Wise words of caution from Alison 🐵
I had a phone call the other day from an elderly gentleman who was trying to find an agent. I explained the process to him and then he said that he’d already published a book, but he still couldn’t get an agent. Digging deeper, it seemed that he was under the impression that if he had a book out on Amazon, an agent would come calling.
He’s published with a small press. I took a look on Amazon. His book has been out for almost three years. The blurb and the cover are terrible. He has zero sales and zero reviews. Getting a little bit cross now, I decided to dig a bit further.
It turns out that he paid money to a vanity press that seems to masquerade as a publisher. This organisation states on their website that they open to submissions. They give the impression that they are…
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Thanks so much for sharing – really appreciate it. So important that authors know about these issues and I’m really grateful that you’ve helped spread the word 🙂
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Welcome Alison
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Good warning for everyone. Sometimes we are so anxious to get the word out there, we will turn to the company that seems most accessible or contacts us. We need to do our research. There are times we don’t know what we don’t know and we can’t figure out who to ask. 🙂 That’s when we are vulnerable.
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It’s a minefield for sure Marsha 😃
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Seems to be, but you are doing well!
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My aging Aunt was taken advantage of (in my humble opinion) by such a company. I have tried to explain a few things to her about this publishing industry however, she doesn’t really know how to process all the information. I know she believed there was going to be a whole lot more done for her than there was. When she calls me for help, I do what I can but sometimes it’s not enough.
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Sorry to hear that Annette – we can only keep reminding everyone about these things and hope it helps them avoid the traps 🐵
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Agreed. Her book is published, she makes some sales and for the most part her dream has come true. So I look at the bright sides of what has transpired. However, I do remind her that I am here for guidance and support should she decide to write another book. I have even offered to put it together for her!
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You can’t do more than that Annette 👍🐵
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