The Old Neverending PublishAmerica Thread (Publish America)

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lizziepants

Re: Please Explain

What what?? Is this a question about being illiterate or are you identifying yourself as a PA author?


I won't be signing any petition against PA. I'm completely pleased with the business we did together, as I stated before, I was aware of what I was stepping in. Unfortunately, I'm too busy to be concerned with other unsuspecting newcomers to PA that're unaware of the exact circumstances under which their ms has been accepted.

(And, for the record, I'm quite fond of most of the acquaintances I've made through PA, with the writers.)
 

Zazopolis

Re: Illiteracy

Alright, I made the comment so I'll slip out a small disclaimer.

In no way was it to be assumed that I included everyone under the term illiterate. For, if I did, I'd be including myself.

I'd second the sentiments of Lizzie. To interact with other PA authors, one basically has the message board only. On that board, there hides a band of illiterates. I'm not naming names, they know who they are. There are also a few talented people there.

If you examine the number of PA message board users compared to non-users, including those of us who have been blessed with a ban, you'll see we're discussing a small minority, those being the illiterates who haven't been named.

You know, they show up on every message board, well, except maybe this one, the kind of people who defend bad writing and worse storytelling with horrific grammar.
 

publishorperish

Re: Illiteracy

ah, gotcha.

I'm not a PA author. I'm just a curious lurker.
 

ncq13

Re: Please Explain

I'm completely pleased with the business we did together,
A blessing, from one PA author to another: May you always find that your royalty checks are correct.
 

lizziepants

Re: Please Explain

Haha.

I never planned on making any substantial monies with PA.
 

SimonSays

Re: Illiteracy

Zaz -

My guess is you are mistaken when you say the illiterate PA authors are the minority of PA authors.

Traditional publishers and agents reject around 98% of all submissions, in some cases because the ms isn't right for them but mostly because the ms's aren't good enough.

PA accepts pretty much anything that comes their way.

You do the math.
 

DeePower

In defense of PA authors

Don't judge the quality of PA authors by the standards of PublishAmerica. Just because PA accepts garbage doesn't mean that everything they accept is garbage.

I am proud of our novel that was published by PublishAmerica I'm just ashamed of the publisher.

On an uplifting note, at least for me, the galleys for our new book arrived from our publisher. AND the senior publicist called to discuss the promotional strategies. There have even been requests for foreign rights.

There is life after PublishAmerica.

Dee
www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com
 

James D Macdonald

Re: PA Big Spenders' List Part II

So, how have the second batch of PA Big Spenders done, two weeks after their ad came out in the New York Times Book Review?

<HR>
<TABLE BORDER="2">
<TR>
<TD>
31 OCT 04
</TD>
<TD>
15 NOV 04
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD>
The $100,000 Scholarship
by Wayne Y. Fujita
ISBN: 1413730469
(October 11, 2004) per Amazon
(August 2004) per Barnes&Noble
List Price: $19.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: 444,981
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 2
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Your Fledgling Athlete
by Kurt J. Mohney
ISBN: 1413720757
(August 2, 2004)
List Price: $17.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Isabel
by Donna Jones Koppelman
ISBN: 1413733158
(July 26, 2004)
List Price: $17.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Not listed
</blockquote>
<HR>

First American Pope
by Angelo Pagnotti, Sr.
ISBN: 1413727883
(September 7, 2004)
List Price: $24.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Katie's Wish
by Susan Spierling Smith
ISBN: 1413732704
(July 26, 2004)
List Price: $12.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 2
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Walk With Me
by Martin McCorkle
ISBN: 1413730434
(August 9, 2004)
List Price: $19.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 550,102
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 1
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 1
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Paradise Prey
by Phillip R. Dolan
ISBN: 1413731368
(August 2, 2004)
List Price: $19.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: 694,616
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 162,440
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 1
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Swivel Hips, Pitiful, and Ugly Mug
by Bonnie Gibson
ISBN: 1413733255
(August 9, 2004)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 707,085
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 563,137
List Price: $12.95

Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 1
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Current River Redemption
by Carol J. Stover
ISBN: 1413732275
(August 30, 2004)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 854,231
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
List Price: $19.95

Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Hawala
by Leo Teohari
ISBN: 1413727239
(August 30, 2004)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 521,012
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
List Price: $24.95

Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
</TD>
<TD>
The $100,000 Scholarship
by Wayne Y. Fujita
ISBN: 1413730469
(October 11, 2004) per Amazon
(August 2004) per Barnes&Noble
List Price: $19.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: 645,649
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 559,361
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Your Fledgling Athlete
by Kurt J. Mohney
ISBN: 1413720757
(August 2, 2004)
List Price: $17.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: 530,126
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 1
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Isabel
by Donna Jones Koppelman
ISBN: 1413733158
(July 26, 2004)
List Price: $17.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Not listed
</blockquote>
<HR>

First American Pope
by Angelo Pagnotti, Sr.
ISBN: 1413727883
(September 7, 2004)
List Price: $24.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Katie's Wish
by Susan Spierling Smith
ISBN: 1413732704
(July 26, 2004)
List Price: $12.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 2
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Walk With Me
by Martin McCorkle
ISBN: 1413730434
(August 9, 2004)
List Price: $19.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 580,911
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 1
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 1
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Paradise Prey
by Phillip R. Dolan
ISBN: 1413731368
(August 2, 2004)
List Price: $19.95

Amazon.com Sales Rank: 1,103,667
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 327,167
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 1
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Swivel Hips, Pitiful, and Ugly Mug
by Bonnie Gibson
ISBN: 1413733255
(August 9, 2004)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 1,121,196
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 606,155
List Price: $12.95

Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 1
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Current River Redemption
by Carol J. Stover
ISBN: 1413732275
(August 30, 2004)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 1,331,199
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
List Price: $19.95

Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 1
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
<HR>

Hawala
by Leo Teohari
ISBN: 1413727239
(August 30, 2004)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 1,031,305
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
List Price: $24.95

Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 0
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 1
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
 

publishorperish

Re: Illiteracy

I would like to say, though, that there is a difference between being illiterate and being unable to write well. The two are not synonymous. Illiteracy connotates being unable to read and write. The inability to write well connotates a lack of talent, a lack of practice, or an inability to communicate effectively despite being educated and having a lot of practice (I can point to many academics and lawyers who have this problem). If you mean that many PA authors lack talent, or practice, or communication skills then point well taken. :thumbs
 

ProandCon

LizzyPants

Lizzypants wrote:

"Shortly after signing and looking through the boards, etc, I started to fear I might be one of the very few real writers in the group."

:rofl

What is the name of your book? I'd like to see just how much of a real writer you really are.

Class?

Right, I read your post on most embarrasing moments on the private board. Yes, you are very classy!

If you're going to leave, why slam PA authors that you were calling friends a few post earlier. Hopefully other PA lurkers like myself will see your glorious "me" post and shun you. Maybe PA will give you that swift kick in the a** very soon. You definitely deserve the kick.

There are many smart posters on this board. They probably see right through you.

I'm sure Zaz is very happy to see you! :lol

Hey Zaz,
Hated to see you go. Your posts were hilarious.

P&C
A loyal PA'er - Yeah Right!
 

Zazopolis

Re: Lizziepants, zaz and paso

P&C, thanks. I think everyone knew it was coming.

I'm not here to hack on PAers. I just did it to start off, as it's fun, waste of time, really. Besides, @#%$ comes in all hues. *expletive is hit with an extra letter*

They do accept everything. We've all seen the story of the dude who stacked a bunch of crap together and blah cubed. Then again, I know there are PA books that are good and certainly a minority in comparison to the group as a whole.

I don't have a point. I don't even know why I continue to check out this thread. The redundant leading the redundant, I guess.
 

lizziepants

Re: LizzyPants

First off.. my name is Lizzie, with an 'ie' at the end, not a 'y,' which isn't a very substantial error on your part, but bothers me never the less.

While my comment you quoted below was harsh and crass, I stand behind it. What I should have said in a more compassionate tone was I feared the majority of PA authors weren't prepared for the amount of work it takes to support themselves financial solely on their writing. To me, a writer is simply someone who writes; getting published might be a goal of one writer and to another be inconsequential. I'd like to extend my apologies to you ProandCon, but perhaps if you were offended by my comment you should examine why it bothered you enough to remark and push a silly jab my way about the so-called private comments from the thread on the message board. (Though I wouldn't post something I wouldn't want my most bored critic to read, I was amused at you mentioning this in another forum.)

If you've seen my posts on the author message board, then you know my name. I have nothing to hide. ISBN # 1-4137-1923-6 - The Red House, Elizabeth Anne Ashwood. As I stated before, I never completed this project with hopes of being on a best sellers list, or the rose-colored dream of the average PA "author."

You said.. "If you're going to leave..." when did I say anything about leaving? I said I'd probably be banned from the message board, once it became obvious I was participating in another forum, had procured a contract with a successful publisher, had an unpopular opinion; one non-conducive to the mass hypnosis that PA casts out on the unknowing. (Take your pick from any of these reasons btw, and if not, perhaps because I told a silly story in the "Chill-Out Bar" responding to a thread titled 'most embarrassing moment' about how my mother and father in law walked in on me and my fiance having sex on my first meeting with them, which, I still contend, is hilarious.)

And where exactly did I slam any of the PA authors? This accusation is comedic, I adore many of the PA authors. If this emergence of mine on AbsoluteWrite offends you so.. why exactly are you here? Ohhhh wait.. perhaps you wish all the PA people would come over here and vastly defend the "great and wise PA logo!!" Don't be silly. I have a right to post wherever I'd like. And as for the swift kick in the ass, well, nevermind -- that sillyness doesn't need addressing.

To the smart posters on this board (who perhaps "see right through me") : I hope only to find an additional niche for talking/sharing/learning. I didn't think I needed a personal invitation, this is a public forum, and I'm sure ProandCon doesn't speak for the majority of this club, either.

As for Zaz, I can only hope he's happy to see me, I adore him to put it lightly. And in all honesty, I've been reading this board for months and only felt like posting here after seeing his familiar name on the list.

As for the question about my success as a writer, next summer my second book (really my debut novel, because my PA book wasn't publicized/promoted at all) "Meanwhile" will be released. Hopefully you'll still be on a witchhunt then and can check it out, I'm actually proud of this project. In the meantime.. I submit regularly to the Tampa Tribune and I do a column for the Carrollwood Monthly, also in Tampa. I also have an online gossip column and several blogs. If you get bored, I'm sure you'll be able to find them.

And if I was unclear in any way, let me repeat so that it isn't misunderstood or misinterpreted. I have nothing negative to say about any PA author in particular or otherwise. I also have nothing against PA, per se, from my personal history with them, they've done nothing wrong to me.
Also -- before in the thread when I added in "Zaz forgot.. lack of class," I wasn't referring to a PA author, you weren't paying attention. Zaz was counting off ways people can be less than perfect on message boards:
You know, they show up on every message board, well, except maybe this one, the kind of people who defend bad writing and worse storytelling with horrific grammar.
All I said was.. there're also people who aren't classy. I didn't mean PA in particular, there's always a jackass in queue waiting to put in his/her opinion. (And jump to attack someone even if they're not completely informed of what's being discussed.)

That's all for me today.. husband is taking his "very classy" wife to the casino to play poker.

PS -- Hi Zaz. ;)
 

lizziepants

Re: LizzyPants

I forgot --

Swivel Hips, Pitiful and Ugly Mug ... mentioned above on the list of sellers from the NYT advertisement (I thought I'd slip in the part about it being an advertisement, because some of the PA authors are unaware that it's only an advertisement, one PA has PAID for, that is, if they paid yet) that PA is running -- would probably have wound up on a legitimate best sellers list if published by another house. It's simply put one of the best written books I've ever read. Shame Bonnie didn't get this placed with a traditional publisher.
 

ncq13

Re: Lizziepants, zaz and paso

I'm not here to hack on PAers.

Maybe not, but you typically do it with style and frankly, PA'ers have come to expect your occasional ribbing. Some have even learned from your posts.

I don't have a point. I don't even know why I continue to check out this thread. The redundant leading the redundant, I guess.

My guess is that football season is almost over and you are already feeling bummed. For those of us in Redskin territory, the season hasn't even started. *ahem*

Liz,
All joking aside, I'm glad that you knew what you were getting into with PA; many folks did not. With regard to my post, I meant it and hope that you have continued success. There have been quite a few complaints/allegations of incorrect royalty statements bouncing about on the boards lately.
*(Note: These reports are not the same as, "Wah, my check is pitiful.")
 

Zazopolis

Re: oof

I don't know about all this Zaz lovin' goin' on around here.
Who am I kidding? I deserve it.
Hey Lizzie, thanks for the kind words.
You probably wouldn't have had to explain yourself had I just not called "nobody" illiterate.
:ack
I mean, really, I could list off the top ten message board doofuses (doofi?) over there but they don't need the pub.
I'll tell ya who needs some pub, this cat, and I'm off to the bar!
:clap
 

DeePower

No royalties at all

I still haven't received a royalty statement and have not received an explanation as to why not. I know there have been copies sold. NOT think, NOT hope, NOT speculate, NOT imagine. BUT know.



Dee
www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com
 

James D Macdonald

Greetings

Greetings to our new friends from PA!

For those who haven't been lurking for months, may I suggest y'all read this whole thread, and <a href="http://p197.ezboard.com/fabsolutewritefrm11.showMessage?topicID=190.topic" target="_new">49 Copies </a> and <a href="http://p197.ezboard.com/fabsolutewritefrm11.showMessage?topicID=234.topic" target="_new">Did PA reject</a> to get an idea of where we've been and where we're going?

Can't tell the players without a score card.
 

ProandCon

LizziePants

:cry

I've been called worse! You just had to get that little jab in at the end didn't you while offering an apology in one of the preceding paragraphs. No thanks to a fake apology.

"If this emergence of mine on AbsoluteWrite offends you so.. why exactly are you here? Ohhhh wait.. perhaps you wish all the PA people would come over here and vastly defend the "great and wise PA logo!!"

I've been posting here for awhile. Usually I post when PA authors and not PA are attacked. They are people who only hoped for the best for their efforts and were instead served a **** sandwich by PublishAmerica.

I really don't care about your emergence on this or any other board. It is your negative and callous opinion of PA writers in general that bugged me. You call it what you like but I know an in general slight or put down from a smug individual when I read one.

I'm not trying to defend PA nor would I recommend PA to any writer due to the unreturnable policy and the POD designation from the industry. It is true they should be avoided by anyone wanting to publish a book. Their gray business practices are deplorable. PA shoud be investigated by government agencies for false advertising and anything else that will get PA on the right track or get them shut down. Larry, Amanda and Wilheim should be ashamed of themselves for taking money and dreams from unsuspecting writers.

I really wish I could say something good about PA. Someday I may find something good to say about them. :rofl

That's all I've got to say to you on these boards unless you berate PA authors again.
 

DeePower

Why? This is the reason

A number of people have asked me why I don't just forget about PublishAmerica. Just sign the d*mn termination agreement with the gag clause and get on with it. Forget about the PA book. Write another one. Get closure.

Well. Here's why. I received this email today. You don't need to know from whom, that's not important.

"I no longer have any interest in writing and do not
want to be involved in this business because of
Publish America.

"I think with a professional editing job and a few
changes, I may have had a winner. I had no idea if
my book was good or not until my reviews came
back........I was very pleased that everybody liked
it but for those of us that are not in the business,
we just don't know the ropes. I didn't know about
all the rooms {note: discussion board like Bewares}
to find out until I read about them on the PA board.

"You are right. Publish America does destroy a new
author."

For the PA trolls, I never said PublishAmerica destroys new authors, I said "But it bothers me more that PA may have
killed the dream of writing for so many people. If the
PA book was the first book that I had had published I'm
not sure I would continue writing. It's too disheartening."

PublishAmerica stole that writer's dreams. And theft, I do believe, is a crime.

Dee
www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com
 

ProandCon

Greetings

"Can't tell the players without a score card."


That's a good one, Mr. MacDonald.

You guys have some good one liners.
 

ncq13

Re: Greetings

That's a good one, Mr. MacDonald.

I'm not saying this to be a major pest or anything P&C, I can be a typo queen myself at times, but it's Macdonald not MacDonald.
 

ncq13

Re: Why? This is the reason

Thank you for all that you do Dee. In fact, there are quite a few board members here that are working hard, both in public and behind closed doors, to help authors who have been scammed. Thank you everyone!
 

CWGranny

Re: Please Explain

You don't feel it is somewhat infantilizing to treat the entire PA group of authors as if they need a mommy to protect them?
 

Sher2

Re: LizziePants

I really wish I could say something good about PA. Someday I may find something good to say about them.

P&C, if PA ever comes out and tells the truth about who they are and what they do, that will be a good thing. That will never happen as long as they continue to lie about being a traditional publisher and suck in people who thought they were actually publishing a book.

As far as the question of poor writing skills, one has only to peruse the PA boards and read some less than stellar PA books to answer that question for oneself. Granted, they have some books that could have been snapped up by real publishers. Others, alas, should never have seen the light of day.

P&C, does your first name begin with an F, a K, or an L?
 
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