| Author |
Message |
    
Dennis Collins
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 08:22 am: |   |
If, by chance anyone would care to list some of the positive changes that have been happening at PA, I thought I might open the conversation. (We need more input here)
Being a single guy, I sometimes use the internet to meet new faces and since I have programmed a link to my website into my e-mail, the subject of my book invariably pops up. A few of the women that I've met this way have ordered the book and many have commented on how long they've had to wait for it.
I got an email last night from a lady who says she ordered the book around July 31 and received it on Aug. 3. She ordered it directly from PA and I'd have to say that response of this kind is just what the doctor ordered.
Another good sign is that Amazon.com now has it discounted a full 30% and the other online booksellers (except for Borders. Don't know what I'm gonna do with them) have also knocked the price down.
PA can always continue to improve and I hope that they will. As I said a long time ago, most of us have nothing to compare PA to. I suspect that most publishers have their little quirks that would tend to irritate their authors and we may not be tied to the worst one. I would imagine that there are better deals on the block too. Right now, it's all I got and I'm going to make the best of it. |
Barbie Perkins-Cooper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 09:00 am: | |
Dennis:
As you know, I complained lots and was extremely critical about Publish America, due to many reasons that I will not list again. However, I do believe some good things are happening now. Mr. Meiners has been most receptive to 1) The letter I submitted to him; 2) The requests I made (and there were many contained in that letter) 3) He listened and has been courteous to me. 4) He opened the door to negotiations.
I was a bit skeptical after mailing my letter to all fourteen organizations, and to Mr. Meiners. In all reality, he could've told me I was asking for the impossible, or I was being a real B----! So, I do believe good things are happening. Mr. Meiners assigned two of his employees as liaisons, to help with my requests.
In all honesty, I was not prepared for all of the assistance, understanding and courtesy he provided. No, I am not tooting his horn, or going out of my way to promote him. As you know, I am just a bit outspoken and opinionated. When someone does me wrong, I let the world know. When someone works with me to correct, or listen to my complaints, I let the world know once again.
Everyone deserves a second chance, well mostly everyone, except the party I referred to recently (T. McV). So, I am in hopes that things are looking up with Publish America, and POD publishing, in general! This has been a learning experience for me. I've never had a problem with getting books, and only two of my friends stated that their books took about two to three weeks to receive. Based on the previous printer they used (and I will not reveal, although I know who it was, at the time) I am hopeful ordering and receiving books will not be an issue now. The true test for me will be next month when I order books to carry to a writers conference in Myrtle Beach, SC in October.
Perhaps the entire staff at Publish America has learned a valuable lesson about customer service, and is applying new, improved tactics to provide better customer service. Since June 2001, I have received a reply from all e-mails sent. On only one occasion did an e-mail require a 'second request' in the subject matter. Within two days, I had an answer to my request, and a correction to the back cover text! Utilitizing that customer service tactic, as opposed to the ignored tactics of the year 2000 helped to ease my doubts!
Let us all hope for the best. Mr. Meiners reads this site...and apparently he is really paying attention to what is being shared with others. I am referring to the issue of rights addressed by Ann Crispin and others, including myself.
It is my perception that Mr. Meiners is willing to open the doors to 'negotiation' now. In July 2000, when I signed my contract, believe me --- those doors were CLOSED! I tried to negotiate and was told blatantly that they did not allow negotiations.
So, to bottom line this lengthy reply, the door is open now...and let us all hope it will remain open!
A lesson to be learned from this experience -- to quote my special Dad --- "Speak up in life. Let your voice be heard, to the world...Just speak up with diplomacy!"
Let's just say, I do not go quietly in the dark! My voice fills with expression, and I am not considered as 'shy'.
My Dad was right! He taught me lots about life! Perhaps he is proud of me, after all! |
Cltvcoyote
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 09:52 am: | |
I, too, think that there have been many improvements at PA in the last few months. I have gotten my book proofs done, in, and the book is online as being orderable now. The cover is being worked on, I am sure, and I had a very good experience with the person who edited my book. She was absolutely wonderful. I have had a good few letters from Mr. Meiners and hope to have many more in the future, (not just because of my complaints, but because I hope to have many sales and Mr. Meiners may be wanting to contact me about that) (great noble thoughts, LOL) I also am looking forward to them maybe helping with the publicity of my book in a more active manner than has been in the past. Maybe that is a bit high, but I believe that where there is a will, there is a way, and it seems that the will has been opened and the way may follow.... My letters were sent out to all my friends, and many have called or emailed me to let me know that they will be ordering copies of my book and the pricing is really good on my book, so it should be easily affordable by almost anyone. I know that I, also am rambling here, but since the letter from Mr. Meiners, telling me that all should be well with my book by Aug 15, everything has just started happening and presto, it is a reality.
Sometimes the squeaky wheel does get the grease. I have to give Ward some credit here for opeining up this dialogue, even though that will probably grate on Mr. Meiners, It was his original effort that brought us all together and started leading the way for a better and nicer and more workable marriage with our publisher, PublishAmerica. I appreciate Mr. Meiners taking an active interest in our futures and fates, and for trying to correct the problems or at least explain the reasons for the certain decisions that may have to stay the same. I also can well understand why he has become the publisher and owner of a rather large company. He truly did have an idea in mind to help many who might never get the opportunity to get their works printed, and for that I truly commend him. It takes a person with at least that much fortitude and vision to see where the industry is going to go in the fuiture and to tackle it and try to make it work. He has proven to me that he is trying to do that..... I know that it must have been a big shock to Mr. Meiners and the staff to find out what was being thought about and said about all of them, when this all first started happening, and it made them look a bit closer at themselves to try to figure out why. Sometimes this is a good thing to have happen. And we now have a PA message board that is active, albiet, with the newbie writers that still in some cases have their heads in the clouds, but hopefully they will have a better time of it, since we paved the way. And there have been some good questions and answers being put on that board recently, from writers and infocenter. Things that will help everyone. Learning is the key to improving the next moves. Some of those ways of doing things are common to the whole business and some of them are strictly inherent in the POD - E-zine writer area, but may overlap into each other soon. It is a fact that many traditional publishers are watching to see what happens in companies like this one to see where their next moves will be headed towards. So, we are paving the way for many, not just ourselves.
All in all, I am a "Happy camper" at the moment. I want and hope that things will come together for all of us, and that we will all be able to look back on these last few months, and say that there was a turning point and PA and WE are all the better for it. PA has the opportunity to be a very successful company and we have the opportunity to become successful right along with it with each of our books leading the way.
Claudia, "Notes from Nobody" |
Cewinterland
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 05:49 pm: | |
I agree with you all.
Though I bailed out of PA, I am certainly quite active still and interested in all of the things that have been happening. Over the last two months alone, there have been a LOT of kind words and excelent tidings from some of you.
I too believe that Mr. Meiners is doing what he can to better this experience for you all. I have spoken to him on the phone a few times, and every so often we still talk via e-mail, and he has proven himself to be a very reasonable person, and has offered me some rather kind words, despite my asking to be released form the contract.
Mr. Meiners has explained many of the things that we have all been asking about - some of which have resulted in changes at PA - and while we may not all agree with everything, the mood of the relations has indeed shifted. With Mr. Meiners willing to address us (you), it is bridge a massive gap in the way we have all perceived PA and the world of publishing itself.
POD publishing could indeed be on the forefront of publishing technology, it is absolutely feasible. How long will it take? Who can say. But I agree that PA has the potential to be a great publisher to be with, and while many of their authors are still sharing the growing pains, this may be able to bring author and publisher closer together in some ways.
Either way, I would once again like to thank Mr. Meiners for making himself available here on the Mindsight Forum, for listening to our wishes, and for dealing with us all (even when sometimes some of us show our teeth a bit) honestly and equitably. I hope, Mr. Meiners, that you feel welcome to continue this way so long as you like.
CEW |
Nancy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 07:12 pm: | |
I've been reading this site for quite some time. I started out reading Writer's Island - and then ended up here.
I approached PA after reviewing one of their authors. I felt that some of the titles they carried were consistent with a novel that had been accepted for publication by my traditional publisher - but delayed for publication for a length of time that was not acceptable to me. I contacted PA and told them that I was not interested in a POD publisher. I received a response stating that PA was a "traditional, royalty paying publisher." Without checking further (I should have) I submitted my manuscript - which was accepted. I received the contract and made a few changes. My changes were accepted and I signed. Following this, I began to find out some things about PA that greatly concerned me. My publicist told me that PA was the hardest publisher there was to work with because they charge extremely high shipping charges. Also, with a POD publisher, there is a no-return policy that limits orders from book stores. This was the original reason I didn't want to work with a POD publisher. I also realized that PA prices were way too high. My first novel, being published by a traditional publisher, would be much less than the PA novel. I didn't see how this could work.
To shorten this story, I crafted a letter to Mr. Meiners today, asking him to release me from my contract due to the fact that I was misled by my first contact with PA. But, after talking to a writer friend this evening who is going to sign with PA, and reading your messages, I have decided instead to write Mr. Meiners about some of my concerns to see if we can work them out.
I appreciate all of you. You've opened up communication in an effective way. I can see some of the improvements already.
And the fact that Mr. Meiners has opened himself up to communication with you is impressive.
I just wanted you to know, that through your efforts, I actually changed my mind about trying to stay with PA.
Keep a good thought for me. Maybe we can work this out after all! |
Cewinterland
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 08:47 pm: | |
Nancy,
Welcome to the post ;) I'm glad that you're finding it helpful.
I would like to remind you though about Mr. Meiners reply to pricing issues. If you published your first book with a traditional publisher, you will notice that the price with PA will be higher. There are several factors for this, but it is a fact for the moment. About shipping cost... I believe that as PA is now with Lightning Source, perhaps this cost will be reduced for books shipped to distribution. The shipping cost to you from them will still be the same, which is a little steeper than if you shipped it yourself, but is the same type of pricing scheme as companies like those CD guys that charge shipping on each disc sold - so if you buy 10 you pay much more than the cost of the shipping weight, for example. Most companies that ship goods do this. You will notice though, that if you look on Amazon or B&N for example, they have quite high shipping costs - approaching $5.00 for a single book.
I wouldn't want to discourage you, but I felt your concerns over pricing myself. As I have said though, it can work with PA, but you will get to work hard to sell it. If you have your name out there though, perhaps it will be easier for you than some of us 'newbies'.
Either way, I'm glad the forum helps, and I wish you the best.
CEW |
Nancy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 08:57 pm: | |
Thanks, CEW.
I'm not clear about the shipping problems that my publicist is having, but for a large order of books, to be used for a book signing, usually there is a standard rate for the entire shipment, or, publishers will lower or eliminate shipping charges since, for crying out loud, the author is trying to sell their books! Makes sense to me. LOL!
I have noticed that some of the PA books are listed at Amazon.com at "new, lower prices." Do you know anything about this? I wondered if it was a direct move by Mr Meiners to address the issue of pricing.
BTW, I have a friend, Marshall Thomas, who is being published through Timberwolf Press. Have you tried them? They are heavily sci-fi - and have a great advance for a mid-list publisher - $7,000.00. Your series sounds like it might fit with Timberwolf.
Nancy |
Barbie Perkins-Cooper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 09:32 pm: | |
Nancy:
Like you, I was disheartened about Publish America and the POD process. Also, I felt my contract was definitely misrepresented. For months I remained silent, finally realizing after the nightmare of the 'misprinted and defective' book text of Condition of Limbo that I had to take a stand and express my concerns.
I pondered this inside for quite a while, deciding to contact a writer friend who was connected with PA. She will remain anonymous, because I am a writer and will not reveal my sources. Like you, I debated about what to do. I met with an attorney who made me feel like a complete idiot for signing the contract. I should've ran the other way when I attempted the first negotiation before signing the contract. I was naive, on cloud nine, and hopeful that my book would help other baby boomers who become the parent to their parents. So, I signed, hoping for the best.
The best failed to happen. Mr. Meiners and I have been corresponding via e-mail since my nightmare with the defective book. I saved all e-mails, in hopes to make some noise. Then, I took action, writing an extremely detailed epistle of complaints to various organizations. Impatiently, I waited...
A few days later, I sat down and wrote a detailed letter to Mr. Meiners, sending it certified, return receipt requested. I will be honest, I began to have doubts and second thoughts after mailing that letter, because I still wanted the book to be published, and I did not want to leave the publisher on bad terms.
To my surprise, Mr. Meiners sent me a personal e-mail concerning comments I made on this forum, and on Writers Island. I responded, forewarning him about my letter. I was amazed regarding his demeanor, along with how he listened to my concerns. Negotiations began. Although it has taken a bit of time to communicate via e-mail, I am pleased with Mr. Meiners recent response on this forum.
If you recall, he replied to the concerns about all rights, encouraging me to send my requests to him via e-mail. He has assured me that he will meet my request and I will be getting an amended contract via mail next week. For the record, next week is almost here, so I await my revised contract. I will compare it to the original and pursue the finalization of a new contract.
Believe me, if you read Writers Island before it was taken down the first time, my words were harsh and almost arrogant, filled with sarcastic messages. I was angry. I wanted to let the world know how upset I was...and I do believe I succeeded. I have been told many times that I should be an advocate, because whenever I see someone being mistreated, I am the first to speak up, regardless of the situations.
So, Nancy, while I cannot say you made the right decision, I do believe the door is opened now for negotiations. During July 2000, that door was closed. Hopefully, thru the lessons all of us have learned (especially myself) I do believe life is a negotiation. Most people deserve a second chance. Apply the rules I learned years ago while working in Corporate America --- C-Y-A! I am certain you understand what I am referring to, and will be wise to cover yourself.
Keep in touch. Mr. Meiners is a fair man. Good luck, and please keep in touch. When my new, amended contract arrives, I will post on this site to let you know that I have received the contract.
Barbie Perkins-Cooper, author
A Condition of Limbo |
Nancy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 05:32 am: | |
Thank you, Barbie. After prayer and reflection, I have decided to try to re-negotiate my agreement with PA. My publicist is going over my letter now, and I will send it out within the next day or two.
I have been around this business for a while, and knew several of the problems facing me if I went with PA shortly after I realized that they were a POD publisher. However, my gut reaction was to stay with them. After facing some of the other problems, however, I figured that it was time to try and bail. But, I am encouraged by what I've heard. Although I don't expect things to work as well for me as they will with my other publisher, I feel a peace about staying for a while and riding this out.
I will let you know also when I receive a response from Mr. Meiners. I appreciate your candid posts here. It helps.
Nancy |
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