Poetry.com rip-off Owings Mills Maryland

I want to set the records straight on these poetry scams. The International Library of Poetry, peotry.com, Famous poets, etc.

For those that haven’t been scammed by this company yet, when you receive the following letter, which you will for every poem you send them, this is how it reads:
RE: “******” is qualified to advance to our final round of judging and is approved for publication.

Dear ********,

Congratulations, you are a finalist in our writing competition! Now you can advance to compete for our grand prize of $1000 or 99 other cash, publication or gift prizes. All you have to do to be in the final round of judging is return your “Qualified-Final Round” entry and the contest entry form (after signing and dating it).

Not every writer advances to the final round. You were selected because your literature is creative and enlightening, complies with our guidelines, and is the style of writing people love to read.

See your words in print – Make a dream come true!

You are also “Approved for Publication” in our newest hardcover book of contemporary poetry and prose. Take advantage of this publishing opportunity now and include your literary work in our heirloom edition, hardcover book that is distributed to writers, book stores, and libraries. When you do, you’ll be “showcasing” your writing for the reading enjoyment of thousands of poetry and prose lovers worldwide. Our books make excellent gifts and unique gifts. When you order your copy, think about ordering one for a friend or family member too/

To compete in this contest and to become published in our book – Please follow these steps:

1. Review your contest submission to be certain it’s exactly how you want it read for the competition.

2. Sign & date the enclosed contest entry form.

3. To publish your literary work: order one copy of the anthology for each poem or prose you want to publish.

4. Return: (both) your stamped, “Qualified-Final Round” Contest entry and Signed contest entry/order form by the “Respond date” stamped on the entry form. (If you are guaranteeing the publication of your work, please submit payment).

Thank you for entering the first round of our contest. We look forward to receiving your final round entry along with a signed and dated contest entry form soon. When we do, we’ll send you a Free Gift just for entering!

Micheal Perala
Executive Anthology Editor

That is one of the letters you’ll see fly through your mailbox. This is a scam from this company to extort money from you. They tell you you’ve won or that you’ve advanced, etc but want you to pay them for publication. A real company would not ask for payment of publication. Second, I dare anyone to try to find any of these books, they don’t exist. Sorry, to all those scammed already.

After a first round letter, you’ll receive a letter saying you were one of 33 poets to be chosen for a recorded book. Again to be published, you must pay them.

The cost for this $49.95 for each poem in their hardcover and their recording. As for the BS conventions that don’t exist, and yes, I went to one that never existed. To become a “Member” for one year will cost you $35. Non-members pay $595 for themselves and $475 for quests to attend. Members pay $570 for themselves and $450 per guest. Lifetime members pay $545 for themselves and $450 per guest. So where does this money go? Your guess is as good as mine.

April
Waldorf, Maryland
U.S.A.