If you’re an author, or know one, please read David Gaughran’s post titled: “Simon & Schuster Joins Forces With Author Solutions To Rip Off Writers”.
With the rise in popularity of self-publishing, it’s no surprise that the Big 6 publishers are trying to find ways to get in on the action, but for Penquin, who purchased Author Solutions in July, and now Simon & Schuster to go into business with them is disturbing if not despicable.
Please read David’s article about the Simon & Schuster deal with Author Solutions (one of many warning articles on this deal published this week) to educate yourself, so you can warn other hopeful writers against being blinded by the big publisher name.
Simon & Schuster Joins Forces With Author Solutions To Rip Off Writers.
Great Reminder to Be Aware – the “Name” is not always golden!
I agree, Renee, especially now that publishing quality fiction has taken a backseat to raking in the bucks.
Thanks, Linda. I saw it yesterday and sent it around Facebook and Twitter.
Great, Christa. I hate to see anyone get ripped off.
I saw this yesterday too…but I haven’t forgotten that S&S published Snooki so the name isn’t what it used to be anyway.
I mean, really, Snooki? Ugh!
Did they, Dana? Isn’t it sad that companies that used to care about publishing quality writing, now care only about the bottom line?
Caveat emptor, I guess… This is such a bad deal and I’m sure some people will get suckered into it. Fortunately, many writers are spreading the word to steer clear of this. I recognize publishers have to make a profit to stay in business, but this is really sleazy.
It is sleazy, Natasha, which is nothing new for Author Solutions or its subsidiaries, but a new low for S&S and Penguin. I understand these legitimate publishers need to make a profit, that’s why they publish “celebrity” books, but to choose to make more profit by outright scamming people is despicable.
Wow, thanks for the information. It’s already pretty hard to make a living in this business without having to figure out who the good guys and bad guys are. If you see a big name publisher it’s easy to be fooled into thinking that they are “reputable”. I’m very glad that you are many steps in front of me. I often read your blog to understand how the business works. There is so much to know for a newbie writer. I just wanted to write books, essay and articles. I didn’t expect to have to be a business man too. Of course, I realize that a big part of this world, is the business end. We all have to eat, eh?
I agree, Robin, I only want to write. I’m ill-equipped to be a businesswoman, but as a indie author I have no choice. Of course, I think it’s a good idea to educate yourself on the business side of publication, even if you have an agent to handle the negotiations and contracts.
Linda, because my response to your article is so long I reblogged your post and responded to it here: http://kmcgeewriter.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/really-youre-gonna-start-a-conversation-about-this-now/
My real concerns are for what comes next. Will the author advance turn into the author investment? Time will tell. But it the future doesn’t look too promising.
Thanks for sharing, Linda. Sometimes all of this stuff is enough to make me want to go back to the days where I got off work and simply sat down and watched television rather than kill myself trying to make it as a writer. *sigh* It’s very sad.
I hope the holiday season finds you and yours happy and well taken care of, my dear friend. Talk to you soon. *waves*
-Jimmy
I know what you mean, Jimmy. I give up writing about twice a week.
My best to you and yours.
And, if things aren’t difficult already when it comes to publishing. It now includes watching for wolves. BTW, I like the marble background.
David, those wolves have always been out there, they just didn’t wear Big Six clothing before.