Soon to be published by Publish America

[lgracebrooks]

Hi,
How proud I am to be able to announce that my book The Asquinn Twins Come To Forest lake, published by Publish America, will be officially launched 05/29/06. I've also published another title in the series, The Asquinn Twins and The Exchange Student through www.LULU.com. This book is now available to the public through www.lulu.com or www.amazon.com!thumbsup! !thumbsup!

[ellenjames]

Congratulations, lgrace, on publication of your books!
That's wonderful!

Bertha
www.freewebs.com/wayber

[David Cristwell]

Hopefully, you will have better luck than I did with Publish America.

Tell me, please, after publishing with Lulu, why did you go to Publish America where your books will be priced significantly higher, and will have no more respect from the bookstores than if you had self-published?

I went the opposite route. I published my first with PA, and then the next two with Lulu. Even after paying for the global distribution package, I will come out better after my initial book purchase, and be done with unrealistic prices that actually got me laughed out of one so-called Christian book store over their refusal to carry the PA book.

Then every book from then on is exhorbitantly priced with PA. "Auroraview, Alaska" on Amazon, is $24.95 (the PA book) while it's longer sequel, "The Bush Pilot's Daughters" will be $15.30. Which one is more likely to sell?

But that as they say, was an educational experience. I just wanted to know if you were disappointed with Lulu for some reason?

Not meaning to rain on your parade, and please don't take this the wrong way, I would offer my congratulations, but it would be like telling someone who was just drafted into the Army to go to Vietnam during the war, "Congratulations, I see you were able to get a job."

If so, at least I can get out of Lulu. That 7 year PA contract is a lot harder to leave. It's almost like trying to resign from the Mafia.

[lgracebrooks]

Dear David,
I'm not sure whether I discovewred Publish America first or Lulu. What happened I looked over the LULu site and studied it for awhile, wondering if they were for real or just a joke. About then I found PA's site and sent a manuscript off to them. So far I haven't had any reason to be disappointed, but the book isn't launched yet; the launching date ie 05-29-06.
Since then I published another book, a sequel, with Lulu. I liked the results. I have more titles in my series to publish so there'e a tug of war going on within me to stay with Lulu or PA.
I've found out that LULU.COM is for real and may be a lot better than the other POD printers.
Yes the seven year contract with PA. And they hold the rights for ransom for that period of time, don't they?

[David Cristwell]

There was a thread over at the PA forum about the authors volunteering to help each other edit, and I agreed that it was a wonderful idea. PA deleted the thread, and will delete any thread or post that even suggests (even politely) that they are not actually offering an editing service, or (gasp) makes one think they are less than forthcoming.

I just received an order for 21 copies of my book, which was all I could budget at their author discounted price of $14.97 plis another $13.50 shipping. Well I have e-mailed them for 2 days about one that came with a scuffed cover, and they refuse to acknowledge thus far.

I know some of the "The answer is ALWAYS NO" Author Support people take up to a week to reply. I used to have my own business, and I know what customer service is and is not.

The positive about Lulu is my cost on the sequel is $10.30 and if I order five or more, it's free shipping. Good luck with them. Our success or failure is all in the Lord's hands anyway. (PA did not like that marketing plan).

Update: My request for a credit, so that I may sell that copy as a "damaged" one has been passed up to David Spade's department. (It's always no). I made a phone call to them a bit ago.

[lgracebrooks]

I'm waiting to receive my published copies of THE ASQUINN TWINS COME TO FOREST LAKE. I wonder what I will find once I receive them. Otherwise I have no complaints about PA except maybe about them holding the right for ransom for seven years. After a lot of prayer about the subject I'm more and more inclined to stay with Lulu.

[ibrinkley]

I had a book published with PA and they accepted my second book, a fiction novel. Well, I've written a sequel to the fiction novel and I'm thinking about doing it on Lulu because PA is dragging their feet big time about even doing anything on my second book. It has not even been assigned an editor yet and they've had it for 4 months. So I'm still praying but it may be that the sequel comes out before the first fiction. In that case, I'll call the first one a prequel.!thumbsup!

[David Cristwell]

Okay, on the damaged book, they want me to return the whole book. Then they will send me a new one.

Translation, "Make it more trouble and expense than it is worth."

Now I need to find that thread where it tells how to get out of the contract. I have the forum site. I think it will be easier to stay with plan A and write a new story to replace "Auroraview, Alaska".

I guess the reason PA charges so much for their books is because they know that limited editions are worth more.
:rolleyes:

[htack210]

I had my first book published with PA. I did it in ignorance. I have the folks at this site to thank for helping me find out about Lulu. I just published a book with Lulu called Project Vectus (http://www.imglenn.net), and I MUCH more please with Lulu than I have ever been with PA for the following reasons:

1) Lulu prices are MUCH lower. People will be more inclined to buy. Let's be honest, who wants to pay top dollar for a papaerback by an unknown author?
2) Lulu's contract is much more reasonable. You aren't locked in for 7 years and you retain the rights, etc.
3) Lulu's help is MUCH more professional and they actually help.
4) The royalty deal is much better.

For those of you on the fence about Lulu or PA, I would strongly recommend Lulu.
And if I can make a shameless plug here, check out my book if you're into science fiction. You can read excerpts at http://www.imglenn.net

[ibrinkley]

I think I'm beginning to agree with you about Lulu verses PA. Just one question. If you buy the global thing, does your book actually end up in some of the bookstores? I know there's no guarantee but CAN they end up in bookstores?:confused:

[David Cristwell]

I would let some of the more experienced Lulu published authors here reply to that. I would think if the book doesn't wholesale for what others retail at, more would be likely to try it. Let's put it this way, it can't be in any fewer than PA gets it into.

Limited Edition translated means. "That's all of these overpriced paperbacks I am buying to sell myself, and nobody will pay what you ask retail, so... when these are gone, they are gone."

I am currently working on a replacement scenario, (read new story) to tie the prequel and sequel together. After the episode with my damaged book (which UPS will pay for anyway) I am more convinced than ever that all we are is statistics to PA.

[lgracebrooks]

I have another question. Has anyone had any experience with NEWLEAFPUBLISHING GROUP? I sent them a book proposal recently but it's too soon to hear back from them. The lady that answered my proposal told me they are always looking for new publishing projects. If they like my poposal they may publish the entire ASQUINN TWINS SERIES.

[Chramosta]

New contract. Yes, it is with PA again. Do I like PA? Probably as much as I like Microsoft and I do publish with LULU too. I like my total control over my work, which only LULU can give me, BUT as bad as PA might be, I think the books from them will reach much farther than Lulu's (without paying extra.) The final word will have to come from THE READERS, who will buy what from whom for how much. Why did I choose PA for my second book? Simple, for that longer reach, because my second book is about driving your car and I do believe it is very important book which EVERY driver should read and I am serious. To me the message I am trying to send is so important, that if it didn't cost me any money, if someone was willing to pay for it, I would be more than glad to give a copy to anyone willing to read and learn for FREE. That is why I am displaying one chapter a week on my website and anyone can do what ever they wish with it, but that is not enough, that doesn't go far enough, so I hope, maybe with PA, somehow it will reach the public. This is a book with which I am trying to share my experiences and knowledge with the world. (I didn't want this entry to be this long, sorry.)

[lgracebrooks]

Hi again,
It's a real joy to be able to exchange news and views from seasoned experienced authors. I received my five books, THE ASQUINN TWINS and THE EXCHANGE STUDENT, by delivery today. I think they look really great. I've another book published throuh Lulu. THE ASQUINN TWINS and the RUNNER of the SNOW DESERT but I'm waiting for the first proof book before it's available to the public. I'm almost persuaded to remain with Lulu. The finished books are exactly as I've written them and published by THE CHRISTIAN READING CENTER. I've sought long and hard to find circumstances such as these.
www.lulu.com/content/231128
www.lulu.com/content/268827
http://www.geocities.com/lgracebrooks

[Tachiko Aiba]

I've heard far too many bad things about other places. I've been on Lulu's forums and site for over a year now, and definately am going to publish there. It's going to take all of what little cash I've got for the project, however I feel it's my best bet. Prices and royalties helped that decision, after hearing other publishers set roaylties as low as %7.

BUT... in all fairness, I have to add I would not even consider self publishing if I didn't either know myself, or know someone who knew something about marketing online. It's going to take a lot of self promo to make the self publishing thing work at all, and if you don't have those skills, you're going to be up against it. (Being related to a professional editor helps too. ^.^)

[love2write]

Below are some links regarding Publish America. Recent updates state that there are several lawsuits underway, a classaction suit, and PA lost an arbitration hearing in Frederick, Maryland.

I was one of their authors, and I had a wonderful time marketing my books. But PA did nothing to help me, especially when I requested help. I was stunned, literally stunned, when I saw the price they placed on my book of $29.95 for a trade paperback. I was upset when I saw they did not edit my book like they said they would. My experiences marketing my book, speaking engagements, library book signings, were wonderful and by my own efforts. My experience with PA --- less than disappointing.

The book was overpriced and unedited. PA does not price books because they think first editions will be more valuable. They price them high because they want to make money, and their business model is to sell to the author not the reading public. They only give a 5% return on books and bookstores will not order due to this, plus the low discount rate.

Authors, I implore you, research publishers before you sign. I wish the following information had been online when I signed with PA in 2000. If it had, I would not have gone with them.



The Frederick News Post Article: PA’s Hometown Newspaper: (I live in Frederick and can tell you PA does not have a good reputation in town.) http://www.lisamaliga.com/fredericknewspost.htm

Making Books / The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A25187-2005Jan20

Publishers Weekly / Authors Allegation, Nothing Patriotic about Publish America http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA480782.html

Talk: Publish America: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:PublishAmerica

Rip Off Report, Publish America House of Publishing Rip Off: http://www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff104646.htm

Preditors & Editors: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pebp.htm - 26k

WNBC / Publishing On Demand Can Cause Problems: http://www.wnbc.com/askasa/4124957/detail.html

The Only Thing You Need to Know About Publish America: http://www.steelypips.org/miscellany/publishamerica.html

The Neverending Publish America Thread: http://p197.ezboard.com/fabsolutewritefrm11.showMessage?topicID=209.topic

A Writer’s Life: http://leegoldberg.typepad.com/a_writers_life/2004/12/more_on_publish.html

The Truth About Publish America FAQ: http://www.freewebs.com/truthaboutpa/faqs.htm

Useless Knowledge Mag: Article by PA author Argile Sox / http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/may/article346.html
Try to ignore the ads. The article is what is worth going here for.

On Publish America: http://www.digitalmedievalist.com/writing/pa.html

The Publish America Sting / The acceptance of the worse book ever written Atlanta Nights: http://www.critters.org/sting/

True Stories: http://www.wizardessbooks.com/html/PA_stories.htm

[Hahnah]

I believe that Tachiko Aiba made a very important point in reminding of the "downfall" with publishing through lulu...self-promotion. However, I don't believe it is any different with Publish America. I personally know an author who had her first book published through PA. All of the books sold were sold by her own effort. Outside of posting the book on their web site, mixed in with everyone elses book, so it would require previous knowledge of the book's existence, Publish America did absolutely nothing to promote.

[David Cristwell]

At least your self-published books will sell for much less than a PA produced novel, and you know what it will cost per copy before you commit to publish it. Then, if you do want to seek out a real publisher, at least you have the rights and don't have to wait 7 years.

My mother went to be with the Lord on May 10, but by using Lulu, I was able to get the hardcover copies of my two latest novels to her before she left this world. That was an important factor of my choosing Lulu.

Now I have time to play it straight, and go through finding an agent etc. and I own the rights to them.

[NurseConnie]

[QUOTE=David Cristwell].

I just received an order for 21 copies of my book, which was all I could budget at their author discounted price of $14.97 plis another $13.50 shipping. Well I have e-mailed them for 2 days about one that came with a scuffed cover, and they refuse to acknowledge thus far.QUOTE]

Hi
i was just wanting to make sure about something... they tell me the only stupid question is the one you do not ask..so here goes... You said you oredered 21 books for discounted price of $14.97 and $13.50 for shipping.. I assume you meant $14.97 EACH book?? If that's discounted... don't leave much room for making a profit does it? just wondering.. have been thinking seriously about going with lu lu but wanting to make double triple sure before I leap.

thanks

[ibrinkley]

I published 2 books with Lulu and the first one is showing up on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. I am so pleased with Lulu. There was a little confusion about the ISBN but that is straight now and I think it will be no different than my first book that Publish America published. I don't think there's any difference except that my book from Lulu is cheaper and I don't have a 7 year contract. Publish America doesn't market my book, all they did was add it to Amazon and B&N which is what Lulu did too.

[ibrinkley]

Nurse Connie: If you publish with Lulu I can give you some tips that will ensure that you don't make the same mistakes that I made. Email me if you have any questions.
ibrinkley@jam.rr.com

[David Cristwell]

Yes, it was $14.97 x 21 + $13.50. Needless to say I am very displeased with PA. I will never recommend them to anyone else.

[femi@singlesaff]

thanx for the information. will note it.

really need help in publishing some of my books too, will be careful.

femi fasanya

[love2write]

One of the things that opened my eyes up about what Publish America was all about was the lies they told their authors. They did this in order to get the authors to buy 50 or more copies of their books. What they did, several times, is they would send out an email saying they wanted to celebrate some achievment and therefore offer the authors a special discount on books for a one week period.

Such Achievements were:

They claimed to have gone into partnership with the New York Times Book Review and that the top 10 Publish America books that sold the most copies, including what the author bought, would be listed in a Bestsellers list. Some authors saw right through it, some were dubious, but there were some that whipped out their credit cards and bought hundreds of dollars worth of books hoping to make the list. Well, when the Times came out I saw the 'ad'. That's right it was an ad for Publish America, a small strip at the bottom of a page that listed a few books and plugged PA. PA told their authors this would happen each month. It didn't.

Then they claimed all their books would now be returnable. People were excited thinking now their books would be in bookstores. Turns out, not all books to this day have a return. Also the return was only 5% and through Ingram. Bookstores will not stock books with that kind of a discount. It is insulting and PA decieved their authors. Bookstores want a standard 40-50% discount and the option of returning a book if it doesn't sell.

There are other things going on like a class action lawsuit, arbitration hearings, writers demanding their rights returned.

Stay away from PA. They started out with a good idea and I signed with them in 2000. It was downhill from there. They went from good to bad. Greed does that to ungodly men.

[southern96]

PA has been known to NOT pay their royalties, please don't forget about that! They were sued and lost for not paying royalties or keeping records of books sold! They are very dirty indeed.

[love2write]

There is a forensic accountant who is going over PA's books and has found a lot of problems. I believe this is with one author's royalties, and that author took PA to arbitration and won.

There are other lawsuits pending. Some UK authors are seeking their rights back when they found out that Publish America lied on their Publish Britannica website. They stated PB was headquartered in Milton Keynes outside of London. When authors looked into this they found no office for PB or PA. PA has since said they will no longer accept submissions from the UK. Oh, and Encyclopedia Britannica sued PA for using their name.

For anyone considering PA, some of us here know what we are taking about. I was published with them in 2000. I have since gotten my rights back. When they post on their website that they are the number one publisher in America, ask yourself what that means. I'll tell you. Quantity. They have published over 14,000 authors. This is not a good thing. They are not the #1 publisher in the US because of the quality of their books, or the ethics of their company. It's just the opposite.

So if you go with PA ---

1. Your book will not be edited
2. Your book will be over priced by $10 or more.
3. Your book will not be in bookstores
4. You will have an extremely difficult time getting any bookstore to stock your book. The majority of PA authors have not gotten bookstores to stock them. Some have locally on consignment. But PA does not have a marketing plan to bookstores.
5. No marketing
6. Rude employees at their author support
7. Banned from their message board if you say anything that hints of slighting them or questioning their business practices.

Also as a believer do you want to deal with a company that has published graphic erotic?