Preditors and Editors ™
A guide to publishers and publishing services for serious writers
News Flash!
5/8/08: Indiana Attorney General suing Airleaf Publishing. We wish the Airleaf Victims see a quick victory and express our thanks to Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter and his staff, especially Tom Irons, for their efforts.
5/6/08: Ciiizen Media Law Project reports that Wikimedia has filed a motion in the Bauer v. Glatzer case. Just goes to show that Babs doesn't understand that when the law gives immunity to something, you don't get to sue it.
4/22/08: New information from PA indicates they claim Amazon is responsible for their high prices. That would be somewhat believeable had PA held their prices to what other publishers charged instead of going overboard with what PA charged. P&E doesn't doubt that Amazon insisted that PA not undercut their prices, but that could have been resolved with a price only a few pennies higher rather than one that was dollars above.
4/21/08: Writers Literary Childrens Agency now calling itself Children's Book Publishing Agency. It's still the same. No sales to speak of. No real experience in publishing.
4/11/08: Washington State Attorney General's office contacts Amazon concerning Amazon's recent ultimatum to print-on-demand publishers.
4/10/08: P&E offers its condolences to Barnes & Noble CEO Steve Riggio and his wife Laura over the loss of their daughter.
4/9/08: Gasp! Another case against PublishAmerica in court? Yep, it's true. It's Farnsworth v. PublishAmerica, LLLP et al in Maryland District Court. Looks like PA's attorney is going to be extra busy.
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 eleven 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 January February March April'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. Then again, this is the same state that's permitted Poetry.Com to prey upon child writers for decades.)
So, how about it, Maryland? Isn't it time to initiate a suit against PublishAmerica for deceptive trade practices?
2004 2005 2006 2007 January February March April'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 over seven years of operation, PA has yet to place one of its over 10,000 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.
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- ??
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- ???? 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.
American Book Publishing Group's Contract
Did you know that American Book Publishing Group's contract contains a clause that penalizes their authors to the tune of $10,000 (yes, that's ten thousand US dollars) for stating or posting anything negative about American Book Publishing Group?
P&E urges authors not to accept the American Book Publishing Group contract so long as it contains that section. Writers have a right to a fair contract. 2/16/06: P&E has heard that their new contract does not have that clause any longer. However, we have no verification yet.
2004 2005 2006 2007 January February March April's ABPG question is:
How many brick-and-mortar bookstores regularly carry American Book Publishing Group's books on their shelves, aside from those placed on consignment by their authors?
P&E really wants to know. If you have a bookstore in your area, contact the manager and ask how many American Book Publishing Group's books are available right now on that store's shelves. 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.
- ???
- ???
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- What, no reports here yet at all?
Michele Glance Rooney's Blazing Sales Achievements
In October 2007, Michele was listed in five top agent lists for different book categories. Since November 2007, Michele has sold the following books to legitimate commercial trade publishing houses:
Zero
Oh, come on, Michele. You must have some sales to report.
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 this year (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?
Writers Book Publishing Agency
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 and The Literary Agency Group 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.
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. Keep in mind, folks, the names may change, but the smell of dead and dying manuscripts still lingers in the air around their agency.
- 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 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?
The Florida Attorney General recommends that any writers with complaints about any of the businesses comprising 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
Federal Trade Commission (877) 382-4357
www.ftc.gov
BBB of Southeast Florida (516) 712-1918
www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org
(P&E advises 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?
And for anyone who's interested, the Literary Agency Group has yet to serve any papers on Writer Beware.
By the way:
So far, as of April 2008, P&E has not heard of any writers' work being rejected by any of the company names which the Writers' Literary Agency and Marketing Company uses to conduct business. Pretty selective, aren't they?
Despite a demand by "Sheriff" Sherry of Writers' Literary Agency & Marketing Company (WLA&MC) in July 2007, for a confrontation with its critics in the Absolute Write Water Cooler forum, nothing happened. The critics were on hand, but Sherry wasn't. So much for straight shootin' and straight talk from WLA&MC.
Evidently, P&E's information is not viewed favorably by Writers Literary Agency per this recent email conversation.
One last note: If you have been scammed by WLA, please contact Ann Crispin at beware@sfwa.org.
Cris Robins/The Robins Agency
While we're at it, let's not forget this one. Why has the Robins Agency been in business for ten years with only three claimed sales, one written and sold by the principal agent and the other two to POD publishers in Russia? Could it be that the agency is supported by all the fees they collect, up to $4,200 per client each year per their own emails, and has no intention of actually making sales? Also a Top Twenty worst according to Writer Beware.
Sales:
By the way, total known sales for Cris Robins for all of 2006 and 2007 add up to:
Zero.
So just how does The Robins Agency remain in business anyway? By the way, keep in mind that Cris Robins has a judgment against her in "Washington Superior Court (King County) for $8,320 for breach of contract, fraudulent business practice and consumer protection violations." So, just how do they stay in business if they're not making any sales? Do you think the judgment explains what they are?
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:
The Muse Marquee
and the recipient of its Author's/Composer's/Artist's Site of Excellence:
Annie Mouse Books
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.
P&E takes pride in awarding its highest award to Angela Hoy for her recent efforts on behalf of writers.
Please click on the heading and give these new authors a look. We also list some recommended books for writers.
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:
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 membership in organization or recognition. Lost membership or recognition is lined out. |
- 9 May 08 - Barbara Else: $ A literary agent with TFS Literary Agency.
- 3 May 08 - Children's Book Publishing Agency: Strongly not recommended. Formerly the Writers Literary Childrens Agency.
- 9 May 08 - Chris Else: $ A literary agent with TFS Literary Agency.
- 16 Apr 08 - The Croce Agency: $ A literary agency.
- 10 May 08 - Belcastro Agency: A literary agency specializing in General fiction, Mystery, Fantasy/science fiction, Juvenile fiction, and Biography.
- 1 May 08 - Frank Breeden: $ A literary agent with Premiere Authors Literary Agency.
- 26 Apr 08 - Gloria Goodman: A literary agent with Seventh Avenue Literary Agency.
- 23 Apr 08 - Jason Anthony: A literary agent with Lippincott Massie McQuilkin.
- 18 Apr 08 - Paradise Literary Agency: A literary agency believed seeking young writers from China and Southeast Asia. Contact information unavailable.
- 1 May 08 - Premiere Authors Literary Agency: $ A literary agency. Contact info unavailable.
- 5 May 08 - Raul Mateu: $ A literary agent with William Morris 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.
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- 6 May 08 - Bookhabit: An online publisher.
- 20 Apr 08 - Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Ltd.: A publisher in India. "Delhi Press is good for articles, travelogues, romantic fiction and women related topics for Woman's Era and men related topics for ALIVE." Contact at: E3 Jhandewalan Estate Rani Jhansi Marg Delhi 110055
- 11 Apr 08 - eTreasures Publishing: An ebook publisher.
- 14 Apr 08 - Minerva Press India: A vanity publisher in India. Contact information unavailable.
- 15 Apr 08 - Penguin Press India: A publisher in India. Contact at:Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd.
11, Community Centre, Panchsheel Park
New Delhi 110017
India
- 29 Apr 08 - Sarabande: A publisher interested in poetry and short fiction.
- 20 Apr 08 - Triad Publishing Group: A vanity publisher that claims its fee is an investment.
- 25 Apr 08 - Trident Media, Inc.: Not recommended. A publisher. Part of Washington House.
- 28 Apr 08 - Two Girls Publishing Co.: A very small publisher.
- 22 Apr 08 - WEbook: Poor contract. Not recommended. A publisher that describes itself as an online publishing platform.
| 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. |
- 7 May 08 - Horror Mall: Features horror books, art, DVDs, and goods.
| P&E would like to hear from you if you know of a local bookstore in your area. Just send us their name and address (or the URL if they have a web site) and we'll list them on P&E. |
- 18 Apr 08 - Room to Write: A forum for writers and poets.
| P&E does not recommend any contests with entry fees. |
- 24 Apr 08 - Aleuromancy: Highly recommended. An editing service.
- 8 May 08 - EditorEve.com: "Proofreading, copyediting and critiquing services, along with insights on developing the writer's craft and getting published."
- 15 Apr 08 - Legacy Literary Services: An editing service. Offers career coaching, critituing, and editing.
- 22 Apr 08 - MFS Editing: Not recommended. An editing service.
- 26 Apr 08 - Mr Edit Literary Services: An editing service based in London, England. Site includes tips and advice.
- 2 May 08 - Demonic Tome: "An online magazine that focuses on Horror, fantasy and Scifi submission ranging in lengths of 1000 to 9000."
- 27 Apr 08 - SNM Horror Magazine: A "new FREE online horror magazine dedicated to 1st & 2nd published and self-published horror writers."
- 30 Apr 08 - David Beard Music Production: "A TV and film music production company supplying music and sound design to commercial multimedia."
- 4 May 08 - Five Star Literary Stories: Reviews editor-nominated stories.
- Publishers: A not recommended rating will be given to publishers that fail to answer or ignore legitimate questions from their contracted writers. (modified 23 Apr 08)
- 12 Apr 08 - Query Shark: A blog operated by Janet Reid. Should prove useful.
- 15 Apr 08 - B.L. Morgan will be signing copies of Blood And Rain on May 10th at 12:00 PM at Borders Books Tacoma, 2508 S. 38th St., Tacoma WA. 98409.
- 20 Apr 08 - MEET THE ARTIST JIM WARREN
June 27, 6-10 PM
June 28, 2-8 PM
Wyland Galleries in Seattle, Washington
and Jim Warren's West Coast Studio
Burbank area, L A
June 29 1-5 PM
RSVP:
Studio: 800-975-9927
Local: 818-353-5284
JimWarrenWCO@earthlink.net
| 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 so that readers in that area can find you. |
- 12 Apr 08 - Jim Fisher: A site operated by a former FBI agent. Contains an informative section about writing scams.
- 24 Apr 08 - Writing.Com: Workshops and more for writers.
