Ms.Darnella Cordier.
Darnella called me and told me she had gotten my number from a someone. We talked for a few minutes and she told me how she meditated before each editing job and made me get the impression that it could be the right person to work with. Just a few little things sounded a little off, but I chose not to pay attention to them since, it was a given that if the name came from that lady she mentioned, I trusted to let her into my home.
What a devastating experience!? I am still in shock. She said when she invited herself that: " I like to get the atmosphere of the author's back ground and needs, and to meet the spouse too". She stayed in my House for 6 hours and didn't want to leave! The first visit that was supposed to be professional. She sunk into the chair and said: "it is very relaxing here, I don't want to go". It sounds like a nice compliment until you know the rest of the story. I could not get her out.
She insisted to get $10,000.00 for the editing and self publishing. At that time I didn't know better yet, so I gave her a check of $2,500.00 for the start. I never got a receipt. I never received an invoice, a price detailed list. I asked for a contract to start the work, I have not received it. I regretted giving her the check.
She left here after 7 PM and went straight to my bank to cash the check. Still giving me no confirmation, signed agreement and/or contract. Darnella said she would like to read what I had written so far, and tell me if she will be willing to work with me. It is understood that under such conditions, one does not cash the money yet. The price she quoted me seemed very high to me, so I asked her: "how are your prices in comparison, in your
industry" ? she replied "In the middle". I was still trusting and yet, started to feel fishy.
Then she called me and said that she is bringing next week the printer, and that I will love him. On Tuesday the next week Darnella came with the Printer. She never disclosed to us that he is working with or for her. His prices made me even more skeptic, and I never offered to call him. The meeting ended and I felt that I am going to be ripped off badly. I felt physically sick to my stomach. Darnella, was the name of the publisher on the folder he had left here, so, she was practically bringing her own printer, which was OK, if she would only say so. This would make my expenses for the editing and printing, up to $15,000.00. The bar code and ISBN number and all the rest I should do myself she said.
I called her and asked her to stop everything, and that I do not want to do the work. She said to me that she had not even started yet, she was just trying to get the feel and prepare the structure. So, at that point she had not done anything yet, but, printing in order to be able to read it.
My husband called her and asked her to explain, please, what justifies the high price she had quoted us, when we compare it to others who would give more services for just $3000.00 ?She decided to send us 2 web site links to get better prices. She insisted to do so....to help us.She also said: " don't worry, I will refund you your money in full. Do you think I would keep your money? I am not like that ".
Since, my search was for an editor, and she said it would cost me $7 per page, editing. She took a whole weekend to reply my e-mail, and, had not returned my calls or answered. So, at that point, I sent her my e-mail, I am forwarding to you. She sent me back $1,750.00 with a very unprofessional receipt, for $750.00 charge.
I am in shock. I feel robed, raped, deceived and very shaky with this entire encounter. I feel that I ran into a con that took advantage of me. Darnella withheld in a dishonest way $750.00 from me without any warning, price offer, suggestion, explanation, and of course no agreement. This is theft. I filed a complaint against her to the:
BBB
Police
Attorney General
Yet, we all know how that works.
Her web site and cards talk about love and spirit, to mislead. I am sending this e-mail to Darnlla first, so she can prevent this scam from being published and may be, heal herself and her business.
Yael
sunrise, Florida
U.S.A.