You may not have heard the term Vanity Publishers and they themselves don’t advertise as such, but they are out there and are a danger to both your self-esteem and your bank account.
What are vanity publishers and how do they differ from hybrid or assisted self – publishers?
Quality Control- is totally unselective with vanity publishers because their business model isn’t about the quality of your writing or its saleability. That doesn’t matter as a vanity publisher would happily publish your shopping list and tell you it was great if you paid them. They often approach you directly and you think you have hit gold. How do they find you? Maybe you won a contest or signed up for a course or a newsletter.
I personally signed up for a free writing course, a week of writing prompts and interaction with the course leader. She was a personable and engaging personality. The course was interesting, and some exercises worked, but then the hard sell began. There was a contest for a mentoring spot. An ‘associate’ called me to say that unfortunately I’d not won, but I had placed high, and I had so much potential. They could offer me a spot at a reduced price of $3,500. I politely declined saying that while I was sure it was an excellent opportunity it was way out of my budget and comfort zone.
It didn’t end there. There were a couple more phone calls, a blend of flattery –‘you have so much going for you,’ to warnings, ‘time is running out,’ and ‘we can’t hold a spot for you much longer.’ The price was reduced to $2000, and it was suggested that maybe I had savings or could take out a loan. Warning bells ringing loud and clear I thanked them but still said ‘ no’.Their final call offered me the whole course for $ 397. They said it was bargain I couldn’t refuse. But I did refuse, and I haven’t heard from them since.
This is the kind of intense pressure which encourages people to sign up with a vanity publisher. Vanity publishing is all about selling you, the writer, a service at inflated costs. As well as persuading you to buy tons of copies of your book. They don’t need to bother with marketing your book, because they made their money from you. Getting out and promoting the book is up to you. They may offer to put the book up on Amazon, but you can do that yourself if you self- published.
If you can, check out other books from the publisher, what’s the quality like? Also, be careful as their contract may take away your copyright and author rights. Buyer beware! Contact their authors and ask about their publishing experience.
The American Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association keep an updated list of publishers to beware of- it doesn’t hurt to go online to check it. Even if you simply do an internet search for Vanity publishers you will find that a heap of names come up.
Hybrid and subsidised publishing are legitimate and do charge you for partial costs but as always you need to be careful and compare costings and even research the company name to check complaints about them.
As always if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is! Save your dollars and your peace of mind by doing a little checking.
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 
Thanks Sonia for the warning.
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It really can be a jungle out there – although there are some great people, there are also some decidedly dodgy ones.
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Oh. My. Word. That’s a shocking story, Sonia. I think you should name and shame, actually, as a warning to others not to sign up for a thing from this company.
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Hi Louise, I was hesitant to name them because of potential legal action.
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Absolutely great article Sonia.
Yes. Have had the experience of the VanityPress Vultures, and it was a huge dent to my first experience as an author. Loss of money,self doubt and feeling abandonment once they received the final payment. They robbed me blind after many promises.
I should have researched more…but…that’s life.
It was also a huge learning curve for me, where I discovered the thrill of being able to be a publisher-author, through create space back in the day.
And then of course, having found a true gem assisted publishing through a reputable, talented and highly successful publisher/ Author, in Katen McDermott, with MMH Press.
I haven’t looked back since.
I have the advice from a professional, caring publisher, that wants me to succeed, as all of our success trickles to the others in our pond.
I have had so much encouragement, support and the best guiding hands, marketing my books towards a path towards a brilliant writing future.
Research and feedback is key.
🙏🏽💋💐
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Michelle its heartbreakign htat so many people have such bad experiences with so called ‘publishers’.Writgnthis and speaking about it I hope to raise awareness of the problem. And its horrible o realise that you have been duped. I am happy to hear that you have found a safe home with MMH press. Although of course, not everyone will be able to afford to pay for such a comprehensive service. Its great to see how well you are doing now xx
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Wow, they were so persistent. That’s actually quite a creepy story.
Thanks for sharing your experience Sonia.
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Sicne asking for examples I have been inundated with tales of greed and despair, of lost hope and self esteem. There definately are sharks in the water!.
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