Re: Durban House Publishing
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
As a struggling author, I feel obliged to report this incident to the publishing industry:
Durban House Publishing Co., Inc. of Dallas, Texas has advertised in Writers Digest that it pays up to $2,000.00 up front to any author with whom they sign a contract. They also claim to be a member of PMA.
I submitted my novel to them over a year ago. Then, in May of this year, I was surprised to receive a personal call from Durban House President, Mr. John Lewis, saying how much his editor liked my three sample chapters and synopsis. He requested I rush my manuscript to his editor, Robert Middlemiss, in Vienna, VA.
In the course of the conversation, Mr. Lewis promised Durban House would develop:
A) My personal web page
B) Dust Jacket
C) Create and mail brochures to alert the trade.
D) Develop artwork and secure listing with leading Online’s (B&N, Amazon) plus (BookSense76).
E) Promotion at Book Expo America, Frankfurt Book Fair, adv. in all trade mags.
F) Send review sample to leading book reviewers.
G) Send signed first-edition samples to leading independent booksellers.
H) Libraries, radio talk shows, National Public Radio, and collectors of first editions.
I) Pay royalties of 50% - less reprinting and warehousing costs.
I talked to Mr. Middlemiss, confirmed his enthusiasm for what he'd seen of my book and mailed off my manuscript. Before it could have possibly have reached the editor, I received a packet containing three free copies of recent Durban House releases (including one of Mr. Lewis') plus a letter confirming the offer, even though his editor had not seen my manuscript, a Publishing Agreement, plus a Service Agreement. No mention was made of the $2,000.00 bonus.
On Page One, Paragraph Three, of the Service Agreement:
"In exchange for Author paying Publisher $25,000.00 in Dallas County, Texas, Publisher shall provide...." promotion services that, in Publishers sole discretion, may consist of one or more of the following…” (These consisted of the services which Mr. Lewis mentioned, both in his letter and by phone, would be provided without reservations)
Upon signing the Publishing Contract, author assigns exclusive rights to publisher for the “life of the copyright”. He also agrees to hold publisher “harmless” and waives any type of legal recourse against the publisher, except arbitration in Dallas County.
Author also promises, under threat of legal action, never to disclose any details of the contract.
I reported this to Writers Market. After reviewing my grievance, Ms. Katy Brogan, Editor of Writers Market, removed Durban House from their website byexecutive decision. For confirmation, please contact: Katy Brogan, Editor,
[email protected]
I can provide documentary proof of all accusations mentioned above upon receipt of your FAX number or your mailing address.
William M. Barnes
Author of "Nonesuch Chronicles"(Published) and "Just One More Boom, Lord", and "Running Slim Buffalo Woman." (Unpublished)
[email protected]
www.william-m-barnes.com