I first heard about PublishAmerica from a member of the Todays-Woman.net community in 2003. She told me that she had published several books through the company. She insured me that my book would be on bookstore shelves and available online. Eager to see my book published, I signed a contract that gave Publish America rights to my book for seven years. My book was published in 2004. Publish America didn't really edit my book. I noticed several errors in it and Publish America never corrected my proofs. I actually had to have them re-edit the book after it was already published. They didn't market it in anyway (other than sending order requests to my friends and family.) Publish America states that they send press releases to your local paper. I decided to contact both my local newspapers by email and neither of them had received my press release from Publish America.

I called all the local bookstores and they told me that they would only stock my books on consignment. Publish America provided me with two copies of the book and my one-dollar advance. My book was priced five dollars higher than similar poetry anthologies. When I received my first royalty cheque, I realized that they were not a traditional publisher. My first cheque was enough to buy two loafs of bread and my second royalty cheque was enough to buy a bag of milk.

When I contacted other magazines and journal publishers, I was informed that they did not recognize Publish America as a professional publication credit. When Publish America's authors such as myself posted legitimate questions on the Publish America message board, our posts were quickly deleted and we were banned from posting any further. When staff were questioned about the ban, no explanation was given.

When requested to be released from my contract, I was informed that I would only be released if I was willing to sign a clause that would prevent me from speaking negatively about Publish America. I guess you live and learn. I have spent several hours reading post after post on a number of message boards throughout the net, all from unhappy Publish America authors. The complaints are all along the same lines. Authors not receiving books that they have ordered, Publish America books are overpriced, books are not edited, bookstores refuse to stock Publish America books, Publish America does not print a catalog, and they have a no return policy on their books. My advice to anyone considering Publish America do your research and examine their business practice very closely. Then ask yourself if this is a publisher you wish to be associated with.

The following newspapers and websites have all ran stories about Publish America.

The Washington Post Making Books- Article by Paula Span
The Associated Press Critics and supporters debate success of fast-rising PublishAmerica
r San Antonio Current Paperback writer by Susan Pagani
NBC-TV (New York) Publishing On Demand Can Cause Problems
Publishersweekly - Authors Allege Publisher Deception
Floridatoday.com Know do's, don'ts of self-publishing by Billy Cox
consumeraffairs.com Aspiring Writers Trash PublishAmerica

Rose DesRochers