The Newer Never-Ending PublishAmerica / America Star Books Thread

Sepisllib · May 11, 2010

If I were an author, of Grisham's standing, I would be sending my attorney to deal with them.

I cannot picture myself being happy to receive 30,000 or more such requests from someone I don't know and from a low life publisher as they are.

God Bless

Bill

HistorySleuth · May 11, 2010

So this is the second Book Expo attempt by PA. The other one was with auctioning off of the tickets. (I sent that one to the events coordinator) I wonder what they would think if they got an email about another attempt by PA to use their expo to scam their authors?

We need a spy to go to the event. :e2paperba

luv lit · May 11, 2010

Hi everyone, Just a quick note to let all know I still have not had my contract released yet, but on a good note I do have 42,000 words done on my WIP. I don't think about PA much anymore, they are not worth my effort. I have deleted all their emails, and will not answer them, I do not belong to them anymore, nor do I discuss them except to tell others you might want to check them out before signing the life of your book away because they will kill it and bury it in their computer, only bringing it to life when you the author purchases your own book.

Marian Perera · May 11, 2010

I'm glad things are going well for you, luv lit. Especially the 42K words.

And yes, telling people about PA is excellent. I think it's very sad when writers who know better try to cover up the truth (by saying "PA lived up to the contract" and so on). You're speaking from experience and helping others instead!

PVish · May 11, 2010

At least one author's book is available in e-book format for $9.95. However, it doesn't say which format—Nook, Kindle, iPad, etc. Just e-book.

Gillhoughly · May 11, 2010

Ironically, the e-book prices are reasonable compared to PA's "normal" pricing.

However, I'm not blowing 10 bucks on a 100-p. book with no "look inside" feature.

Okay, this is just sadly hilarious.

It's by "various authors," none of them named in the badly-formatted blurb, which has three of these ??? instead of apostrophes.

I'm sure it is packed with helpful info about the construction of lollipop trees.

The book would have considerably more impact if any of its contributors were on the NYT bestseller list, but since it's a good bet they're all with PA we know that's never going to happen while they remain there.

Ten years and counting and not a single bestseller, PA, but Willie has had lots of fun in his Hellocopter, shopping for yachts, and living in that million-dollar home community.

Ripping off inexperienced writers sure makes for the sweet life.

Marian Perera · May 11, 2010

Gillhoughly said:
Okay, this is just sadly hilarious.

Crud. You know, I've wanted to read that book for some time now. I just didn't want to risk buying it from PA, with their unreliability in shipping (and the high cost), but now it looks as though the e-book is wildly overpriced as well.

I mean, if the contents are anything like the blurb...

This is your invitation to enter the society of the published author through a candid look at their promotional endeavors. Become privy to the closely held secrets of those with intimate knowledge about the subject of publicity...

There may be a masonic handshake involved. Come to the circle of stones at ten minutes past midnight and tell no one!

Gravity · May 11, 2010

Given the typical PA customer's cavalier approach to spelling and punctuation, that masonic handshake may involve feet ...

Gillhoughly · May 11, 2010

Since they're called "Published Authors" it's clear that it's a compilation PA itself put together.

The usual thing is to have "Edited by" instead, but since PA is so hilariously incompetent, they missed that fine point. Probably no one there wants to take responsibility for it. I promise you the information in that book is readily available elsewhere.

Closely guarded secrets? Hardly. It's all free on the Net unless you're too lazy to bother with a Google search to see what your favorite writers do and copy from them.

Every pro writer I know has a website, something on FaceBook, a blog, tweets, has a MySpace page, and knows where to buy low-cost bookmarks.

I've got all of those, and the only ones not free are the website (though I could get a free one if I didn't mind ads) and the bookmarks.

I should take a lollipop tree to my next convention and see if that won't boost my sales!

Meh, I'd rather warn newbies against going to PA.

I keep getting emails from people wanting to be my publicist--tiny little catch--it costs a ton of money I don't have.

Dear neo writer--you will not need a publicist until and unless you are on the NYT bestseller list on a regular basis. By then you may decide you don't really need one because, hey--you're on the NYT bestseller list!

Don Davidson · May 11, 2010

Gillhoughly said:
Okay, this is just sadly hilarious.

It's by "various authors," none of them named in the badly-formatted blurb, which has three of these ??? instead of apostrophes.

I'm sure it is packed with helpful info about the construction of lollipop trees.

This is a typical PA non-sequitor: to learn about marketing, you ask a writer--a writer who probably has no education, training, or special expertise in marketing; who may have never been to college, much less business school; and whose marketing "success" is reflected by his or her ability to sell a handful of books. Makes perfect sense, unless you happen to give it any thought whatsoever.

PVish · May 11, 2010

Gillhoughly said:
Every pro writer I know has a website, something on FaceBook, a blog, tweets, has a MySpace page, and knows where to buy low-cost bookmarks.

My publisher—a very small publisher, at that—gave me two good-sized boxes of bookmarks. And advanced reader copies. And lots of author copies. None of that cost me a cent.

And what does PA do? Tries to sell its authors a book. And their own books.

merrihiatt · May 11, 2010

Gillhoughly said:
Okay, this is just sadly hilarious.

At least they didn't capitalize published author in the description of the book!

James D. Macdonald · May 11, 2010

PVish said:
At least one author's book is available in e-book format for $9.95. However, it doesn't say which format—Nook, Kindle, iPad, etc. Just e-book.

What are the bets that it's just the same pdf file that they print from?

TheTinCat · May 12, 2010

Become privy to the closely held secrets of those with intimate knowledge about the subject of publicity...

Wow, whatever they can do to feed the RPG, huh?

For some reason it has become a very accepted phenomenon in our society that anyone will offer advice on anything, simply because they have an opinion.

TV-dietitians fancy themselves marriage counselors, celebrities are quoted on child rearing as if they were experts, the horrid, useless concept of personal "life coaches" springs up - and people whose only qualifications are that they really-really-really want to be successful writers give advice on marketing a book.

Makes me want to scream sometimes.

PVish · May 12, 2010

James D. Macdonald said:
What are the bets that it's just the same pdf file that they print from?

That's what I'm thinking. Or maybe just the manuscript in Word the way PA received it?

At any rate, e-book owners of Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, or iPad probably won't be able to read the e-book on their respective devices.

IF PA thinks one size fits all, then PA should read this article, "How to Navigate Confusing E-Book Landscape."

Sepisllib · May 12, 2010

It is getting better ---- finally they have reached the place where my book is fairly priced.

Boiler room marketing at its very best ---- wonder what shipping is?????

**********************************************************

Dear Author:

Did you know that megastores like WalMart typically demand and receive discounts of up to 80 percent from publishers?

So why not give you what WalMart gets?

24 hours only.

80 pct discount on all books.

Go to www.publishamerica.net, find your book, click on it, then add to cart, indicate quantity, and use this coupon: Mighty80. Then click Recalculate and finish the transaction. No minimum order volume required.

You must be real quick. Offer expires tomorrow.

Thank you,
PublishAmerica Author Support Team

****************************************************************************************************

GothicKnight · May 12, 2010

I had sent a query to PA, and was so happy when they said they'd publish my novel. Hey, I didn't know any better. Once I heard all the lovely stories about them, here and elsewhere, I stopped all contact with them. Got an email from them the other day, and I replied that I don't want to have anything to do with PA, and I told them why. Just received another email, and they took the time to tell me how great they are, and why I should get in bed with them. I was told the websites I referred to "have long ago lost credibility" and they are "rarely taken seriously." I had to note, however, the email failed to address any of the specific concerns I mentioned.

Most (not all) of their books are listed on Amazon, but only a select few are in stock. Only one of the books I saw had a review. They're terribly over-priced. I just can't imagine making any money with this publisher, since the first 2K units sold will net the author an astonishing 8%.

I wish they were a legitimate publisher, but even my trusty Magic 8ball is telling me to run away.

Gillhoughly · May 12, 2010

GothicKnight said:
I was told the websites I referred to "have long ago lost credibility" and they are "rarely taken seriously."

Pot, meet the kettle.

I had to note, however, the email failed to address any of the specific concerns I mentioned.

Yeah, they avoid dealing with writers' concerns. Clearly the writers just *don't* understand publishing! The writer will be wrong at every turn, but PA is *always* right.

I just can't imagine making any money with this publisher, since the first 2K units sold will net the author an astonishing 8%.

Actually, for mass market production (with a legit publisher) that is a good rate. Of course, PA's terrible bookkeeping means the writers don't get squat even if they do make some sales.

However, PA has made it nearly impossible for its writers to sell even 100 books (unless the writers buy them), much less 2000.

Most mass market books will have a print run of around 5K and be distributed across the country. I don't know the numbers for trade editions, but they will still get stocked (vs. "available") in bookstores and bought by libraries. Selling a minimum of 2k copies can happen in the first few weeks. For popular writers, the first HOUR. For a PA writer--usually zero, unless they have a big generous family making pity buys.

So why not give you what WalMart gets?

Like distribution? PA writers might make the kind of money they dream about if every Walmart stocked their books.

But PA is too busy begging writers to buy their own work to try marketing to Walmart.

.

Marian Perera · May 12, 2010

GothicKnight said:
I had to note, however, the email failed to address any of the specific concerns I mentioned.

That's a stock reply email they send everyone who asks about warnings.

I would say that PA is what's lost credibility, but that implies PA had credibility to begin with.

I just can't imagine making any money with this publisher, since the first 2K units sold will net the author an astonishing 8%.

Technically it's possible, if you buy books in bulk with one of those super savings deals that mark the book down by 80% or give you forty free copies for buying ten. Technically. If they don't charge you $5/book for shipping or send you a box of loose paper or glued-together books.

And if they don't send you the wrong book entirely - on PA's Facebook page an author says that her book is called "Passionate Playmates", but she received someone else's book called "The Passionate Christian".

If you don't pay through the nose, if you receive the correct order in good condition, if it's been well-edited and if the cover isn't off-putting, you might sell those books at a profit.

The problem comes when everyone in your immediate family and community and workplace has a copy. What then? Bookstores aren't likely to order PA-printed books and often balk at signings. And the PA-printed book isn't an actual publication credit that can be used if the writer hopes to submit future manuscripts to a real publisher.

So even in the best-case scenario (which happens to few if any PA authors), it's kind of bleak from the point of view of someone who wants a career as a writer.

DreamWeaver · May 12, 2010

Gillhoughly said:
Like distribution? PA writers might make the kind of money they dream about if every Walmart stocked their books.

*IF* the PA books were properly edited to professional standards. I really think if Wal-Mart stocked PA books as-is, even mighty Wal-Mart would find their customers rebeling.

As a side-note, the bookstore where I work until tomorrow (yes, you won't have to read anymore "in the bookstore where I work" posts--long story, sad ending), our semi-annual bargain blow-out sale often features unsold overstock from Wal-Mart. I know this because the Wal-Mart price tags are really, really sticky and never come off cleanly.

Gillhoughly · May 12, 2010

Sepisllib said:
Did you know that megastores like WalMart typically demand and receive discounts of up to 80 percent from publishers?

Because Walmart has proven mega sales. PA does not.

80pct discount on all books.

Okay gang--let's play that AW favorite:

CRUNCH THE NUMBERS!!!!! :hooray:

Regular price for a 353-page PA title -- 24.95.

Gill's 358-page title in the same genre -- 13.95.

80% off the PA book = 4.99

40% off Gill's book = 8.37 (standard author's discount)

Order 25 copies of PA book = 124.75
Plus 3.99 EACH for shipping = 99.75
PA total: 224.50

Gill orders 25 copies = 209.25
Plus shipping = 9.40 (media mail for a 19-lb box to Gill's area)
Gill's total: 218.65

Since Gill has a tax number for her online store, those 25 copies count as royalty sales. These look good to the publisher's bean counters when Gill's agent brings a new book proposal to the table.

Since the PA writer ordered for himself, (with or without a tax number) those will not count as royalty sales. It is not likely he can sell them for 24.95 when similar books in stores are only 13.95.

Gill got a 4-figure advance, proper editing, a professional cover, and international distribution, selling in Canada, the UK, Japan, and as an e-book. A separate audio book deal made by the publisher brought Gill even more advance money. Gill got a box of 15 author copies.

The PA writer got a 1.00 advance, a stock cover, and a listing on the PA website. No free author copies.

Gill's book shows as being "in print" at all the online stores.

PA book shows as "out of stock" on Amazon. B&N, and Books a Million don't list it at all. Chapters in Canada is selling it for 37.50 and shows it as "unavailable."

Yes, he can sell those 25 copies at 13.95 and keep the difference, but again--unknown writer, shoddy-looking, unedited product. What are the odds?

Promote-promote-promote all you like, PA writers, but I've sold more copies of that one title to the general public than PA has sold in ten years for its entire 40K-title "inventory".

Someone very smart here on AW figured that in 10 years PA has sold about 5,000 copies to the public (not its writers). 5K divided by 40K titles means most PA writers didn't sell a single book.

In six months my one little mid-list title sold about 10,000 copies.

So, PA lurkers, which of us got the better deal?

.

scully931 · May 12, 2010

Great post, Gill!

But, I mean, how in the world did you ever get an agent in the first place??? Are you on TV or something??? Weren't the evil agents and publishers trying to keep your book off their list??? :scared:

Gillhoughly · May 12, 2010

scully931 said:
how in the world did you ever get an agent in the first place??? Are you on TV or something??? Weren't the evil agents and publishers trying to keep your book off their list???

I was hunting in the wilds of Tibet
and saved my future agent from being attacked
by a rare Himalayan were-tiger.
We've been working together ever since.
Me and the agent, that is, not the were-tiger,
who later opened a successful Starbucks in Kathmandu.

(Actually, she was recommended to me by another writer.)

DreamWeaver · May 12, 2010

Why would another writer recommend a were-tiger to you? :tongue

Ducking and running for cover.

CatSlave · May 12, 2010

Sepisllib said:
It is getting better ---- finally they have reached the place where my book is fairly priced.

Boiler room marketing at its very best ---- wonder what shipping is?

PA could offer the books for free, and still make a profit on the shipping charges.

Each offer sounds more desperate than the last, though.
I'm thinking some popcorn would be just the thing.

The Newer Never-Ending PublishAmerica / America Star Books Thread

Truth, gentle or not!

Researching History's Mysteries

figuring it all out

starting over

Cat hair collector

Grumpy writer and editor

starting over

Seen 'em come, seen 'em go

Grumpy writer and editor

Theophilus

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Writing! Writing! Writing!

Your Genial Uncle

I am a mighty viking!

Cat hair collector

Truth, gentle or not!

Grumpy writer and editor

starting over

Shakespearean Fool

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So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

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Mah tale iz draggin.