On negative press to her publisher: I have, for some time now, observed the behaviors, words, and actions of some individuals that dislike my publisher. Up until now, I have remained somewhat at a distance, being that I am a firm believer in an indivdual's right to their own thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. However, I will take a moment of my time now to address this.

Anyone who searches my publisher, Publish America, will undoubtedly find several articles against them. I have found that approximately 95% of these articles come from a particular writer's forum. It is my opinion that those participating on this forum have found it necessary to spend an exorbitant amount of their time on one particular thread. On this thread are many posts, written by individuals who are unhappy with Publish America. They seem hell-bent on destroying my publisher, and I don't believe their behaviors or their actions are ethical or professional. Rather, I view these individuals as possessing very divisive and toxic personalities and goals.

Because this is my blog, I will address this issue here, and I make no apologies for what I say. I am growing weary of their extremely tedious insistence on displaying such childish behaviors. I am completely in favor of seeking out restitution when one has been wronged. I am also completely in favor of speaking out one's opinions and thoughts on any given topic. However, I also believe that in our society, free speech is often used as a poor means of justifying inappropriate behaviors, words, and actions.

It fascinates me to know that these individuals can tirelessly dedicate hours each day, to the discussion of their grievances against my publisher. Oftentimes, they behave similar to a rabid pack of wolves, which are closing in on their prey. Each time a Publish America author finds themselves with any degree of accomplishments regarding their book, these individuals are there to begin ripping apart the individual's success. They seem to lack any ability to show compassion to a fellow author, as they bombard others with their oppressiveness.

It seems to me that there is certainly a better utilization of time. Perhaps spending time in activities, which would benefit the community would be wise. Perhaps spending time in helping to tutor other writers in areas specific to writing skills. There are so many other activities which could be done, to make the best use of time. However, it seems to me that these individuals are quite content with, if not thirsty for, this type of distinct, yet hostile behavior.

I am compelled to say that I do not spend any time worth mentioning on that particular forum. However, occasionally I am confronted with it, due to the success of a fellow author. Today, I have simply had enough of it.

I am certain that there are grievances with every publisher known to man. I am also certain that there are those individuals that will oppose such publishers, when they feel as though they have been treated unfairly. However, it is my understanding that the individuals of this particular forum are unhappy with the lack of sales for their books. They list several complaints; however, the two most important to them seem to be the fact that Publish America books were not returnable by bookstores, and that there are editing discrepancies. Publish America now has a return policy available to all bookstores, through Ingrams. That effectively erases one of the complaints. The second, I find rather amusing, since it is the responsibility of each writer to repeatedly edit their work, before sending in the final draft.

How many of us, during our college years, did not edit our research papers and expected our professors to do it for us? None. It is the same for an author. When an individual has written a book, it is their masterpiece. It is also their responsibility and duty to make certain that they have done everything humanly possible to edit and re-edit that manuscript, before sending in the finalized copy. It is not the editors job, of any publishing company, to scour over a sloppy manuscript, and then return it to the author to make corrections on those areas marked in red. I would hope that the author would make sure that they have found and corrected all grammatical and spelling errors in their manuscript beforehand. It is my belief that the editors job is to simply read over it, to assure that there are no major corrections still needed.

However, I have also noticed that even the books of the well known authors do have spelling errors in them. Most books have some sort of typographical error somewhere in the text.

Having said all of that, I will say that I am indeed proud to be an author with Publish America. I have read several manuscripts belonging to my peers, which I would not hesitate to recommend to others, and have in fact done so. Publish America has always been professional towards me. They have proven themselves to be worthy of my trust, as my publisher. It is also widely known that Publish America takes those that have overcome tremendous challenges, and puts their voices to print. This is powerful, especially for myself, since I am a survivor of domestic violence. There are many Publish America authors that have overcome great obstacles in their lives, and have written beautiful accounts, which attest to the power of healing through hope.

Many Publish America authors have written books offering hope to those that have experienced domestic violence, drunk driving, breast cancer, AIDS, incest, rape, infertility, racism etc. These books offer the general public a place of refuge within their bindings, simply because a reader is able to feel the compassion and encouragement through the words of the author. A reader that is enduring any one of the tragedies I've listed above, is guaranteed to find a book pertaining to their struggles, somewhere among the authors listed in Publish America's online bookstore. They are also sure to receive words of encouragement, hope, promise, comfort, and support through the pages of those books. The authors of Publish America are everyday individuals, with hearts of compassion, that have taken the courageous steps to put the tragic events of their lives onto paper, in order to help support and encourage another individual...even if only through the pages of a book.

Again, I am proud to be an author with Publish America. The simple resolution to this situation, in my opinion, is for those that seem to be so heavily disgruntled to simply seek out a publisher that better accommodates their needs and wants as a writer. I do respectuflly, yet firmly, request that those individuals that are obviously displeased with Publish America consider that they are not simply expressing their opinions, but rather fiercely ripping apart the hopes of many Publish America authors, as they endeavor to reach out to those that are hurting and in need of support, comfort, and encouragement.

I wish nothing but the best for my publisher, and strive to represent them in a most professional manner, bringing as much pride to them, as they have brought to me.

On coping with rejections from other publishers: I had worked on "Puddles" for nearly seven years, sending it out to publishers and getting it back. After so many rejections, I relaxed and said to myself, "Wait a minute. Let's make it the best it can be." And that's when PublishAmerica came in. It was great. They really made me feel wonderful about my book.

On being part of the PublishAmerica community: I've been frequenting the PublishAmerica message boards from the start. Meeting all of these fellow authors has been wonderful. I've made friends all over the world and learned so many things. PublishAmerica has been so much more than a publishing company to me.

On reactions from his readers: My book grabbed this one fellow's attention. It made him cry, but it was still a positive reaction. I'm always anxious to see people's reactions when they read my work.

On readying your book for publication: Don't send your manuscript to your publisher until you're satisfied with it. I went through many drafts before publishing my first book.

On the PublishAmerica staff: During my four years with PublishAmerica, my requests, concerns and suggestions have been professionally considered and promptly served. My work is always given careful consideration, and the publication process is speedy and competent. I feel that we are family, and I am very closely associated on a first name basis with many of the PublishAmerica staff.

On what it takes to be a professional author: Be prepared to work daily, to work hard, and to constantly seek new avenues for marketing and promoting your work once it is accepted for publication. I've been most fortunate in that reviews and sales of my children's books are excellent!

On what he's learned as a PublishAmerica author: PublishAmerica has given me a "Masters" level education regarding editing, book cover design, self-marketing, and the publishing industry in general. They'll act as your "coach" and give you the priceless experience of getting into the "down and dirty" discipline of editing your book. The adventure you'll embark upon will enlighten and hone your newly discovered talents as a writer.

On book sales: Each royalty check you receive is a complement and a validation of your hard work. Remember that someone you don't know actually paid cold, hard cash to purchase your book - and took a chance on reading an unknown author's work!

On making time to write: I schedule very early mornings for writing, from 4 to 6 a.m. It's the only quiet time in my hectic life, and I couldn't accept spending less time with my wife, daughters or grandsons. In doing so, I've produced eight novels in a bit over four years.

On the writing process: Perfection comes later. Just get it out there, get it down on paper. After I've completed a novel, I put it down and come back to it later. That's the time to roll up your sleeves and be ruthless. Cut out the excess and fortify the weak!

On his relationship with PublishAmerica: What I like most about PublishAmerica is their word. To me, their word is gold! PublishAmerica has done everything they said they would, and that's how you build trust. In any business, that makes for a good and lasting relationship.

On the publishing process: We've all heard about Rome not being built overnight. Patience is needed from the moment you sign the contract until the moment you receive your book. "Crab Cake & Pepper" took nearly eight months to publish, and each time I took at the cover I realize once again how it was worth the wait.

On vanity and subsidy publishers: As an aspiring author, I had experienced my fair share of rejection slips from publishers. I had also been bombarded with proposals from the vanity press and subsidy publishers. But I refused to be lured into vanity or subsidy publishing because of my strong conviction in the literary value of my manuscript.

On why he chose PublishAmerica: PublishAmerica offers a worthy pedestal for every aspiring author to showcase their literary and intellectual capabilities. They offer a refreshing, friendly aura of creativity that welcomes every author with an ambition to be read.

On her dream of being published: I've wanted to have my name on a book jacket since I was 12 years old. It was a lifelong dream of mine, and PublishAmerica made it possible to achieve it.

On what she's learned: I didn't know what had to be done to go from a manuscript to a book. Seeing the page proofs and correcting them was a learning experience. I have learned such a great deal about publishing since I signed on with PublishAmerica.

On his search for a publisher: PublishAmerica was the first publisher I sent my manuscript to, so I put all of my faith in them. They've never let me down. I know that I will never have to expect something unexpected from PublishAmerica.

On the PublishAmerica community: I feel like I have my own personal editor, teacher and friend on the PublishAmerica message boards. I've never had a tough question go unanswered. PublishAmerica authors really are the greatest when it comes to helping each other.