Weekend Roundup
This weekend I spent a bit of time checking out a few writing blogs. I’ve been out of the author loop for awhile so I have to admit it was a great pleasure to be amongst my fellow storytellers.
While out and about, I came upon a few bits of information that I think everyone should be aware of. Even the 2 people who read this blog. 
The Haven Foundation
Steven King has created a foundation to help freelancers within the book and publishing weather the financial storms that arise due to circumstance beyond their control. He makes a good point about the fact that most freelance agents within our community do not have sufficient medical coverage or financial backup to help them get through hard times. Click here to read more about the Haven Foundation and click here to donate to the cause.
Big Bully Amazon?
It seems that the online retailer Amazon is throwing its weight around and demanding that self published authors use their print service Booksurge. If authors decline, then they will be forced to sell their books through Amazon’s Advantage program. Between printer fees and the deep discount Amazon demands to participate in this program, going this route would result in very little, if any, profit for the self publisher.
I am apart of the Amazon Associates program and was all set to use my affiliate links on this blog but after this stunt, I’ve decided not to promote their services. They seem to have forgotten that the publisher/bookseller relationship is symbiotic. We need their help to sell books but on the other hand without books or other products to sell, they have no business.
Until they get this situation straightened out, I’ve decided to join the boycott of Amazon and get my books elsewhere. I refuse to support companies that thinks it’s okay to treat their partners this way. Visit Angela Hoy’s site, Writer’s Weekly to get the latest information about this issue. I encourage everyone to use other book providers such as Barnes & Noble and Books A Million.
Preditors and Editors
Preditors and Editors has long been a resource that writers can count on to keep them abreast of scams and scammers in the industry. It looks like, however, that they are experiencing a bit of trouble. Publisher America, literary agent Barbara Bauer and attorney Victor Cretella is suing the site owner Dave Kuzminski for alleged libel. The problem is that it’s not considered libel if it’s true.
Although I’m fairly certain that Dave and friends will prevail in court, it takes money to stand up for oneself in court. Click here to read about the lawsuit and click here to donate to the legal fund.
When Authors Attack
I purposely saved the best for last. This one would be almost unbelievable if I hadn’t met another person with a similar disposition years ago. Romance author DeborahAnne MacGillivray proceeded to harass a reader who gave her book “A Restless Knight” a 3 (out of 5) star out review on Amazon.com. This in and of itself is not noteworthy as there have been many word divas who have had meltdowns over the fact that someone out there didn’t like their writing.
No, what pushes this story almost beyond the credible is the fact that Ms. MacGillivray seems to have a cadre of reviewers at her beck and call who will not only give all of her books fake 5 star reviews but will also stalk and harass people who dare to give her books anything less.
In addition to this, this woman seems to be a co-owner of a publishing company called Highland Press and regularly subjects her authors to verbal abuse via their email group on Yahoo. The comment section on this post over at Dear Author is filled with horror stories from authors associated with the publisher.
I highly recommend avoiding not only this particular diva but also the publishing company she is associated with as there are reports of non payment for books sold and other ugliness.
Must Have Books
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Followed your link from Dear Author. Just want
to mention it was not really a poor review,
but a 3 star review.
Sorry about that. I corrected the blog post. Thanks for stopping by