Austin Macauley

Most definitely

 

Life lesson learnt

 

There are companies that will, for an agreed-on price, provide services such as editing, cover design, formatting, etc. They will not, however, demand a large chunk of change up front, nor will they be the publisher of record or retain any portion of your rights. That, as you have discovered, is not Austin Macauley.

There are true hybrid, non-vanity publishers, firms that, also for a custom-quoted, agreed-on figure, will go on to publish the book under their own imprint and become the publisher of record. A UK friend of mine used such a hybrid publisher for her historical novel, and was very happy with their work. I have a copy and yeah, it looks good. Can't remember off the top of my head what she told me about the rights, however. You have to look into that, always.

That will cost money for the services provided, and if you, @Boogleeboo, haven't got any just now, that won't be what you want, even if the company is legitimate. So figure out what you need to get your book onto Amazon in a form you'll be proud of, and take it one task at a time. You might have to learn some new skills, or maybe you'll have to save up the cash to hire the work out. (We have some great discussions and resources on all that here on WF). If contracting for book production services one by one would add up to more than you can manage, ask for recommendations for all-in-one firms. Find a hybrid that suits you, pay them only for what you've contracted with them to provide, and use them in good conscience.

 

As for "vanity" publishing, these days IMO the true vanity in publishing is the need to feel validated by having a "real publisher" say you're good enough.

Don't get me wrong. We have good members here who have chosen to go with traditional publishers, but for them, I think I can safely say, trad was the best means for them to get their books on the market. It was about the work, not about their egos. It's when we have a deep inner need to feel the grownups like us, they really like us!!! that we get into trouble.

Yeah, it's nice if they do. But as has been said before, you won't have to pay upfront for that approval. The money will flow to you.

 

Thanks for the explanation.

I'm with @Homer Potvin here - they've done this before. They try to intimidate the writer into paying. When that fails they back off. Because they're such good guys, right? Nope. Because they know they don't have a case that would hold up in court.

Well, at least you know now ...and you won't get fooled again.

I do echo one thing they said, though. Good luck on your writing journey!

 

Lots of binding contracts don't quote a price term. Consideration doesn't have to be money, though as you note it often is. Also, there are some circumstances where the agreement may be enforceable even without consideration, such as under a promissory estoppel theory.

 

All the more reason to sign nothing before you understand exactly what you're getting into, right? Which may involve getting legal advice.