I don’t often blog about PublishAmerica, as the forums on AbsoluteWrite do an excellent job of informing writers of the truth behind this dubious company. But today, I shall make an exception.
A couple of days ago a new member arrived at AbsoluteWrite who claimed to work for PublishAmerica. I’ve read threads like that before and have not always been entirely convinced by the various claims, but this one does have more than a hint of credibility about it. Which is why, when I read this comment from him, I felt chilled:
The database program they use is not secure. Anyone can find all the information you hand over to them. Your name, social security number, all credit card info, addresses, email addresses, and anything else you give them is available to all employees. There is no security for your information. It is a gold mine for people who specialize in ID theft. Just keep that in mind your info is not safe with PA.
My bold. As if being published with PublishAmerica weren’t bad enough. I’m staggered.
Now that really did cause my fur to fly in all directions! Even saying that out loud is going to be enough for young hackers to have a competition to see who can infiltrate the site first.
*scared face* Glad PA has none of my info!
I hope it’s not true: but then I’ve hoped that in relation to so many things I’ve heard about PA in the past.
Wow, that’s really scary, if it’s true. I’d be safe and assume it is. Better yet, I’d be even safer and go with a reputable agent, who will send you to a reputable publisher. Or, self publish. Those are my two centavos for the day. Thanks for posting this.
This is a bit of a moral dilemma, isn’t it? By publishing this info, you are warning off potential victims. BUT aren’t you also publishing info which, as someone says above, is likely to attract all sorts of nefarious people such as ID thieves, and therefore put existing clients in greater danger? And what is your own legal position? Such a minefield.
Alice, as I understand it the information is available to people who work in PublishAmerica, not to anyone on the internet. It’s a fine distinction: but if it had been the latter and not the former there’s no way I would have blogged about it.
It’s still a big risk, though, and I’d question the legality of it.
As one who was the victim of them blasting my home town and hubby’s first name over the internet many years ago, nothing surprises me.
It makes me wonder what kind of protocols legitimate publishers use to keep one’s information private, and what PA is doing to make it available to anyone in the company. I’d never thought about it either way. Food for thought.
I have four books done by publishamerica The books are overpriced and a childs book for 20 dollares ( they do not sell) They want to charge for everyplace to promote your books. I do not think this is fair. Can I have my books put on kindle as they do not own the electronic rights and they do not own the pictures in the books. Please help me if you know the answers. jkh...@hcil.net
Evohn, are you absolutely sure that PA didn’t license the electronic rights to your book? You really need to check your contract because as I understand it, they grab all rights.
Here’s a link to AbsoluteWrite’s section about PublishAmerica. You’ll find all sorts of helpful advice there and will get far better help there than I can give you.