Publishers To Avoid

[Sylvetra_Snake]

When i was younger, about sixteen, i had finished my first novel, typed it up and had a 1st person book of around 119,000 words. I sent it out to many publishers but to no avail until i got accepted by a company called American Publishing. I never ended up going with them as i heard many bad things about the company. I was just wondering if i was wrong about the company, and if i was right, what other publishers should be avoided, due to exploitation of authors, like making them buy their own copies for family and friends etc. I know vanity publishing is certainly not one to go for due to the money involved.

Or are there a few things to watch out for if a publisher says yes?

[John Jarrold]

There are threads on every writers forum, including this one, about publishers to avoid. Do look for them. And one basic rule: the money only flows one way, from the publisher to the author. If you are asked for ANY money, for production, editing or anything else - that is not a bona fide publisher. In one way or another, it's a vanity press, and you are wasting your time and your money. No vanity press deals with the mainstream book trade, your books will simply sit in the warehouse. They make their money from the authors and their friends and family, who are usually the only people to buy copies, at inflated prices. Do not approach them.

If you decide to self-publish, then obviously you'll be spending your own money, that is different. I think the people you are referring to are PublishAmerica - as I said, you'll find specific threads on this forum, and others, about them. Here you go:

How good is PublishAmerica?

[Sylvetra_Snake]

Thanks for the link. I am so glad i didnt go down that route lol.

[Tirellan]

Further information about many publishers and agents can be found here.
Bewares and Background Check - Absolute Write Water Cooler

[chopper]

blimey, that's one heck of a forum there, tirellan. i just joined up on the spot....