McDoogle
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A Publishing Scam?
I was wondering if any of you well established writers, had heard of anything like this before.
A family member has written a novel for young girls. She hasn't been putting much time in to researching into legit publishing (don't ask why - I have no idea), but recently announced that she is indeed getting the book pushbished. Good news - so far!
She found a 'published' author who has read the book. Loves it! And is going to it published for her... for a percentage of the profits. ??? I have never heard of anything like this before. Don't you publish your own book? Directly with the publisher???
The claim is that with this (unknown) publishing company, if its authors are successful, they can take new talented authors under their wings and show them the ropes. ??? Still.... huh?
Also, there's a lot of talk about book signings.
Has anyone heard of a publishing company that runs like this before? Is it a scam? No details have been forthcoming on the actual of the Publishing company, of the 'published' author, other than a first name.
Any information would prove helpful.
Thanks.
---
Now Race Reading vs. nephew: Furies Of Calderon
Slightly Writing: 'Resume for a Gladiator' (2005 novel)
Watching: Pushing Daisies (X- Canceled!!)
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12/12/2008, 1:20 pm
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Firlefanz
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Re: A Publishing Scam?
All literary agents work like that. They take a percentage of the earnings the book made for the author. So that alone is no indication of a scam.
However, I'd be very vary if this "publisher" requires his authors to "recruit" new authors in order to earn their money. This would be a snowball system.
Basically, your family member should read the contract very closely, and maybe get it checked by a lawyer.
--- - Firlefanz
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1/1/2009, 10:07 am
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McDoogle
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Re: A Publishing Scam?
What I was able to find out over the holidays was...
the lady's name is Gabriel Hope (a man's first name spelling?), and does have her own publishing company called Hope Harvest.
Examing their website, they have published a few titles. But they are very, very evangelical in their mission. Which is fine, but doesn't sound like my sister's book at. It's about girls falling in a well and finding their way home. There is some mention of antiques and 'angel' pins... but no true religious content, which makes this publishing co still a bit suspect to me. This isn't their genre.
Also, they coming up with 20 titles for her book and she has to pick one. And they get 50% of the profits. That seems really high to me.
That's the latest.
Now I'll just have to wait and see what really happens.
Maybe they'll just re-write the whole thing and paste her name on the cover????
*
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Now Race Reading vs. nephew: Furies Of Calderon
Slightly Writing: 'Resume for a Gladiator' (2005 novel)
Watching: Pushing Daisies (X- Canceled!!)
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1/13/2009, 1:09 pm
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Kourtesan
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Re: A Publishing Scam?
It sounds a little odd to me. Have you checked with Writer Beware and the BBB?
As far as financial division, a publisher or agent may ask whatever they like. It's up to the writer to be smart and shop for the best deal for their income.
I would definitely advise having a lawyer read the contract.
--- Read pre-launch through AFF. Check out my work. (Adult Content)
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1/14/2009, 10:23 am
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McDoogle
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Re: A Publishing Scam?
I'm not familar with Writer Beware, they don't seem to be hiding anything from their website.
My sister lives in the same city (as the publishing company) and has had personal contact this lady. But she's a bit of a lazy bum when it comes to research.
So... we'll see what happens down the road. I'll update this thread as news becomes available.
Thanks for the insights, K!
McDoogle
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Now Race Reading vs. nephew: Furies Of Calderon
Slightly Writing: 'Resume for a Gladiator' (2005 novel)
Watching: Pushing Daisies (X- Canceled!!)
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1/14/2009, 1:12 pm
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Firlefanz
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Re: A Publishing Scam?
I have some links for you, McDoog. I hope you can use their information to class that publisher.
Writer Beware Website at the SFWA
Writer Beware Blog
Victoria Strauss and Ann Crispin really work hard to warn authors about scams and ripoffs.
--- - Firlefanz
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1/18/2009, 6:23 am
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SFGirl
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Re: A Publishing Scam?
Preditors & Editors is also a vital resource in checking out anyone you may have dealings with: http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/
Sherry
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Web: www.sherrydramsey.com / www.thescriptorium.net
Reading: The Music of The Spheres by Elizabeth Redfern
Writing: rewrite of The Seventh Crow
Drawing: Illustration Friday pictures
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1/19/2009, 11:50 am
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Kourtesan
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Re: A Publishing Scam?
quote:
Victoria Strauss and Ann Crispin really work hard to warn authors about scams and ripoffs.
One of my authors, who happens to be a good friend, knows Victoria. If anyone needs to speak with her, you can do so directly through my connections.
Networking's great!
--- Read pre-launch through AFF. Check out my work. (Adult Content)
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1/19/2009, 11:53 am
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