I'm still having a hard time understanding what my being in jail had to do with the discussion, topic, and issue? Silly me, I forgot about that nasty word called stereotyping. MAC. H., why would you speak down on my publicist when her only objective is to help me out! Be a part of the solution, not the problem; it's more admirable.
True, I didn't even know that this forum existed. A friend printed this discussion and mailed it to me on 11-12-96. Furthermore, I haven't any hang-ups about speaking for myself; however, like it was emphasized, I am "currently in jail!" That would mean that I have no access to the internet. I send emails and messages through third parties: publicist and family. While the people whom relay messages on my behalf may not be grammatically savvy, how they deliver something is not more important than the message. So, since this forum felt that my wonderful publicist was sending secondhand reports, and couldn't represent me in a "positive light," here I am to rep my whole team and situation.
Black Pearl Books, Inc. breached its publishing contract with me under the Editing and Proofreading clause. They failed to give me a copy to proofread before mass distribution. Obviously, they failed to proofread Street Games themselves. They failed to have the book edited as contracted. I did not know that my novel was riddled with errors that did not reflect my professional manuscript until Street Games was in stores. My being a creative— and novel-writing instructor of numerous semesters, I understand the importance of editing and how a "bad book" reflects on the author and not the company that published it. For damage-control purposes, I sent a Cease and Desist notice to Felicia Hurst, President of Black Pearl Books, and revoked my authorial rights. I called Felicia days later to see about having Street Games edited and to distribute a revised edition. She threatened to charge me for the money she spent in publishing costs if I did not recant my Cease and Desist notice. I refused; she cussed me out and hung up. From that day, Black Pearl Books has returned my mail unopened, and refuses my calls.
Months later, Felicia contacted me by mail. At that time, she agreed to release me from our contract (which I was already free from because of the breach), but stated that she was going to "continue selling Street Games", which she was no longer legally contracted to sale. She also said that I would be paid royalties according to the original agreement and pay schedule. January and June are our pay months. I haven't been paid the last two periods, nor had Black Pearl given me a reason as to why, yet Street Games continues to sale.
Before signing with this company, I researched it thoroughly. I examined two of its publications, which were editorially sound. Those books were authored by Winston Chapman, who I learned later was Felicia's significant other, and the bank behind Black Pearl. Naturally, his books would be of good quality. Also, I had several in-depth conversations with Felicia about my concerns as a career novelist. Felicia said, "You have nothing to worry about with Black Pearl, we invest in futures." None of that made a difference; they just flat out didn't honor our contractual agreement.
No lawyer would take my case on the contingency basis, yet they all claimed that I had a case with pursuing. I had no money to hire a lawyer; my prison job paid $10.50 a month at the time. My publicist and I agreed to put the press release out as a means to get help, MAC. H. As a means of being pointed in the right direction, MAC. H., I need the money Black Pearl owes me to pay a lawyer for my freedom, MAC. H., and to help my family out. No matter what you may believe, MAC. H., there are a few of us who are innocent of the crimes we're convicted of.
When the press release (with the poor English) came out, I learned that there were other Black Pearl authors whom were experiencing similar events. I went on to file a lawsuit, pro se, and I am not at liberty to discuss anything other than I have.
Victoria Strauss, I would really like to speak with you. Would you write me at:
Eric Myrieckes 11013-068
PO Box 725
Edgefield, SC 29824
[email protected]
I encourage whomever to correspond with me directly. Thanks for listening.
Peace