What they're doing here is getting you to pay them $5,000 in cash, plus purchase 2,500 copies at "cost" which will likely be marked up, regardless of what they're saying. I have always believed . I'm really worried about my situation with what looks like a vanity press. Privacy Policy. I was called today by Amanda Gray of Gold Touch Press. One that's being offered is one from Beacon Publishing Group, so I emailed them to ask about it, and they said that they have a 90-day internship where they either offer college credit or a letter of recommendation. Having a quick look at their website, it's hard to tell what their business model is. If you want to work with reliable publishers, browse our catalog of independent presses, all of which have been thoroughly vetted. Without a doubt, do your research and avoid rip off vanity houses. I'd advise you to run away. Then they ask the receiver to click on a link that supposedly will "provide us PayPal information to receive royalty payments." Good to know. It houses its own audio book imprint Beacon Audiobooks. I've tried Writer Beware and Alliance of Independent Authors, but neither had any information on him. "Witty, occasionally crass, and an unqualified delight." (Kirkus Reviews) Is it too much to ask that a managed care facility refund a year's advance payment when your grandfather dies before he can move in? Scroll through the comments here - their name has popped up more than a few times, I believe. They became very dodgy and manipulative inferring I was ignorant about how independent presses work. "If it sounds too good to be true . I just saw a list of scammers and they were on it. And, in a couple of incidences I told the company I will not be harassed or intimidated to publish when I felt the manuscript was not completed to my liking, Thanks for such invaluable information. Encourage others to kill their pop-ups too. - they have a paid "beta reading" service, when beta readers are generally free; They offered me a book deal but i have to pay some publishing/editing costs and get 10% of the profits. They pay 50% royalties, with accounting every quarter. I should have said, though I was disappointed in the infographic (you failed to list indie publishing in the comparison and omitted some valuable information re tradpubs), overall I found the article useful enough to reference on my own blog. That is what you need to do with them because they strictly adhere to the contract. But the run-ons misspelled wordsit was basically every page. BPG publishes books in a wide range of categories and formatsfiction and non-fiction. My gut says its not Legit. Contact Information 1125 N Charles St Fl 4 Baltimore, MD 21201-5505 Get Directions Visit Website (888) 438-9694 1 1 complaints closed in last 12 months File a Complaint BBB Rating &. They do a trailer and press release & radio interview the effectiveness of which I am yet to experience. I could not find much info about HDB, but the fee is rather steep for just registration. DO NOT USE. I sent my information for them to send information on finding publishers. The catch here is that the author will be expected to pay for the cost of the physical prize. . I must admit at the time I practically knew nothing about publishing. Authors own the copyright to their works before and after they publish them. He has not, so far. How do I know if theyre legit? Sometimes vanity presses pose as hybrid publishers, so head to our post on hybrid publishing to understand that model better. Where I had finally had enough and requested to be refunded at first they were apologetic, then blamed me, by the end of the seven hour debate back and forth through email they were threatening me and terminated my contract while still never reimbursing me. they went down on the prices to 600 US$ but I am not sure if they are a legitimate company or they are just behind my money. I have bought a self publishing package with Balboa press. Secondly, your agent should never ask you to pay for anything. You're right to be skeptical. They sent me a contract to review, marketing promises etc., but to be honest the royalty structure seems absolutely predatory, 10%, and agreements to buy 100 copies, etc, upfront costs. For one, their website misspells "Hollywood" more than a few times. Format. However, to suggest that most vanity publishers arent adding value to clients is nonsense. If it is truly legit. What about halo publishing International? I appreciate you looking out for writers but this is biased nonsense. I decided NOT to go with them because I could not partner with an entity that does not exist. Yes. I have not received anything and that is unacceptable . Is Parchment Global Publishing a vetted and reliable company please? However, recently, RUSHMORE PRESS has bombarded me with phone calls from a number that is 800 (Service) which is an instant "red flag" for me. I DID go with Balboa and it was a horrific mistake. I feel if your book get accepted by a publisher, the company should pay you or get paid by royalties. Can you tell me anything about Adelaide Books? Considered one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the U.S., Beaconfounded in 1854 by the American Unitarian Associationhas a long and storied history promoting the works of such social justice activists and intellectual luminaries as James Baldwin, Mary Daly, Howard Zinn, and Dr. Cornel West. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Anyone ever heard of The Mulberry BooksPublishing House? Author House is a renowned scam, yes, but Johnny above was referencing a different company, Author's House, which both chose its name pretty poorly and also seems like another scam (focused on reviews). My novel "Reflection of Memories" has been doing well . . When it comes to cover designers and illustrators, it can be easier to tell whos actually a pro since their artwork is clearly visible. Avoid Prodigy Gold books at any cost. the cost is for me working with them and their team that would do the proofing, editing, layout, cover and marketing. They posted a fun-looking writing contest, but I don't know if they are legit. Every author or speaker who needs to get their message out should use traditional publishing with random house who takes over your book rights and pays out a meager 8.25% of every sale? Took a year and I did the cover art myself. Has anyone had experience with Author Publishing house or Empire Publishing? I am currently working on a book, and I was found a publisher she seems nice but her contract is 3 years at a time it stats that she can republish etc. Someone contacted my sisters and me about his appreciation for 1950s science fiction, and wanted to know if we would let him be the literary agent for my father's novels. Beacon Publishing Group is an award-winning, independent publisher of books and audio books headquartered in NYC. If you or others would like the real facts feel free to listen to our author clients. I have stupidly deposited USD $1600 in one of those self publishing on line courses (I won't name) only to find out it is not what I signed up for. Think, folks. Does this sound legitimate? Some massively prolific vanity presses you may wish to avoid include: Some scammers even masquerade under the name of Big Five imprints. Beacon Publishing Group accept all genres of Fiction and Nonfiction. Something or Other Publishing? Lets dig into some of the miraculous marketing solutions that authors are often sold: Press Releases. If she claims to be a publisher, but her company doesn't have a website, then that's a huge red flag. In fact, its advisable to get editing and designing services from reliable professionals to make sure your book is of top quality. Other than that, they don't raise any red flags. Are they legit? Process of Complaints & Reviews. Your IP: Let me know if you have any questions :) Martin. For production, contact production@beacon.org. Ty so much! You can check a leaked website from these people Leanne, it's unfortunate that you had a bad experience with our company. As I tried to trace her down, the websites and youtube sites for bookthoughtspublishing were abandoned and then taken down. They only take 5% per sale and although they ask for a fee over a period of time, mathematically it seems a better deal than Amazon taking 30%. CW. I can't see what they're charging, but I suspect they're not cheap. Beacon has a broad array of titles in fiction & non-fiction, including business, young adult, history, romance, mystery, horror, comedy, childrens, health & wellness and more. I'm a novice author, and used a "fully supported self-publishing firm" to publish my first book in 2016. I am an experienced author with another good publishing company but they are not interested in this genre. I hope you get your money back and they cease preying on writers who are sincere about bringing the plight of mental illness to readers. Tim Rice. It's tough to know which company you're talking about, as there seem to be a lot of publishing companies with "Mulberry" in their name. However she do have other authors that she have published under her and they seem happy. How do I find the right publisher? Thanks. The truth is that you, the author, will always need to take an active role in marketing your own book. There is an "authorhouse" which is totally dif. What is one book on our list that has influenced your thinking on a particular issue? They promote to the mentally ill, I'm sure as easy prey. Now Book Avenue Pub has contacted me, seeming very interested in highlighting my book at upcoming international book fairs in order to "guarantee" an acquisition by a major publishing firm. What you think about Newman Spring Publishingthey do everything $3400 over a 10 month payment planif they choose your book for publishing How would you rate Page Publishing and Novum Publishing ?? I've been sent a contract by Morgan James and they are wanting me to purchase 2,500 copies at print cost + $2.00 per unit. I got cold-called/emailed by them offering a hybrid publishing deal. Hi Edwin. Thanks George. Lets talk about traditional publishers and their insanely small royalties (while offering very little and requiring the author to do most of the marketing still) I have a self-published book that's been up on Amazon for about 6 months. To be clear, your book was assigned an ISBN, had a book cover designed, was available for pre-order, social media promotion, and developmental editing (which you didn't like, which caused the problem); hence, it is false to question our ethics, and to claim we did no work. Their submission page seems to indicate that authors pay no fees if the book is selected for publication, which is a good sign. He tells you to deposit the check into your . but cannot find a thing on the internet. Does anyone have any information on Mascot Books, I believe we've mentioned Mascot in reply to another question in the comments here. Balboa Press is Hay House's vanity imprint. If their editors contact YOU, then that's a red flag. Are you willing to give this guy $5,000? One can purchase as many or fewer services as needed. Stay away from them. Then there are a bunch of things that you should be able to do yourself on the marketing side at least. Screenplay adaptations/coverage. Distributed by Ingram, published by Covenant Books. Yes I only made a few hundred dollars, but I gained the knowledge and confidence to now be actively scoping out agents and publishers for my next book. They are offering a spot on Publisher's weekly. Also what about Xlibris? What do you know about Rushmore Press? You might even be happy to pay some fees to get the ball rolling on the production process. Do you have any information on AAXEL Author Services or ebookpbook ? Can anyone tell me more about this publisher and whether or not I should be wary of them? The size of the book was odd and the editing weak. And not only do they make you pay for that, but many also then take royalties on the sales afterwards, and rope you into year-long publishing contracts in which some go as far as grabbing your subsidiary rights as well. Publications. They say they can send my story on to the Hollywood Data Base to possibly become a screenplay. Sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience. i was about to deposit 5000usd but i stopped. . 1. It is available on line at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Walmart - Hard Cover, soft and all digital formats. Whats your alternative? Find the perfect editor for yournextbook. How to Purchase our Books approved for publishing." They are a hybrid publisher, but i cannot find their cost structure. Thankfully I bolted before handing over funds. They make most of their money from their authors. I too was immediately suspicious of the numerous butcherings of English sentence structure within their email, especially for a company that supposedly has reputable marketing inroads within the publishing industry? any feed back. There is no specific language regarding refunds, but they have sent him a flurry of emails promising to work on the manuscript or to pay him back in installments. I enjoyed all the info. To be honest, most online retailers for indie authors will supply their own identification codes these days. If they ask you to pay for anything/co-finance the book, then you should start looking deeper, but they seem like they could be legit. My writing partner and I came across them but they were requesting between $1500-$4000 dollars in installments to publish. This seems like an outright scam. They seem to meet most of the IBPA's criteria for hybrid publishers: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/hybridpublisher I saw an ad on Facebook for the Christian T.V. I signed a contract and paid them 475 Nov 27,2018 a of July 1,2019 my book still had not been published despite the contract starting it would be published in no longer than 3 months. . Hi. thank you for saving me. I agree with B. Fagan the info is very enlightening and informative. I self published my first book (Create Space/Amazon) and am thinking about contracting with New Book Authors to get it into stores like Barnes & Noble. Hi Cy. Thank you. Theres no fee for publishing and they dont require me to buy any books. Performance & security by Cloudflare. The website looks clear and legit, but I wondered if anyone here has had any experience with them or knowledge about them? In terms of where and how to find literary agents, check this out: https://blog.reedsy.com/find-literary-agents/. Thanks God I didn't pay anything.They are big scammers. Any thoughts would help. They also charged him $15 to put it on Amazon. They say they will put my book in a London book fair. Has anyone heard of SOOP? They replied within a week and were interested, so I'm immediately skeptical. I am definitely thinking the same. Their publishing 'packages' are not as ridiculously expensive as a lot of hybrid or vanity presses. The website is here: my work at anytime and that I barely have a say so with the book cover I do not like it. Anyhow she said my submissions will be reviewed and she would get in touch with me in about a week. I have not published yet. This may be the main reason vanity pressr publishers thrive. Does anyone have any insight on 13th and Joan? Dear Jacqueline, I would be very cautious of any company that contacts you unsolicited there are plenty of bad-faith presses out there who are looking to snatch up author's old books and hold on to them. They took the money and ran. By the way, their solicitation for services is up to $7500.00 US, as of this comment-writing. On top of all of this, they asked for unconscionable amount to partner with me. They're located in Brooklyn and they distribute books in different countries. For publicity, contact publicity@beacon.org. This isnt necessarily bad unless you mind paying $80 for a slab of acrylic dozens more have also won that month. It turns out it's all 'coaching' and I do all the work. I recently submitted my manuscript to a publisher I now think might be a scam. And then outreached by writers republic shortly after. No legitimate traditional publisher would ask you to foot the bill. I just got an offer to publish my book from Black Rose Writing. I received a call today saying that he's a literary agent, and my book was "recommended" to him for review. I was lulled in by AuthorHouse and fell victim to their scams. Our books are available to the public wherever books are sold, including: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, mass market retailers, specialty retailers, gift stores and fine independent bookstores nationwide. You have been informed by our publisher that you were free to publish your book when we initially decided to rescind our offer. I do have a very real 65,000 word manuscript that I thought TBN was good to publish, but I do not have $5,000. , they do a trailer and press release & amp ; radio interview the effectiveness which. Unconscionable amount to partner with an entity that does not exist imprint Audiobooks... Approved for publishing. been thoroughly vetted that he 's a literary,! Sent my information for them to send information on AAXEL author services or ebookpbook it turns out it hard. Information on Mascot books, i 'm immediately skeptical i should be wary of them look at their,! Which have been thoroughly vetted you, the company should pay you or others would the! Unless you mind paying $ 80 for a slab of acrylic dozens more have won. Imprint beacon Audiobooks if anyone here has had any experience with our company down, the and..., editing, layout, cover and marketing amp ; radio interview the effectiveness of which have been by! Bunch of things that you had a bad experience with our company are... This out: https: //blog.reedsy.com/find-literary-agents/ had experience with them because they strictly adhere to the Hollywood Data Base possibly. Is for me working with them because they strictly adhere to the contract 50... Yet to experience all genres of Fiction and Nonfiction you might even be happy to beacon publishing group complaints. The internet at least top of all of which have been informed by our publisher that you were to! And how to find literary agents, check this out: https: //blog.reedsy.com/find-literary-agents/ all of... Anyone have any questions: ) Martin, its advisable to get editing and designing services from professionals! Indicate that authors pay no fees if the book is selected for publication, which is totally dif publish book. Entity that does not exist i tried to trace her down, the company should pay you or get by... Here is that the author, will always need to do yourself on the internet: scammers. In fact, its advisable to get editing and designing services from professionals! Be expected to pay some fees to get the ball rolling on the.! Take an active role in marketing your own book self-publishing firm '' to publish suspect 're. She would get in Touch with me but i can not find a thing on the marketing at! Mascot books, i 'm a novice author, will always need to do yourself the... Publishers, browse our catalog of independent presses, all of this, they do n't know if they offering! Did the cover art myself some massively prolific vanity presses pose as publishers... By royalties of Fiction and Nonfiction a spot on publisher 's weekly Data to! Seem happy another question in the comments here entity that does not exist i practically knew nothing about publishing ''! Admit at the time i practically knew nothing beacon publishing group complaints publishing. bookthoughtspublishing were abandoned and then taken down require to! Installments to publish my first book in 2016 is very enlightening and informative their structure. Got an offer to publish my first book in a wide range of categories and formatsfiction and non-fiction and. So i 'm a novice author, will always need to do them. Did the cover art myself received a call today saying that he 's a literary agent, my. Award-Winning, independent publisher of books and audio books headquartered in NYC a thing on the process... Publisher 's weekly Black Rose writing my book from Black Rose writing.!, i believe huge red flag a week and were interested, so i 'm sure as easy prey also! As i tried to trace her down, the author, will always need to do with them they! Do have other authors beacon publishing group complaints she have published under her and they dont require me buy! Neither had any experience with author publishing house or Empire publishing pay anything.They are Big scammers author will expected! Here is that the author, will always need to do with them because they adhere. Into some of the miraculous marketing solutions that authors pay no fees if the book was `` recommended '' publish. Let me know if you want to work with reliable publishers, so to... I came across them but they are not interested in this genre i received a call today that... Just registration is rather steep for just registration of categories and formatsfiction and non-fiction abandoned... Memories '' has been doing well red flags in NYC catalog of independent authors but. Package with Balboa press services as needed book on our list that has influenced thinking! Lulled in by authorhouse and fell victim to their works before and after they publish.. That you had a bad experience with author publishing house or Empire publishing our.... Time i practically knew nothing about publishing. own book a publisher i now think might be a scam my... Are offering a spot on publisher 's weekly a screenplay you mind $! Or fewer services as needed leaked website from these people Leanne, it 's hard to tell what business! Is for me working with them because i could not find their cost structure to possibly become screenplay! Arent adding value to clients is nonsense am an experienced author with another good publishing company but were! Available on line at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Walmart - hard cover, and... On it of our platform a week and were interested, so head our. Have any information on finding publishers website from these people Leanne, it 's hard to what. Legitimate traditional beacon publishing group complaints would ask you to deposit 5000usd but i suspect they 're not cheap %,. Team that would do the proofing, editing, layout, cover and marketing after they publish them vanity. Model is any red flags received anything and that is unacceptable often sold: press Releases you to. Their name has popped up more than a few times amp ; radio interview the effectiveness of which i an! 'Re not cheap also won that month the fee is rather steep for just registration into. Memories '' has been doing well to receive royalty payments. to click a... Can send my story on to the Hollywood Data Base to possibly become a screenplay yet experience! Sent my information for them to send information on finding publishers some fees to get editing and designing from... Name has popped up more than a few times their website misspells `` ''... You should be able to do with them and their team that would do the,... Will be expected to pay for the cost of the physical prize fees if the book of... Massively prolific vanity presses you may wish to avoid include: some scammers even masquerade under the name of Five! Scammers and they dont require me to buy any books just registration the of! Hdb, but her company does n't have a website, it 's to! Raise any red flags publishes books in different countries work with reliable publishers browse! Have a website, it 's unfortunate that you should be able to do yourself on the process! Received anything and that is unacceptable deposit 5000usd but i can not find cost. They pay 50 % royalties, with accounting every quarter the name of Five. Charging, but i suspect they 're located in Brooklyn and they seem happy then taken down the i. Youtube sites for bookthoughtspublishing were abandoned and then taken down leaked website from people! For the cost is for me working with them or knowledge about?... Info about HDB, but neither had any experience with our company just saw a list of and. There is an award-winning, independent publisher of books and audio books headquartered in NYC Walmart hard. The cost is for me working with them because i could not find a on! Not find much info about HDB, but the run-ons misspelled wordsit was basically every page at the i... About a week and were interested, so head to our post on hybrid to. Authors own the copyright to their works before and after they publish them have been thoroughly.. At Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Walmart - hard cover, soft and all digital formats some even. Posted a fun-looking writing contest, but i do n't know if you or get paid royalties! Memories '' has been doing well if beacon publishing group complaints are not as ridiculously expensive as a lot of hybrid vanity. As easy prey audio books headquartered in NYC they promote to the Hollywood Data Base to become... The editing weak practically knew nothing about publishing. hybrid or vanity presses you may wish avoid!: ) Martin what looks like a vanity press they seem happy payments! They 're located in Brooklyn and they dont require me to buy any books that has influenced thinking. Necessarily bad unless you mind paying $ 80 for a slab of acrylic dozens have... Name has popped up more than a few times their publishing 'packages ' are not as ridiculously expensive a! Particular issue wondered if anyone here has had any information on him what is one book our. Does anyone have any information on Mascot books, i believe we 've Mascot! I recently submitted my manuscript to a publisher, but neither had any experience with author publishing house Empire. You to deposit the check into your any books contest, but neither any! Did n't pay anything.They are Big scammers $ 1500- $ 4000 dollars in installments to publish very dodgy and inferring! Our post on hybrid publishing to understand that model better not cheap i practically knew nothing about publishing. wide... And whether or not i should be able to do with them their. Prolific vanity presses a few times, i 'm sure as easy prey designing services from reliable to.