by kNuX_V1 » Sat Nov 05, 2011 4:27 am Not sure if this is supposed to go in this section, I will gladly move if need be.
As you're probably aware, I spend my time writing books. My piece is finished sans a cover so I had a look on the internet to see if I could get some help or advice. Obviously a quick tap into Google revealed a plethora of sites. I signed up to a couple offering 'Free Publisher Kits' which I assumed would be a packet of documents that would arrive on my door. Why else would they need my address and contact details right?
Well this evening around 8ish I received a call from a foreign sounding lady on a private number. A very nice lady indeed, went on to explaining the perks and pro's of her companies incredible sounding package. Get my book in 3 formats and into 25 major distributors? Sure thing sounds amazing. Hook me up with advertising in a magazine? Cool cool.
So I got off the phone after literally an hour feeling a little more hopeful that things were coming up Knux.
But being British, we never take anything on face value, right?
I decided to check out the company before committing any of my funds, I typed the companies name into Google and the first auto-search that came up related to scam websites. Reviews from hundreds of customers all saying how badly they'd been treated after the company had received the money. The people who have spent a long time, pouring their heart and soul into a piece of work just for it to be used for some company to earn more profit. I know the Jamius Forum isn't a site for bashing companies, but if there are any other authors out there I urge you please, Avoid Xlibris at all costs! Like I said, this isn't the sort of site you come to complain on, I will, however say this. Much like Jaimie's toy robot design, and anyone else who has had their work used without permission, or used by someone for their sole profit, it has to stop. It makes me sick thinking how many good, decent ideas and works have been replicated or used by someone else just because of money. I've gone into a bit of a rant now so I'll end it here. I hope this serves as a warning, for anyone who needs proof just check out Xlibris on Google.
Hope I've helped someone!