I really didn't want to jump back into this conversation, because the comments were getting pointless and nitpicky unnecessarily to a fault. But, it looks like I'll need to make one more plug in here. So, let me break down a few things here so everyone understands where I'm coming from on my statements, and then I'm stepping out again, as this debate is going nowhere productive except to attack someone who does a great job simply because he charges the authors to do it.
One, some of you claim that it's better to self publish because it's cheaper. Yet you also turn around and say you should "hire someone to do the cover and the layout and so on for you". Uh, isn't that exactly the same thing you're asking a PTP firm to do!? That's like saying you should be a horse with a wooden stick instead of a metal one.
Second, don't villainize someone or their business just because a few greedy little pinheaded pricks decided to fleece a bunch of gullible authors who didn't do their homework. That's no different than saying that anyone who wears a ski mask is a thief just because a few thieves preferred to use it. So please, do everyone a favor and assume innocence before you cry guilt. Not every PTP business is evil, just like not every traditional publisher is good. It's a mixed bag, and the internet is rich with information. So research first, then point fingers and cry "shame!" Yes, I realize that that's exactly the purpose of this forum, but at the same time shouldn't there be laid some level of responsibility on the querying author to do some of the footwork themselves instead of laying it all onto the shoulders of others, some of whom might have a bone to pick for no apparent reason? Of course, given that this thread was started by a disgruntled contractor who was throwing a temper tantrum, the point is rather moot in this case.
Third, I'm a business owner. I employ 2 Moon Press to publish my books, and they employ me for tech work and various other jobs. It's called a business relationship. My previous statements in favor of 2 Moon were all taken from that perspective. So don't let any kind of personal relationship between myself and the CEO make you think I'm biased in any way. Business is business, and if my needs aren't getting met, I'm out the door, friend or not. So my endorsement of 2MP can be taken with great assurance that I'm not blowing smoke up someone's butt. Because as a business, if I endorse someone who turns out to be a scag or a criminal, that comes back on me, and I in no way will risk damage to my name or my business under any circumstances, period. That includes my books as well because, believe it or not, being an author means you are also a businessman. This is not a fun paid hobby. If you're published, regardless the method or means, you are a business, period. If you don't think you are, just ask the IRS.
Fourth, by law no business is required to report sales information to anybody but the IRS, and that only for tax purposes. They don't need to report how much they sold, to whom, or for what reason. Well, at least not *yet* anyways. DHS may change that though. But, if you are really, really dead set on knowing the sales numbers of 2 Moon Press, why don't you go bug the Federal Government? As a corporation their sales numbers are public information. The catch is, they legally don't have to give them to you. It's your job to go find them. So if you want to know their numbers that badly, go ping the IRS. Oh, btw, don't forget to bring a lawyer and a freedom of information request too.
IceCreamEmpress: Yes, you are correct. I apologize for stating the wrong publisher as I had other things on my mind at the same time when I posted, and didn't have time to go look up the exact info. But yes, you are correct about the title and publisher. My apologies for being in error on that. I am human after all.