The Old Neverending PublishAmerica Thread (Publish America)

Status
Not open for further replies.

priceless1

Re: Another Unhappy 9000-And-Something Happy Author

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>Do not address us in such a tone.<hr></blockquote>
Tim, I warned you this would be their first sentence. At least you've taken the first steps and that's the important thing. Upward and onward, my friend.
 

ncq13

I just received my proofs from PA...

As if my day were not miserable enough, my proofs arrived from PA. Would any one care to see them so they can add another file to their documentation disproving the PA "edits line by line," statement? Even my acknowledgments are atrocious!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!:head
 

AnneMarble

Re: Rebuttals on the Rip-Off Reports

t appears that PA has authors tracking the number of rip-off reports and leaving rebuttals in an attempt to convince folks that PA offers a wonder service with no upfront fees. Yet, they fail to mention, the balloon installment plan authors are coerced into later, receiving no royalties or inadequate royalties without an explanation.

I only saw one rebuttal -- the one with the header "rip off fanisty presses." Were there others? Or have they been removed since?

BTW the theory in that rebuttal is a new one to me. This person thinks that PublishAmerica's critics are vanity publishers who are losing money to PA, including mom and pop operations? Uhm. No. You can look in my apartment. All you'll find are dirty laundry, books, and dust. I have a small laser printer, but I am not supposed to print more than 100 pages a month on that cartridge. Not much good as a printing press.

Even better, search for Victoria Strauss, A. C. Crispin, James Macdonald, etc. on Amazon.com. You'll find that they are writers who were published by companies you have probably heard of.
 

ncq13

Re: Rebuttals on the Rip-Off Reports

Anyone who wants to go toe to toe on the PA issue can have a look at my horrendous proofs. There isn't a self-respecting publisher out there that would accept a novel in the condition mine is in, let alone put it through the publishing process.:grr
 

CaoPaux

Re: I just received my proofs from PA...

Forgive for me asking, ncq, but is the "atrocious" text as you submitted it, or did PA mangle it?
 

Risseybug

Re: Gasp!

That second thread is already gone.
BTW, how many times can the Logo say "B&N purchases from us every day."?

And the number of books that B&N orders per week - a whopping 200. Sorry, but that number seemed like a pittance to me. With, what is it now, 9000 happy authors with 9000 books, they only manage to get orders for 200 from their "largest customer"? I have to think that they order books buy the thousands from real publishers. The authors are too blind to see.

Again, I repeat: Ack.
 

BeckEaston

Gasp

If you send in too many proofs changes, they will come back and tell you that you cannot change it at this point. I know, I've been there. I hired a big firm to edit my book in the alloted 15 days. I sent back the revisions and PA refused to change them. I told them that I would pay for it and PA refused. They gave me 24 hours to make all the changes myself and after I quite literally spent all evening making them, they used the first manuscript and not the edited one to print the book. Challenging? You bet. DON'T let them do that to you!!!

By the way, how'd you get the numbers of how many B&N picks up each day from PA?
 

Whachawant

Re: ARITHMETIC PROBLEM

In our hundreds of
thousands of business transactions, we have had an extraordinarily small
number of complaints, and to our knowledge, all have been resolved.

Yeah... I bet...! I think what they're talking about is the number of deposits to their own bank account.

They also state that they're up-wards of over a million books sold. Hmmm!.. 9,000 authors 100 books each author. Now what are the odds this is happening.

Do you also not find it odd that they have a form letter of rebuttal ready and waiting to be sent out to anybody who apposes them?
Could you see the manager taking inventory on this?
"O.K. guys were low on the 'Don't take that tone with us...' letters. Better increase the stock!
 

Timothy W Johnson

Re: Another Unhappy 9000-And-Something Happy Author

<img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/EmoteHug2.gif" />Thanks everyone,

It is definitely comforting to know that I’m in good company at AbsoluteWrite. Everyone here seems to understand what it’s like to deal with garbage such as PublishAmerica. I just hope no one else has to go through this kind of dismal scenario.

By the way, I don’t know who you are that got your proofs back, but I’d be preparing for the worst right away.

The problem I faced when venturing into the world of publishing was this: I did so sometime after 9/11—I believe that was part of my problem. Remember the anthrax issue? Well, at that time, every Web site that had anything to do with publishing was stating, “due to the events of 9/11 we will not be accepting queries via regular mail” (I saw this on a Christian Web site). Anyway, it would either be the above reason or the fact that you needed an agent—even both on some sites.

Back then, however, I didn’t know very much about this kind of business (not saying that I know a lot now…just more than I did). But if there’s one thing that I learned from all of this, it’s you can’t afford to take shortcuts when it comes to publishing (even though I didn’t realize it was a shortcut at that time). And PA is nothing but a shortcut—and a bad one at that.

Yeah…shortcuts…just like with anything in life. You take them…you pay.

Take care ya’ll,
Tim
 

Risseybug

Re: Another Unhappy 9000-And-Something Happy Author

Dee,
That number was written on the PA boards, in the first thread linked up this page a bit. Logo has a whole big speil about how the hatemongers keep picking on the poor PA people. That B&N has no such policy of not ordering POD or non-returnable books.
That number of 200/week came straight from the top.
 

CaoPaux

Re: Same ol' same ol'

I knew I shoulda copied that second thread. :smack

The initial post was along the lines of "bookstores won't order my book because it's POD, but PA says they're not POD, so what's up?" The lengthy response from a fellow author attempted to differentiate between print-on-demand and publish-on-demand. :(
 

ncq13

Re: I just received my proofs from PA...

To be honest, a little of both. I have been doing a lot of work over the past year on a new novel which I have had critiqued a couple of times and I have learned a great deal as a result. First of all, I suffer from comma vomit-itis. While the condition is not fatal, it can be a major stumbling block for readers. My PA proofs are certainly a literary documentary of my worst case.
The story (my PA book) is really quite good and original, but a real editor would run screaming from room if forced to read it in its current state. In addition to the novel needing a good revision, some simple words seem to have been "switched" from the original version. I'm only a couple of pages in to the proofs and I honestly don't plan on going any further. As the novel stands, it is NOT publishable in my humble opinion.
 

Timothy W Johnson

Re: Timothy there is something else you can do.

I emailed you, Dee. Just let me know what to do.
<img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteHammer.gif" /><img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteHammer.gif" /><img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteHammer.gif" /><img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteHammer.gif" />
 

HapiSofi

Re: I just received my proofs from PA...

ncq13, I'd be very interested in hearing the details of the changes PA made in your manuscript, and the glitches they failed to catch.
 

CaoPaux

Re: Same ol' same ol'

Heh. The Logo may have blown the same smoke once too often: the authors are calling on PA to supply them with the name of the B&N Vice President and/or a copy of the "policy" letter to show local store managers. :p
 

BeckEaston

Did I miss something?

Is there a corporate B & N Policy I knew nothing about?
 

ncq13

Re: I just received my proofs from PA...

Hapi, you have mail. Should I decide to go through the proofs more carefully this weekend, rather than printing them and burning them in effigy, I'll post examples here.
 

CaoPaux

Re: Did I miss something?

From the thread I posted a couple days ago: www.publishamerica.com/cg...e/6506.htm
-----
Danielle
11/02/2004
14:10:43

Barnes and Noble told me they are no longer going to carry PA. books because of PA. no return policy and they are a print on demand company. That also includes no booksignings from PA. authors also. This is so strange because when I notified them of the book being released in the summer they wanted me to do a booksigning. Then all of the sudden decided to not go through with it. What a crock!

I wonder if PA. knows this. Are you there PA? Do you what B&N is doing?

Danielle

-----
PatriciaJohnston
11/02/2004
14:17:12

Danielle,

Is that B&N nationally? Or your local B&N?

Patricia
Divine Shout!
www.pcjnovel.com
www.freewebs.com/pwjnovel/

-----
Danielle
11/02/2004
14:21:10

Nationally. The manager of my local store said it is B&N policy now to not carry books that can not be returned or from a print on demand company.

Danielle
PA......where are you?.......

-----
infocenter
Administrator
11/02/2004
15:14:29
Danielle,

Contrary to what you may have been told by a local Barnes and Noble bookstore manager, they have no such policy at all, and they do not categorize PublishAmerica as anything other than what we are. Not only does Barnes and Noble have no policy against stocking print on demand books, Barnes and Noble actively enbraces the entire concept of Print On Demand.

Barnes & Noble, being the nation's largest bookstore chain, orders books from us virtually each and every day. In fact, they are our single largest customer. Bookstores order a PublishAmerica book more than 240 times each business day. Barnes & Noble, the nation's largest bookstore chain, typically places between 150 and 200 orders for PublishAmerica books each week.

We see lots of misconceptions, in this thread and elsewhere, on the returnability issue. The facts refuting this are very plain and easy to offer as evidence. Non-returnable books are the direction that the industry is taking, and what you're hearing is not at all true, of course. Just as one example, PublishAmerica has an account with Barnes and Noble and many other bookstores, including chains, and they buy our books all the time.

Please see this thread and many others like it, and the additional info below:

www.publishamerica.com/cg...n/8622.htm

No publisher guarantees book sales to bookstores. Major chain bookstores have no policy against stocking non-returnable books. Actually, Barnes and Noble buys from us each and every day. Thousands, each and every month, of PublishAmerica books are sold in bookstores. Hundreds of bookstores across the nation stock our books.

PublishAmerica books have the same chance of making it onto a bookstore shelf as do the books of any publisher. It may be of interest that less than one percent of all authors ever see their books stocked by bookstores at all. For bookstores to stock all books published would mean adding 15 feet of new shelf space each and every day.

Therefore bookstore managers must be selective, so they decide based on what that they think will sell. If they do think it will sell, they will stock it, and vice versa. So, if your book is romance and the store's shelves are overflowing with romance novels, the odds are they won't stock it. And, if your book is a history of agriculture in Tupelo County, Mississippi, the bookstore manager in Seattle may feel the same way.

Bookstores will generally stock a book that they think will sell, regardless of whether it is returnable or not, and regardless of whether it is printed on digital or offset presses.

Please do not judge a bookstore's corporate policy by what one local manager or one letter tells you. You can find stories on our website about, for example, two Borders locations in one town: one manager insists that he cannot carry a book, the other orders 40 copies. Bookstore managers are human, they have strengths and weaknesses like all of us, they can make good judgment calls and bad ones. One will like your book, the other may not.

Also worthy of note, most of your books are physically, actually, in stock at Ingram, with copies in their Oregon and Tennessee warehouses, and at a Barnes and Noble distribution center, ready to ship immediately.

A Vice President at Barnes and Noble wrote us a letter, saying, "We very much believe in print-on-demand (POD) technology as a cost-effective tool available for publishers to extend the range of their title offerings to Barnes & Noble... We believe that POD represents an opportunity to increase the range of titles we offer... We will continue to stock every title that you publish, which enables us to rapidly replenish our stores..."

-----
allen
11/02/2004
15:33:31

Perhaps I am the exception, but I doubt it. There are two B and N stocking my book. There may be more, but I have seen it in the two local stores.

I am a also stocked at both of the independent stores.

To get in this position, I did the following.

1. I wrote a salable book that was of broad interest that also had a ready-made nitch market.

2. I started developing a larger following by getting review copies into the hands of magazines specifically placed to help my sales in the niche market. I collected the reviews and interviews from the magazines.

3. I contacted all of the website owners in the niche market and requested that they include my book in their sales area, whether it be in a book association area or a stocking area.

4. With this in place, a sale or two under my belt, and a track record of recognition, I began to inquire to the book stores in my area. I started with asking them to stock two books. Most were happy to do that. Once the sales started, I requested a book signing. Form then on, the job was on automatic pilot.

Anyone that thinks an author just writes a book and waits for the money to roll in is naive. The best marketing tool available for a book is the author. Why do you think the big houses require the authors to do appearances? Why do the well known authors have publicists?

At PA, we have some hoops to jump through, just like every other company. Ours are different, but certainly are not any more unsurmountable than the larger houses. We simply have to work at being successful.

Now, success is different to each person. I define success at making a small difference in people's lives, at making people smile, even if it is just a small length of time. Success is offering people an opportunity to view into my world and find some joy.

Others will judge whether I am successful or not.

Just a thought from the Palatial futon atop the mountainous soap box... Allen

----
skyrocket
11/02/2004
15:39:00

I really appreciate this post and PA responding so comprehensively...I have printed out the response for future reference. I, too, have experienced local objections from B&N book signings managers...The one in Princeton was downright nasty, like "we are elitists" and don't carry PA books...Well I know that is not a fact but I did not want to antagonize the situation any further. But PA is right it becomes a "local" thing which needs to be worked on...I think the same problem exists with Borders Books.. It depends upon whom you run into and how they are feeling on that particular day...But PA's response will be very good to use in these situations...Sky

-----
JeanMarie
11/02/2004
15:46:33

I have a suggestion for you as I experienced the exact same situation with my local B & N. It ticked me off, so, I followed through and called corporate in NY. I was contacted several days later and told I could submit my book for acceptance to their small press dept. Eventually I'll do that. In the meantime, I went 3 miles down the road(same side of the street)to Borders. They are stocking my book as well as there reading groups are ordering 100 and I'm scheduled to speak to both groups the beginning of Feb. It depends on whom the community relations/mgr. is as everyone has had differing experiences with B & N. By the way, Borders purchased the books, not me. They believe in supporting local authors. Give it a try.

Jean
Threads In Time
www.jeanmariewiesen.com

-----
Illeana
11/03/2004
20:57:12

Hi Danielle, I think you should talk to the Distric manager of the store because they are picking up my book, and my signing is on January 28th at 8:00PM at Aventura Miami FLorida as Mike told me he will be ordering about 100 to 150 books, now if in the event that for some reason they don't sell which I doubt it because I have been there for almost a year now doing readings, but I told them I will pick them up at a discount price, see if they pick your book they do promotions like posters banners press releases, so don't let one person take control and search some more Im sure you will do just great
as always
Blessed Be
Illeana

-----
JD Russell
11/03/2004
23:56:28

PA Infocenter quote:

"A Vice President at Barnes and Noble wrote us a letter, saying, "We very much believe in print-on-demand (POD) technology as a cost-effective tool available for publishers to extend the range of their title offerings to Barnes & Noble... We believe that POD represents an opportunity to increase the range of titles we offer... We will continue to stock every title that you publish, which enables us to rapidly replenish our stores..."

Okay, after visiting the local B&N and hearing the "No we do not stock POD", what do we do at that point?

You make it sound like it is not the case but it is the case in most instances. B&N can't have that many uninformed managers working for them.

Infocenter, you stated a vice president at B&N wrote a letter but you never named the vice president.

I would think the vice president would be willing to accept calls from local bookstore managers to verify what you have stated as fact to help us get past the roadblock.

The PA authors need a copy of letter signed by the vice president instructing the bookstore managers who to contact at the B&N headquarters to eliminate this problem. Either it is true B&N will stock our books or they will not stock our books. Something is wrong with the picture of what you are stating and the reality of what the authors are facing at the bookstores.

Just saying a vice president wrote a letter is not the same as saying have them contact 'Mr. or Mrs. so and so' to solve the problem.

Your help in finding a solution to this continuous problem with B&N bookstore managers would greatly appreciated by me and I'm sure almost 9000 other authors experiencing the same problem.

Thank you,

JD Russell

-----
Gary Varner
11/04/2004
00:04:28

I believe that the "no return" policy is simply used as an excuse. Dover Publications, a publisher that has been around for years and publishes mostly history, nature and craft books has a strict non-return policy but you will find their books in most every major bookstore. PA is right--the no return policy is becoming more common and is not a reflection on the importance or quality of the publisher or the book.

-----
Danielle
11/04/2004
00:27:32

JD,

You have hit the nail on the head! We don't know what to do. The funny thing is this lady had asked me to do a book signing in July and I told her that the book was do out in August. She told me to call her after the book was out. At the time I was features in 4 newsarticles and on the local news and think that had something to do with her wanting to do the book signing. I didn't contact her because I was nervous about the book signing until I spoke with a few authors and they encouraged me to do it and what ever happened happened. Recently, when I called her she told me that I never spoke to her dispite the fact I wrote her name and ext. # down in July.

I am half minded to to contacted the news media again and see if they will do a follow up on the book and have freinds and family go into the store a request the book. Maybe then she will realize what she turned away from. My problem is that B&N is the only bookstore in my area. I amy just contact PA. and ask if they have a number for the headquarters and see if I can obtain a list of other B&N stores and contact all of them and see if they would be will to give the book a chance. Then when I have a few stores that stock the book call her back and question her reply.

Danielle

-----
herman
11/04/2004
01:37:28

Methinks PA Infocenter Administrator's reply says a lot, quote:
"For book stores to stock all books published, that would mean adding 15 feet of new shelf space each and every day." {True}

Furthermore, "Bookstores will generally stock a book that they think will sell, regardless of whether it is returnable or not, and regardless of whether it is printed on digital or offset presses." {Of course we live in a capitalist free market system}

After any ambitious POD authors read these important quotes coming from PA, we cannot help but want to write greater quality books that find themselves to the bookshelves of major bookstores on their own merits. But to turn an author away at the door based on a book's genre, or how a particular manager feels, is to say the least, ridiculous.
Herman

-----
HB Marcus
11/04/2004
02:53:47
I responded to this thread at the exact time PA info center did. Unfortunately my post didn't go up.

JD and Danielle, what I wrote was basically "managers are liars". They don't want to be bothered with some new author who calls or walks in and asks to be stocked. Do you realize how many self published authors are out there begging store to store because they can't get distributed?

Each store is different. Each manager doesn't want to get into trouble to help out a struggle new author. You have to prove that you have a marketable product that they can make money from and show the big bosses how industrious they are. You need to carry a promotional packet with you to see these managers. You have to show them your reviews. You have to show them how the book is selling and you have to sell yourself.

The bottom line is that managers don't want to be bothered and they will lie to you. Make them a contract that says if they stock your book for a certain amount of time and it doesn't sell, you'll buy it from them. The fact is they do stock POD titles...if you call their boss and tell them the lie they told you.

-----
Danielle
11/04/2004
08:24:53

I offered to buy back any books that didn't sell and she still said no. I think it is because the at the time we first spoke I was fresh in her head from all the media attention I was receiving. Oh I am not giving up I am going to be a pain in their neck. Soon or later they will stock the book. If it is only to get me off thier backs. I don't give up ao easily. I just think lies are uncalled for.

Danielle

-----
DJ
11/04/2004
09:21:27

I contacted my local barnes and noble about a week ago. They are doing a booksigning in November. The CRM was going to order my book for the signing but I was informed my book was out of stock, out of print for good. I contacted PA and was told that is not true at all. My book is in print. So I won't be doing the book signing with barnes and noble in November. I think this is sad because with Christmas coming I think signed copies of my book would make great Christmas gifts.

So I have tried several other barnes and nobles and none so far will order my book, and if I try to order it online I get an email a couple of days later telling me my book is not available. So, I am sending people that want my book to PA.

Barnes and Noble had several copies of my book on the shelf, they have sold, but they won't order anymore because it keeps coming back to out of stock, out of print. But I will not give up...

Donna

-----
JD Russell
11/04/2004
09:58:42

HB,

Thanks for the pointers and thoughts on this subject.

I'm going back to see the CRM. I happened to be in the store buying a book last night and had the lady locating a book for me pull up my book on her computer. I wanted to see how my book looked on their computer inventory system. Without asking to stock my book at the bookstore, she stated B&N typically does not stock POD books but talk to the CRM if you're wanting to try to get your book stocked.

However, I do have my book stocked at an independent bookstore in town.

All I'm saying is that PA is evidently hearing something different up the B&N food chain than we are hearing at the local level.

"We will continue to stock every title that you publish, which enables us to rapidly replenish our stores..."

The statement above is useless to use without having the key person named as the B&N contact. Why go to a regional person when PA states they have a vice president advocating stocking PA books?

We should be given a standard letter from PA noting the B&N vice president contact information to hand to the local bookstore manager to contradict their canned statement.

When the B&N local staff states the same thing as a manager, it appears to be a known company policy that contradicts PA's statement.

I do agree a book should be stocked on it's merit and having the potential to sell.

Just looking for some help from PA to get the book stocking possibility down to merit and potential consideration without having to battle the POD issue with the local manager.

Either the vice president is advocating PA books or he / she is not.

-----
Scribe 75
11/04/2004
10:33:06

Just to add to the general confusion--I asked our local private bookstore to do a signing for me. They said maybe, depending on whether they liked the book. Then, now that pre-release copies can be ordered, a friend went in and asked them to order the book. They said they would, reluctantly, and quoted her $31.95. The price after pre-release will be $21.95! When she told me, I told her to cancel. Then I called the store and the owner said (when I suggested they order direct from PA) they never ordered anywhere except from Ingram, that there was a no-return policy, and thus they didn't like to order such material. I asked if there was a minimum order from Ingram (knowing the answer) and she admitted there was not. I wanted to ask her what her risk would be if she ordered at the regular price, but like the rest of you, didn't want to irritate her more. As for signings, they have decided not to do any for local authors any more because "too many Burke County people are writing books." All of this is a distinct change from 2 years ago when they stocked a self-published title that I was co-editor of for as long as it was selling, a year ago held a signing and stocked another self-published book, and now they won't touch mine.
All the discussion about B & N variations in policy is confusing as well. As soon as my copies arrive I plan to try the nearest B & N.
Incidentally, all press releases I have sent out have yielded nothing at all. The last self-published author in the neighborhood never answered a letter I sent asking for a review--and I've met him socially as well as having been interviewed by him for the above mentioned book I helped edit! So to all whose publicity efforts are succeeding, I send hearty congratulations!
Joan
SETTLING
ISBN 1-4137-4019-7

-----
Joyce Ann
11/04/2004
11:53:37

Here's the address Barnes&Noble gives on their website entitled "Getting Your Book in Barnes & Noble." It's worth looking into.

Go to: www.barnesandnobleinc.com...tting.html

They say: "All books will be considered for store placement based on subject matter and salability. Please consider the following points when publishing and presenting your book."

Then they give a number of points:

Does it have a bar code?
What sort of binding, etc.?
Is your book available through a wholesaler?
Is your book priced competitively, etc.
Why should B & N place your title on its shelves?
Where can you find more information, etc.?

If you would like your title to be considered for store placement, please submit a finished copy (no manuscripts) of the book along with marketing and promotion plans, trade reviews, and a note describing how the book meets the competition (what makes it unique?)

Address the packet to:

The Small Press Department
Barnes & Noble
122 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011

I did this and will let you know what they tell me because they say they respond to all requests in writing. I would suggest we try it!

Joyce Ann Edmondson
The Listening Tree
www.freewebs.com/jaebooks

-----

Joyce Ann
11/04/2004
12:00:56

OK, the website has been removed or doesn't work for me, but the address may be accurate. We'll just have to wait and see what they say. They say it takes six weeks for an answer. My packet went out yesterday.

Regrets.

Joyce Ann

-----
Scribner
11/04/2004
12:00:59

A while back B&N had an agreement with a Vanity publisher iUniverse, a POD Publisher. Because my local B&N had a table set up for their books. So I can't understand why they say they don't carry POD books.

Woodrow Walker author of
"Murder at Columbia"

-----
Joyce Ann
11/04/2004
12:11:51

I found it by typing in the words: Getting your book in Barnes & Noble on Google. It is there and gives the information above.

www.barnesandnobleinc.com...tting.html

so if you can't get it by using this address I copied and pasted, go to Google and get it there.

Joyce Ann

-----
sherrymoore
11/04/2004
12:40:56

Hi! I was also told by the local B&N's here in Colorado that they would not physically carry my book nor would I be allowed to do a book signing because my book was POD. I also was told this by another large chain here in Colorado (Tattered Cover) and by Borders. I have visited and called several locations and have gotten exactly the same response. When I emailed PA I recieved an email that said what was listed above and so I sent that to the managers of the book stores. One manager went as far as telling me that I am being misled by my publisher. I tried to tactfully discuss it with that manager but it didn't change anything. I also have been rejected for reviews by my local newspapers because my book is "POD". Even the NY Times book editor, who is supposed to have a connection to PA refused to review my book because it is "POD". I don't get it!

I have had a huge response from eveyone who has read my book and have been doing lectures in schools and soon a library. I am glad that people love my book, but I'm very disappointed that my book will never be able to reach out to anyone who visits any of the bookstores in my city.

By the way - I was told to submit my book to the small press for B&N and they immediately rejected it saying it was not the same quality as books on their shelves. I'm sorry, but I have seen some of the books on their shelves and my book far surpasses some of them! I love what PA designed for my cover as well - it is very professional and eye-catching.

Sherry Moore

www.publishedauthors.net/sherrymoore

----

The bold in the last message is my own emphasis. Now taking bets on how much longer this thread lasts. :rolleyes
 

priceless1

Re: Did I miss something?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>JD and Danielle, what I wrote was basically "managers are liars". They don't want to be bothered with some new author who calls or walks in and asks to be stocked.<hr></blockquote>
HB is so wrong on this count. Managers aren't liars, they're in the business to sell good quality books. That is what keeps customers coming into their stores. If a store consistently sells books that aren't viable or competitive, where does that put their reputation?

Of course managers are willing to host signings for new authors; they do it for us all the time. But, like anything else, one has to play the game in order to compete. That translates to a return policy, comptetitve pricing and discounts, and immediate fulfillment.

I fear JD Russell's future posting rights could be in jeopardy. He simply makes too much sense and asks the right questions.
 

FM St George

Re: ARITHMETIC PROBLEM

I feel for the poor bookstore managers in HB's area.

can you imagine the scene when he walks into their store?

argh.

silly boy.

:p
 

XThe NavigatorX

that PA thread

The above quoted thread had several posts in it deleted over the past two days including these two posts, both of which were posted before the logo posted and disappeared immediately thereafter:

Danielle
11/02/2004
14:21:10
RE: Barnes and Noble decision
Message:
Nationally. The manager of my local store said it is B&N policy now to not carry books that can not be returned or from a print on demand company.
Danielle
PA......where are you?.......

The Fox
11/02/2004
14:21:26
RE: Barnes and Noble decision
Message:
Danielle, at the risk of PA pulling this comment, I will go ahead anyways, and Infocenter, if you are reading, instead of pulling this, or my account, prove me wrong...please.
Don't be shocked if bookstores don't stock your book, or offer you booksignings, about 90% of bookstores won't stock your book because it's a POD. The stores that will stock your book (Which is a rare instance, no matter what PA says, I've spoken to bookstores) You need to do all the legwork to get it in stock, and those are going to be your local bookstores.
I'm having trouble getting my books on shelves, and setting up signings.
My local bookstore was interested in a signing, until they called Ingram. Ingram told them that my book was a POD, and they'd have to back order, that's even what it says when I go through the automated system.
It's a tough situation, you have a sell your book (literally) to your local stores to ever see it on the shelves
Like I said to Infocenter, and everyone else reading this, prove me wrong... How did you get your book on the shelves?
 

XThe NavigatorX

Re: Timothy there is something else you can do.

btw, you can always tell when the Logo has messed with a thread. The listing states there's 28 posts in the thread, but if you count you'll see there's only 25. That means three were deleted.

This thread here has almost 3,000 posts! Wow.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.