Comments on: Avoiding Scams Aimed at Writers

By: HollyJahangiri

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:52:13 +0000

A book is a book. Could you find it in a library or buy it in a bookstore? If so, it's probably a book. (For the argumentative reader's sake, I do realize bookstores are starting to carry a whole wide range of merchandise now that cannot be called "books.") If it is commercially printed, has bound pages (more than a "pamphlet") and a nice cover made of heavier stock, it's a book.

If you want to be able to sell it on Amazon, it needs an ISBN and possibly some added distribution services. This part does have a cost - to you or to a publisher. No getting around that. If you are thinking of self-publishing for yourself and friend, or you're planning on selling it only in person or through the Internet on your own web site, or on a site like Lulu.com (where the storefront is provided at no cost to you), you don't need these extras. But without them, you may also not be able to get your book into libraries or book stores - they use ISBNs for ordering and cataloging purposes.

I can see you've run into the book snobs. They can be just as bad as the blog snobs - folks who want to tell you what is and what is not a "real blog." It's sad the way others will try to limit your creativity because theirs is limited to begin with. The only part some of them get right is the notion that a lot of writing out there is poorly edited and poorly presented - try to make sure that no matter how you publish your book, it's a credit to you out there in the world.

By: Jena Isle

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:54:05 +0000

Hello Z,

He he he,, give me 20,000 and I'll publish your book...he he he...wala lang. (Kidding) Holly, the difficulty of publishing a book, really is inconsequential to the cost.

Now my pockets are ready to be burned...(crying). But I have given my word. I hope they'll not be expecting glossy , colored pages .

There will always be a second issue...lol..right Doc Z?

By: Jena Isle

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:46:00 +0000

I have a question Holly, what do you consider as a "book"? Should it be hardbound? or would the pocketbook sizes and soft bound books qualify?

Thanks and take care.

By: HollyJahangiri

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:48:52 +0000

To address the first part of your comment, now, Z (after administering the kick to the seat of the pants to finish that review!) - you're partly right. What it is isn't so much "vanity" as it is an insecure need for validation through flattery. "You OWE it to the world to publish this! Of course, it needs a bit of polish - let us put you in touch with a great editing firm, first. Then, for another $2,500, we'll give you 100 copies of your book..." If it sounds like flattery, odds are, it is. If it sounds like someone wants to BUY your work, at no cost to you, that's publishing. And if you want to self-publish, just go straight to a reputable printing company and see if you can afford to have it done right, or go to a print-on-demand middleman like Lulu that offers a la carte services and doesn't require you to pay a cent.

Bottom line, you kind of have to give your ego a nice box of chocolates and send it off to gorge itself on that while your more rational side conducts business.

By: HollyJahangiri

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:41:11 +0000

Z, that's serious stuff! ABC! Apply Butt to Chair - and write!

By: zorlone

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:27:13 +0000

I think there is this vanity within us that these scammers feed on. They know which buttons to push and what words to say to keep the lure on innocent writers. Heck, this may even apply to any profession in that matter.

Like Reyjr, I was scammed too. A group of my friends and I took the bait of this, so called reputable agency, then poof! Php 20, 000 went to the pockets of these scums.

Lesson learned: Be more critical!

Reading from the comments, I felt a bit guilty in not putting pressure in my writing. I was supposed to submit a review on a medical journal weeks ago! I better shape up or lose another opportunity to finish this work.

Z

By: HollyJahangiri

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:23:59 +0000

Don't they always prey on those whose hunger for something is greater than their common sense?

By: HollyJahangiri

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:23:22 +0000

reyjr, it's not a national thing, it's just economics and lack of morals. I don't imagine there's a country in the world that doesn't have its share of scammers, and the beauty of a global economy and a global Internet is that you get to meet them ALL! The sad thing is, it makes cynics of most of us, sooner or later - and we have to consciously remind ourselves that there are good people in the world, people who can be trusted.

By: Roy

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:38:25 +0000

what a great follow-up to the previous post!

didn't know there are scammers eyeing on writers!

good thing I didn't meet one... unfortunately though, I met a 'fireman' who doused me with 'cold water' haha!

By: Jena Isle

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:53:38 +0000

Now, I'm getting discouraged Holly, ...kidding.... I've got to publish that book, ..really..GTG , so I could attend to it.