1. henmatth

    henmatth New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2013
    Messages:
    37
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Florida

    Best & Worst Self Publishers

    Discussion in 'Self-Publishing' started by henmatth, Jan 28, 2013.

    As an author, I've experimented with self publishing. Prior to getting an agent (when I was unpublished in anything- including even magazines) a few mentioned to me that getting articles in print (magazines, newspapers, websites) and self publishing a book would be a good way to kickstart my career- as it shows experience and adds detailed information on my 'popularity' to my resume. Taking them up on my offer I set out to put my words in print and eventually self publish a novel. Needless to say I never completed a self-published novel. Granted, there are many fantastic companies out there- but I chose the worst one.

    First word on google: Authorhouse. I wish I would have done my homework. Although they are teamed up with Penguin and have an established name in the world of book creating, they have many MANY complaints with the BBB (US, UK, and Canada) regarding their customer service. I ultimately lost $2,000 to their company after purchasing a package and canceling it. By the end of my process they had destroyed my book (my final copy had an array of spelling errors and the cover was done sloppily)- and so I cancelled the contract. They never refunded a dime and the investigation is still pending. But I'm happy things didn't work out. The more research I have done I have found that their royalty rates are around 5%- some of the lowest in the nation. And many people have sold books and out of mere contract stipulations- never recieved any royalties at all. They have magnificant lawyers and truly have a knack for ripping people off. Needless to say I took my losses and stood happily that I had my own copyrights- and didn't issue my words to them permanently.

    Has anyone else dealt with self-publishing. What are your reviews on your publisher? Do you have any suggestions for the best and worst self publishers?

    My tips:
    Always look into royalty rates ahead of time.
    Search the BBB.
    Ask questions and look at customer service/ return policies.
     
  2. shadowwalker

    shadowwalker Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2011
    Messages:
    3,258
    Likes Received:
    847
    Any company that offers "packages" for self-publishers should be viewed with great suspicion - and a 10-foot pole. They will typically do nothing that the self-publishing author cannot do for themselves, and will charge you an arm and a leg to do it. Most are nothing more than the old "vanity presses" revamped to take advantage of the new world of self-publishing.

    (Note - this is a separate issue from hiring a freelance editor or cover artist, or companies that simply provide the 'mechanics' to publish, such as Createspace.)
     
  3. Drusy

    Drusy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2013
    Messages:
    119
    Likes Received:
    5
    http://pred-ed.com/
    One of the sites that I've seen talked about on here pretty often is 'Preditors and Editors'. It's been very helpful for poking around. I haven't tried publishing anything yet but I've learned from reading posts like yours to do my homework. Thanks for sharing.
     
  4. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Please do not rate specific self-publishing services.providers in this thread. See the site rules regarding advertising and endorsements.
     
  5. henmatth

    henmatth New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2013
    Messages:
    37
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Florida
    Sorry, I didn't realize this would qualify as an endorsement. Would you like me to delete the thread? I didn't mean to break the rules.
     
  6. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    ALWAYS check p&e ratings for any agent/publisher/workshop/etc. you are thinking of using, first!

    then google for feedback [not on the agent's/etc.'s own website] for each one, before going over their website with a fine-toothed comb... read guidelines carefully... same for sample contracts if provided... if not, you can email and ask to see one...

    there's no good excuse for being taken... anyone with smarts enough to write something they think is worth publishing should be smart enough to 'vet' anyone they may want to do business with...
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice