America Star Books Willem Meiners Refusing to Return money that I had paid Baltimore LLLP Internet

I contacted publishAmerica to publish my book The Long Winding Road of Injustice. The publishing company was run by Willem Meiners and operated in Baltimore Maryland.

I understood this was a free service. They send a contract and I didn’t hesitate to sign, as I needed my family story told. After signing they sent an email saying that $315 is needed so that the book could go to the printers. This was confusing, as there had been no prior mention of any payment. I decided not to query this and I sent them the money because I was so anxious to see my book in print.

Some while later while browsing the net I was astonished to discover that this publisher was scamming writers. Many writers had information that although they were aware their books were selling they did not receive any commission from sales. Other writers were demanding an end to their contracts. Writers have also taken court action against him.

I was very disappointed about this, as there was another publisher that published books for free and took some extra commission from sales to make up for this. That suited me financially.

I requested return of the money from PublishAmerica and cancellation of contract. I was informed that the contract would run for the full term of five years and they would not be returning the money. They have instead threatened, insulted and verbally abused me.

Recently I learned that Willem Meiners has changed the name of his company to America Star Books. Shortly before this I received an email from him stating that he had agreed to cancel the contract and that would cost $299. He said he would send $15 that was the balance left. But I never received it. He was dishonest about this because the contract was false anyway as he had refused to send me a signed copy. He has also my book for sale on Amazon under his new publishing name, although this arrangement was done under the old name.

I would be thankful for anyone out there who would talk to this man about the wrong he is doing. I can be contacted at the email address jscu@gmx.com