Okay. I have read all the posts. I have no dog in this fight beyond being an advocate for writers. AW goes the extra mile to get behind the curtain and dig, dig, dig for information to keep new writers from falling prey to less-than-upstanding publishers and agents.
First off I'd like to extend a hearty "I'm sorry" to the authors who have been caught up in this mess. It must be heartbreaking to see all of your hard work and time do a virtual swirly.
Don't let this set back keep you from writing. Work on that next project, edit, keep creating. The future is what you make it.
I'm also wincing for the owners of FF&W. The level of red-faced mortification at being caught in such a debacle of lies and half-truths (and I say half-truths to be kind) is something that will stick with them for quite a while. Actually forever on teh interwebz.
It seems such a radical 180 to suddenly close your doors, shutter up the windows, pull the blankets up over your head and hide when you should actually be honest and own up to your company's assertions and claims. Yes, this just turned around and bit you on the bum, and the company's reputation is damaged beyond repair, but you can still turn this around and salvage your authors' future endeavors with other publishers.
No one here is trying to be a big meanie. We are advocates. We are only here to provide information. You have learned a valuable lesson over the last few days...If you lie then you will be caught.
Let's remember that lovely adage: The road to hell and all that rot. Your original reasoning is moot. You did it. And got caught. Oopsie.
Padding (embellishing, boosting up, lying, etc.) your resume (ahem) is NEVER a good idea in the electronic age. NEVER.
I wish everyone involved in this situation nothing but luck in their future endeavors. Lessons learned, everyone. Lessons learned.