Publish America - The best thing to EVER happen to unknown authors

Hey, Harris-guy! How many copies of your own book did you buy?

We know it was more than a few, because PA agreed to print your second book....

bstevens said:

The official release will be January 15 ... Snipped.

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I've sung this same exact tune, and right now I feel for you. I know you probably do not want my sympathy, but having been through the entire PublishAmerica debacle for myself (signed in 2003, contract terminated in 2006, total 8 sales in a year-and-a-half according to the royalty statements I received) I can tell you you're in for some serious problems.

I say this not to mock you, because I used to be just like you are where PA is concerned. But rather I say this to warn you: most PA authors I've known have been very happy with the results of their endeavors with PublishAmerica, until they received their first royalty check, or until they realized they were not getting the wondrous attention they thought they were getting.

Please understand, this is by no means an attack on you. I've seen first-hand every trick they've played on authors, and I can say with certainty you will be treated no differently than any of us were treated. Sooner or later, you'll ask an honest question or make an honest suggestion, and the company that has your book will do everything it can to intimidate you into submission. That's not an attack; that's a fact of how PublishAmerica treats its authors.

I hope you do well, but I also know from experience your best with PA will not even be a drop in the bucket compared to what you could do if you do get published with a legitimate house. I hope your hard work pays off, but at the same time, the best thing to do now is write another, better book, and see if a better company will publish it for you. The success you achieve with even a tiny company will almost certainly be greater than anyone could ever do with PublishAmerica.

Good luck to you.

While I do take the time to direct writers, who have even the slightest impression of cluelessness, toward Writer Beware (and its blog), P&E, and Bewares and Background Check, give them the whole Yog's Law routine and everything... some people just aren't ready to learn the truth.

I seem to have developed an ability to recognize the different levels of cluelessness with people I've on forums and in the AW chatroom. Some of them I can tell are simply inexperienced or unaware of how things are supposed to work, and with a few links and tips of advice from me and the others, they're on the right track before we know it.

But others, like those who have already with PA and are still in the Honeymoon stage, are either happy with what they've got or refuse to believe that they've been screwed over again and again. After all, why would you want to believe that an incompetent crook deceived you into signing a binding seven-year contract that offers no protection or back door out for the author?

And I admit I'm starting to realize what Vic, Ann, and Dave have to deal with on a daily basis. I know the general Writer Beware, Yog's Law, and "Why PublishAmerica Is A Really Bad Choice for Those With Serious Writing Aspirations 101" by heart, thanks to all of you. My general scam-radar has rubbed off on some chat buddies, and so I don't have to do all the work all the time.

It's great knowing we've saved potential victims. What I've seen of some hopelessly clueless newbies makes me realize that even telling them about PA may not prevent them from going with them, but if I don't, I'll forever blame myself for letting a potential victim slip away into harm's way.


Oh, wow. I talk to myself too much. Maybe I should save some of these rants for my blog (except for the fact is that I've exceeded the desired portion of non-PA versus PA blog posts).

Well,
I was just published through PA and then I came here...now I feel like a complete failure...I guess I can't keep up with you proffessional writers. I wish I could. I feel duped and I don't think I'd like to go on. My brother died a few years back, we came from an extremely abusive background and a week before he died, he told my sister if he died, he wouldn't care...and he did. There's too much pain and I can't keep up with everyone, I just can't. I feel so alone in this world with people who I feel I have to "keep up" with, or "live up" to. How, after telling everyone that I'm a published writer, how am I supposed to tell them I'm just a "wannabe"? Can someone please tell me how I, a looser in this world without a name for myself, without something, not even a college degree, is supposed to go on after such a blow. I can't take another blow...I just can't..I'm so tired people. I do wish all of you the best of luck. bstevens...I think what all of them are saying is we just didn't do our homework. After reading all the information on PA, that I should have read prior to signing thier contract, I believe they are correct in thier views. I hope you all have the best success. Peace and Love, Mamie77

Hey Mamie...

This is not the worst thing in the world to happen. So you made a mistake? Don't we all? The publishing business is full of heartbreak and failure. We all experience it to some degree. Try not to be too hard on yourself...it will get better...

And BTW, I am not published. A lot of us here aren't.

mamie77 said:

Well,
I was just published through PA and then I came here...now I feel like a complete failure...I guess I can't keep up with you proffessional writers. I wish I could. I feel duped and I don't think I'd like to go on. My brother died a few years back, we came from an extremely abusive background and a week before he died, he told my sister if he died, he wouldn't care...and he did. There's too much pain and I can't keep up with everyone, I just can't. I feel so alone in this world with people who I feel I have to "keep up" with, or "live up" to. How, after telling everyone that I'm a published writer, how am I supposed to tell them I'm just a "wannabe"? Can someone please tell me how I, a looser in this world without a name for myself, without something, not even a college degree, is supposed to go on after such a blow. I can't take another blow...I just can't..I'm so tired people. I do wish all of you the best of luck. bstevens...I think what all of them are saying is we just didn't do our homework. After reading all the information on PA, that I should have read prior to signing thier contract, I believe they are correct in thier views. I hope you all have the best success. Peace and Love, Mamie77

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Just keep writing, Mamie. It's a struggle for even professional writers at times. Query agents, submit work to magazines and journals. Ask questions, learn more everyday. You can get there only if you keep trying.

First of all, Mamie77, welcome to Absolute Write. You've come to the right place.

Second... you're not a failure. And you don't have to 'keep up with' other writers - professionals or otherwise.

My book went to PA, too... it wasn't my first, but it was my best and it was wasted on them. What do I tell people? I tell people I wasn't pleased with my first 'publisher', and if they're at all into writing themselves, I warn them away from PublishAmerica.

There's a lot of support here at AW, Mamie... don't give up on yourself. Don't let PA hurt you any worse than they already have. There's a lot to learn here, too. And you've got a name. You don't have to have a college degree. All you need to do is take a deep breath, vow you won't be taken again, and go on. Just go on... with the rest of us. ((Hugs)) Some of us really, really know how you feel.

I'm chiming in as an unpublished writer. And had I been in your shoes, I probably would've signed the contract without knowing what was "wrong" with it.

PA is run by a group of snake oil salesmen. They take your dream, manipulate it to the point that you really think it's going to come true and when they've got you all whipped up with emotion slide something in front of you that's dense and (unless you're an attorney with experience reading literary contracts) you can't make heads or tails of.

You trusted that they were professional and they took a carefully packaged lie and decieved you with it. It's happened to many many MANY people here, and the majority of people posting here were taken in by PA and didn't know what was wrong until it was way too late.

Remember that you finished a manuscript and had the guts to send it in. And that if you stick with your dream you'll get even better, be published and the whole PA thing will just be a warning tale that you tell authors who come behind you.

There is NO SHAME in wanting to live out your dream and trusting in other people. PA should be the ones feeling shame.

And with any luck the'll go straight to hell for the way they've milked so many authors.

Hi Mamie

Please don't feel like a loser because PA isn't the best choice out there for your book. I know I can confidently speak for more than myself when I say 'we' would never see you as a loser or a wannabe because your first book landed with PA. PA does not judge the quality of the work submitted so how could anyone else? You should be proud of your book. Me, I could write a book about all the mistakes I've made with my writing.

You might find the PA threads on here overwhelming at first but there are several authors on there who have successfully moved on from PA and others who are in the process of doing that with their next book. There are so many writers on these boards all at different stages of their 'professional' writing careers and we all have stuff to learn and give. In a way we are all wannabes as we are all striving to better our work and reach new audiences and accomplishments. You have achieved a great deal in finishing a book and one that deals with such a painful subject - congratulations. The one thing you will find on the AW board is a heap of support, a lot of knowledge and inspiration and always a helping hand.

Your post made me sad and it made me think. I thought all the current uproar on the NEPAT about upsetting PA authors was hyper sensitive and an over reaction. Then I read your post and it made me realise how painful the PA reality check can be for so many and how that process it is not helped by providing anything but support to the authors. I really hope you stick around and stick it out.

Reading Mamie77's post made me feel sad as well. I've recenetly told two people that PA is a scam and they've been had by them. I try to let them down easy, let them know it's not thier fault but I'm wondering if I'm really helping them at all. I certaintly don't want to make them feel horriable but I don't them to waste time with PA when they can do so much better. But the seem either upset that I've told them thier dream publisher is less than what it appears or they blow me off as a naysayer. I don't thik its wrong of me to point out to them what PA really is, I just wish it wasn't so hard for them to take.

You are not a failure!!!

mamie77 said:

Well,
I was just published through PA and then I came here...now I feel like a complete failure...I guess I can't keep up with you proffessional writers. I wish I could. I feel duped and I don't think I'd like to go on. My brother died a few years back, we came from an extremely abusive background and a week before he died, he told my sister if he died, he wouldn't care...and he did. There's too much pain and I can't keep up with everyone, I just can't. I feel so alone in this world with people who I feel I have to "keep up" with, or "live up" to. How, after telling everyone that I'm a published writer, how am I supposed to tell them I'm just a "wannabe"? Can someone please tell me how I, a looser in this world without a name for myself, without something, not even a college degree, is supposed to go on after such a blow. I can't take another blow...I just can't..I'm so tired people. I do wish all of you the best of luck. bstevens...I think what all of them are saying is we just didn't do our homework. After reading all the information on PA, that I should have read prior to signing thier contract, I believe they are correct in thier views. I hope you all have the best success. Peace and Love, Mamie77

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Mamie,

I feel your pain and I understand what you must be feeling. I was nearly taken by PA early last year. Then I found out about this board and started to read about PA and knew better than to sign with them. Then last Nov. I sent my book back to them! Why? Because I had lost faith in my book and my writing ability and just wanted to see it in book form. I knew that they were a scam but I nearly let them have my book because I was a fool. But then I heard about 'Crack of Death' and it snapped me back to reality. It made me realize that my book may never see the light of day in a bookstore but it's better off on my hard drive collecting dust than being printed by PA. You're not a failure by any means! You took the time to write a book about something. There are a lot of people who say they want to write a book but never do! But you did do it. That in of itself is something to be proud of and that can never be taken away from you. So please stay and be welcome and make yourself at home. You are in good company here and trust me, I don't think your a fool at all.

Don't despair Mamie. You're in good company. Don't blame yourself because you fell victim to a very slick operation.

Hang around here for a while. Read, learn, and before you know it, you'll be healing.

mamie77 said:

Well,
I was just published through PA and then I came here...now I feel like a complete failure...I guess I can't keep up with you proffessional writers. I wish I could. I feel duped and I don't think I'd like to go on. My brother died a few years back, we came from an extremely abusive background and a week before he died, he told my sister if he died, he wouldn't care...and he did. There's too much pain and I can't keep up with everyone, I just can't. I feel so alone in this world with people who I feel I have to "keep up" with, or "live up" to. How, after telling everyone that I'm a published writer, how am I supposed to tell them I'm just a "wannabe"? Can someone please tell me how I, a looser in this world without a name for myself, without something, not even a college degree, is supposed to go on after such a blow. I can't take another blow...I just can't..I'm so tired people. I do wish all of you the best of luck. bstevens...I think what all of them are saying is we just didn't do our homework. After reading all the information on PA, that I should have read prior to signing thier contract, I believe they are correct in thier views. I hope you all have the best success. Peace and Love, Mamie77

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First of all Mamie, welcome to AW. It's good to have you here, and I hope you'll stick around. The boards can be an excellent resource if you wish them to be.

Secondly, might I point out you wrote a book? The grand majority of would-be writers never finish a book. You wrote a book. That's not an easy thing to do.

Okay, so you made a mistake in submitting to PublishAmerica. So did I. So did a lot of the people here. We're not failures because of our mistake; neither are you.

BTW, I noticed you only have one post here. Would I be correct in assuming you've done so because of a guestbook slammer?

The reason I ask is, guestbook slammers are cowards, pure and simple. They never leave their own email addresses, and they post under names that can't be traced. Then they pick on PA authors because many PA authors do not have the resources to stop them. Don't be afraid of such people. They're out to make you feel like a failure. But the fact you wrote a book at all makes you a success to a point.

My advice to you would be to keep writing, and submit to legitimate houses when you finish your next piece. Whether they accept your work or reject it, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing your work was accepted or rejected upon its own merits, not just because the company you submitted it to, met the quota for the day.

You can be a success. It's just a matter of perseverance, continuing to hone your Craft, and patience. It takes time, but don't ever feel like a failure, and don't quit just because you're feeling down right now.


I wish you all the best with your writing endeavors. Good luck to you.

welcome Mamie77

Mamie77, you came to the right place. There are a LOT of people here who understand exactly how you feel right now.

You are a SUCCESS, because you conceived of a dream and accomplished it: writing your book.
You are a SUCCESS, because you faced the fact that you were taken advantage of, and you will not let it happen again.
You are a SUCCESS, because you have found the company of supportive friends who understand your pain and share your love of the written word.

One you get over the initial shock (and you will), I hope you will continue to write and take pride in your work. You are not in competition with anyone else. Nurture your love of writing and let it grow. We all wish you well.

Hi Mamie - -I am a relative newbie here and I also had my first book printed by PA. Like others who have already replied to you I found the wake up call when I realised I had been suckered hard to take.
It has made me more determined than ever to succeed now and I am writing and submitting to other publishers. Do not stop writing and do keep on sending your work to other publishers. In other words dont let the PA experience kill off your drive and creativity. Dont let them win. Fight back and show them that you are worth so much more.

Hey, mamie77, don't be discouraged. There are people here who have gotten out of their PA contracts. Just read through some of the threads, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

and another thing

Mamie 77, please remember that the PA gang are experts at duping newcomers. They've had plenty of practice and have honed their skills. You should not feel like a failure for signing the contract. Even lawyers are fooled by the friendly appearance of PA. And it's not your fault for not knowing what you were getting into. PA's biggest weapon is the trust that new authors place in them. Keep your chin up, dear.

Hi Mamie,
I can't tell you to not feel that way because I have felt that way and quite recently. It is a blow but it doesn't have to be perminant. Let it roll off your shoulder and snuggle in. If any one can help you overcome these feelings, it will be this wonderful group right here.

They are good at pulling you back to your feet and dusting you off.

Sara - ex-pa author.

The_Grand_Duchess said:

Reading Mamie77's post made me feel sad as well. I've recenetly told two people that PA is a scam and they've been had by them. I try to let them down easy, let them know it's not thier fault but I'm wondering if I'm really helping them at all. I certaintly don't want to make them feel horriable but I don't them to waste time with PA when they can do so much better. But the seem either upset that I've told them thier dream publisher is less than what it appears or they blow me off as a naysayer. I don't thik its wrong of me to point out to them what PA really is, I just wish it wasn't so hard for them to take.

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All we can do is continue to arm new writers with information, and hopefully before they fall victim to something along the lines of PA.

I feel bad for the folks that didnt know any different, like mamie, who are crushed when they find out. None of you are failures, youre just more trusting than a company like PA deserves.

I dont feel bad in the least for the delusional fools who stick with PA, even when they have the info they need to see them for what they are.

Have heart Mamie. This isnt the end of your road.

mamie77 said:

How, after telling everyone that I'm a published writer, how am I supposed to tell them I'm just a "wannabe"? Can someone please tell me how I, a looser in this world without a name for myself, without something, not even a college degree, is supposed to go on after such a blow. I can't take another blow...I just can't..I'm so tired people. I do wish all of you the best of luck. bstevens...I think what all of them are saying is we just didn't do our homework. After reading all the information on PA, that I should have read prior to signing thier contract, I believe they are correct in thier views. I hope you all have the best success. Peace and Love, Mamie77

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Hello Mamie. For those that ask about your published status, you can tell them you made a mistake but you've learned from it and are moving on. It isn't the end but the beginning.

When you feel up to it, head to your local library and take out a few books about publishing and/or literary agents. There are lots of good ones and they teach you about a world that operates very differently than PA.

I have not been printed by PA but got involved in these boards because I could not believe what a sophisticated and devious scam PA perpetrates. They've roped in thousands and you are smart enough to realize that they are not what they claimed to be. In my book, that makes you a winner - bigtime.

Being published legitimately is tough but worth it. Write because you love to - because you can't imagine not writing. Don't worry about being results-oriented and certainly don't worry about "keeping up" with anyone else.

And don't use the word "wannabe" (in fact I think Mamie's post is an excellent example of how such words, used sort of carelessly, can suddenly turn into these definitions that people can use to make themselves feel unworthy)! I hate that word as a general rule, and anyway, you wrote a book ! Nonetheless, if you want to use the word, you must remember that the definition of a "wannabe" is someone who wants to be a writer, dabbles here and there, but doesn't put in the actual effort to finish what they started. You have! And you can do this! I really hope you stick around and get to know the people here and read the really useful info posted.

Welcome!

BTW, there's no need to have a college degree in order to be a writer.

All that you need to be a writer is to write.

Hi Mamie77 and welcome to the best group of people you could have found on the web. They will hold your hands when you're down and boost your confidence when you need it. There are many who have books published and a lot more that don't yet have anything in print. Be glad that you found out now what PA is and as hard as it seems to be, don't be pushed away from writing because of them. Nobody here will think less of you because you were published with PA. NOBODY! The rest of these guys and gals are right. You can still keep writing and still keep trying. If you love to write, nothing should keep you from doing it, and especially not PA. Getting past the initial shock will be the most difficult. Please feel free to private message me if you just want to talk or need to vent. Believe me I will understand.

I am no longer a PA published author. I got my contract cancelled in November and started (back in July) rewriting that novel. You have accomplished more than you realize. Just writing your book is so much of an accomplishment in itself. Many people never finish what they start, but you did. You have achieved a great deal more than a lot of other people ever have, and some that never will because they will give up. And... you also now know what PA is about. DON'T GIVE UP! KEEP TRYING! Let the good people here help you along your road to publication where they can. There are a lot who offer advice, critiquing, and other things too. You can learn so much more and arm yourself with knowledge - Knowledge that will keep you from ever letting someone else like PA get a signed contract.

Again, if you ever want or need to talk, private message me. Take care and the very best of luck!!! You can do this, you can survive this just as many of us here have.

Teresa

Hang tough, Mamie. I've been there and done that.
Pa sucks but you don't have to let them win...fight and write! Write another book, a better book then send it out to a real publisher!

mamie77 said:

Well,
I was just published through PA and then I came here...now I feel like a complete failure...I guess I can't keep up with you proffessional writers. I wish I could. I feel duped and I don't think I'd like to go on. My brother died a few years back, we came from an extremely abusive background and a week before he died, he told my sister if he died, he wouldn't care...and he did. There's too much pain and I can't keep up with everyone, I just can't. I feel so alone in this world with people who I feel I have to "keep up" with, or "live up" to. How, after telling everyone that I'm a published writer, how am I supposed to tell them I'm just a "wannabe"? Can someone please tell me how I, a looser in this world without a name for myself, without something, not even a college degree, is supposed to go on after such a blow. I can't take another blow...I just can't..I'm so tired people. I do wish all of you the best of luck. bstevens...I think what all of them are saying is we just didn't do our homework. After reading all the information on PA, that I should have read prior to signing thier contract, I believe they are correct in thier views. I hope you all have the best success. Peace and Love, Mamie77

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Mamie,

Welcome to AW. Stick around, this is a great group of people.

You are not a loser. The game isn't over yet. You've had a setback, but that's all it is. You have to remember that the PA folks are professional scammers. This is what they do and they are very good at it. There is nothing to be ashamed of on your part.

I didn't sign with PA, but I almost did. It was dumb luck that I found AW before I signed. I'm still not published and still trying. And that is the status of a lot of us here.

Don't let those b******ds that run PA make you feel less of yourself. Use this in your writing. Then you will win.

Take care.