Famous Poets Society ripoff poetry contest Talent Oregon

I was recently informed I was chosen as a Semi-finalist in the Society's and was asked for permission to publish my Poem in their anthology Titled Great Poems of the Western World. I was also told I had won several different awards for my poem. They went on to invite me to their convention, but I would have to pay for travel and about $500.00 for a room and registration for the event.

I am very disappointed in these people, as I have submitted several poems to similar organizations and been published. I am now leary of enetering any online poetry contest and I would like to recommend to other writers : Always research a company before submitting any of your work!!!

Their most recent letter thanked me for my order, which I never placed and said a balance of $36.95 was owed before they printed any books. The Publisher's exact words were, "We are ready to go to press! As a courtesy, I have reserved a book for you, so you won't miss out." Again, I agreed for them to publish the poem for free and never ordered a book.

Shirley Ann
Fulton, New York
U.S.A.