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Piers Anthony's Internet Publishing Jump to Jump to This survey has no authority other than my own ornery wish to help aspiring writers make progress; I'm really a writer, not a surveyor. I am Piers Anthony, known primarily for my Xanth fantasy series, though I also do serious writing. I've had a good deal of experience in the publishing school of hard knocks, hence my interest in making it easier for others. Updates directly from publishers are welcome, and so are comments about those publishers from those who use them.

I have no agenda other than reasonable clarity, accuracy and relevance. I take publishers' claims on faith until learning otherwise; then I tell truth without much concern for consequences. I do not check with publishers before running positive or negative feedback on them; this survey is of the nature of a review, and anonymity of sources is maintained. If I may summarize the general gist of publisher responses to bad reviews, it is 'You're a liar! Tell us who blabbed so we can destroy them.

Who the hell are you to make such judgments anyway?!' To which I reply 'Tough feces, folk. Clean up your act.' But when, on rare occasion, the publisher turns out to have the right of it, I will grudgingly amend my entry next update. I posted spot updates called to my attention, as shown in color. Routine checking of sites is getting so slow on my dial-up that I have had to stop it, and just update as I hear about things.

Find and save ideas about Silhouette on Pinterest. See more ideas about Silouette art, Ballet dancer tattoo and Ballerina drawing. Counterinsurgency program depends on an accurate, substantive, and comprehensive profile of the. Collapse of European colonial rule prompted a torrent of violent struggles for power and political identity in newly. Undercut insurgencies that rely on mass support by splitting the rank and file away from the leadership.

December 2017 update: just spot amendments, as shown in color. Those who encounter dead links are welcome to let me know; I'll check and either get them corrected or noted as defunct. I received a plea for publishers to get together and standardize their submission guidelines.

Some accept single-spaced documents, some want 1.5-spaced, some double-spaced. Some want MS Word.doc, others.rtf. Some want no page numbers, some want chapter breaks, some want no words in CAPITALS, some want nothing underlined.

Some want one space after each sentence, others require two spaces. I've seen publishers state that if their particular formats are not followed to the letter, submissions will be deleted unread.

My inclination is to do it my way, which was good enough for traditional publishers for 40 years, or moderately adapted for electronic format, and any electronic publisher who objects can do without my business. Let the publisher change the format to please itself. If someone cares to offer a standardized format, I'll be happy to run it here. Then maybe publishers will start saying 'Standardized Format Accepted' and the problem will fade as uncooperative publishers stop receiving submissions. PUBLISHERS: - 1000delights.com. December 2005 update: I understand they are now defunct. The site now requires a password for access.

That would be weird for anyone trying to buy and sell books. - www.a1adultebooks.com. A self publisher: the author prepares all the files himself, uploads them free, and they appear immediately in the catalogue. Material is mostly adult, but no under-18 sex, no animals or killing, but rape, torture, and incest are allowable. They take 35% commission on sales. A new book is a 'featured product' for two weeks, the most recent being #1, the next most recent, #2, and so on. Sales are said to be small, though. I looked at the site, and some of those covers are graphic; there's no doubt about the nature of the books.

Royalties are 60%, I presume of the cover price, paid in 14 days. April 2007 update: information from the publisher is that they offer both a publishing and self publishing service. All the books listed with them are done straight; self published books are handled by their authors. Whichever way it is done, the author gets 65% of the sale price, though things like credit card fees reduce this; the publisher actually takes only 10%.

Payment is monthly, within 14 days. The proprietor feels that my prior report of small sales is ignorant, but did not provide informed figures. June 2007 update: A very favorable report that they have sales confirmation emails and online stats that match. It seems that this is not necessarily the case elsewhere.

This says their royalty rates are 65% of sale price without credit card deductions. 'They are friendly, informative, always willing to help and above all they pay out every month.' February 2008 update: They certainly have an array of hard-core erotica, but this time I could not find information on submissions or terms for writers. I like to verify such things on my updates. June 2008 update: the publisher let me know where the terms are listed: under pubsell.pho.

Still 65% on direct sales, 40% when sold via affiliates. January 2010 update: I'm not into BDSM, but those pictures are really hot: very full bare breasts, wide open beavers, etc. January 2013 update: I was again unable to discover terms, but they must be buying, because there's a slew of hot bondage books.

- www.aarbooks.com/. January 2013 update: This time I got Google ads, so I guess this publisher has folded. - www.aberdeenbay.com/. This is a traditional, mainstream, independent publisher that asked to be included in this listing. I try to cover electronic publishers, but will add others as they come to my attention if they seem to represent a viable market for writers. 'Quality is our top concern. If your manuscript is truly outstanding, then we will publish your work regardless if you are a published author or not.'

They like to cultivate long-term relationships with their authors by providing them with dedicated editorial and marketing assistance. So this would seem to be a good place to be, if you have a good enough book. I was not able to learn much from their site, however. January 2010 update: site can't be found. They may be out of business.

July 2011 update: I was informed that their address has been modified, so I have modified it accordingly. They are still in business. January 2013 update: They no longer accept unsolicited submissions. January 2014 update: But if you submit a detailed query, per their instructions, you may get an invitation to submit. This seems complicated, but fair.

January 2015 update: connection was reset. October 2017 update: they now charge a one time non-refundable fee of $9 to perform virus scanning. This may be legitimate, considering the havoc wrought by internet viruses, but it does put them in the category of pay-to-publish. -- www.ablemuse.com.

I received an announcement that the inaugural print edition of the winter 2010 edition of this magazine is now available. They publish poetry, fiction, essays, art & photography, and book reviews. November 2017 update: They are announcing the winners of their 2017 Book Award. - www.acclaimpublishers.com/. 'We specialize in small quantities of books at a very reasonable price.' They do some marketing at their site, so I'm listing them as a publisher rather than a service, though it's a close call.

February 2007 update: page not found. April 2004 update: I am advised that they remain in business, but their page may become unavailable if they get too many page views per month. This is the sort of fecal matter the little guys sometimes have to eat. February 2009 update: I got the unknown host message.

January 2010 update: Still not found. January 2011 update: They are there, but seem to be a generalized search site that does including publishing. January 2012 update: now they relate very much to self publishing.

- www.accurance.com/. 'You have poured your heart and soul into your book. In these hard times it is a shame to not be able to bring life to your project because of the soaring costs of professionally preparing your manuscript for immediate publication and the need to conserve money.

We're not going to let that happen to you.' Their publication package is $239. They also offer editing and proofreading, audio Book Creation, and Interactive Web Portals creation for your book. August 2009 update: now their publication package is $280. November 2009 update: they say their prices will rise in mid November, so act now. December 2009 update: they have 'The Whole Nine Yards Package' for $759, a hundred dollars less if you get it by November 15. It includes editing, formatting, a cover, ISBN, setting up a publishing account with Lulu or elsewhere, setting up for orders, shipping and royalty payments, and a copy of your new book.

April 2011 update: a notice from the publisher says that if you anticipate publishing 30 titles this year (I presume this means publishers rather than individual authors) you can add $10,000 - $20,000 to your income by partnering with them. Also that now they do ebook conversion services for all the platforms. May 2011 update: An email from the publisher asks rhetorically 'How can I reduce my costs and make my operations more efficient and still retain total control over every phase of my projects?'

Well, Accurance will be glad to help you do that. All you have to do is ask them. June 2011 update: An email flyer reminds us that they can do all ebook formats in one package. January 2012 update: Now their packages range from ECombo at $349 to The Whole Nine Yards at $999.

January 2013 update: now a plug-in is required, so I can't update. January 2014 update: No plug-in required this time. They have an array of self publishing services. A CRITICAL MASS - December 2007 update: Now I am told it goes to a portal potty. That is, a site it may be dangerous to visit. - See - A print self publisher. Minimum quantity is 100 copies.

No information on costs. ADVENTURE BOOKS - www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/. No longer publishing.

- www.adventurebooksofseattle.com/. An author received such a remarkably candid and informative response that he was quite favorably impressed despite being rejected. January 2010 update: All submissions are closed until November 1, 2010. January 2011 update: Since that date is two months past, I suspect they are not paying close attention.

January 2012 update: Now they seem to be more current, but remain flooded with submissions. January 2013 update: Submissions are currently closed, and when they reopen they will be limited. January 2014 update: Still closed.

January 2015 update: This time I could not find any submission information. - www.internationalagora.com/.

January 2013 update: The domain is for sale. - www.alexlit.com. January 2014 update: Now they are Alex Lit, a literature discussion site. - www.allromancebooks.com/. January 2011 update: It has become a general search site relating to publishing. - www.allromanceebooks.com/.

Not to be confused with the defunct publisher above. This is a distributor, listed in the Services section. July 2011 update: Do check there for their summer short story contest with first prize $1,000. - www.alphawolfpublishing.com/ This is the reaincarnation of iEnovel, which shut down in 2011. January 2014 update: Alpha Wolf is changing to Solstice Horizons, an www.solsticehorizons. Applied Acoustics Chromaphone Keygen Free on this page. com. This website will be gone soon. - www.altpublish.com/.

I received a flier, from which I quote and summarize: WRITERS: Are you looking to get published at NO COST & NO RISK? Their full service includes everything you need at no cost to you. DON'T GET DECEIVED BY OTHER PUBLISHERS AND THEIR “DEALS.' Avoid Vanity Press types, get honest feedback at zero cost and zero risk. They make their money from sharing your royalties, so if you don't get sales, they don't get paid. This sounds like traditional publishing. They have sections of topics of interest to writers.

However, we not connect to their links. Maybe they just hadn't set them up yet. - www.amberquill.com. February 2016 update: they seem to have shut down. - www.american-book.com/. January 2014 update: Serlver Not Found. — www.amirapress.com/.

'At Amira Press, our mission is to provide an experience so far out of the ordinary, that our readers will look to stay lost forever in the worlds our writers have created for the reader's enjoyment.' I'd call that a worthy dream. They publish all genres except children's stories, and are especially interested in Captive Romance, Interracial Romance, and Sensual Romance/Erotica in Science Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy, and Western, with the usual restrictions. Royalties are 50% on ebook downloads and 15% on print book sales. They respond to queries within two weeks, and within 90 days for full books.

Lengths range from 15,000 to 85,000 words. December 2008 update: a favorable report of good editing, prompt responses, and on-time payment. February 2009 update: They are open only to Romance and Erotic submissions. An author is happy with their editing and timely royalties payments. January 2011 update: They are open to sensual and erotic submissions only. January 2014 update: Still limited to sensual and erotic.

January 2015 update: At this time they are not accepting new, unpublished or self published authors, unless the latter also have been published by an established publisher. - www.anauthorsdream.com/. January 2015 update: Server Not Found. - Online magazine, featuring original stories and essays, along with staff-written blogs on politics, technology, art, and pop culture. May 2015 update: The connection is gone.

- www.anotherealm.com/. This is a monthly e-zine, publishing two full length (up to 5,000 words)stories a month, for which they pay $25 for electronic rights only. They read and decide on all stories by October 31, to be published the following year. They also have 'Flash Fiction' stories limited to 1,000 words, no pay, accepted year round, and contest stories based on contest topics, no pay, every two months. Obviously no place to get rich, but this could be good for talented beginners who need exposure. Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror; no pornography.

February 2008 update: I read one of their stories, about a peeper on the beach. Nice surprise ending. February 2009 update: News of a lawsuit against them, apparently one of a number filed by Barbara Bauer, who objects to being called a scam. One source says 'Barbara Bauer, named as one of the publishing industry's 20 worst Literary Agents, has sued over 19 bloggers and website administrators for allegedly defaming.' Another item says her lawsuit against Wikipedia was dismissed. Apparently this has been going on for a year or so; that's all I know.

January 2010 update: But they are still there, with no hint of a problem on their site. January 2012 update: Still no indication of problems on their site. January 2014 update: The site remains in good order.

- www.antelope-ebooks.com/. January 2012 update: Site is all in Chinese/Japanese symbols. January 2015 update: Now the domain may be for sale. A PAGE 4 YOU PUBLISHING - www.apage4you publishing.com. This was called to my attention as an apparent rip-off outfit. Their physical address turned out to be fake and they seem to be completely non-responsive once they have your book.

February 2006 update: I got the 'unknown host' message. - www.aphroditesapples.com/.

January 2014 update: And the domain is for sale. - www.aphroditeunlaced.com/. January 2015 update: Now the site can't be found. - www.archwaypublishing.com Simon & Schuster have partnered with Author Solutions to create this self publishing service, ranging from $1,599 for children's books to $1,999 for the standard publishing package. It can go as high as $25,000 for special treatment. I don't have the site address yet; when I Googled it I got over nine million responses, so the correct one is surely there, but I lack the time to check them all.

August 2013 update: Got it now. January 2014 update: I checked their listing of the top ten mistakes writers make, but it didn't list them, just gave a connection for you to watch a 35 minute recording. - www.arcticwolfpublishing.com/. January 2015 update: All I got was a black screen. My guess is that they have folded. ARIZONAL PUBLISHERS - I received a solicitation from them with only an email address of an assistant editor, Evelyn Obazu.

'We are interested in your book 'The Magic Fart'; this is because the book is popular here and demand is rising here in Nigeria.' Well, no sales of that title have been made in Nigeria, and I doubt that any legitimate publisher would want to start with such a title. So I suspect this is another Nigerian scam masquerading as a publisher. - www.artbookbindery.com/. This is a self publishing company, specializing in ultra low short run, print on demand. If you produce 50 copies of a 200 page book, it costs $11.50 per book, plus postage; the cost drops with larger orders.

The process normally take 3-5 weeks, and the author keeps all rights. February 2008 update: Fill out a form for information on size of book, number of coupes to be printed, etc., and they'll give a quote. This is reasonable, as books can vary considerably.

January 2010 update: not found. January 2011 update: Now it's there in good order. January 2014 update: Still there. - www.artemispress.com/.

This is a feminist and lesbian publisher, currently accepting submissions in all categories, fiction and nonfiction, presumably relating to lesbianism. Royalties are 30% of the download price, and 15% on POD editions. One year contract for electronic rights, renewable, and it has an auditing clause. They welcome the opportunity to work with new writers.

See also and for gay/lesbian markets. Allow 3 to 6 months for reports. February 2007 update: 30,00 to 200,000 words: chances are your book will fit. February 2009 update: Now the wordage can be as low as 100. But they are no longer accepting unsolicited manuscripts.

January 2010 update: They remain open for submissions of all lesbian types. January 2011 update: Now their titles are available on Kindle and similar. January 2013 update: They are remodeling; check back with them soon. January 2014 update: Ditto.

January 2015 update: After about 15 minutes I gave up trying to load the site. - dfox@tstonramp.com. HiPiers received an email on this, and there does not seem to be a Web site, just the email address, so I have not checked it. It says you can self publish your book with light editing for $2500, or with heavy editing for $4500, and $400 for cover and inside design, plus the actual cost of printing. This does not seem cheap, but that may depend on how much you need editing. - www.ascentaspirations.ca/. I received an email notice about this.

It's a quarterly magazine. 'We are dedicated to providing a venue for established and aspiring writers and artists. David Fraser, editor, Ascent Publications.' It specializes in the darker shades of short fiction in all genres, and poetry with an edge. There are several supplementary pages for an anthology, writer's resources, writer's sites, affiliate authors pages, and AA Publishing Page.

Their word limit is 2,000 words and dropping. February 2006 update: I received an email from them indicating that they are still going strong.

August 2006 update: their newsletter says they have two anthologies and a contest going. August 2007 update: They have upgraded their links pages for their magazine publishers, writers' associations, resources, publishers, writers' courses, contest sites, and writer's home sites.

February 2009 update: Submissions are now being considered for the May 2009 issue. They are unable to pay at this time. July 2009 update: many local, national, and international events are posted here.

They have a Fall 2009 Print Anthology Contest. January 2010 update: not found. January 2011 update: they became in August 2009 a monthly electronic journal, but once or twice a year they produce an anthology. A reading fee is required. October 2011 update: They have decided to form a partnership publishing company with writers.

I think that means self publishing. December 2012 update: There is an annual print anthology, now looking toward Spring 2013, and many other things of interest. January 2014 update: Now it's the Summer 2014 Anthology Contest. - www.aspenmountainpress.com/. January 2012 update: They are temporarily suspending operations. January 2013 update: Rights are reverted to authors.

January 2014 update: And they're gone. - January 2014 update: This time the link took me to Yahoo Voices, a different kind of site. - www.astraeapress.com.

This was founded in 2010 when the proprietor saw the need for a non-erotic e-publisher offering wholesome reads with the quality of mainstream romance. They work one on one with the cover artist, pay 50% royalties (40% on third party sales), have print available for 50,000 word books, and have an agent for foreign rights and audio. They try to provide books at a cheaper price to meet anyone's budget. “Direct communication between owner, editors, cover artist, and authors. No middleman here!'

January 2014 update: I found book listings, but no indication that they are looking for authors, and the site is copyright 2011. - November 2011 update: They have shut down, citing health problems. - www.atlanticbridge.net/. There is a good audit clause.

They are looking only for Paranormal at this time. They pay author's 45% of all download sales, quarterly, and buy electronic rights for one year. A satisfied writer tells me that they are easy to work with, and that they were #6 among best publishers as listed by Editors and Preditors in 2001. See also their hot romance imprint,. Unfortunately submissions are closed. February 2007 update: Still closed to submissions. February 2008 update: ditto.

February 2009 update: still closed. They must have one hell of a backlog. January 2010 update: ditto. January 2011 update: Still closed.

I have to wonder. January 2012 update: Still closed. January 2013 update: Still closed. Closed for over a decade? I have to conclude that this is not a current market. January 2014 update: I continue to check, as this was oncre a top publisher. But they remain closed to submissions.

I think they are now a bookseller rather than a publisher. January 2015 update: Submissions still closed. @VENTURE - see section - www.audible.com/. These are recorded books, and they have a slew.

But I was unable to find any indication that the novice writer is welcome here. I suspect that first you publish your book and become established, then they'll consider recording it. - www.AudioShortStories.com. January 2013 update: now it's in Chinese symbols. AURORA SHOWCASE - www.aurorashowcase.com. - www.austinmacauley.com/.

Beware: this site sets cookies. Based in London, with offices in London, New York, and soon Australia, founded in 2006. This is an independent trade publisher rather than an electronic one which I am listing because it was called to my attention and should be of interest to aspiring writers.

“Our publications range from historical romances to celebrity autobiographies; from illustrated children's tales to in-depth technical manuals; from hard-hitting thrillers to meditative poetry.' They also seem to be interested in some self publishing, depending on their judgment of the manuscript. - www.authorhouse.com/. February 2009 update: The Authorhouse/iUniverse complex has bought the remaining large independent self publisher, Xlibris. April 2009 update: I am simplifying the entry, as past history is surely irrelevant as the new order works out.

January 2010 update: Or maybe not. Authorhouse remains as its own imprint. AUTHOR SOLUTIONS — The umbrella name for the huge self publishing complex that includes Authorhouse, iUniverse, Trafford, Xlibris, WordClay, and is involved in Harlequin Horizons. June 2012 update: they are now looking for a buyer. They are not in financial trouble, it's just that the investors feel they have done what they can with this complex and are ready to move on.

My guess is that their family of imprints will not be affected. They say they have published 170,000 titles from 140,000 authors. This dwarfs the efforts of commercial publishers. January 2013 update: they are now owned by Penguin.

- January 2015 update: It has become a search site. - www.aventinepress.com A self publisher. Their basic package is $349.00, with additional fees for add-on services such as hardcover publication or a custom cover.

They also have a marketing program for $995. Royalties are 80% of the net moneys received, which is very high.

February 2008 update: Now their basic package is $399. January 2014 update: Notice that they will be out of the office during the holidays, but the site remains in good order, for information. AVID PRESS - www.avidpress.com. - www.awe-struck.net. I understand that one of the proprietors is physically disabled, and wrote a book featuring a disabled character, and when he couldn't get anywhere with Parnassus (an all too familiar story) he decided to set up a publisher for such work. It publishes Romance, Science Fiction, combinations of the two, and Nonfiction. If you are disabled, or write about that subject, you will surely get a sympathetic hearing here, though they aren't limited to such authors.

February 2009 update: Closed to submissions for now; keep checking. April 2009 update: Awe-Struck has been acquired by Mundania, and will be come an imprint there for various romance genres. Contract terms will match those of Mundania, 20% of net for print, 50% of net for ebooks, audit clause, etc. No set-up fee, no requirement to purchase copies; they get author's copies plus more at 40% off if they want them. Open for in-house submissions, and unsolicited submissions sometime in the spring. January 2010 update: They are open for submissions in a number of genres, preferred length 40,000-80,000 words. August 2010 update: they are currently closed to submissions.

January 2012 update: Still closed. January 2013 update: Closed.

January 2015 update: Still closed. Over four years closed? — www.members.shaw.ca/aydy/. I was sent a warning about this one, which apparently took over from the defunct Treeside Press and has not been good about issuing statements or returning rights. I looked it up, but got a blank screen. January 2015 update: Ditto.

- www.swiftsite.com/pleasures/books/index.htm. I was told this is a subsidy publisher (vanity press) that claims to be up to 50% cheaper than others, and that it advertises that it provides full services. They say that there are three classes of publishers: Major, that won't even read unknown writers, Subsidy, that charges you $10,000 and up with no guarantee that you'll succeed, and Babcock at 40-50% less than regular subsidy. Okay, that means $5-6,000 and up, and they give absolutely no email quotes. They accept no downloads or floppy discs manuscripts. You can probably do better faster and much cheaper at one of the self publishers. February 2006 update: 'We give absolutely no e-mail quotes!

Manuscripts should be submitted in 'double-spaced' hard copy only!' I think they should get with the times, if they really want new business; even dinosaur-age traditional publishers are starting to accept electronic manuscripts. January 2015 update: They describe three types of publishers: Major, which won't give an unknown writer the time of day; Subsidy, who publish anything for #10,000 and up; ansd Babcock, the happy medium. Just so you know their list is incomplete. There are small press publishers, many self publishers, and a host of electronic publishers, as this listing shows.

- badpress.infinology.net. January 2014 update: Gone. - www.baen.com/library/. This is a traditional publisher, offering a number of titles for free downloading, trusting that this will in the end generate more sales. I'll be interested to see if that works. October 2010 update: A negative author report.

I gather the author queried, got a request, and submitted the book. After two years they admitted it was lost in the shipping/receiving department. They finally found it and said it had been palletized [I think this means processed for handling] and sent to a junior reader in Texas, who had it for 6 months and apparently never reported. Return postage had been included, but the book was never returned.

There is no evidence that an actual editor ever saw the book. I had my own experience with this publisher years ago, and have to say that this is typical of their fouled-up system. It doesn't seem to be malice, merely SNAFU. That is, Situation Normal, All Fouled Up. January 2013 update: Their site lists What's New, but the newest is almost a year old.

January 2014 update: Now they have an extensive free ebook library, but I don't see evidence of publishing. January 2015 update: Server not found. Can Baen be gone?

BALBOA PRESS - I received a comment on this, so am listing it. It's an imprint of Author Solutions, so will be a self publisher in that family. - This is a new publisher specializing in “kink/taboo' fiction, GLBTQ, and other exciting areas of erotica and romance. They welcome submissions from all authors, established and new. - www.bdsmbooks.com/. They deal with themes of erotic domination. I understand that they pay 40% royalties for exclusive publishing and 30% for non-exclusive, but then take off a percentage for card processing.

I tried to verify terms, but the site was so slow loading that after 13 minutes I gave up. I did see enough to verify that erotic bondage and sadomasochism is their specialty in books and videos. August 2007 update: Interesting material from the publisher, who turns out to be 15 years older than I am, and obviously not in it to rip off authors. Their site is now faster loading than it was. You know, I'm not into this genre, but some of those girls are sexy as hell. October 2007 update: an author reports that the publisher's online figures seem to match its payments and his experience. He is quite satisfied.

April 2008 update: I have another satisfied response, and news that the management has changed but it remains okay. June 2008 update: but a buyer accidentally used an out of date card, and the order went through without challenge, so verification is suspect. February 2009 update: they have changed their credit card processors; now it's real time on a secure site. There should be no further problem. June 2009 update: A very positive report. January 2010 update: 'Yes – of course we welcome new authors!!'

You don't see that kind of invitation often. April 2010 update: And a contrary report: their sales volumes seems to have been cut in half, and worse for lesser known authors. They no longer pay monthly unless you earn $150 or more, and I think few do. So while they may welcome new authors, those authors should be cautious.

July 2010 update: I received a report that they seem to be closing for business, but their site still has many books for sale and invites authors to contribute. There seems to be quite a difference between their positive site and the experience of their authors. August 2010 update: a correction from the proprietor: they are not closed for business. There have been some technical difficulties, but he's getting things back under control.

January 2012 update: Site says it is under new management; coming soon is much more than ebooks. January 2013 update: They are selling books, but I found no information on buying any from authors. — www.beachwalkpress.com/.

They are accepting submissions for all sub-genres of romance, from 15,000 to 75,000 words. They take electronic rights for three years, pay royalties of 45%, or 45% of net sales via other distributors, paid four times a year. I have a favorable report on their handling, cover, and marketing.

January 2014 update: They are still open for submissions. — www.beaucoupllcpublishing.com/. I have two bad reports. “.absolute worst experience, we're attempting to get our work back from her, she's ignoring us, blocking us on Facebook, refusing to respond to emails.' Editing has been shoddy, covers atrocious, no apparent marketing.

“No one can speak out negatively without being immediately reprimanded.' According to their contract, it's a three year license from the date of publication with automatic monthly renewal thereafter, unless the author terminates after that initial period. But the publisher can terminate the contract at any time. The author can inspect the books of account, however, though it does not say that inaccurate accounts are grounds for termination.

Overall this smells like a bear trap: put your foot in it and you will not get it out. July 2015 update: A complaint about lack of promotion, shoddy editing, incomplete statements, delays, and contract discrepancies. It is also said that they are illegal: no business license and no real LLC (limited liability corporation) despite their name. However, their contract does give the author the right to inspect their books of account.

The problem there is that it may cost a thousand dollars to verify that they owe you $50. An author's attempt to stand up for her rights resulted in being cut off, with vindictive behavior.

In fact, the proprietor alienated so many authors that she is now reported to be selling the company to her cover artist. Yes, confirmation: the sale was supposed to be final June 10, with authors getting their rights back June 20. Let's hope it's true. August 2015 update: about ten writers did get their rights back. “I'm glad to be a free woman!' One confesses. - www.beautifultroublepublishing.com/.

A new small independent publisher in Colfax, NC. They look interesting. Beautiful Trouble Publishing, LLC is owned by two authors who wanted their own digs. The goal of Beautiful Trouble Publishing is to be recognized as a publisher not afraid to say yes to an unknown artist, author, or editor, or no to a well-known artist, a best-selling author, or a degreed-up editor.

Stories we publish will rock the reader's sense of humor, prick the soft places within them, challenge their assumptions, spark their sense of adventure, and stay with the readers long after 'The End.' A Beautiful Trouble Publishing story may not fit into any known genre or it may fit into several.either way, it's going to be a kickazz story. The owners are Jeanie and Jayha whose wild imaginations freaked out publishers. They realized that if they wanted it done right, they'd have to do it themselves. Their illustrations suggest that lovely partly-clad women are the kind of beautiful trouble they are looking for. They expect to do e-books and print, from 3,000 to 150,000 words, from polite Romance to Home Wrecker heat.

But they emphasize the need for respect along with the sex. Apparently there are no preferred genres; your piece can be anything as long as it's sexy and obeys the usual rules: no rape, no child sex, etc. I did not find terms for authors.

January 2011 update: They seem to be open for submissions, and are explicit about their needs and taboos. Liberty Basic 4 Companion Download Youtube here. March 2011 update: They offer a minimum of 40% royalties. They have an intensive editing process, a minimum of three rounds of editing and a few rounds of proofing.

They are open for submissions, but are picky and demand a lot from their authors. August 2011 update: A report says they seem business savvy, but annoy some authors by their insistence on doing it their way. But their sales seem to be good. January 2013 update: They seem to be open for submissions but are exceedingly finicky about format, or else.

January 2015 update: “We are sorry, but this store is down for maintenance. Please try again.' - www.beautobeau.com/ This is an ebook and print publisher of both homosexual and heterosexual fiction and nonfiction. Royalties are 50% of net. They acre accepting submissions of GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual) including but not limited to romance, erotic romance, historical romance, historical erotic romance, erotica, humor, mystery, suspense, action, adventure, drama, paranormal, fantasy, etc, but no pedophilia, necrophilia, or incest. Minimum length 10,000 words, no maximum length.

I have no track record on them, but they're certainly an open market. BENOY PUBLISHING - I received an email advising me that the Attorney General's office of the state of North Carolina is handling the complaint against this publisher. It is not one I listed, and I can't locate an electronic publisher by this name.

So I mention this just in case someone should find the information useful. - I spotted this as an ad on another publisher's site. It's actually Xlibris. BESMART PUBLISHING - See BSMART PUBLISHING - www.bethanypress.com. This is a self publishing company that prints books.

They are announcing a new book publishing solution designed for Christian authors, ministries, and small publishers. They work exclusively with Christian publishers to produce life-changing books. 'We want to partner with Christian organizations and individuals who have a vision to distribute the message God has given them to a world which desperately needs it.'

BETHANY'S GROUP This was an oddity to explore. It seems to be an association of several publishers or imprints devoted to aspects of girlish naughtiness and spanking. There are pictures of bared female bottoms ready for discipline, some of them getting it. Some sites are www.herwoodshed.com, www.wickedvelvet.com, www.spankingcastle.com, www.punishmentspanking.com, www.wickedcastle.com. In Wicked Velvet I found terms that may be similar for the others: 40-80,000 words length, to be serialized, and writers are paid a per-chapter fee as the stories are run. An author's report is that originally it was good, but in the past year payments have slowed and even stopped. Rates have changed and are not high.

So visit the site to view the sights, but be cautious about placing your naughty fiction there. January 2012 update: The publisher responds that there are only a few dissasisfied authors, the great majority being well satisfied. They have been publishing ebooks since 2001, and are just about the only erotic publisher to pay advances and to buy books outright for publication on their websites.

They have paid over a million dollars in royalties and advances in the past decade. They pay royalties quarterly, promptly.

July 2015 update: I am told they are now Blushing Books. - www.bewilderingstories.com. I was told about this, but haven't looked them up yet. They don't pay, but are responsive.

My informant says they will accept anything. - www.bewrite.net/. January 2014 update: Server not found. January 2015 update: Domain may be for sale. BIBLIO BYTES - www.bb.com/.Gone.

- www.cwisestone.com/bshome.htm. February 2009 update: gone.

— www.blacklyonpublishing.com/. January 2014 update: The site is there in good order, selling books, but I found no indication they want submissions. — www.blackstoneaudio.com They do the exclusive audiobooks for Ian Fleming, Ayn Rand, CS Lewis, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, HP Lovecraft, and now Disney audiobooks.

Their catalog is 10,000 strong. They pay advances and royalties.

- www.blackvelvetseductions.com/. Open to new and established authors in all kinds of Romance, ranging from Traditional to Fetish. Their lines are Forbidden Experiences, Sensuous Journeys, Tender Destinations, Amorous Adventures, Short Story Collections. They care more about content than format. Well developed characters, strong conflict, much emotion, solid ending. I found no information on terms. January 2011 update: They are currently open for submissions in all their lines. No information on terms.

January 2015 update: This time I got the site, but “Submissions' took so long to load I gave up after about ten minutes. - Now accepting submissions for all genres—they have a wide-ranging list—with lengths centering around 50,000 words. Highest standards. December 2010 update: I am informed that they folded November 1 because of the owner's illness. - www.blitzprint.com/.

A printer who facilitates self publishing. No information on terms. February 2008 update: You can request a quote. July 2009 update: they shut down their online book store June 1, 2009. - www.bloodmoonpublishing.com/. January 2015 update: Server not found.

- August 2011 update: They are gone, apparently folded. — www.bluewoodpublishing.com/. They were formed in mid 2009 by two authors, one a;New Zealander, one English, to provide publishing services, particularly to brand new authors, because both founders had enormous difficulty getting accepted by existing publishers. So they are trying to do it right. They have ben open only to story submissions, but are open for longer ones in March, 2010. They do not charge authors, and do pay royalties.

They try to report in 4-8 weeks. They don't say what genres. January 2011 update: They are open for submissions, but have a long list of restrictions. January 2012 update: They have changed their submission policy, no longer asking for complete manuscripts, and have dramatically reduced their list of restrictions. No formatting restrictions either, as long as it is a document type they can process. They have published 36 authors, cover a wide range of genres, and have seen dramatic growth in their second full year in operation. It looks from here as if they are doing something right.

February 2012 update: Okay, my system simply refuses to put it on; when I tried with Windows, it's fine. I have an issue with willful programs that won't let me do my job. January 2013 update: This time I had no trouble getting it.

They seem to be open for submissions. January 2015 update: Submissions are closed, but they expect to reopen soon. - www.blurb.com/.

'Blurb is a company and a community that believes passionately in the joy of books—reading them, making them, sharing them, and selling them.' So they have put together a creative publishing service they say is simple and smart enough to make anyone an author. They have a list of prices for different sizes of books, such as $62.95 for a 20-40 page book. That strikes me as a hell of an expensive book. But I learned from a client that a hardcover full-color 40 page book costs about $22. Blurb can, however, be frustrating to deal with on larger sizes. November 2014 update: Their affiliate program offers the opportunity to earn generous commissions by promoting Blurb's Self publishing platform, BookWright, at blurb@accelerationpartners.com.

BLUSHING BOOKS - Formerly Bethany's Group. An author report says they do pay advances, a minimum of $500, and royalties, and never charge the author. Unfortunately they are also very disorganized and pay very little attention to detail. So they're legitimate, but authors may have to keep close track to correct the errors.

Also, their boilerplate contract demands print, film, and audio rights. Better to get these removed, lest the works be made unavailable for later deals that could be worth more than the electronic rights.

A publisher who takes such rights without the ability to use them is making a Grab with a capital G, and should be discouraged. December 2016 update: A worse report that they frequently break contracts, show favoritism, and are very political. That they are bullies, threatening both authors and readers if anything negative is said against them, including threatening lawsuits. That they may send private messages to authors that their careers will be destroyed if they don't comply. Payments are late and queries are not answered. Authors are jumping ship.

I will advise in a future update whether they try to bully me about this negative update. Meanwhile it seems best to stay well clear. May 2017 update: I have what I think is a response from the publisher, indicating that the bullying is being done by anonymous parties on Facebook, implicating the publisher.

She sent a copy of one of the posts to show how brutal it is, which I quote in small part: “I want to know exactly what we can do to get you to finally put a bullet through your brains. 99.9 percent of the authors in this community hate you and know that you are a useless piece of shit.' It is easy to see how such a message, attributed to the publisher, could destroy the publisher's reputation, which may be the intention.

I am not in a position to know the truth, but it is clear that this is an ugly campaign whose source we do not know. I recommend caution in believing any of it.

June 2017 update: I reviewed Facebook posts and saw the exchanges between some authors and the publisher, and got in touch with the author in question, the one who received that savage post. The publisher accused her of writing the letter herself for attention. I tried to check into this, because I have been on the receiving end of similar, though far less savage, attention myself in the past, when all I had demanded was a correct account, and while direct proof is hard to come by, the author strikes me as credible. Digesting voluminous material, I have to say I think she has the right of it. It is possible that a third party is trying to provoke a quarrel between author and publisher, telling each that the other is at fault, but a legal case should sort that out. Regardless, something extremely ugly is happening here, and it needs to be dealt with.

BODENDORFER - The former WORDBEAMS. December 2007 update: I am told that its address changed, but it does seem to be out of business as a publisher. - 'Bold Strokes Books offers a diverse collection of top-selling lesbian fiction with the goal of incorporating the exciting new trends in romance, action, adventure, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy/horror, and erotica while preserving the integrity of the traditional genres. We also present contemporary and general lesbian fiction as part of our commitment to offer quality lesbian fiction to all readers.' No simultaneous submissions.

Decisions in 10-12 weeks. 55,000-100,000 words preferred. They seem to be primarily a print publisher, marketed and distributed by Bella Books. I did not find information or royalty rates. February 2008 update: Now their limits range from 45,000 to 150,000 words, depending on imprint.

January 2012 update: Now they cover Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Queer fiction. I still don't see information on terms. January 2014 update: they say they offer an advance, but don't say what it is, with what terms. January 2015 update: They are open for submissions, but still don't clarify terms. - www.bookbaby.com/. I was asked about this, so looked it up. The site is there, with news about sweepstakes and such, but I could not find any clickable links.

My guess is this is a self publisher, starting with e-publishing for $99 and related services available. Could be okay.

January 2014 update: Yes it is a self publisher. They say that once you start selling your book, they take no part of the money. - www.bookbooters.com. As of July 25, 2003, they have suspended all publishing activities, but remain as a bookseller.

And they are stiffing their authors. February 2006 update: they are permanently closed for business, as of November 25, 2005. - www.bookbox.com/. 'BookBox is a essentially a web-based jukebox of digital books in languages from around the world.

It synchronizes the text, audio, and visual media to cerate an educational and entertaining reading experience for children and even adults who still have a child in them!' It pays $40 per story in local currency and 5% of any future profit from that story.

So this isn't big money but could be nice for those who like to tell children's stories. - www.bookcliff-group.com/. Now here's a variant: the author retains all rights, and the publisher retains 25% as a publication fee. That translates to 75% for the author. Print on Demand for writers, poets, artists, photographers; otherwise this is an electronic publisher.

Material must be child safe. February 2007 update: They are actively seeking children's stories.

February 2008 update: And scripts of all types: short plays that are suitable for community theater performances. January 2014 update: They remain in business. - www.thebookden.com/. This is Denlinger's Book Store in Florida. It's been in business for 75 years, and seems to be slow-moving, taking four to six months to report on submissions. It seems to have a wide range of books. 10%, 50% of subsidiary.

Can take 6 months to report. Primarily nonfiction, many categories. Buys all rights. February 2008 update: It is closing its doors. But it seems that some of their POD titles are still being sold at Amazon. - www.booklocker.com. As I understand it, they charge fees for their services ranging from zero to $225, but take non-exclusive rights only (that's important) and pay 50% to 70% royalties monthly (that's phenomenal.) Offhand, this seems to be a good place to consider early.

They have many types of books, including ones on self publishing, about which they are very encouraging. Now they also produce trade paperbacks. Now author keeps all rights. Author can terminate agreement at any time, no hassle.

35% royalties on list price of POD books. Costs $199 to do POD plus $18 a year hosting fee; electronic print is free. UPDATE: An anonymous report is a good deal more negative, suggesting that this publisher's main business is publishing the proprietor's books on self publishing, and that the author's of other titles have to follow a formula and do all of the book promotion and selling., or get de-listed despite the contract. If this is true, writers should be wary. Followup on the update: I received angry letters from Angela Hoy, wife of the company's president and author of several of their books on self publishing.

At first she was halfway polite, then threatening, accusing me of defaming the publisher. I rechecked with my source, who affirms the accuracy of my update. Angela said 'What you are doing is illegal,' and said she was turning this matter over to her attorney. I never heard further; I suspect someone got a whiff of Ogre and did the sensible thing: retreat. Nevertheless, I am trying to be fair in this survey, and have to say that my spot check did not indicate preferential treatment given to Angela's efforts. She says they have published more than 900 books, only 6 of which are hers, and none of hers appear on their homepage. So the question is whether this is a good publisher with a few disgruntled authors out of many, or one that sometimes treats writers in an arbitrary or unfair manner.

Both may be true; I suspect that is the case. June 2005 update: I have a favorable author report, citing a positive attitude and quick responses. February 2006 update: They have a table showing the costs to self publish books at BookLocker $392, iUniverse $459, Xlibris $500, AuthorHouse $898, and Trafford $1,399 including 40 copies. April 2006 update: another bad report, this one not anonymous.

Ron Brault rbrault@obtel.com paid Booklocker $200 to publish his nonfiction High & Away 12 miles high and 20 miles away, the story of the cameras in the U2 spy plane, written by his father. Angela Hoy, after denying that she received the book--he finally had to send it by signed receipt certified mail to prove she received it--challenged the cover photo, saying it had copyright problems, apparently wanting him to pay more for a cover done by the publisher. She evidently felt that his cover represented stolen goods, and I understand even wrote an article titled 'When writers steal from other writers.'

I may have this garbled. But it was the beginning of a long hassle, and the book was not published. He asked for a refund but didn't get it. He is a high & away dissatisfied customer. Contemporary readers may not realize how big a deal the U2 was a generation ago; this is surely a book of general interest. June 2006 update: Angela Hoy's site for her article is www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/02006.html. February 2007 update: Another positive report of prompt responses and effective procedure. 'One of the things I think is great about them is that they are exclusive; they accept only a small percentage of the ms. That come in, and that's a real plus for authors who truly believe in their work and are not just publishing to make themselves feel good.'

February 2008 update: Now their POD fee is $299, plus $18 a year. June 2008 update: and another positive report, finding Angela to be knowledgeable, friendly and responsible, doing a tight and thorough edit of the manuscript. The cover design was good. February 2009 update: more negatives. It is said that proprietress Angela Hoy has not been published anywhere but here and that she is not a good writer. That she misuses stock photos for promotion, and that BookLocker's claim to be the cheapest POD house is untrue; Create Space is cheaper, being essentially free.

That despite its claims BookLocker really does not discriminate in what it publishes, and that it arranges to plant positive and negative comments on Amazon about particular authors' books. That the publisher threatens critics with lawsuits to shut them up, and trashes their reputations. I don't know how much of this is true, and some would be tricky to prove, but there is a smell, and my prior dealings with BookLocker suggest there is some substance at least to the charge that they threaten critics. June 2009 update: Angela Hoy responds that she has a contract with St.

Martin's Press, she has never mis-used stock photos, that Booklocker is cheaper than CreateSpace for services like original cover design, formatting assistance, ISBN, distribution through Ingram, etc. That if you can't honor the CreateSpace specs, they upsell you on their subsidiary, BookSurge, which is far more expensive than Booklocker. That she has never posted a review on Amazon or elsewhere, never posted under a false name, or had anyone else do it at Booklocker.

That she does not threaten critics with lawsuits, only those who have posted libelous comments about her online in retaliation for having their illegal activities exposed. That it may be one of those deadbeats who contacted me. But see my extended discussion in the June 2009 Hipiers column. August 2009 update: a favorable report: 'They could NOT have been more helpful.'

This author conjectures that some of the wild complaints stem from ignorance about POD. 'So many haven't a CLUE!'

January 2010 update: Now their link goes directly to Angela's newsletter, leading off with her charge that my anonymous source is a liar. January 2012 update: Three years later, still that “Liar' rant. I'm not sure this remains a publisher.

November 2012 update: A named complaint: A L DuBois paid $1,274 for their color POD package, but it was messed up, such as appearing in Black & White. When the author notified the proprietor, she got hung up, declaring that it wasn't her FAULT! Later Angela Hoy demanded written proof that everything was legal, and when reminded that requirement was not in the contract she exploded, calling the author a liar, thief, jerk, etc. In sum: 'I feel beaten up by Angela Hoy of Booklocker.' January 2013 update: Still no information here about publishing, just the inaccurate rant against Piers Anthony for telling it as it is. Probably best to stay clear.

January 2015 update: Still dated 2009, unchanged. - www.bookmasters.com/. They focus on prepublishing services such a printing, binding, fulfillment, and distribution. You can get a package of services for $640. I list them here in the publishing section because they also do epublishing. - www.bookmice.com/. Gone. February 2005 update: Now the site is a list of books with links to purchase them elsewhere.

- www.booksforabuck.com/. Looking for novels in the fields of Romance, Science Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, and General Fiction, 50,000 words up. No pornography, literary fiction, or other genres.

Prices range from $1 to $3.99, but all are available for $1 in their first month of release. Royalties are 50%, paid quarterly, on gross revenues. For paper publications, 50% of net revenues. No charges to the authors for any of their services. The process of publication seems to take about two months, because of editing and cover art. Maybe I'm influenced because the proprietor is a fan of mine, but this looks very good to me. December 2008 update: it seems they don't acknowledge submissions. A writer queried, described, got a request to see the full novel, sent it, and did not hear from them again.

A query was ignored. July 2009 update: later he heard from them, courteously, so cancel that complaint. January 2015 update: They are still there, but I find no evidence they are a market for writers.

- www.bookshelfglobal.com. January 2015 update: The domain may be for sale. BOOKSOURCE - New title for the Booksurge complex. BOOKSTAND PUBLISHING — see ebookstand - www.bookstogonow.com. New electronic publisher covering the major emarkets. They report only one desire:: to see great stories get the exposure they deserve. Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Erotica, Fantasy/SciFi, Fiction, Historical, Inspirational, Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult—50-50 split after editing, artwork, promoting.

Their site is still a work in progress, but they will answer questions. January 2014 update: The site is fully functional now, but plug-ins are required so I can't take at further. - www.BookStrand.com/ I have a report of excellent sales: over a thousand dollars per title paid in a quarter. June 2009 update: those sales continue; I was shown a statement. March 2010 update: A generally favorable report of professionalism, responsivity, good editing, and decent royalty reports four times a year. But their submission process has so many guidelines in can be hard to follow. January 2012 update: However, they are open for submissions.

January 2015 update: They are open for submissions. - www.booksunbound.com/ January 2012 update: Now they can't be found. I think they’re dead. - www.booksurge.com.

See the entry on IMPRINT BOOKS. I do have a positive report on them from an author, who mentions they are now BOOKSOURCE. Another says the are now. October 2004 update: I heard from them: they are still going strong, and Global Book Publishers was a previous name. June 2005 update: they have been bought out by Amazon.com.

This could shake up the self publishing market. AMAZON's notice says in part: 'BookSurge makes it possible to print books that appeal to targeted audiences, whether it's one copy or one thousand. Our new relationship with BookSurge will provide Amazon customers an ever-expanding selection of titles that are not available through other channels.' I presume they will consolidate the assorted imprints under one name. February 2008 update: They don't give prices on the site: you have to fill out a form and get in touch with one of their publishing consultants.

An author with a book with 120 pictures learned that it would cost $5,700 to do. April 2008 update: As of April 1, 2008, Amazon is turning off the Buy button on books not printed by BookSurge, starting with those by Publish America. There is outrage. August 2008 update: 35% direct retail royalties at Amazon.com and 4 other retailer sites; 10% elsewhere. Editing service is a minimum of $300. Royalties every 45 days.

February 2009 update: No news of the controversy on their site, of course. January 2014 update: Site remains.

They are unifying under the Create Space platform. January 2015 update: The link leads to Amazon's Create Space. - www.cmonline.com/boson/. October 2015 update: I am told the link no longer works. Big surprise. - They are open for submissions in many genres.

I have a negative report on them, of taking months to review a submission, more months to offer a contract, then no word, so that the author had to get a lawyer to wrench back his rights. There's a question whether they are paying their authors on time or at all. This suggests that authors should be wary. February 2016 update: another author reports that this publisher is wonderful to work with, always pays on time, and encourages artistic freedom. It may be that the author with the bad experience got caught when a key person went through a severe personal trauma and took an extended leave of absence, perhaps misplacing manuscripts. - www.boxlunchbooks.com/. August 2009 update: Gone.

- www.breathlesspress.com/. November 2015 update: and finally they folded. — www.bcpinepress.com. February 2015 update: Indeed, now the link leads to Pinepress Roofing. - www.browzerbooks.com/.

This appears to be a publisher and marketer of free books. I found no terms listed for authors, but presume they are unpaid. So if you have a book you just want to make available for reading, this is the place. February 2008 update: I clicked their link about publishing romance books, and it put me with Xlibris.

May 2010 update: I heard from the publisher. 'We have moved all BrowzerBooks links to TaleWins to concentrate our resources. The BrowzerBooks domain is reserved for our club members.' So check www.talewins.com/ as the best entry point for writers. 'We do publish fine books in pdf formats.' There is no charge for the publishing. February 2015 update: Browzerbooks.com site is for sale.

- www.bsmartpublishing.com. “A publishing company which provides comprehensive desktop publishing services, all levels of online editing, translations, digital graphic design and illustration to the publications industry.' So this is a self publishing service, which outsources offshore for lower cost; they are located in New Delhi, India. They do all types of publication, and are eager to have you try them. - www.buybooksontheweb.com/.

The main thrust seems to be to sell books - but let's face it, if books didn't sell, who would publish them? It has a 'Get Published Now!' 'Did you know that less than 2% of authors ever get published? We have found a way to change that!'

They offer an Authors Submission Package, if you send in their form. An author report says they are responsive and pleasant to work with. See Infinity Publishing, as their publishing link leads there. February 2009 update: they remain as a bookseller, with their publishing arm being INFINITY. - www.bygracepublishing.com June 2009 update: A report that they keep making excuses instead of paying royalties.

Since they have closed there doesn't seem to be much recourse. January 2010 update: This domain may be for sale. February 2011 update: Gone.

- Founded in 2006, they are a niche press dedicated to publishing fiction and nonfiction up to 150,000 words on the theme of vampires. Several genres; what counts is the vampire. They pay a small advance, and royalties of 20% of net on print and audio sales, 50% of net on ebooks. All titles released simultaneously in hardcover, trade paperback, and multiple ebook editions. Their recent titles have been reviewed in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY and LIBRARY JOURNAL. They are currently accepting submissions. My guess, considering the package they offer, is that they will soon be swamped.

February 2014 update: They are open for fiction and nonfiction submissions. (I wonder how you do nonfiction about vampires? The range seems limited.) February 2015 update: They are seeking vampire manuscripts, but only by invitation, so query first. - www.cafepress.com/cp/info/sell/books.aspx. They merchandise all sorts of things, but have added a publishing service, so are listed here for that.

This is POD, with charges of $7 for binding plus three cents a page; slightly different for different types of stitching. It looks as if you have to do a lot yourself. October 2006 update: a negative report from someone who ordered a T-shirt. After months with no confirmation of the order, finally canceled it.

If this is the way they do business, sales will be small. August 2007 update: And the opposite experience, with prompt delivery for several T-shirts, which are of good quality. February 2011 update: Pricing is based on the number and type of pages in your book. February 2014 update: they are selling T-shirts, posters, greeting cards, wall clocks pajamas, coffee mugs, throw pillows and more. I don't see anything about publishing your book, but presume it's there somewhere. February 2015 update: Create and sell your books using true print on demand technology.

So the publishing aspect is back. - www.camhousebooks.com/. February 2012 update: not found. — www.camelpress.com/. I was asked about this, so added it to my list. They are a new publishing imprint of Coffeetown Press doing hardcover and electronic publication. They call themselves a feisty little publisher with a mission, ready to snap up the good stuff that slips by the big guys.

Romance, mystery/suspense, thrillers, science fiction, or unclassifiable if it is sensational. They don't seem to have a track record yet, but it's a good attitude. February 2012 update: They are open for submissions.

Query with a 50 page sample. February 2014 update: they remain open for submissions. February 2015 update: Ditto.

CANDLELIT MAGAZINE — see Services section. — www.canwritewillwrite.com/.

They started out as a showcase website for authors to display their work, but now have branched into publishing. An author reports that they have been professional and helpful throughout. I don't have information on terms; it was a slow site. February 2009 update: If they like your work, a contribution of £100 to get started.

They will post your work on their website for one year. Um, as publication goes, this is barely minimal. January 2010 update: I heard from them. They are not charging authors anything to showcase their work.

They have expanded their literary services. June 2010 update: They now electronically publish books. 'Anyone with a decent, completed, coherent book has a reasonable chance of obtaining an ePublishing deal with us.

We make our money taking a percentage of sales.' They also supply editing and critique services. February 2011 update: They have an interesting attitude. They publish about twelve books a year.

If you feel you can ignore their requirements, but have a really positive attitude, you might persuade them to make it thirteen. February 2015 update: Same interesting attitude.

They welcome new authors. — www.captiveunicorn.com. They have teamed up with Liberator, Inc., to publish the all-digital Liberator Erotic Library, featuring erotic romance and erotica. It is scheduled for an inaugural release in early 2013. Submission information is available from their web site. February 2013 update: They are actively seeking manuscripts of unlikely new romance, married couples seeking to restore the spice, and playful menage of all types of threesomes or foursomes.

February 2015 update: This time their site has just a black screen with Coming Soon notes. — They are expecting to launch in summer 2010 and release new titles weekly. They expect to have a wide range of genres. I understand that Carina is completely separate from Harlequin Horizons, not connected. Carina is not a self publisher. They will go digital first. No advances, but larger royalties.

February 2010 update: They are accepting submissions in all genres of romance, erotica, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, women's fiction, and more, but no non-fiction or poetry. They will consider fiction from 15,000 words to over 100,000 words. You may submit manuscripts that were rejected by Harlequin or any other publisher. March 2010 update: They want all rights for 7 years, 30% royalty on ebooks sold through their site, half that on books sold elsewhere. What will count is how much they sell.

January 2011 update: a report of a very prompt and personal acceptance process, until a supposedly negotiable contract turned out to be non-negotiable. But the rest went very well, and the overall experience was good. February 2011 update: they remain open to submissions in all genres except young adult, poetry, or nonfiction.

February 2012 update: still wide open, but query first. Check their requirements for queries. February 2014 update: Now they are more limited, no longer interested in nonfiction, women's fiction, horror, thrillers, literary, faith, young adult, or general historical fiction. That still leaves plenty, however, so check their list. February 2015 update: Their guidelines changed as of March 1, 2014. They discourage submissions of under 35,000 words, and are looking for 50,000 words and up. Again, check their list.

- www.carnaldesirespublishing.com/. This will be the erotic imprint of DOUBLE DRAGON, opening September 1, 2007. Interested in erotic fantasy and science fiction, but will accept other topics, too. February 2008 update: Alexandra Adams is the co-publisher, who has her own Sexy Novels site listed in the Services section. Minimum length is 20,000 words, 90,000 maximum, but they are flexible. They are looking for highly erotic romance, and welcome cross-genre, with a riveting plot.

The usual restrictions. Royalties of 35% of the cover price for ebooks sold at the site, 35% of net for other sales, and 10% for POD sales. They take digital rights only, for five years. February 2010 update: they are now open for submissions. They are especially interested in cross-genre works. February 2011 update: Submissions are closed.

February 2012 update: Submissions are now open. February 2013 update: Still open. February 2014 update: Their servers are down for maintenance. February 2015 update: They're there, describing their offerings, but I saw no Submissions listing. CARNAL PASSIONS - The erotic imprint of Champagne Books, which see. - www.carnifexpress.net/. February 2009 update: They shut down on January 1, 2009, with regret: couldn't make it financially. They are selling off their books at below cost, hoping to pay off their debts.

CELEBRITY CAFE - see CELLAR DOOR PUBLISHING — I have no site address, but a report of failure to acknowledge manuscripts. - www.centralvalleywriters.com/. February 2013 update: This time it came up in Chinese characters, so if they're still publishing, it's not in English.

- www.cerridwenpress.com/. This is an imprint of Ellora's Cave for mainstream fiction. That is, Contemporary, Fantasy, Futuristic/Sci-Fi, Historical, Horror, Humor, Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal, Women's Fiction, and many categories of Romance.

They also have a number of special categories mixed in with Ellora's Cave, such as Ellora's Caveman Anthologies and Cotillion; check their site for half a slew of information. Presumably Cerridwen will have the same promotional push that Ellora's Cave does, which suggests high sales.

February 2007 update: They are always open for submissions. April 2009 update: but I have a report that all they really seem to want is erotic romance. That is surprising, considering this is supposed to be a general mainstream imprint.

February 2010 update: They are still always open for submissions in all their genres. April 2010 update: But the private word is that they are not accepting any new submissions despite what the site says. In fact I understand there's a notice in their author package to that effect. I also understand that editors are being fired. Things seem to be in limbo. July 2010 update: an ebook a reader bought had squares in lieu of some words, and the reader is reluctant to buy more such books.

Author went to publisher, and publisher said it must be the ereader's fault and refused to take it further. But the same error occurs on other ereaders.

I know computers can put squares for unknown symbols; this suggests that the file has some obscurities that ereaders can't handle. Until the publisher is willing to deal with this, beware. February 2011 update: The link took me to a dark blank screen for Jasmine Jade Enterprises.

This strikes me as mischief. March 2011 update: No, it's okay; it seems to be the new name for Ellora's Cave and its imprints. February 2012 update: They are open for submissions. I like their spot headings for types: Pricked for tattoo fiction, Hex Appeal for wanton witches, Ball & Chain for spicy sex in marriage, On the Hunt featuring bounty hunters. 'Remember that sex is largely visual and verbal for men (for women, it is mainly mental and emotional.)' They remark that men want women to 'do some of the work' and imply that is obscure. I can clarify it: men prefer that women not lie there like suffering corpses during sex, but participate actively as if they actually enjoy it.

February 2013 update: They remain open for submissions. Curious, I clicked their link for complaints about this imprint, but it was only routine submission requirements. Why am I not surprised? February 2014 update: I did not see submission information. February 2015 update: The link leads to Ellora's Cave. No submission information. - www.champagnebooks.com. Starting up March 31, 2005, mentioned as a possible publisher, but so far it seems to be just a book reading club.

June 2005 update: I heard from the publisher. They are not a reading club, though they do have an experimental ebook club. But they are a publisher first. February 2006 update: Submissions are closed, and by invitation only until further notice. February 2007 update: They seem to be open for submissions now. June 2007 update: I have an anonymous report that they seem to be slowly becoming a vanity press. Some authors are charged to go to print, while some aren't. I'll be interested to receive feedback clarifying this, as it could be a misunderstanding. October 2007 update: it is indeed a misunderstanding. They considered letting impatient authors pay for print, but decided against it.

February 2008 update: They are accepting submissions for all genres except erotica, no short story collections or poetry. February 2009 update: I could not find information on terms, or any indication that they are more than a bookseller now. June 2009 update: I received reassurance that they are a full-fledged publisher, and are publishing authors with great satisfaction. Epublication and trade paperback.

April 2010 update: I have a favorable report that they have a good contract, prompt response, and good editing. June 2010 update: And two savagely negative reports I am loosely interpreting here to mask identities. One describes a publisher that started out well, then ran out of money, used royalties to cover operating expenses, and made excuses to cover that up. The other describes bad editing, blatant favoritism, and a threatening attitude toward those who even question things. Both reports are detailed and persuasive.

There is also a story circulating about how there was a firm offer to buy 10,000 copies of an author's books, with no refunds, but the publisher essentially turned its back on the deal. Such an example, if true, suggests that the printer might have demanded payment up front, and the publisher wouldn't or couldn't do that, so let it go. So much for that author's prospects. July 2010 update: And an angry response from the publisher, who wanted the bad report removed immediately. Lotsa luck there. But they do make their case. Money is not an issue.

There was an issue with their bank, which has been resolved; it was a banking error. All royalties have been paid.

There was never a firm offer for 10,000 books, and the prospective buyer never followed up despite being queried. Actually the sale is still pending and is expected to go through in due course. At this point it looks as if the publisher has been vindicated in this respect. February 2011 update: They will consider all genres, but have a specific interest in Romance, Science Fiction/Futuristic, Fantasy, and Steam Punk. August 2011 update: Another favorable report. A new author queried, and received a prompt response and a request for the manuscript.

A week later they rejected the book, but did respond to a request for feedback, delivering a blunt critique that the author concluded was professional and useful. So this is a positive reaction to a rejection. That's a rarity, and worth noting. It seems that this publisher is cultivating future authors.

That's as it should be, but is nevertheless rare among publishers of any stripe. February 2012 update: They are open for submissions, but do not accept snail mail subs at this time. February 2013 update: Now they accept emailed submissions. February 2014 update: Submissions are closed until February 1, 2014, so should be open as of this update.

Prior submissions were deleted unread. That's clear, but I suspect it is a signal of growing arrogance. They couldn't wait a few days to get to something sent in just before the deadline? March 2014 update: A reader sent me a link with negative reports on this publisher. I checked it, and much of it feeds right back to this entry of mine. But there are others, as writers report their experiences. Some are threatened with legal action if they tell.

Back in my day, circa 1970, I was advised by a lawyer that I could get sued and lose for telling the truth, because it would harm the errant publisher's reputation, and the publisher had resources I lacked. Justice is not necessarily served in the courts. That's one reason for my militant attitude today; I will tell the truth, and now have the resources to back it up. Sue me at your own risk; I will probably destroy you.

But here I am a third party, and can only report what I am told, without being certain of its accuracy, especially when indications are mixed. June 2014 update: A report of fouled up statements of account and failure to pay royalties for whole quarters.

Stonewalling of authors who query about this. It may take legal action to get information. February 2015 update: the site took so long to lead that I finally gave up.

- www.chancespress.com. A new publisher expanding their line of romantica e-books, now open for submissions. ('Romantica' is hot sexy romance genre fiction promoted by Ellora's Cave; I understand they don't like others using their word, but it has become its own genre.) They are especially interested in gay themed books, romance, and of course romantica.

Anthologies will also be considered. They pay 50% of net sales from wholesalers. February 2006 update: 'We are currently not accepting queries or submissions.' February 2009 update: They now offer self publishing options. Partnering with Wordclay, which is listed below.

February 2010 update: They are still not accepting submissions or queries. February 2011 update: I could not find information on submissions. February 2012 update: They are currently not accepting queries or submissions, but this may soon change.

February 2013 update: They seem to be open for submissions now. February 2015 update: Currently not accepting queries, as their publishing calendar is full. But check back in due course. - changelingpress.com/. 'Out of this world Erotic Love Stories.' All types, including gay/lesbian and fetish, from 8,000 to 25,000 words, not full length novels. Except sweet contemporary romance, child pornography--the really dirty stuff.

April 2005 update: they are a royalty-paying publisher using the EPIC RECOMMENDED (AUTHOR FRIENDLY) CONTRACT. Now they do short fiction and novella length, 8,000 to 30,000 words. December 2005 update: I have a very favorable writer report on them. But I don't know what they pay. April 2006 update: I am told they pay royalties of 35% for what they sell directly, and less if they broker a book through something like Fictionwise. This is reasonable.

I have another very favorable author report; their contract is said to be quite author-friendly. February 2007 update: They are open for submissions. April 2007 update: A report of 50-250 sales per title per month. October 2007 update: word from the publisher: 'We specialize in paranormal, fantasy and science fiction stories.' But obviously their scope is wider than that. 'We've got only one heat level. Over-the-top hot!'

December 2008 update: Publisher Margaret Riley sent information. They are coming up on their fifth anniversary, and have done a total of 1054 titles, in and out of production. They expect to sell 100-300 copies in the first month, doubling that in the first two years. They do some print books, but that's not their primary focus.

Their contracts have a 'kill' fee ranging from $350 for single ebooks to $750 for print collections. Another author report is quite favorable: good editing, on-time payment. February 2010 update: This time I could not find information on submissions or terms. February 2011 update: Still no information. My guess is they're not buying.

April 2011 update: I heard from a writer who uses them, loves them and the support they provide. I am told they do still have submission information, but I still can't find it.

May 2012 update: another very favorable report. February 2013 update: Now their submission information is readily found, and they are open in a number of sub-genres.

April 2014 update: Another favorable report. They pay monthly.

If something personal comes up that prevents an author from meeting a deadline, they work to try to keep things on schedule, or set up a better release date. They are friendly and respond promptly to emails. February 2015 update: Still open for submissions. February 2016 update: A very favorable report: an author got an offer from a traditional publisher, and Changeling congratulated her and returned her rights, wishing her well. This is one of those rare publisher-from-heaven events. - www.CheerAndDanceBooks.com/. This is Darnell Spirit Productions, DSP, in business since 2000 for just cheer and dance.

That is, cheer and dance themed nonfiction, and soon fiction too, in a variety of lengths. Non-subsidy, royalty paying, ebooks and POD. Royalties are 40% of the net. Some may be selected for doll collections; they get 10% of the sales for related dolls. I get the impression that writers don't submit material here so much as try out for publication.

This publisher seems friendly. February 2008 update: Lengths range from 10,000 to 100,000 words.

They want adult romance centered around the world of cheerleading, but within those thematic boundaries will consider a wide variety of genres. Keep it sweet, sensual, but not erotic. February 2010 update: They remain open for their type of submissions, and will respond in 3-4 weeks. February 2011 update: A note says Darnell Spirit Productions, evidently the publisher, has been acquired by Netherfield House Press.

All titles are being updated. Follow their link to Netherfield for information on their new submission policy. February 2012 update: Now they have a Submissions section, and will consider novels from 50,000 to 110,000 words.

CHEYENNE PUBLISHING — All I know of this is that this one is now defunct. - chicksprings.com. Not a market. - www.chimera-online.co.uk. February 2015 update: Server Not Found.

- www.chipmunka.com/. A mental health publisher based in the UK. They say they have published more than 130 paperbacks and 200 ebooks. 'We want to prove that everything in life is a mental health issue.' So if you have a fiction or nonfiction book relating, this appears to be a good place to be; they seem truly dedicated to banishing the stigma associated with mental health problems. You may donate money if you wish to support their effort, but otherwise this is merely a specialty publisher.

February 2010 update: They pay royalties once a year, and do not reveal their rates until they offer a contract. February 2012 update: Their site seems to consist of very positive testimonials by authors who are thrilled to be published. - www.chippewapublishing.com. December 2007 update: they have closed, because of the proprietor's family emergency. All rights are being returned to the authors as of November 30, 2007. If a publisher has to go, this is the way to go. February 2008 update: but a number of authors have not received those reversions, and it seems other publishers won't buy without those reversions. November 2010 update: but there is a report of their never paying what was owed to a number of authors.

February 2011 update: Now it's a publishing search site. — www.classactbooks.com. Electronic and print publisher, said to be responsive. Currently accepting submissions in all their genres. I did not find information on terms.

July 2010 update: I have a highly negative report of authors who left this publisher because of hidden fees, being shorted on royalties, failure to fulfill contractual obligations, and lack of response to queries. It seems the publisher is releasing books that are no longer under contract and have been published elsewhere. A number of novels were named, which I am not naming to preserve anonymity. It is, I am told, no class act. August 2010 update: And a refutation. Their contracts say royalties are based on Net. That's not the same as hidden fees.

Another writer checks royalties vs. Sales and the statements have always been correct. And listings may take several months to go, because sellers like Amazon can be slow to act.

One other thing: if only a few writers are mad at a publisher, the publisher can usually identify them. If many are, the publisher usually can't. This time a name was named, so I checked, and it was the right name. So by this imperfect measure, the publisher stands vindicated. September 2010 update: Well, heard from several more disaffected authors who gave examples of abuses.

The balance swings the other way. See my discussion in the SapTimber 2010 HiPiers column. October 2010 update: And a response from Linda Voth: “I took over Class Act Books in April of this year. It was, and still is, my intention to work with the authors to make Class Act Books a great company.'

She did have a problem with lists of authors and books that were not completely current, so that some books the authors had pulled remained on sale. She tried to work with the authors to correct this. Some authors were very understanding; others were not. To save time she merged Class Act with Paw Prints, which she owns. Amazon did that for her, but in the process some books somehow got made active again.

Affected authors were sure that she was trying to steal from them. “As for not paying the correct royalties. That, simply, isn't true. We were a bit late in making quarterly payments but we had a lot of financial stuff to wade through and we wanted to make sure that we were correct. We also waited on one of the 3rd party vendors who was extremely late in sending payments.' In one case she sent the full price that Amazon paid for the book, $3.13, but the author would not accept the figure.

“By then there was nothing I was going to do that wasn't, somehow, underhanded.' She finally stopped trying to explain. So the pendulum swings again; this is persuasive.

Class Act will offer print books without a setup fee or minimum sales requirements, with the authors receiving 30%. February 2011 update: I did not find information on submissions. December 2011 update: Another negative report of not paying royalties. February 2012 update: They are open to all genres, but no gay/lesbian, rape, child abuse, or animal cruelty. No information on terms. May 2012 update: Another complaint about no statements or response to queries. February 2013 update: Submissions are open only for romantic fiction at this time.

February 2014 update: Now they are open in all fiction and nonfiction genres. - www.claybornpress.com/. August 2011 update: I have a report that they have become nonresponsive. Indeed, their site seems to be gone. September 2016 update: now they are back.

The proprietor was working on his PhD and had to cease operations from about 2011 to 2016 but now is resuming operation. They will be accepting about 50 manuscripts for consideration before closing the submission window. At present they are considering only Nonfiction, Fiction including Fantasy and SciFi, and Young Adult. - www.cleanromance.com. This means exactly what the name implies: keep the dirty stuff out.

It is interested in all Romance sub-genres. 10,000 to 100,000 words, 35% royalties on downloads. October 2004 update: the link no longer connects. - see Fiction Forest - www.clothopress.biz. February 2012 update: And they are gone.

- www.clublighthousepublishing.com/. This is a newly-launched epublisher located in Canada. They are open for submissions in many genres of fiction and non-fiction.

They take only electronic rights, for one year, and pay royalties of 40% of all download sales. Reports on submissions in one month to six weeks. February 2007 update: They are open for submissions in many genres of fiction and nonfiction. February 2008 update: The site is there, but seems to have no content. June 2008 update: they are there in good order, so my prior observation must have been a glitch. I have a positive report. April 2009 update: I have a report from a satisfied author, who says they were great every step of the way.

January 2010 update: and another favorable report. February 2011 update: This time I did not find submission information. February 2012 update: They say their royalties are among the best in the industry, without saying what they are. They want hot, spicy remance, erotica, GBLT, and vampire stories. February 2014 update: Open for submissions in a number of genres.

February 2015 update: Still wide open for submissions. - www.cobblestone-press.com/. This is an electronic publisher of sensual and erotic romance with many genre subdivisions. Royalties are 35% of the cover price, paid monthly. They take electronic rights for one year. Four general lengths: Trysts 10,000-20,000 words; novella 20,000-40,000; novels 40,000-65,000; full novel 65,001-100,000. Three levels: Wild = fully realized sexual relationships; Wanton = that plus explicit language; Wicked = that plus the hot stuff: disturbing themes, violence, multiple partners, BDSM (bondage/sado-masochist).

But not rape, racism, pedophilia, incest, bestiality, necrophilia or body functions. In addition, three lines: Brazen, with aggressive heroines; Outlaw, with hero on the wild side; Shifter, with shape shifters. They want to see full manuscripts, not summaries. December 2006 update: a very negative report, and a quite positive one. So the jury still seems to be out. February 2007 update: much more here, as a flurry of authors defend the publisher, and another was negative. Essentially the negatives relate to their strict editing.

I discussed this with co-owner Sable Grey, and while I really hate to admit it, her case seems stronger than the authors' cases, and I have to side with the publisher. It looks from here like one of the best. See my discussion in the February 2007 HiPiers column. June 2007 update: They are having their one year anniversary. They are starting an unline publication CPQ Magazine in their Blue Page Directory. I understand this HiPiers Survey will be listed as a resource. They have added an audit clause to their contract and are making it retroactive, so those with prior contracts can invoke it.

That's one generous deal. February 2008 update: They now have a fifth general length: Vignette 5,000-10,000 words. August 2008 update: more information from the publisher. They now publish a short story erotica line called WICKED. In general their hottest sales come from the hottest fiction, erotic historical, menage, BDSM, and Paranormals. There's a new series called The Vampire Oracle featuring (duh) vampires.

They continue to grow. Next year they expect to release 5 titles a week. They are now working on titles for 2009. They have periodic cross promotions, cooperating with other publishers.

NOTE: in the course of my updating dialogue with the publisher, she mentioned that she'd consider a submission from me. As it happened, I had recently had an edgy idea that might fit their Wicked line, so I wrote it and submitted it. They acknowledged with a notice that it takes 90 days for a report. But in three weeks they accepted it.

So this note is to clarify that conflict of interest; I can't be considered fully objective about publishers with which I do business. The story is 'Knave.' He has a thing for the Queen of Hearts. December 2008 update: the proprietor had a computer virus problem that messed up communication and statements, annoying some authors, but that has been resolved. Meanwhile my story has been published there. See my Cobblestone blog, rerun in the December 2008 HiPiers column. Essentially, I'm a satisfied contributor.

February 2009 update: reports for November and December indicate about 17 copies of 'Knave' sold, meaning in due course I should receive about $17. So that's my personal experience, which may not be typical; I suspect that established erotica authors sell more, and unknowns less. Remember, this is no novel, just a 10,000 word story I might have been unable to place elsewhere.

June 2009 update: I received notice of new submission guidelines. I haven't check it yet; this is just to let folk know it exists. July 2009 update: I bought six of their Wicked line stories, to learn what company my story 'Knave' kept. They are well written, varied, and sexy, but not what I consider ground-breaking.

Each is essentially a setting for one good sexual fling. July 2010 update: another favorable report, this one on their editing process. February 2011 update: They are accepting submissions, but under 10,000 words is limited to in-house authors.

May 2011 update: tornadoes messed up Alabama, cutting off power, so their statements will be delayed. They're working on it. October 2011 update: they have hired an acquisitions editor, to facilitate the process.

February 2012 update: personal report: they continue paying (small) royalties three years later. They remain open for submissions. May 2012 update: I received notice that they are reshaping to better address a changing publishing industry. They are suspending releases for April and May in order to accomplish this.

They will redesign the site. They will continue to process submissions, will accept novels up to 100,000 words, and pay royalties monthly. Whatever they are doing must be working, because there has been an upward trend in my royalties for 'Knave.' However, I have a report of low sales. July 2012 update: A complaint about a reverted story still being on sale months later, and requests to get it taken down ignored. I conjecture that the supplementary sales outlets are slow to take them down when requested, and the publisher knows this and just has to wait; it will eventually clear. February 2015 update: Open for submissions.

I have had a story with them six years and while sales are small, they are still paying royalties. - www.coldtreepress.com/. February 2011 update: Now the site loads, but has become a search site.

They must be out of business. - shmanchester@statestreet.com. This seems to be a collection of poetry, with a deadline date of June 30, 2006.

Poems can be up to 60 lines each. Payment on publication. February 2008 update: this entry is dated, but I'm unwilling to click their email link. They remain in business, I presume with similar material.

February 2011 update: They are now open for novel submissions in the categories of Horror, Dark Crime, and Suspense, Thrillers. - www.cometpress.us/.

An independent publisher of horror, suspense, and dark crime fiction. 'The ultimate goal of Comet Press is to unleash upon the general public the most terrifying, shocking, and most of all, entertaining stories imaginable.' They are currently accepting submissions 7,500-85,000 words. Response time is 2-3 months. Standard or higher royalties. February 2009 update: They are now taking submissions for an extreme horror anthology to be published in mid 2009.

Deadline was February 28, 2009. February 2010 update: their current anthology is full and closed to submissions. February 2012 update: They are currently closed to submissions. February 2013 update: They are now accepting novellas in a number of genres, 15,000-40,000 words. February 2015 update: Still accepting novellas in several genres. - www.comfortpublishing.com/. This is a general trade publisher I received a query about, so I looked them up.

They also do electronic and audio, so do qualify for this listing. They were established in 2000. You don't need an agent to submit to them. They will consider genre material, but not Children's picture books or poetry at this time.

Their minimum word length is 80,000. February 2012 update: After about ten minutes I gave up waiting on them to load. February 2013 update: Plug-ins needed, so I couldn't look it up.

February 2014 update: this time the necessary plug-ins did not interfered with the general site, so I was able to check them. They are open for submissions, as described above. COMMONWEALTH - Avoid - www.consciouskernels.com/. This is a start-up ebook publisher specializing in spiritual, metaphysical, and New Thought subjects. Now open for submissions, and especially interested in new writers who can speak to their subject matter. Under 20,000 words preferred. Royalties will be paid, but not advances.

February 2008 update: They remain open for submissions in their genres. February 2009 update: query them, and if they are interested, they will discuss it with you. February 2011 update: They remain open to submissions; query first. February 2013 update: When I clicked their Submissions link, I received a thank-you message, but no guidelines. They must figure that such information comes to me metaphysically.

February 2014 update: This time the information is there: they are not currently taking new submissions. February 2015 update: Still net taking new submissions.

- www.coolpublications.com. February 2007 update: they seem to be gone.

February 2010 update: Well, not exactly; they are there with the message 'Become a published author.' I did not find terms. February 2012 update: Now they say they will write, design, and publish it for you and sell it worldwide. This scarcely seems to need an author. February 2014 update: I got the message Forbidden. You don't have permission to access / on this server. February 2015 update: I got the message 404 Not Found.

That's not cool. - www.coolwellpress.com/. February 2014 update: Cannot be found. That's not, well, cool. February 2015 update: I got a Virus Warning. That's really not cool. A new small press; their first book will be out in August, 2008.

Hardcover and trade paperback; they're not electronic. They are looking for polished novels, historical fiction, narrative biography, and positive life stories. 'We are interested in characters that are courageous and ethical.' Query first; if they are interested they'll request the manuscript within two weeks. Competitive royalties. February 2010 update: But now they are gone.

February 2013 update: The site is there; now this is a self publisher. The list famous self-published authors, including E L James, the author of 50 Shades of Grey. Can that be right? February 2014 update: They continue as a self publisher.

- www.cosmos-books.com. February 2013 update: now it's an ad site. - www.coyotemoonpublications.com.

February 2008 update: The site is there. April 2008 update: but it's just a collection of links. — www.createspace.com/. This is a subsidiary of Amazon.com, originally founded as CustomFix Labs in 2002 and acquired by Amazon in 2005. 'Our mission is to profitably connect our members to their worldwide audience.'

Their on demand publishing has no setup fees, no minimums, no inventory, and it guarantees the books will be sold on Amazon.com. This seems almost too good to be true, and I will be interested in reports from writers who use this service. Apparently they expect to make their money from a percentage of actual book sales, the way traditional print publishers do. With the considerable resources of Amazon behind it, maybe it will work.

June 2008 update: A positive report: 'My experience with CreateSpace has been wonderful so far, and the inclusion in 'Search Inside' special shipping/pricing rates and 'AmazonConnect' with blogs tied to product pages has been a dream come true.' August 2008 update: confirmation of prior reports. One author sent me a copy of his CreateSpace Press print book, and it looks good. He feels he got service that would have cost $500 elsewhere essentially free.

He can buy his own copies for $5.43 for the 376 page book, and can get Kindle publication too. I have issues with some Amazon policies elsewhere, but Create Space looks like about the best POD deal available. December 2008 update: the good news continues. They require the author to create the digital files, but if you already have them, it is completely free.

June 2009 update: the good reports continue: writers who use them, generally like them. January 2010 update: mixed reports on the physical quality of their books, but they are highly responsive, their quality may improve, and they seem to be on the verge of wider distribution in bookstores. So this remains the publisher to measure against.

April 2010 update: A report that while publication and distribution are free, other aspects can get pricey, so a self publisher can be cheaper, depending. February 2011 update: Their free options continue, including electronic publication via Kindle: author gets 70% of the cover price on all sales. I am bemused, wondering how other publishers can compete. January 2013 update: another endorsement, but there is absolutely no content quality control. Unless the author is a known entity, the quality of the work is unknown. July 2013 update: I have a report that once you learn how they operate, things go smoothly.

They do deliver. May 2014 update: I have an author comment on the 70% royalty: they have a narrow margin for pricing your work, and then they nit pick your 70% down to where you can't make money from your efforts. So it may not be as good a deal as first appears.

February 2015 update: But they still look like the best deal in self publishing.