sorry for these people. but each his own. :eek:
kim
 

sfsassenach

Re: Copyright issues

Are they asking $9.95 PER session CD???<img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/image/posticons/pi_freak.gif" />

Guess they assume there's a nimrod born every minute.
 

emeraldcite

Re: Copyright issues

and i'm sure eac speaker will buy a few copes of their own as well, not to mention family members. I'm betting the speakers signed away their rights beforehand. it's the kind of shady thing they'd do.
 

FM St George

and... another one gets a clue...

place your bets now on how long this will stay up...

www.publishamerica.com/cg...e/2657.htm

Message:
This is an e-mail I just sent to PA Author Support. I don't mean to bring anyone down, and I hope your experience has been more positive than mine. I just wanted other PA author's perspectives on what I am going through. I will keep you posted on their answer.

Thanks,

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Canine and Feline 101: A Complete Guide for Selecting, Training, and Caring for Dogs and Cats.

To whom it may concern:

My name is Roger L. Welton, DVM, author of "Canine and Feline 101: A Complete Guide for Selecting, Training, and Caring for Dogs and Cats." I have worked very hard getting local promotion with good results. On my latest campaign, I had the local newspaper in the municipality that I grew up (with 60,000 plus readers), do a full page article about me and my book. This was a huge step in the right direction. I was extremely disappointed, however, when I was recently contacted by several old acquaintances, friends, and family, all indicating that they were unable to purchase the book from major book sellers like Barnes and Noble, B Dalton's, and Waldenbooks; even by special ordering with the ISBN number. The reason that was given in every case is that there were no books in distributor warehouses in stock to order.

I have accepted the fact that Publish America provides its first time authors with zero promotional budget, and does nothing to help promote the author's book, besides sending book announcements to people whose names are provided by the author. I have also accepted the fact that we, as authors, carry all financial and manual responsibility for getting our books noticed and sold, even though we get only 8% of the revenue. However, when I work rigorously, mailing book copies and letters to countless media sources, only to have my efforts made useless by Publish America not making my book available to major book sellers, I cannot help but feel extremely disappointed and even angry.

When I first contacted the local Barnes and Noble where I live and was told by the manager that they do not carry any non-returnable titles (and therefore will not carry my book), I e-mailed author support concerned and disappointed. I was placated with a generic song and dance e-mail saying that, not all book store managers are created equal, and that I should not be deterred by the statements of just one manager. I will not accept such an e-mail again, since this a a real problem that I am now appreciating from MULTIPLE book sellers, based on reports from many who have tried to buy my book.

If I do not receive a satisfactory explanation and solution to this problem, I will pull the plug on all promotional attempts, as I will not have my time and money wasted any further.

Sincerely,

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Author - Canine and Feline 101: A Complete Guide for Selecting, Training, and Caring for Dogs and Cats.
 

XThe NavigatorX

Re: and... another one gets a clue...

I bet it's a good book, too.
 

astonwest

Re: and... another one gets a clue...

"When I first contacted the local Barnes and Noble where I live and was told by the manager that they do not carry any non-returnable titles (and therefore will not carry my book), I e-mailed author support concerned and disappointed. I was placated with a generic song and dance e-mail saying that, not all book store managers are created equal, and that I should not be deterred by the statements of just one manager."

Wow...flashbacks......

Although I placed my own message on the board, where it was quickly destroyed...(except the song and dance message they put up remained...hmmm)

Feel sorry for the guy...hopefully he hasn't plunked down too much money, and has only just begun his journey...will make his decision to end all promotional efforts a little easier, if so...

"this a a real problem that I am now appreciating from MULTIPLE book sellers, based on reports from many who have tried to buy my book"

Myself, I'd have to wonder why he doesn't get an honest answer (well, I know the answer to that, of course)...but surely other authors can't be that BLIND...but then again, maybe they can...

Who knows?
Big Daddy West
:hat
 

FM St George

Re: and... another one gets a clue...

well, you'd like to think that since posts are disappearing at about two or three a day that most of these authors are taking the hint and walking away from PA due to their attitude... if only because of the unprofessional way they handle themselves.

and before that post disappeared, btw - HB was in there, berating the poor doctor for daring to be nasty to PA on a public message board - told him to take it to email or to call PA if he had a problem.

pot... kettle, anyone?

sheesh.
 

FM St George

tick... tick...

place your bets now!
**************
www.publishamerica.com/cg...n/9315.htm

Subject: Unfair Comments about PA


Message:
I sent a fellow PA author the first chapter of my book last night to review. I will not state to whom as I feel that would not be professional.

As a fellow PA author I am quite upset about his statement in regards to PA:

"I need to tell you two things. The first is that I am a professional book editor. Since becoming a PA author a couple of months ago, I have already edited five books by other PA authors and I am currently editing a sixth.

The second thing I need to tell you is that, quite frankly, your book is far from being ready for publication. PA has accepted it because they do not have an editorial staff. They will print whatever you write. If you write well, that's good (as far as PA is concerned). If
you write badly, that's okay too (as far as PA is concerned). PA is in the publishing business, not the editing business. They will print your book with any misspelled words
that you don't catch (in your first chapter you have the word "awaitng" and if you don't correct it neither will PA). You have the sentence: "She had no way to support herself, yet alone a
newborn." But the correct phrase is "let alone a
newborn," not "yet alone a newborn." If you don't correct that, neither will PA.
I am telling you this because you have a good story to tell, an interesting one and a very touching one for which I am sure there is a wide audience. However, strictly from the point of view of "quality" writing -- which I am certain you can eventually achieve -- at this point your book needs a considerable amount of work. It needs to be reviewed by a professional editor."

Mind you, I did state to this person I am still waiting for my first proofs which I know will need to have corrections in spelling, grammar made to it.

I am not offended by that.

I am offended by this person stating basically that PA will publish anything they receive! They don't care how poorly it is written as long as they might make money as a publisher!

Considering I made it through PA's process am am in the 20% of books they accept, I believe they feel my book does have merit and is worthy of being published.

It amazes me that one of our fellow authors feels this way about PA. Makes me wonder if this person feels PA will publish anything, including trash, for a buck...why this person is with PA!!

Yes, I asked for the review and can I handle negative comments...but not bad mouthing of our publisher.

This person also suggested I entirely rewite my book as fiction rather than the true story it is, which I defintely will not do! Also, change the title of my book, which I won't do.

I know I am not the world's greatest author, but don't feel such negative comments about our publisher are merited.

Also, considering I have a number of professional reviews already in hand and thousands of visitors to my web site who have very positive comments about my book...just makes me wonder.

Sorry, had to vent. I have already sent a personal reply to our fellow author. Please, I don't want to start a war over this and please excuse any typos I might have made in this posting...I have been working all night and eyes are getting blurry at this hour.

Larry~
www.authorsden.com/lawrencepadams

**********

now watch for the witchhunt to find this other PA author and string them up, hmm?

:p
 

bluwinteryfox

Re: Various...

"Methinks that won't stay up for long...especially since this same author made an appearance (to say hello) on Mindsight recently...two big no-nos in PA-land...hmmmmm..."

I'm here to tell you, :lol I'm still able to post with PA! I was certain that the post would be pulled because of my reply and that I'd be banned from posting again. I kept checking to see if- no when- the post would be pulled. I replied around 11am, at 3pm it was still there, but 45 minutes later it was gone. I then found another thread decided to post and to my surprise I could.

I emailed the fellow who began the thread to let him know his second one was pulled. He replies and says he's been banned. He even wrote PA a pretty good email asking them for the reason he's been banned.

Like he's going to get a reply.

LRM
 

FM St George

Re: Various...

the sad thing is that these authors aren't ranting and raving and screaming and cursing in their posts - they're asking valid questions that should be addressed by PA. Instead, they get banned and if they're smart, walk away while the rest of the cultists pat each other on the back and encourage others into the flock...
 

bazhe

Re: More PA woes, straight from a PA author's mouth...

be very careful
it is a scam
 

FM St George

Re: More PA woes, straight from a PA author's mouth...

and who says that the age of spamming is dead...

*points up*

argh!
 

DaveKuzminski

Subliminal warning?

Just shows that they haven't a clue when they advertize in The Bewares Board. It's as if their subconscious is trying to warn you away.
 

bazhe

Re: Subliminal warning?

this is truth, it is not spam my dear
i have legal documents to prove it!
 

James D Macdonald

Re: Subliminal warning?

Bazhe, since your book isn't from PublishAmerica, why are you posting in a PublishAmerica discussion?
 

bazhe

Re: Subliminal warning?

i know people who had published with them
you have a great book cover
 

emeraldcite

unsolicited

any unsolicited advertisement on these boards is spam. there is a section on absolute write for announcements. you can place your materials there. If you feel you have something to add to the discussion than to reaffirm the already well-known idea that these POD's have the potential or possibility to be scams is not really adding at all.

you are providing canned statements that have little to do with the postings on this board while simultaneously advertising your web page. this is spam. you are spamming.

spam has its place on this board in the announcments section. please direct all your further adverts there. thank you.
 
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