This is the week when things went pear-shaped. I sent an email to the person I had paid to help me publish my book and the email bounced. I looked at the small print to find out why it had bounced and it said the domain did not exist. Argh... I also noticed the logo had disappeared from the bottom of previous emails and also that the website had disappeared. Argh times two.
Since September I had become increasingly annoyed at the way Steve Harrison of Amazon KDP Publishers was dealing with my requests. I had promises and bullshit but nothing substantial. Right from the start I felt uneasy about the way I was dealt with but having no knowledge of the publishing industry I felt this was probably par for the course, especially as he was irritatingly American. I initially chose the company because they laid out everything they would do for me for a price. I was beginning to think they were unprofessional but I did not expect they would disappear from view. The only other company to do this was Troubadour but they were much more expensive. How cheap they seem now!! I was also hassled by other companies I sent my synopsis to. Danielle witnessed one barrage I had from a phone call from another publisher. Trust me, there must be a very dark world in the publishing industry.
Added to this, I joined FB groups for writers. Many boasted how they self-publish and it costs them nothing, others offer a service to get you started. Many published authors - surprisingly - find it difficult to string a coherent comment on the subject of writing!! I became cynical on all fronts. Even though I had written a book, I did not feel good about it. I was suspicious of the comments from Steve Harrison and irritated by the poor level of comments from those on the writing groups. The bar was so low, it has been an eye opener into the publishing world.
So what have I done about it? Well, I have reported fraud to the Federal Trade Commission and another fraud agency in California. I have also reflected on how much I have learnt from my experience. It has been an expensive opportunity for learning but I now know that I am confident in how I am going to publish the sequel. Sammi has been a rock and has done a few searches for me. I am so glad he has my back. To be honest, if I wanted to make money, I should have become a cleaner.
I never imagined I would sit down and write a book. It wasn't something I had on my bucket list so I went about things in an upside down way. I wrote the book and then wondered how to get it published. From here on, I can offer myriad advice on how to get published should you want to hear about it.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Middle East bombs are dropping. I am sorry that Trump is meddling in Iran. We have got rid of the leader but changing the culture where ordinary Iranians think it is OK to kill their brothers, mothers, sisters and daughters will take more than bombs. The only thing raining on me in the UK is too much water. I know I have been duped but I am safe. I am healthy and I am wiser. I have so much to be thankful for. I just wish I listened to my body more as my right heel is now giving me gip again after a lovely walk round Rushmere Park. Silly me on so many counts!
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| A break in the clouds and a lovely walk |
