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 By Argile Stox Jan. 19, 2006 Currently, there is a raging debate on numerous message boards regarding the title bestowed upon an individual when their manuscript is printed; is that individual a – “Published Author?” Ever since my memoir was printed by PublishAmerica, I have had trouble defining myself as a published author. There have been many discussions and disagreements concerning this issue among many individuals – who lean towards the right & left of this controversy. If an individual contracts with a vanity publisher – is that individual a published author, despite the fact that money exchanged hands between the individual and the printing company? If an individual contracts with a “reverse vanity printing company,” such as PublishAmerica – and no money (except for a one dollar advance from PublishAmerica) changes hands, is that individual considered a published author? The general rule of thumb among those in the “know” in the publishing arena – categorically insist that unless an individual is published by a well known and respected publishing house (Random House, etc), the manuscript is just “printed” and a front / back cover is slapped on the book. In publishing circles, an author that has a book printed by PublishAmerica can not join many respected “clubs and or organizations” due to PublishAmerica’s reputation for being a reverse vanity publishing house (PublishAmerica does not charge an author to manufacture the book – However, PublishAmerica recoups their “investment” by over-pricing their publications by as much as twenty to thirty-five percent over the normal standard price points). In addition, PublishAmerica now claims to have instituted a “return” policy. However, the opinion’s of many booksellers is that the percentage offered by PublishAmerica’s return policy is far below industry standards. Therefore, booksellers are very hesitant to “shelve” books offered by PublishAmerica. Authors find it extremely difficult to convince bookseller managers to “take the risk” of ordering books from PublishAmerica to be shelved in their bookstores. Authors generally buy their own books (at a small discount from PublishAmerica) and have their books shelved in bookstores on “consignment” – therefore, if the books do not sell, the risk is absorbed by the author, not the bookseller. So, this begs the question again – Am I a published author? Under normal circumstances, when a respected publishing house releases a book in the market place – they send out catalogs of “New Releases” to the corporate headquarters of national bookstore chains and book clubs. The catalogs are then distributed to their bookstore managers to review and order. Book clubs determine which books they intend to offer their members. PublishAmerica does not send out catalogs of new releases to corporate headquarters of bookstore chains and or book clubs. Instead, PublishAmerica relies on their newly minted authors to supply at least one hundred names and addresses of friends, relatives, and acquaintances. PublishAmerica then sends out “flyers” announcing the book and its release date. PublishAmerica then sends an obligatory “Press Release” to the author’s hometown paper. The author receives from PublishAmerica (at no charge) two copies of their book. Additional copies must be purchased from PublishAmerica at an “author’s discount,” which is really no discount at all – when shipping and handling charges are applied. The author then calculates how overpriced their book is compared to other books of similar page and type setting published by other publishing houses. That is when reality sinks in, and the author becomes disillusioned. One more time: Am I a published author? After the newly minted author exhausts the supply of their friends, relatives, and acquaintances – the author marches into bookstores and has a chat with the manager to see if the book can be shelved. The manager has seen many other PublishAmerica authors in the past, asking the same question. In most cases, the manager of the bookstore will say, “PublishAmerica is a POD (Print On Demand) printing company – with a short discount and low return percentage point policy. If you (the author) will supply your own books on consignment – I will think about shelving your book.” Undaunted, the newly minted author will purchase their own books – leave them on consignment, and send out copies to be reviewed by professionals like the New York Times, etc. In many cases, the author receives a letter stating, “Unfortunately, due to PublishAmerica’s reputation as a POD company, their lack of editing, and many other reasons – we do not review PublishAmerica’s publications.” Most book clubs have the same policy, and most professional writer’s organizations / groups will not accept a PublishAmerica author into their fold for the same reasons. For the last time: Am I a published author? Well, given the facts stated above; in addition, my memoir has only sold about twenty copies to friends and acquaintances since it was released two years ago…. I am a “printed author” – not a published author. What really burns my butt concerning PublishAmerica’s operation – is the fact that they do absolutely nothing to promote their author’s works to bookstore chains, do absolutely nothing to market their publications in the media (newspapers, magazines, etc). Sure, they list their author’s books in “on-line” booksellers Websites (Amazon, Barnes & Noble). However, that is the extent of it. Maybe I live in a dream world. Yet, if a publishing company desires to be profitable and sell books to the general public (other than to the author’s friends, relatives, and acquaintances) – would it not be a wise business expense to spend some cash to promote their authors in the market place? Are the owners of PublishAmerica purposely writing off their business as a tax loss – while the owners / partners get paid large amounts of money? It appears to this writer that the owners / partners of PublishAmerica are following the “play-book” of Enron, Tyco, etc, executives. We all know where those former executives will be spending their time for the next dozen years – in the grey-bar motel! In addition, what really has my gonads twisted and in an uproar – is the fact that, even with all the warnings that have been published on message boards, newspapers, and word of mouth concerning PublishAmerica and its non-user friendly practices – individuals are still submitting their manuscripts to that organization to be considered for printing in trade paperback form editions. I do not understand the mentality of individuals who have spent months, years, and even decades, writing a manuscript – then submitting it to PublishAmerica for consideration. It simply blows this writer’s mind. I had submitted my manuscript way before all the liquid brown stuff hit the fan, concerning PublishAmerica. If I knew then, what I know now – I would have not submitted my manuscript to PublishAmerica for consideration. “Friends Do Not Let Friend Submit Manuscripts and or Sign Contracts With PublishAmerica – Ask Me About The Details!” is a bumper sticker I am considering mass producing, to warn aspiring authors about this reverse vanity printing company. I am not alone in my discontent. There are many more PublishAmerica Alumni who would gladly share their experiences concerning PublishAmerica’s “Dog & Pony” show…. ------------ Email Argile Stox: argilestox@gmail.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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