- Joined
- Aug 12, 2006
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I see Victoria's blog is also mentioned, but ignored.
I read your post there, Dave, and thought I'd provide the link to Blurb's pricing:
http://www.blurb.com/create/book/pricing
which also doesn't include shipping. Scammity-scam-scam!
ETA: And just how long has BLURB been around to claim the second chart as their 'most popular'?
Whether they're getting a kickback or not it's still a heckuva bad idea.
Joseph Ternes of Chronicle Books stopped by the Writer Beware blog the other day to post the following message;
The information in the Newsweek article was incorrect. Chronicle Books will not receive a referral fee for recommending Blurb.com to aspiring authors or artists.
Just as from time to time our editors refer authors or artists to other trade houses, Blurb.com presents another option if they consider it an appropriate choice. This option will not be part of our response to every author submissions. There are many self-publishing options in the marketplace, though far fewer for illustrated book authors and artists. As an independent illustrated book publisher in San Francisco, Chronicle Books felt an affinity for the locally based Blurb.com and the quality of the product it is offering the public.
Good news!
It's interesting that they're acquiring Handprint, but I didn't see anything on their (continuing?) association with Blurb. Did I miss it?Go here, to Publisher's Weekly, for more info on Chronicle Books.
Has anyone else had a problem with Chronicle Books, specifically the Gift Division? Their site lists guidelines for submitting unsolicited gift proposals (like card decks and other specialty items), which would imply that they're open to unsolicited proposals. However, they have a policy of not acknowledging receipt of submissions at any time during the 3-month review cycle. When I checked in during that time, I was told to wait until the review cycle was over and check back. So I did.
It's now been seven months since I submitted a proposal (with samples and glowing testimonials from published authors) and I still haven't gotten confirmation that my package even made it to their offices. I checked back 3 months ago and was told that they don't look up the status of unsolicited proposals but that my request would be forwarded to the editorial department. After that - nothing.
I'm a bit confused. Is this how proposals are typically handled in the industry? I don't mind waiting - they've been my top choice. But how can I find out whether or not my proposal was tossed in the trash the moment it arrived or lost in the mail? I don't want to be a pest, I just want to make sure it's at least in someone's slush pile somewhere.
I also need a reality check. I have enough published friends to be somewhat familiar with the process of publishing a novel. But this is new to me. I've never heard of a publisher stonewalling authors like this.
Thanks