Publish America ripoff Frederick Maine

Greetings,

October 15, 2002 I signed a contract with Publish America. They claimed to be a traditional publisher who was able to get their books in brick and mortar stores as well as those online. They also claimed to have an editorial staff and publicity department, which would benefit my novel. However, these claims and many others were not accurate.

It is very difficult to get Publish America's books on brick and mortar shelves. Their not returnable policy isn't acceptable to most stores. However, I have managed to get my novel in to several. Higher Self and Isle of Avalon are two. Both stores have tried ordering books from the PA, however phone calls have gone unanswered and emails unreturned. PA would prefer to have the authors buy their books then resell them so they don't have to deal directly with individual stores.

Also their editorial staff and publicity departments are more of a facade than a reality. They did virtually no editing on my novel and the only publicity it has received was generated by myself. I have place ads, done interviews, arranged book signings and reviews. All of the reviews have been very good; the only complaint was the lack of proper editing.

According to section 11 of my contract, Publish America agreed to keep and maintain true and accurate records to the distribution of copies of my novel, including of all sales and collections therefore. I have asked for a complete listing of the sales of my novel to compared to the research I've done. Yet they continue to ignore my requests, repeating that they have a 30, 60, 90 day payment policy. Publish America doesn't have return policy, therefore the 30, 60, 90 delay payment does not apply. New Age Insights
Belford, NJ bought and paid for six copies in July 17 and received them July 31, however I have not received payment for them. Nor does PA acknowledge the sale. In addition, I have accounted for nearly all of the copies I was paid for, yet I have received emails from across the country from people who have enjoyed my novel and asked when the sequel will be coming out. These copies can't be tracked back to any source.

Per section 12 of the agreement Publish America agrees to render and forward to the author, in the months of February and August royalties. The royalties were paid in September, therefore it was late. It further states that "giving sufficient notice of no less than seven days, the author may examine publisher's records and accounts to the extent that such records and accounts are relevant to the publication of said literary work." Being able to verify the accounting practices by comparing the books I know were sold to those they have paid me for is relevant. I am willing to pay a reasonable amount, per the contract, to have the records send to me.

I am not the only one who has fallen prey to PA. There are nearly 12,000 authors listed with them and more being added every day. Who knows how many books have been sold and how many tens of thousand of dollars have been unpaid to the authors? Please help me resolve these issues. You can reach me by phone at 231-943-3298 or by email at Tirgana@yahoo.com

Theresa
Traverse City, Michigan
U.S.A.