Recently, I have been involved in a facebook discussion about a specific company and their practice of not providing contributor copies to the authors that work with them. Now, initially, I didn’t even jump in to the conversation. I simply watched with interest as several authors and the publisher hashed it out. However, I started to notice some inconsistencies and I sought to address them with the publisher. Several conversations, two blog posts, and an article for revoltdaily.org were the result. Not mentioning, of course, this post.
I have debated whether to post this and even bother to dignify this with a response, but as I am still an unknown in the writing industry, and my reputation, though not at all at stake based on the fallout, is verbally being trashed by the publisher in question, I would like to clear some things up by addressing Nathan Rowark/Horrified Press’ blog post, which can be found at horrifiedpress.wordpress.com.
But I am also going to post it here and address each thing, since he saw fit to call me out by name.
Posted on December 21, 2013 by HORRIFIED PRESS Leave a comment
So that time has come for your editor-in-chief (Nathan J.D.L. Rowark) to make a bit of a Christmas speech. The theme of this little post was purely going to be positive – about the things we have achieved, to thank those who have been involved with our projects and to wish EVERYONE – from our horror-loving fans to contributors – a very Merry Christmas. Unfortunately, due to recent events started online by a hate group, I must start this post on a negative note at what should be the most positive time of the year…
my only comment, here, is that he already starts to use the words ‘hate group’
An online hate group comprised of 4 individuals (two of which have been contributors to our titles) have decided to label Horrified Press a scam press. Obviously, after the amount of hard work and dedication I have put into our endeavours, this deeply saddens me. The individuals whom I SHALL name and shame, Max Booth III, April Hawks, George C. Cotronis and an individual that many have had trouble with in the past, Todd Nelsen, have decided to make derisive and/or libellous statements regarding the nature of our operation, negating the fact that two of the individuals mentioned have been happy to read and sign our see-through contracts and enter themselves into a pot for generously high royalties (up to 70%) for their contributions.
Now, first off, if I WAS going to be mentioned in a group, I am flattered to be associated with these individuals. I have worked with Max and admire his business ethics. Plus, he is just an all around cool guy. Having spoken over the last several days with George and Todd, They are both very principled and have strong convictions and a great sense of humor. Second, I have never, in my whole life, been attributed to a hate group. That though literally makes me chuckle. If you know me or have spoken to me for even five minutes you know that I don’t hate. Period. Nor, I would like to add, have I EVER made derisive and/or libellous statements about this publishing company or the Editor in Chief himself. I will show you very soon. And I would like to point out that the wording above very clearly says that the royalties are up to 70%. That is a very vague statement, but I digress.
To those people whom have so little regard for the authors that have worked with us, and that they have appeared beside – now and in the past – I shake my head in disbelief at your narrow-minded and offensive comments.
Here is a list of the exact comments that Horrified Press has included me in this hate group for. I am posting every comment I have made on Facebook so you can judge for yourself. I do, however, wish that Horrified had not blocked me on Facebook, because unfortunately, I have to use my quotes out of context. They, coincidentally, blocked me, THEN posted their Christmas Address.
In the order in which I posted them
Conversation #1
April Hawks but how does a contributor copy of $8 make up the difference of 30%?
December 14 at 7:50pm · Like · 1
April Hawks If the difference between an author making 60% and 30% is a contributor copy, then something is wrong…
December 14 at 7:50pm · Like · 1
April Hawks If the difference between an author making 60% and 30% is a contributor copy, then something is wrong…
December 14 at 7:50pm · Like · 1
April Hawks and as stated before by others, an ebook costs NOTHING therefore contributes to no loss in revenue
December 14 at 7:52pm · Like · 1
April Hawks that is what I am trying to point out, using the math logic that HP presented
December 14 at 7:53pm · Like · 1
April Hawks No, I have tried to stay out of the conversation to this point. But the math that you presented…TWICE, because it looks like you copied and pasted your comment again after a response, does not make any sense to me…and I SUCK AT MATH
December 14 at 7:55pm · Like · 2
April Hawks But WHY??? I dont see the logic? You could easily give a higher than 30% royalty AND a CC. That is where I am confused You said “To clarify, the decision was taken to pay a much higher royalty rate instead. I’m sure you would agree that it is better to receive 60% of royalties received ongoing than 30% and a contributor copy.” I dont see that they are mutually exclusive.
December 14 at 7:59pm · Like · 1
April Hawks only their work?
December 14 at 8:02pm · Like
April Hawks I have read each and every story in the anthology that I am in and because of that, I am MORE LIKELY TO BUY THEIR BOOKS.
December 14 at 8:03pm · Like · 1
April Hawks you have said that…several times. But what we are saying is that they should have a copy of the FINISHED product!
December 14 at 8:05pm · Like · 4
April Hawks INCLUDING everyone else’s work
December 14 at 8:06pm · Like
April Hawks See, the problem that i am having here is that you are being asked very simple and direct questions that you are not answering.
December 14 at 8:11pm · Like · 2
April Hawks looks like it DID fade, mark
December 14 at 8:22pm · Like · 2
April Hawks yeah
December 14 at 8:25pm · Like · 2
April Hawks when i was posting, i was doing so to demonstrate my thought process and confusion on this, and giving HP a reason and a way to step up and clarify. giving benefit of the doubt. I am dissapointed, to say the least.
December 14 at 8:30pm · Like · 1
April Hawks i have worked with max and for mark and believe in them
December 14 at 8:33pm · Like · 3
April Hawks Very true, [name removed]
December 14 at 9:09pm · Like
April Hawks I must have missed the whole [name removed] fiasco, because he seems to be the barometer by which the worst publishers are judged
December 14 at 9:14pm · Like · 1
April Hawks See? I have deliberately sought out reputable publishers because I want credibility, not just publication. I have personally been rejected by Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing several times. lol. It only makes me want to work harder. But I was also accepted by PMMP once. I know there is hope.
December 14 at 9:18pm · Like · 5
April Hawks valid point, [name removed]
December 14 at 9:26pm · Like · 1
April Hawks I guess my response was in regard to if you.don’t like what they’re offering don’t submit.
December 14 at 11:17pm via mobile · Like · 1
April Hawks And I can’t find a website or submission guidelines on the blog except to say what stories are being accepted for multiple anthologies and that intellectual property rights revert to author after publication and formatting details. No mention of pay or anything like that in the calls for subs…
December 14 at 11:27pm via mobile · Like
Conversation # 2:
April Hawks Here is my LIMITED experience in this. I have contributed to ONE anthology. With a contributor copy. It is a charitable anthology. I knew up front that there would be no pay, and was happy with only the CC. I then proceeded to buy 12 copies of the book, to give as gifts because it was my very first publication. Having looked at paying markets since that submission, I can not IMAGINE the reason for not even offering a freaking digital copy of an anthology for the author that is contributing to an anthology where the profits don’t even go to a charitable organization. If the profits are going into pockets of contributors and of the publisher, a small cost associated with a hard copy for each contributor seems more than reasonable. (GOOD LORD, that $8.00 raise in pay is going to spoil the authors or break the company? Doubt it.) And the word of mouth associated with the press that DOES offer such things is going to go a long way in the tightly knit circles that I have found in the writing world. Just my two cents.
December 14 at 7:21pm · Like · 3
THere were more, but the person that had posted it, removed them from their wall.
I BELIEVE the most aggressive thing I said to Horrified Press was after he had called me a coward (for not rushing to his defense, even though I had not condemned him, which he OPENLY admitted on that post) and then asked ‘who are you?”
My response was, “I, Nathan, am a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter and a writer. Do not discount me just because you do not know me. Who the fuck are you?”
Instead of speaking to me personally regarding any queries they might have they sought to derail our efforts for the sake of their own presses advancement (Kraken Press / Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing) and to try and knock out their competition (namely us). This behaviour is shameful – even in a business environment. At Horrified Press we not only support our authors, artists and editors but actively encourage ethical presses – new or otherwise – in their endeavours.
Let’s pause here for a moment. I have ONE publication to my name and, though it IS with Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing, that in no way means that I would trash someone to benefit PMMP. I have lots of other stories that I want to get published. In no way am I looking to blacklist myself and limit my options. This is a business for me, as well. And I addressed Nathan in the public forum into which HE interjected himself into the discussion, LONG after he started commenting. The evidence is that my very first comment is in response to a comment of his own. NOT ONCE did he ask to speak to me privately about this. Instead, he simply stopped commenting at all.
One of the items that I addressed with Horrified within comments was the fact that Nathan had sent an email between both himself and Todd Nelson, an author who was, AT THE TIME HE SENT THE EMAIL, still under contract with Horrified Press. THIS is what Nathan considers PROFESSIONAL? Now, I was sent the email by Nathan before he blocked me with the blessing of Todd, who actually in that conversation, encouraged Nathan to post it on his wall. Nathan did not. HERE, from his own hand, is how he treats his authors “professionally’ and “ethical’ {ly} ? I will make no more comments on them. The emails speak for themselves.
The horror genre marketplace is a big arena, and those that choose to serve it should act in a professional and responsible manner that serves those they are responsible for. When authors sign with us they receive much editing advice and personal service. Their work reaches an ever-increasing number of genre fans (which we will talk about in a minute) and retain the rights to their work ALWAYS. We also protect their copyright and their royalty interests by not circulating unprotected files all over the net.
Other publishers have commented on this particular point and from the standpoint of a writer, I am going to leave this alone because it is not my field of expertise.
What the above group has not counted on is the intelligence of authors and horror fans when it comes to making their choices wisely.
Actually, that is EXACTLY what we are counting on. That is why we discussed it in the first place. So that people could have information…MORE information with which to make an informed decision.
I am not against free speech, but I am against libellous statements made to advance another’s cause.
I, personally, since you have included me in this little ‘hate group’ would LOVE to see what I have said that you consider libellous. or even where I championed ONE press above all the other, except where I spoke of my direct experience.
On a final note I would like to point out that famous Star Wars situation which occurred many years ago… the one where Harrison Ford was offered royalties for his work as opposed to a one-off payment. Mark Hamil chose to take the one-off payment. We all know how that story ended.
LOOK A DISTRACTION!
Now, on to the good stuff
I am including the rest of his post, merely because I am looking to not take anything out of context and to include his whole post in my response. Below, what I see is a bunch of stage magic and mirror wording to look competent but without actually giving any REAL information. Which is totally fine. It looks like a standard press release type thing where much is spoken and nothing said. BUT that is my opinion. You are welcome to glean your own from this.
2013 was the year that Horrified Press really took off! We gave out multiple calls for a range of anthologies and skilfully worked with the highly talented and equally skilful writing community to deliver to deadline a range of exciting, diverse and downright horrific collections (we shall list those at the end).
We have currently worked with over 300 amazing authors and over 100 artists. Each individual has brought something special to the table, and our expanding range of titles has helped Horrified Press to become a far-reaching small press. Our authors have ranged from the well-established and the famous to first time writers/ artists – helping them to develop their skills and gain the experience and courage to move further into the field. As always, we have used various social media platforms to really gather a fan base for our efforts and present our authors to their waiting public. This includes displaying author bios, magazine advertising and wholesale deals with a variety of bricks & mortar outlets (more to come). After a successful October quarter we effectively doubled sales on most of our titles and began to pay more and more authors and artists for their hard work. The reason why Horrified Press offers its contributors an overriding share of its profits perpetually is because we feel it is only right that its contributors should share in its success – success which can be seen more and more when our books enter high in online retail charts (as has happened several times recently). Our team of hand-picked, expert editors (Gavin Chappell, Suzie & Bruce Lockhart, Earl S. Wynn, Mark Slade , Ms Cinsearea and Jo- Anne Russell) have worked on many projects in their writing careers and now play an important part in setting down our legacy – for the future of all authors and artists currently in the marketplace and to come.
You know, I’ve been thinking lately on our mission statement -what our original goals were when I first embarked upon this project. They were simple…
Work with authors on their submissions and involve them in the final product (which includes the forwarding of digital tear sheets & two rounds of editing).
Protect the work of those whom entrust their pride and joy to our stable.
Create a well-presented, cost-effective product that would appeal to fans of the genre and best showcase the authors work within.
Give horror its bite back!
Well, after a year of hard work – sweat and tears – I can honestly say we’ve lived up to all of those statements. You know, I heard someone say recently that running a small press is the worst get rich quick scheme anyone can have. It made me smile because the person that said that was absolutely right, however, that’s not why we do what we do. We do what we do because we LOVE what we do.
I would like to formally extend my heartfelt thanks to the authors, artists, advertisers and editors whom have worked in different ways to support our first steps in year one. Guess what? Year two’s going to be even better.
You can check out our titles using the link below:
Nope. Not linking.
In summary, I am honored to be grouped together with three guys that have integrity and ethics and are just all around great men. I have been friends with Max for a while now, but have gotten to know Todd and George within the last few days. Feel free to associate me with them. And please, start more groups like ours.
Here is George’s take on the situation
http://cotronis.com/horrified-press/
AND
Max’s revoltdaily.org post
http://revoltdaily.org/on-the-subject-of-contributor-copies/