Preditors and Editors ™

A guide to publishers and publishing services for serious writers since 1997

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Annual Readers Poll

The annual Preditors & Editors' ™ Readers Poll is now concluded. Over the next few weeks, P&E will be verifying all the votes and consolidating the duplications and removing ineligible entries. We'll start announcing the winners here when we're through that phase.

This year's Readers Poll is sponsored by

and, of course, Preditors & Editors ™. Please visit our sponsors' sites to discover what each is providing in the way of prizes in this year's poll. Click on this link to reach the rules and the links to the final results.

News Flash!

2/2/10: PublishAmerica suing Lightning Source. Information at http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-tnmdce/case_no-3:2010cv00108/case_id-4680 . It's in a Tennessee Middle District Court and they're suing for over $809,000.

1/31/10: Right to the point reasons why "self-publishing" with Author Solutions (Dellarte Press) is a bad idea.

1/16/10: Can it become any more unbelievable? Yep, now PublishAmerica is running a lottery in order to sell its books. The first question that comes to mind is whether it's legal.

1/14/10: You knew it was bound to happen. Now PA is promising to stock their authors' books in airport bookstores if the authors make a self-purchase. Can we look forward to Homeland Security investigating PublishAmerica?

1/12/10: Outskirts Press urging its authors to post Five Star reviews on Amazon.com for Adventures in Publishing. Now is that the way to treat your readers? After all, if that book fails to succeed, then how will readers feel about other books Outskirts has to offer?

1/8/10: Writer Beware reports the National Writers Union, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America are urging the Department of Justice to continue opposing the Google settlement.

Help Defend P&E

Unfortunately, there are those who do not like P&E or its editor because we give out information that they would prefer remain hidden from writers. Usually, they slink away, but not this time. P&E is being sued and we are asking for donations to mount a legal defense in court. Please click on the link below and give if you can to help protect P&E so it can continue to defend writers as it has for the past twelve years.

Thank you.

Other sites are welcome to copy the code for our donation button and place it on their pages with an appeal on behalf of P&E.

Michele Lee's Road to Print blog is offering a choice of web buttons like the following example for those who would like to show their support for P&E against these lawsuits or have a more customized button in place of the standard donate button provided by PayPal.

I want to thank everyone who has donated. At present, I am not sending out individual thanks because I don't want your names learned by the plaintiffs, one of whom has amended her complaint to add new names to it. For the same reason, I advise the use of caution in posting any comments for the time being about either of the plaintiffs on your own sites or in forums. Nonetheless, your donations are deeply appreciated. Sincerely, Dave Kuzminski

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010's
Maryland Attorney General's Question

P&E wants to know why Maryland's Attorney General isn't taking action against a publisher based within its jurisdiction for fraud? After all, the December 2005 arbitration hearing between Phil Dolan and PublishAmerica (PA) established that PA maintains two sets of accounting books and has not been operating in good faith. Furthermore, P&E is posting more evidence to the fact that PA is not operating in good faith. Where is the integrity that should belong in the Maryland Attorney General's office?

If you're a writer or publisher, please ask the same questions on your web page. Writers and legitimate publishers are entitled to answers.

Better yet, they're entitled to action on the Maryland Attorney General's part. Now wouldn't that be a good present for them to receive in December from the Maryland Attorney General? (Editor's note: we were hoping for Christmas 2004.)

So, how about it, Maryland? Isn't it time to initiate a suit against PublishAmerica for deceptive trade practices?

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010's PA question is:

How many PA books are carried nationwide on the shelves or in the racks by any brick-and-mortar chain bookstores or other retailers? Does anyone find it strange that after ten years of operation, PA has yet to place one of its over 30,000 books in any of those yet?

P&E really wants to know. If you have a bookstore in your area, contact the manager and ask how many PublishAmerica books are available right now on that store's shelves based on efforts by PA. If you find a bookstore that does have their books in stock, email P&E so we can post it here because writers have a right to know how good a publisher is at placing their books where those can be purchased. Remember, physical bookstores still account for most book sales.

?
??
???
???? Gosh, this is abysmal that PA can't get their books in four bookstores on their own efforts, let alone in just one.

Also, PublishAmerica claims, "PublishAmerica books have the same chance of making it onto a bookstore shelf as do the books of any publisher." So, why haven't any sightings of PA books stocked on the shelves of other bookstores been reported yet? Do you think PA needs to learn more about how to market its wares?

By the way, Miranda, how come you don't know how many PublishAmerica authors have a trade presence in bookstores around the country? Is it more than none? Really, I expect a company executive to know that kind of information or have a good estimate at hand.

Be sure to try this. Go to Google or some other search engine and enter in the following phrases: "Miranda Prather" "book will quickly resonate with an audience". Be sure to include the quotes. When the search engine brings up the results, count up how many times Miranda Prather uses the same phrase to describe different PublishAmerica books she was promoting. Do you think PA needs to learn more about how to market its wares?

Lest PA think we haven't noticed, P&E wants to know where their bestsellers are? Publishers whose books sell to the general reading public and who generally have published more than a thousand books in their corporate history, and PA claims more than 10,000, can usually point to one or more books that broke into the bestseller lists. So, where's PA's bestseller and how many did it sell through retail stores? Do you think PA needs to learn more about how to market its wares?

Gosh, if a company like PA doesn't know how to market its wares, should writers trust their work to them?

It's time to look at one of PublishAmerica's deceitful claims that most book sales aren't made in bookstores. What they fail to mention is that most books aren't meant to be sold in bookstores because they're government or corporate reports, textbooks, or other such publications.

So, where do most sales occur for novelists? Why, in bookstores, of course. And how many bookstores carry PA books even if the author had to approach the retailer?

Number of bookstores known:

To carry PA books by ordering them: 1
To carry PA books on consignment: 1
To not carry PA books: 12*

The names of these stores are on file at P&E, but will not be released upon request. P&E does not want those willing to help authors who stepped in PA to suffer as a consequence.

* One store stated they won't accept special orders for PA books.

Want to help? Tell us about the bookstores in your area. Ask them if they carry PA books. Then email P&E to let us know the results of your questions.

By the way, how come PublishAmerica has yet to achieve a bestselling book despite having published almost 30,000 titles? Could it be that they're happy just making sales to their authors when real publishers target the reading market?

Barbara Bauer's Personal Literary Sales Tally

How many books has Bauer Literary Agency sold this month to legitimate royalty-paying publishers? Could the answer be

Zero?

Gosh, gee willigers, how does she manage to stay in business then if she doesn't have any legitimate sales? Do you think that maybe she's charging her own clients? Gasp! Also a Top Twenty worst according to Writer Beware. Also believed a member of IILAA.

Aw, c'mon, Babs, it can't be that doggone difficult for you to post your sales on your site. You do have sales, don't you? Now don't take this wrong, but listing the publishers you claim you've worked with (you mean submitted to, right?) isn't the same as posting the book titles you've sold this year. After all, if you're really a good literary agent, you'll have plenty to brag about. Even Kristin Nelson posts her sales. By the way, she had 22 sales in 2007. Pretty good for a single-agent office. See, P&E doesn't even expect you to compete against big agencies. Just do as well as one far out in Colorado...if you can. Otherwise, people will think and believe that you're nothing more than a scam.

A writer has performed some research on the books you claimed to have helped publish. Um, Babs, you do mean sold, don't you? Let us know, please. "Helped publish" are weasel words. That could mean you looked at the manuscripts and then someone else sold them. Anyway, the writer came up with exactly two for 2007. All the rest are from years ago. Since those two could have earned only a few thousand at most for you, provided you actually sold them, what income did your agency survive upon for the rest of the year?

Strategic Book Group (formerly AEG Publishing Group)

How many names will Sydra-Techniques Literary Agency/S.T. Literary Agency/Stylus Literary Agency/Children's Literary Agency/Christian Literary Agency/New York Literary Agency/The Poets Literary Agency/The Screenplay Agency, The Literary Agency Group, and Writers Book Publishing Agency go through before it settles on a name? The Writers Literary & Publishing Services Company (aka Writer's Literary Critique Division) and Rapid Publishing are also part of this group.

Keep in mind, folks, the names may change, but the smell of dead and dying manuscripts still lingers in the air around their agency.

2/28/07: Let's add some more names to the mix and welcome the Writers' Literary Agency & Marketing Company which will house the brand new Writers Literary Childrens Agency, the Writers Literary Poet's Agency, and the Writers Literary Screenplay Agency et al, ad infinitum et nauseum. Still a Top Twenty worst agency according to Writer Beware.

5/3/08: Yep, they're changing names again. It's now Writers Book Publishing Agency and includes Children's Book Publishing Agency.

1/4/09: More new names include: Strategic Publishing Group, Strategic Book Publishing, Strategic Book Marketing, AEG Publishing Group, My Editor Is A Saint, Global Book Agency, Eloquent Books, and Author's Edge.

If you're a writer, why would you want an agency representing you that has such a poor track record as this multi-named agency for the years (since 2003) it has claimed to be in business?
Why would a writer even consider going with an agency that threatens to sue its critics for telling the truth about its lack of sales as Stylus is currently threatening to do to Writer Beware?
Why would a writer want to go with an agency that doesn't divulge its connections with the editing and illustrating services it recommends to those who believe it is legitimate?
Why would an agency need to change its name so frequently or use multiple names at the same time? Could it be on account of its past reputation?
Why would an agency need to use a mail drop in a state (New York) where it's not located? Could it be on account of a desire to fool writers into believing that the agency is in the heart of the publishing district when it's clearly not because it's in Florida?

1/29/09: AEG Publishing Group seems to have a credibility gap showing. Recent information reveals that the interview they've been claiming was by Deliriousgirl was actually written by them and not her according to her response on this page at AbsoluteWrite.

2/8/09: AEG Publishing Group loses libel suit against author James Macdonald.

3/26/09: In 2008, Robert Fletcher and his company, the Literary Agency Group, alleged defamation, loss of business and emotional distress against Writer Beware. That suit was dismissed with prejudice March 18, 2009, by the Massachusetts Superior Court. Fletcher and his companies are currently under investigation by the Florida Attorney General.

8/11/09: Judge declares Robert Fletcher's operation (AEG Publishing Group, Writers Literary Agency, and all its many tentacles) a fraud and awards attorney and court fees to Crispin and Strauss. More information at Writer Beware's Blog.

8/29/09: Robert Fletcher exposed by his own local news as a fraud in Broward Palm Beach.

9/3/09: Florida Attorney General files suit against Robert Fletcher. Read the press release at the link or the newspaper article.

The Florida Attorney General recommends that any writers with complaints about any of the businesses comprising the AEG Publishing Group formerly the Writers Book Publishing Agency, formerly the Writers' Literary Agency & Marketing Company, formerly known as the Literary Agency Group, (be sure you mention their former names) should be reported to:

Office of the Attorney General
PL 01, The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050 (850) 414-3990

Office of the Attorney General, New York
Department of Law
The Capitol, 2nd Floor
Albany, NY 12224 (518) 474-7330

Randi Shapiro, Financial Investigator
Economic Crimes Division
Email: randi.shapiro@myfloridalegal.com
Phone: 954-712-4600

Federal Trade Commission (877) 382-4357
www.ftc.gov

BBB of Southeast Florida (516) 712-1918
www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org
(Be aware that reports to any BBB are unlikely to result in any significant action)

County Consumer Protection Offices
Palm Beach County, FL (561) 712-6600
www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/comsumer/html/home.asp

Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act does provide individuals with a private remedy to bring an action for damages, attorney's fees and court costs. The Florida Bar offers a Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8060

Sales:

By the way, total known sales by all of the Writers' Literary Agency and Marketing Company's (aka Literary Agency Group) divisions for all of 2006 and 2007 add up to:
Zero.
So just how do they remain in business anyway?

By the way:

So far, as of July 2008, P&E has finally heard of two writers' works being rejected by any of the company names which the Writers' Literary Agency and Marketing Company uses to conduct business. Yet they still wanted to forward the writers' contact information to a publisher. Pretty selective, aren't they? On the other hand, shouldn't WLA&MC be representing those manuscripts if they're good enough to interest a publisher so WLA&MC can earn a commission? Unfortunately, this causes P&E to wonder just how WLA&MC can support itself if it's not earning a commission.

Evidently, P&E's information is not viewed favorably by Writers Literary Agency per this recent email conversation. One last note: If you believe you have been scammed by WLA, please contact Ann Crispin at beware@sfwa.org.

Don't buy into a scam. Remember, money flows to the author.

Sites of Distinction

Preditors & Editors is pleased to announce the most recent recipient of its Truly Useful Site Award:
Apollo's Lyre

and the recipient of its Author's/Composer's/Artist's Site of Excellence:

B.R. Stateham

Our visitors can view the nominated sites for the next award period and are welcome to email P&E with their opinions regarding those sites.

Recommended Books for Writers and New Books

Please click on the heading and give these new authors a look. We also list some recommended books for writers.

The Experiment

Presently, P&E is performing an experiment on how well new books sell or are downloaded over the Internet. If you'd like to take part in our experiment, email P&E for details. We'd like to feature several books across multiple genres as well as at online or brick and mortar book stores or both. Our chart of results is on the Recommended Books page.

New Listings

Preditors & Editors features thousands of listings within its pages. Some of our listings and information come from the following sources to whom we express our gratitude:

If your business or resource site isn't listed yet, just send P&E an email with the business or site name, address (mailing or URL), and a description of what you offer.

The following are our newest listings we've discovered or had reported to us. You can find these and other listings at the topic links:

Agents and other Representation

Thousands of listings for agents, attorneys, and book packagers can be found in our main pages by clicking on the heading to this section. Below are the newest additions to those pages:

For uniformity, P&E lists agents by first name just like businesses because businesses don't have last names.

$ - Indicates verified sales to legitimate royalty-paying publishers on record.
$ - Indicates verified negotiation by an agency when the sale was made by the author.
AAR, RWA - Indicates individual membership in organization or recognition. Lost membership or recognition is lined out.

2 Feb 10 - Caroline Hardman: A literary agent with Christopher Little Literary Agency.
9 Jan 10 - Chelsea Gilmore: A literary agent specializing in women's fiction, literary fiction, mystery-suspense, pop culture, and YA books with Maria Carvainis Agency.
13 Jan 10 - Dorothy Spencer: A literary agent with the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency.
21 Jan 10 - Gillie Russell: A literary agent with Aitken Alexander. Focusing on YA and children's books.
14 Jan 10 - Jill Corcoran: A literary agent with the Herman Agency. YA and Middle Grade children's books only.
21 Jan 10 - The Julia Levin Consulting Firm: Charges fee. Not recommended. A consulting firm that assists writers in locating literary agent representation. "I don't charge a fee if I can't find an agent for the writer who hires me."
```
Novels:
 
Domestic - $300.00 flat
International - $350.00 flat
 
Screenplays -
 
$550.00 flat
```
3 Feb 10 - Literary MAGEncy: An agency concentrating on fantasy and science fiction.
13 Jan 10 - Rowan Lawton: A literary agent with PFD.
12 Jan 10 - Rubin Pfeffer: A literary agent with East/West Literary Agency.

10 Jan 10 - Taryn Fagerness Agency: A literary agency handling subsidiary rights for P.S. Literary Agency.

Is the agent/agency you're interested in listed here? Click here to see more of the hundreds of agents we list.

Suggested Etiquette for Contacting Agents:
Do not send attached files containing manuscripts to agents unless the agent's guidelines expressly state that those are acceptable within initial correspondence.
Email messages should be kept to a length of one or two pages unless explicitly invited to send a manuscript or sample chapters.
Authors should advise an agent where the agent was found listed. This helps them offer updates to any incorrect listings.
Do not send synopses to screenplay agents or movie production companies.
Some of P&E's listings offer legal services only:
Do not send queries or submissions to legal services unless the agency specifically states it handles both literary and legal representation.

Art

7 Jan 10 - Jerrod Brown: Rondo Award winning Horror Artist. "Specializing in hand painted (non-digital) Acrylic on Canvas HORROR art. Book, Magazine, CD covers, etc. Horror movie portraits. If you have a favorite Horror movie or scene from a particular film, send your requests. Commissions are always welcome." Samples can be seen at Myspace and Facebook.

Awards

Book Publishers and Distributors
13 Jan 10 - Cedar Creek Publishing: A publisher.
18 Jan 10 - Fingerpress: A publisher based in London that specializes in "'popular'/mainstream fiction, science fiction, dark fantasy and horror. We'll also consider collections of short stories and novellas, especially if linked by characters or plot elements."
22 Jan 10 - 4RV Publishing: A small publisher.
11 Jan 10 - Seven Realms Publishing, LLC: A small press specializing in Romance, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller, Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Contemporary Paranormal, and Christian.

Publishers must have more than one book out by more than one author to be eligible for listing in P&E unless we spot other reasons warranting their inclusion.

Book Stores
30 Jan 10 - Burgundy Books: A book store in East Haddam, CT. 1/30/10: P&E has received a complaint about this store from an author.

P&E would like to hear from you if you know of a local bookstore in your area. Send us their name and address (or the URL if they have a web site) and we'll list them on P&E.

Chats and Forums

Contests
20 Jan 10 - William Faulkner - William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition: Charges fee. Not recommended. As it states. See the site for details.

P&E does not recommend any contests with entry fees.

Conventions and Festivals

Definitions

Editing, Copywriting, Ghostwriting, Indexing, & Software

Game Publishers

Jobs

Journalism, Freelancing, and Non-fiction

Magazines
8 Jan 10 - The Write Place At the Write Time: An online literary publication. "Fine artwork is included in each issue along with with sections such as Writers' Contest, Writers' Craft Box (essays by professionals on writing and resources for writers), Exploration of Theme, Book Reviews, Fiction, Poetry and non-fiction stories. Our writers range from previously unpublished to having written for The New York Times, HBO, Newsweek, Business Week and Random House."

Music

Opinions

Organizations

Promotional

Rating Criteria

Related Sites

Resources
10 Jan 10 - DeSilva's News: "Offers free promotion to all subscribers, listings for resources, free courses, paying markets and more. Receive a free eBook with your subscription."

Screenwriters

Signings and Readings
17 Jan 10 - Joseph S. Spence, Sr.: Open Mic Soir�e at Theosophical Society, Olcott Library, (630) 668-1571, 1926 N. Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, January 30, 2010, 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
13 Jan 10 - Artist Sandra Cooper: exhibits in Venice, California Saturday, February 13, 2010, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the VOCA Gallery, 215 Ocean Front Walk.
8 Jan 10 - Whispers Publishing's Blog Talk Radio: We will be broadcasting every Friday starting January 8th, 2010 at 11:00 pm Eastern, 10:00 pm Central.

If you have any work published and are scheduled to do signings or readings, please let us know the date, time, place, and who you are. We'll list it here so readers in that area can find you.

Submissions

Warnings

Workshops and Courses
1 Feb 10 - New Year�s Guide to Better Writing Workshop: On 22 Feb comes "a five day event that will feature a Breathless editor offering advice and practical examples on the most common errors seen in submissions. The workshop will cover grammar, POV, active versus passive writing, adding emotion to your story, and bringing steam to love scenes. This five day event is also ideal for established writers who want to take their writing to the next level or brush up on their skills. The cost for the event is just $10". More details at their site.