The Old Neverending PublishAmerica Thread (Publish America)

Such betrayal

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>They harassed me with further emails, and called my lawyer and I "laughable."<hr></blockquote>
Hey, no fair. He said those things to me just last week. Did I get a re-tread? <img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/Emoterofl5.gif" />

Re: James McCann real opinion

I disagree. I think comments such as that should be just as portable as those made on a public board. That those were made on a private board is no different from comments being printed in a printed subscription publication. Once those comments blush out into either libel or the condition of the industry, those should be fair game for fair use responses just as comments on a printed subscription publication would be so long as proper attribution is given.

In my opinion, Mr. McCann's comments have seeped beyond a mere blush into matters that are commentable by others.

Given his propensity to delete his own posts, much like PA does to their authors, I see considerable validity in copying his posts as a reference for any responses. Furthermore, he posts in a forum where others cannot respond to him. Therefore, I have to support Dee's actions in this.

Re: James McCann real opinion

Let it go, Dave. That tarbaby doesn't need another kicking, and you'd have to cross someone else's fenceline to do it.

Hmmm

I don't know how quoting someone exactly could be considered a "slam," but I've always thought copying from a private board was...not really nice. Though if you didn't copy and just paraphrased, I guess then it would be a slam, right?

Probably, ignoring would work best.

gran

Let's face it....

...we all know McCann is a two faced, trouble making weasel, but I don't think we ought to post comments from a private board here. He's banned from these boards for good reason, and the longer he stays gone, the better.

On a far more upbeat note, Kevin, you need to write some more PA spoofs, your earlier stuff was great! As for worrying about HB, let's face it, other than the PA boards who even knows he's out there? And who cares? You've got talent, son, use it!

:clap

Re: Contract Termination

I thought I read on another board where this person everyone is talking about, said he was NOT published with PA.

If that is true, then how is it he can post to their message board, private or not?

Good Lord, I'm confused.

Violet

Re: Contract Termination

Stating you haven't been published is one of those fine distinctions where you should add the word "yet" into the meaning. Then it becomes obvious that the poster is going to be published. That gives many individuals a reason to defend their benefactor since they don't want the benefactor to dump them or go belly up.

Dave and James Show

Dave, are you under a geas to comment every time Canada's name pops up? I really suggest that you ignore him completely. Offer it up for the souls in Purgatory.

Re: Dave and James Show

James, I'm unfamiliar with the meaning or usage of geas.

Re: Dave and James Show TIME FOR A COMMERCIAL....

<img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteHammer.gif" />



<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>Not to mention the vicarious thrill he'll get, knowing you're keeping tabs on him<hr></blockquote>

(personally I could careless where the information comes from or who its about...but I'll have to side with CaoPaux on this. This guy received enough attention when he was here... and doesn't need any more. Paris Hilton, J Lo, Pam Anderson, Bush, and Elvis, not to mention the entire P.A. organization might be upset that you're paying attention to his* 'ass' and not theirs.)
*Dodgem what's his name..

Geas

A geas (pl. geasa) is from Irish folklore; it's a Gaelic word meaning 'supernatural compulsion.'

<BLOCKQUOTE>
She could not stand this rejection and dashed to him, catching him by the ears. " You will have asses' ears for all to mock if you do not take me with you. She bound him with a geas that he would never leave her.

( Well most Irish heroes had geasa laid on them. They were literally bound to behave in a certain way. There was nothing they could do to avoid it. If they did they would perish by breaking the bond of the geas. Perhaps we are superstitious about the number thirteen and walking under ladders. This is mild stuff. Irish life was full of prohibitions and taboos. The most important for Ulstermen was the geas that they should not ride anti sun wise round Emain Macha in their chariots showing the left side of their chariot to those within. This was a heinous crime and insult.

On the other hand, Cuchullain had a geas that he should not meat of a dog. Fortunately, though he travelled far, he avoided Asia and was thus all right. ) </blockquote>
<a href="http://users.argonet.co.uk/users/paw/tain/p1-8.htm" target="_new">The Tain</a>

Please see new sticky post!

I've just stuck a new post to the top of this board. Please have a look, spread it all around, and feel free to make comments on it in this thread. I really think we can make something happen if we work together on it.

Also, Dee, do you want a private board where people who are interested in a class-action suit can organize?

Re: Please see new sticky post!

Jenna THANK YOU! I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you are doing. Currently, a group of us are working on taking action and we would certainly benefit from some help-- particularly media contacts. It would also help to have a large group of people willing to hold signs and picket outside of the townhouse in MD.

parodies

Sine you guys wanted more, her it is. Dave, did you get my email?

From NYT collection department.

"PublishAmerica, LLLC.

We have yet to receive payment for the add you took out in the September issue of our Book Review section. If you do not pay by the end of the week we will be forced to take legal actions in an attempt to regain our money.

Sincerely,

New York Times Collection Department."

Reply from PA.

"Do not take that tone with us. We are the # 1 publishing company in America, just read our author testimony page, and for you to say that we do not pay our bills is libel at best. As for any "legal action", do not make me laugh. There is, nor has there ever been a lawyer.

If you would look into the matter, instead of listening to the handful of disgruntled authors out there, then you would see that the problem was not our fault. We paid by credit card but for some reason, unbeknownst to us, Verisign did not send it through on time. Any more threats like the one stated above will be dealt with legally by our attorneys.

Now, if you have any more evidence then please send it to
[email protected]
Use this for your sole point of contact as any mail or faxes will be discarded unread. We will take the matter up at our next meting which will be held at our leisure. The presence of your threats and letter will not be known so an unbiased opinion can be made.

For future reference, your letter did not reach its intended recipient.

Support Staff"

Kevin

LOL, Kevin

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>If you would look into the matter, instead of listening to the handful of disgruntled authors out there<hr></blockquote>
Excuse me? Would you be referring to those 9.000 happy authors? Or is it 12,000 happy authors? I lose track.

Re: PublishAmerica Big Spenders' List

Here we go, time for the 30 Day Checkup. The ad in the New York Times Book Review ran on 19 September. How have the lucky ten made out as of 19 October?

<HR>

<table border=2 >
<tr>
<td align=left>Heroes are Hard to Find
by Mike Looney
ISBN: 1413716679
(April 26, 2004)
</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>
19SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 1,250,211
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 271,631
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 1
On order across all warehouses: 1
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 2
Total sales this year: 19
Total sales last year: 0

</td> <td align=left>
29SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 1,203,441
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 258,382
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: 21
Total sales last year: 0
</td>
<td align=left>
19OCT04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 1,161,794
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 132,049
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: 1
Total sales this year: 24
Total sales last year: 0
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>Four Roses for Sarah
by Gerry Edwards
ISBN: 1413733980
(August 9, 2004)
</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>19SEP04
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>

</td> <td align=left>29SEP04
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>

</td> <td align=left>19OCT04
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: 2
This week's unadjusted demand: 2
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>God and Man in Perfect Union
by Joe S. Philip
ISBN: 1413723691
(August 2, 2004)

</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>19SEP04
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

</td> <td align=left>29SEP04
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

</td> <td align=left>19OCT04
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
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>A Window to the World
by Eunice Boeve
ISBN: 1413732127
(July 26, 2004)
</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>19SEP04
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>

</td> <td align=left>29SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,733,354
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>

</td> <td align=left>19OCT04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,742,965
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
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>The Fairy Chronicles Book One
by J.H. Sweet
ISBN: 1413729789
(July 26, 2004)

</td> <td align=left>
</td><td align=left>
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>19SEP04
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>

</td> <td align=left>29SEP04
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>

</td> <td align=left>19OCT04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 72,967
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: 3
Last week's adjusted demand: 5
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>By the Water's Edge
by Roger Lee Scott
ISBN: 1413717195
(June 2004)
</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>
19SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,720,249
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: 4
Total sales last year: 0

</td> <td align=left>
29SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,733,125
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: 4
Total sales last year: 0

</td> <td align=left>
19OCT04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,742,721
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: None
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 0
On order across all warehouses: 1
On backorder across all warehouses: 0
This week's unadjusted demand: 0
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 4
Total sales last year: 0
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>A Handsome Guy
by Phillip R. Dolan
ISBN: 1413726372
(July 20, 2004)

</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>
19SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 79,039
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 9,999
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: 1
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>

</td> <td align=left>
29SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 63,347
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: 4
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>

</td><td align=left>
19OCT04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,742,900
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 70,163
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: 5
Total sales last year: 0
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>Island Of Terror
by Erika Butler
ISBN: 1413721273
(May 17, 2004)

</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>
19SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,210,901
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 336,915
Ingram's Stock Information:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
On hand across all warehouses: 6
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: 4
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>

</td> <td align=left>
29SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,222,659
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 350,396
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: 1
Last week's adjusted demand: 3
Total sales this year: 7
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>

</td> <td align=left>
19OCT04
Amazon..com Sales Rank: 1,940,353
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 328,291
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: 8
Total sales last year: 0
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>Pacified Zone
by Gary W. Suffern
ISBN: 1413730779
(August 2, 2004)

</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>
19SEP04
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>

</td> <td align=left>
29SEP04
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: 2
Last week's adjusted demand: 0
Total sales this year: 0
Total sales last year: 0
</blockquote>

</td><td align=left>
19OCT04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 567,066
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
</td> </tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>A Word of Encouragement
by Michael Alford
ISBN: 141373264X
(July 26, 2004)
</td> <td align=left>
</td> <td align=left>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td align=left>
19SEP04
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

</td> <td align=left>
29SEP04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: None
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 92,963
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

</td><td align=left>
19OCT04
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 2,742,970
Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 79,127
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
</td> </tr>

</table>

LOL, Kevin

They say 12,000 now but I'm afraid that with their "partnership" with fanstory.com that number will jump up a few more thousand in a year. It's a sad world I tell you.

Kevin

FYI

Apparently, there is coupe on the PA boards. There is a group of individuals searching the net and looking up "negative" information posted about PA. This group plans to "report" all of the individuals that are "wrongfully" speaking against PA.
To this group I say, "Read each post carefully and I hope you learn something. You have more of a chance of getting published by 'The Big Five' than you do of getting your PA book on a bookstore shelf without having to do so on consignment."

Re: Hmmm

I messed up and forgot to close the CALL TO ACTION thread and people responded to it. I'm not trying to discourage comments, but just want to keep that thread clean so people can look there for weekly targets. So, I'm going to try to paste the responses here:


From Raki:

A few considerations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has it occured to anybody that this kind of action might end up harming most PA-published authors?

Has anybody considered that PA may be filling a gap, for writers who don't stand a chance of getting published by the traditional publishers?

When I read the PA Website for the first time, I had no illusions that getting published by them would yield me a best-seller. Without quibbling over words, and without knowing much about publishing in general, it was pretty obvious to me that PA was not a traditional type of publisher.

Why not accept that PA specialises in publishing unpublished authors, and to do so it takes shortcuts which traditional publishers do not take? Why not accept the fact that it fills a gap in the publishing market?

Oh of course now that I see my book in print I wish it could be a best-seller, but there is such a thing as cold reality.

If PA cancelled my contract tomorrow where would I be? Back to being unpublished, with practically nil chance of ever seeing my book in print...

If you want to get rid of PA, first you need to offer a viable alternative, not castles in the air.

---
JohannaJ7
New friend
Posts: 45
(10/19/04 12:13 pm)

Reply | Edit | Del Re: A few considerations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raki, this is not an attempt to destroy PA, this is a way of exposing their lies so that they are forced to actually be honest with their authors instead of lying to them about being traditional, and not just another author mill.

And you should be aware of the fact that despite what PA says, you are still pretty much unpublished. No respectable agent, editor or publisher will consider PA books "real" books. So PA does NOT offer publishing to unpublished authors, it offers printing and a lot of lies.

But I don't think thread is the place for this discussion. You can go to p197.ezboard.com/fabsolut...=1&stop=20 for all your PA info needs.

---
ncq13
Board regular
Posts: 77
(10/19/04 12:14 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del Re: A few considerations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First of all, this should probably be moved to the other board, but I'll bite anyway...


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has it occurred to anybody that this kind of action might end up harming most PA-published authors?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Actually, it will HELP them. Either PA will be forced to change its policies, or they will shut down and authors will get a second chance at a REAL publisher that will get their books on shelves.


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has anybody considered that PA may be filling a gap, for writers who don't stand a chance of getting published by the traditional publishers?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The key for ANY author is to work, rework, and rework again. St.Martin's isn't going to bang down my door anytime soon, but I would rather get my rights back and bust my tail on my manuscript than let PA take it an ruin my career before it starts.


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why not accept that PA specializes in publishing unpublished authors, and to do so it takes shortcuts which traditional publishers do not take? Why not accept the fact that it fills a gap in the publishing market?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



No, it doesn't fill a "gap," there are plenty of other vanity publishers who will at least market for authors. Instead, PA encourages new authors, who may have a chance if they work hard enough to: settle for less than they are capable of doing, spend their hard earned money on their own books to hock street corners, pay for editing.


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh of course now that I see my book in print I wish it could be a best-seller, but there is such a thing as cold reality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Don't sell yourself or other PA authors short. There is a lot of raw talent at PA. In fact, I like to consider myself as part of that talent pool. Right now I am working hard at creating something I can be proud of-- something I can actually see on bookshelves (not on consignment).


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If PA canceled my contract tomorrow where would I be? Back to being unpublished, with practically nil chance of ever seeing my book in print...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Don't buy in to the hype. I am pushing to get out of my contract, and you know what? Even though I won't be "published" I feel more like an author! I also know that over the next year I will be working my tail off to get published by a publisher who will get my book out! And don't be fooled about all of the "we are a small publisher and shelf space is political" garbage. Behler publications is doing well and they are small. They may have to fight for shelf space, but the key is BEHLER is doing the work, not authors. Give Behler five years and I bet they'll have a best seller or two under their belts.


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to get rid of PA, first you need to offer a viable alternative, not castles in the air.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



There are plenty of other alternatives, but you have to be willing to work a little harder and have a little patience. You also need to have the courage to listen to the advice of other authors so that you can get your chops up and get published elsewhere. Have a little faith, first time authors get published by reputable publishers everyday.

----
AC Crispin
New friend
Posts: 46
(10/19/04 1:39 pm)

Reply | Edit | Del Writer Beware heeds the call
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My email to Asa Aarons went out about 20 minutes ago.

Let's hope we see some results from this.

Thanks for doing this, Jenna.

-Ann C. Crispin

Re: Contract Termination

They say 12,000 now but I'm afraid that with their "partnership" with fanstory.com that number will jump up a few more thousand in a year. It's a sad world I tell you.

Click to expand...

Definately. And from checking out Fanstory a couple of times now, I'm struck by how much they're like the PA message-board crowd. I guess that's why PA targeted them in the first place. The writing is so-so and a bit uncertain in most cases, and the writers are quite naive about how professional writing and publishing works. Just the kind of writer PA likes.

I also read the PA discussion on their board, and I think it's quite tragic how deluded some of those writers are. They don't seem to realise that a lot of people in the writing business loathe PA and that it will rub off on Fanstory, no matter how much they "edit" and "promote" on their own.

Letter To NBC

I just sent one as well. I certainly hope everyone pitches in to take action!

Re: Contract Termination

Definately. And from checking out Fanstory a couple of times now, I'm struck by how much they're like the PA message-board crowd. I guess that's why PA targeted them in the first place. The writing is so-so and a bit uncertain in most cases, and the writers are quite naive about how professional writing and publishing works. Just the kind of writer PA likes.

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I wonder if that's bceause they have a rule that no links to other writing sites can be posted on their boards? While I understand that they wouldn't want to lose people to other critique groups, there are a lot of great, informative sites their members might not be aware of. Not just Writer Beware type sites, but sites with market information (Ralan's site!), research sites, article sites, etc. Not allowing links to that can keep writers from knowing what's a publishing myth and what's not.

OTOH maybe that rule is indicative of how different they are than many other writing communities. Most of the other writing communities I've belonged to are great resources for links to other sites. I don't know. :shrug

just a comment...

I would venture that there are a lot of writing communities like Fanstory - introverted in a way where they don't encourage their members to go to other sources for information. It's not necessarily a Bad Thing; they just want to keep their members close to home and keep them active in their bit of the Net and not lose them to other communities.

the problem with this, obviously, is that they are prime pickings for PA and Co. - the majority of PA authors, from what I've seen, have little if any internet experience other than discovering the PA website and snuggling into it like a termite into a rotten piece of wood. They don't have much skill in the way of search engines or web design or the basics of writing other than being told "you're fantastic!" by friends or family and are thus plucked off by PA or other vanity publishers.

I visit a plethora of writing boards every day and see a lot of the same names - and know that those are informed writers who are expanding their craft; not just sitting with their online buds exchanging platitudes about how great they are.

time for tea, methinks...

Re: Me and PA....

I can't believe it! I am so happy! I just got the email from PA that I have hopped to get, and that is to tell me they are releasing me from my contract on my book Death by Bad Magic.

Isn't that great? I've already addressed to them my feelings on that part of the gag order being added to it, and I must believe that they will not have that in it. They said I should be receiving my papers shortly.

Great news, don't you think?

Violet

Contract Termination

"Definately. And from checking out Fanstory a couple of times now, I'm struck by how much they're like the PA message-board crowd. I guess that's why PA targeted them in the first place. The writing is so-so and a bit uncertain in most cases, and the writers are quite naive about how professional writing and publishing works. Just the kind of writer PA likes."

Now another writers website is being attacked by some of you guys. Why don't you post a story to Fanstory to be critiqued, JohannaJ7 to see what you have talentwise that allows you to make your statement.

I see Mr. Kuminski has been busy doing his puppetmaster routine with the posters here. He suggests little things to do and you guys fall all over it. My hat is off to your power of persuasion, Mr. Kuminski. I need to learn that neat little trick to control my herd better out on the farm.

Mr. McDonald,

I haven't had a chance yet to get your book because the bus line doesn't go by the bookstore. I thought I would wait and catch a ride to the bookstore with one of the pickets. Are you coming? NCQ13 needs some help. Ms. Powers, you coming?

Hey Hapisofi. I still.... love you because I'm a democrat.