FloridaWriter
03-23-2007, 05:36 PM
Hello everyone
I am new to the forum and I felt moved to post this. I am very saddened by a recent investment with self publishing. I've been writing for more than 20 years and I've won my share of awards and honors. I'm the kind of writer that gets a thrill off simply writing--contests wins, accolades or not.
For years it's been a dream to write a book and I finished my first manuscript. As a Christian,I found it natural to write on Christian themes. I decided to self publish my first book and investigated self publishing for several years.
..and then I went for it. After much prayer and a decision to invest my own money, I signed a deal to self publish with a Christian publishing company.
All was well, my money was paid and I later submitted the manuscript. When the book went into the production phase, the problems began. I was never told that I could contribute my vision for the cover and it was designed without me. When I saw the cover they designed, my heart dropped. It did not match what I believed was the core message of the book. When I inquired about changes, I was told that fees would be charged--we're talking $100 to change the color of a word on the cover. I was devastated that not only did I get a cover I did not want, if the company changed it, it would cost me. I wasn't given the full cost of what a whole new design would be, but I was told that whatever it was--they have to calculate cost and I would have to pay it up front.
To make matters worse, I then attempted to see if I could submit my own cover. I have a few skills as a graphics artist, so I went for it. When I submitted the new cover, I was told that this did not meet company specifications and was advised to "go to Staples":eek: and ask for their help.
So what did I pay all the money for up front? To date, I have contacted the vp of the company, my liasion and several people to get help and I have been ignored so far. I have even inquired about canceling the deal and getting at least some of my money back--with no help so far. I did a search on the Better Business Bureau site and this company has some complaints from clients.
Here it is-I've invested money into a project that I have no control over and now the company won't even help me unless I shell out more cash or accept their own "vision." I feel duped! This is a warning to anyone who may opt to self publish. Please be careful!
I am new to the forum and I felt moved to post this. I am very saddened by a recent investment with self publishing. I've been writing for more than 20 years and I've won my share of awards and honors. I'm the kind of writer that gets a thrill off simply writing--contests wins, accolades or not.
For years it's been a dream to write a book and I finished my first manuscript. As a Christian,I found it natural to write on Christian themes. I decided to self publish my first book and investigated self publishing for several years.
..and then I went for it. After much prayer and a decision to invest my own money, I signed a deal to self publish with a Christian publishing company.
All was well, my money was paid and I later submitted the manuscript. When the book went into the production phase, the problems began. I was never told that I could contribute my vision for the cover and it was designed without me. When I saw the cover they designed, my heart dropped. It did not match what I believed was the core message of the book. When I inquired about changes, I was told that fees would be charged--we're talking $100 to change the color of a word on the cover. I was devastated that not only did I get a cover I did not want, if the company changed it, it would cost me. I wasn't given the full cost of what a whole new design would be, but I was told that whatever it was--they have to calculate cost and I would have to pay it up front.
To make matters worse, I then attempted to see if I could submit my own cover. I have a few skills as a graphics artist, so I went for it. When I submitted the new cover, I was told that this did not meet company specifications and was advised to "go to Staples":eek: and ask for their help.
So what did I pay all the money for up front? To date, I have contacted the vp of the company, my liasion and several people to get help and I have been ignored so far. I have even inquired about canceling the deal and getting at least some of my money back--with no help so far. I did a search on the Better Business Bureau site and this company has some complaints from clients.
Here it is-I've invested money into a project that I have no control over and now the company won't even help me unless I shell out more cash or accept their own "vision." I feel duped! This is a warning to anyone who may opt to self publish. Please be careful!