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http://boxfirepress.com/ Since they posted in the Paying Markets forum, I thought I'd start a thread here on them. Thoughts? Opinions?
I participated in the thread at Paying Markets, and have formed a negative opinion they've done nothing to refute. Saying they pay royalties but refusing to give average or typical earnings smacks of low pay--which is not a problem, but come on, dudes, be honest about what you can afford to pay.
KTC notices that in a year they've only got two stories, both by the same author. Highly suspect.
I'd cross the street to get away from this market.
Maryn, wearing her sturdy walking shoes
p.s. Love the avatar!
Boxfire Press Website:
Do you pay an advance?
We only discuss financial terms when we reach the contract stage with an author.
Boxfire Press Website:
Where will the stories be distributed?
It depends on the story, but over the last year we've developed relationships and have contracts in place with some of the top eBook distributors out there right now, including Apple, Amazon.com, Sony, etc. We'll give your work the widest distribution we can.
Boxfire Press Website: (BOLDING MINE)
Shouldn't I just publish my stories myself?
You certainly can. Many eBook distributors have developed self-serve platforms for authors. However, we always think it helps in the mind of the reader if the book or the story has been vouched for by a third-party. Even though, for example, I own the company -- my own stories have been independently shaped and edited before they ever went out the door.
Boxfire Press Website:
How much will my stories sell for? Will you make them free?
Financial terms, including the retail price, are left to the contract stage. We'll develop a pricing strategy that we think best fits your story and your goals. Free eBooks will get your name out there and maybe even generate a lot of attention and reviews, but they won't make you--or us--any money, obviously.
Boxfire Press Website:
I know what it's like to fight against the publishing machine, a machine that leaves a lot of good authors outside the door while pushing the works of tried and true, but sometimes, mediocre ones. I really want Boxfire Press to be a place known for discovering and developing new authors.
Boxfire Press Website:
Do you take print rights? Can I resell my story?
The exact rights we ask for with your story will be decided at the contract stage. In general, we ask for worldwide eBook rights, the option to exercise some prints rights for a certain amount of time and the option to sell some subsidiary rights. The specifics can be complicated, so, again, we'll worry about it all at the contract stage.
Boxfire Press Website:
You're a writer, so is my story safe with you? I don't want it stolen.
I do read all the stories, but I'm not in the business of taking other's work. That being said, there's a very, very small chance that you might send something that's similar to something I'm already working on or something we're already developing with another writer. That's just the chance you take when you send an unsolicited manuscript on spec. If you're really worried, feel free to send us a query letter first and if it sounds too similar, we'll let you know.
Boxfire Press Website:
We launched in 2009 with a couple short stories available on the Amazon Kindle.
Boxfire Press Website:
In 2010, we expanded to the iPad and one of our best pieces hit the top #10 in the iBookstore.
That's sort of like saying 'nicely stapled' for an elementary-school book report, isn't it?compared to may other epubs you should we wary of, they have a great website...
compared to may other epubs you should we wary of, they have a great website...
I'm assuming they mean speculative fiction, because nearly all the genres listed are in that category. But still, it sounds like a vet saying, "I specialize in domestic animals."We specialize in fiction
By submitting or otherwise communicating your creative ideas, stories and works, you acknowledge that the company, its officers, directors, employees, agents and/or affiliates may already have similar works in development and you agree to release the company, its officers, directors, employees, agents and/or affiliates from any and all claims regarding the work you submit or arising from any submission or communication with the company and its agents, including but not limited to claims of copyright infringement.
Yes, nice website but poor manners. I sent off an email, asking (a little tactlessly, I guess) why the only three books they have published all belong to one guy. I also asked if they have ever established relationships with other writers or are they just another vanity press pushing their own one-trick pony. Here's the "testy" response I received from the "editor" at Boxfire:
[FONT="]This email address is not Justin McLachlan's, it belongs to Boxfire Press. Our suggestion for you is this: when approaching a potential publisher, submit your work and then ask questions if and when the publisher shows some interest. Even the best-worded, well-intended email can risk alienating and editor who has more than enough submissions to wade through as it is.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Hmm, guess I alienated this guy, huh? His response makes me wonder why people can't get a straight answer out of them. I suspect it's because it's just one or two guys trying to make themselves look bigger than they are, and their reputation for vague and petty responses to questions is getting around. But hey, what do I know about approaching a busy editor?[/FONT]
Um, no.[FONT="]This email address is not Justin McLachlan's, it belongs to Boxfire Press. Our suggestion for you is this: when approaching a potential publisher, submit your work and then ask questions if and when the publisher shows some interest. [/FONT][FONT="]
[/FONT]
Our suggestion for you is this: when approaching a potential publisher, submit your work and then ask questions if and when the publisher shows some interest.
So, right around the time when I'd start hearing what my book will sell for and how much of the cut I'm getting? MMmmm-hmm. There's a reason I don't call the phone numbers on the pamphlets saying "Want to make $600 a day? Call Joe now" with no information about what I'd acutally be doing to earn that money. Though come to think of it, at least those pamphlets on my windshield acutally tell me what I'm making, rather than making me wait for the contract stage.This email address is not Justin McLachlan's, it belongs to Boxfire Press. Our suggestion for you is this: when approaching a potential publisher, submit your work and then ask questions if and when the publisher shows some interest. Even the best-worded, well-intended email can risk alienating and editor who has more than enough submissions to wade through as it is.
Boxfire Press Website:
Here's a sample of what some people have said about our stories:
"...Witty, clever and flippin' hilarious!!!" -- MusicMegaFan
"This is one of my favorite short stories of all time!!!" -- oneXXerror
"A very talented write and gripping story..." --AaronDavies
"...can't wait for more by this author" -- aj101202
"Short fiction at it's best." --joefergs
"A M A Z I N G" --jessy.bookworm
Email from Boxfire Press:
This email address is not Justin McLachlan's, it belongs to Boxfire Press.
Boxfire Press Website:
This is an agreement between you, the Web site user, and Justin McLachlan LLC ("the company"), the owner of Boxfire Press and boxfirepress.com ("Web site").
This made me LOL:
Seriously - a bunch of internet handles with no way of verifying where or who made the review is not an endorsement of your stories. If these are review blogs, at least include a link to the relevant sites. This is just ... well, pathetic really.
Uh-huh. I'd find it easier to believe that if it wasn't for the fact that this is on the website's terms of use:
If Boxfire Press belongs to Justin McLachlan LLC and Justin McLachlan LLC belongs to ... oh, I dunno, let's take a wild stab in the door and say Justin McLachlan, then the email address does indeed belong to Justin McLachlan.
Honestly, at least own up that. Pretending otherwise just makes me worry about whether you have a split personality.
MM