“My book is on Amazon so it MUST be selling, right?”

I often hear from authors who want to alert me that their publisher is ripping them off. The emails usually go something like this…
I often hear from authors who want to alert me that their publisher is ripping them off. The emails usually go something like this…
Considering using Amazon KDP to publish your book? You may want to read these numerous complaints first. From cancelled author accounts, to royalty issues, to printing/binding problems, to bad (or non-existent) customer service…and much, MUCH more!
Never assume that having your book published by Amazon KDP will mean that your book will be stocked by Amazon…
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“JustFiction! has contacted me about issuing an edition with different cover art that would…”
It’s been four years since we’ve checked up on Balboa Press. We decided to revisit them after we yet received another complaint about Balboa Press from an author just this week. Things are definitely NOT looking any better!
My publisher told me they have a commitment for 500 printed books by “a large bookstore company” but, to close that deal, I have to buy the insurance. A business friend told me that sounds bogus…
Offering something for nothing is a really dumb business model. While working with a “free” company may seem tempting to some authors, these firms typically go belly-up pretty quickly. And, some end up ripping their former authors off for years after the firm’s demise…while holding those authors’ books hostage.
Author Andy was so excited! His new book was finished and he’d just approved his print galley. It was time to start selling books! His publishing company put his book up for sale on their website and sent him the URL where he could send people who wanted to purchase his book.
Andy didn’t have his own website or blog, but he didn’t think that would be a problem. Unfortunately, it was, on several fronts. And, while Andy and the other authors below are fictitious, the scenarios are based on real complaints we’ve received from authors over the years. In every case, had the author had their own website or blog, he or she would have lost few, if any, sales.