Complaint Review: Publish America - Internet

My manuscript for Deadly Shamrocks was accepted by Publish America and I was sent a sample contract to review. After e-mailing them back I was sent the actual contract and an electronic signature page. My book was published and released 09-20-10.

From the first day after I signed my contract I have been bombarded with e-mails from Publish America offering "specials" to me to buy my book, have an agent represent me, have my book presented to a screenwriter, have my book reviewed by J.K. Rowling, etc. All of these speical deals would cost me, the author, money. The price of the offer would be anywhere from 15.00 to have Publish America promote my book on their Facebook page, to 199.00 to have my book reviewed by a screenwriter. I have only taken advantage of the "deep discount" offers to buy my own books for book signings that I scheduled myself.

Publish America stated they would arrange book signings for me (which they did not do), send out a press release to all the media that I would give them (which they did not do), promote my book in a variety of ways (which they did not do). I have received one royalty statement since the book was released and that was in February 2011. I did not receive a statement in August 2011. When I inquired as to why I did not receive a statement, I was advised that all the statement went out and I should be receiving mine any day. As of 11-03-11 it still has not arrived.

I created a website to promote my book as well as other authors published b Publish America. The reason for this website was to provide a place to network and exchange ideas on promoting and marketing since it was obvious we were on our own.

Since that time I have received numerous e-mails from members of the website complaining about being ripped off. Many have stated they paid for special offers then was told by Publish America that it would not be possible at this time to provide that service. No money was ever returned.

I e-mailed Publish America to ask if I could have the rights to my book returned to me. I was sent an e-mail reply stating I could purchase my rights for $150.00

I am currentlyl corresponding with Publish America on behalf of myself and a few members on my website, once again trying to obtain the rights to our books back at no charge.

Please, anyone who is considering using this company should research the company, read all the negative things written on several websites about this company, read the BBB report and any other information you can get your hands on. I regret ever getting involved with Publish America. I will do almost anything to prevent another person going through what I have gone through with Publish America.