Wednesday, January 19, 2011

BEWARE: Disturbing News

Recently a writer informed me she had paid an e-publishing company $$$ to have her manuscript edited. This was after she had signed a contract with the company. 

The editor asked for money  (unknown to the other editors and the owner of the company)  I think it was $80 or more to have her manuscript edited. The editor informed the writer she was absolutely terrible at punctuation. The writer then sent her manuscript to an assessment service (who advertises and is well known) charging her $250.

The writer then sent her manuscript back to the editor and it returned stating it wasn't up to scratch. The editor even asked for $80 to print it out on paper.

The editor stated how crappy her punctuation was. Instead of helping her, she made matters much worse. 

Fed up with the comments, and the feeling of being a crappy writer she emailed the owner of the company...................All monies the writer had spent were refunded, even the manuscript assessment she pursued, as she was pushed into thinking she needed this extra help.

This was a lucky escape for a new time author.

You do not pay anyone to edit your manuscript. That is unless you go to a manuscript assessment service or you sign up with someone that is asking for money to publish said manuscript. Even the assessment service the writer approached was well known, and advertises her services on the net, but really knows nothing about punctuation. I wonder what makes some people tick besides their beating, greedy heart.

So please be aware of the dollar situation when approached by an offer to publish, an offer to contract. You don't have to pay for your work to be published. The publisher receives reimbursement for their editing, printing, advertising services etc when your books sells.

Since this incident the writer has said: 'I've come so far since then. That editor is still in small press and can't make me feel stupid any more.'   

8 comments:

Angelina Rain said...

Wow, that sucks. I’ve heard of those vanity publishers. Need to stay away from them. Did the publisher fire that editor?

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

No. As far as I can see her name is up there with the editors. It's been about two months now. This company is not a vanity publishing company. It is this particular editor that wanted money for well, what services?

Maria Zannini said...

That's scary as well as unscrupulous. I would've liked to have known what publisher this was just so I could steer clear.

I'm a little suspicious that editor still has a job with that publisher.

Angelina Rain said...

What’s the publishing house.

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

If I told you the publishing house it would put them in jeopardy. I'm sure the editor has left but as I said her name is still on the site, perhaps they are yet to take it down. I'll let you know when. As I said it is not the publishers fault, it is the editor working for them. Therefore, if anyone is approached to pay any monies be very aware. re: my post. :)

Caryn Caldwell said...

Wow!!!! I hope the publisher got rid of her immediately. That's completely unethical, if not downright illegal (which it probably is). That's like if I worked for a bookstore, and every time someone wanted to buy a book I charged them an extra buck for my time in ringing it up and dumping it in a bag for them!

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

I completely agree Caryn. At least my blog readers will be aware, especially those new people to writing. :)

Kaye Manro said...

Hi suz! This is such a terrible thing. Good catch on your part and thanks for informing your friends.