I spent seven years and untold resources researching and writing my book, but was disappointed by the huge fees charged by most publishing houses. When Publish America agreed to publish my manuscript, I thought that I had finally found someone who would give me a chance. I will admit that during the publishing phase, they were very agreeable and helpful, but once the book was published, I was on my own.
My numerous complaints of promotion difficulties were met by the same form letter, and my questions concerning why my book wasn't on the shelves went unanswered. It was embarrassing and humiliating that everyone whom I recommended by book to was unable to purchase a copy without visiting Publish America's website, and the cost of the book was not a reasonable reflection of current market values. Those who did manage to purchase copies via Amazon.com complained loudly of back-orders, poor service, and high prices.
I never expected to get rich. That was not why I published my book. But I am constantly frustrated by dead ends and walls that keep my book from selling the way it should. My most recent complaint to their public relations department was met with, once again, the same form letter, which flouts their free authors website and promotes a book you can purchase about how to sell your book. Shameless marketing.
The web site is useless, as anyone with Internet Explorer 7 or higher can't edit their page, and even though promoting my book may be partly my own responsibility, the publisher did not send out the promised press releases, they have not made my book available to the retailers mentioned in their contract, and they have made it exceedingly difficult for me to purchase copies of my own work. Their prices are outrageous, and no retailer I spoke to was willing to order even one copy.
I am writing this report because I now hold in my hands my long-awaited copyright papers. I am expected to send a copy of these papers to Publish America, but I am seriously considering witholding this information on the grounds that the company is in default on the agreed to contract. I am even willing to repay any royalties I have received, all ten dollars of it, to get out from under a seven year contract that has effectively killed any chances of my book selling well.
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