Hi

Just had a newsletter from my publisher, Discovered Authors, which stated that they hope to relaunch their Undiscovered Authors competition. I thought it would be prudent to post my own experience of the company and the competition, so that people can make an informed decision before entering (particularly if they decide to implement a charge). I am not saying you should or should not enter, just that you should do some research first.

First and foremost, I am obviously delighted that I was published, so please don't accuse me of being ungrateful. From the beginning, I was responsible for any promotion of the book (much as a self-published author would be), despite what my prize stated. I was often fobbed off, and calls/emails were unanswered. I had to badger them for months for outstanding books that I was owed. I arranged to attend a book fair and my contact said she'd liaise with the organisers. When I got their, no-one had heard of me and no books had been sent. I don't really blame the staff, as they were obviously over-worked, and I believe there's been a reshuffle since.

Also, the company did not pay my royalties for ANY books that were sold, then had the cheek to tell me I hadn't sold any books over the period, when I complained. I know for a fact that I had, as I have contacts in the book trade (and had a previous royalty statement to tell me otherwise). It's not as though it was a lot of money either! As they didn't pay me, despite numerous attempts to contact them and written notification (as contractually obliged), the rights to the book should have reverted to me in February '08.

DA continue to publish my book. The have not acknowledged the reversion of my rights, and I'm powerless to do anything about it (pursuing anything like this through legal channels is expensive and I just can't afford it). I have had a bit of interest from film production people and can do very little about this, as I have nothing to state I own my own work.

I know I sound bitter (because I am - I feel like it was an opportunity wasted) but I am not the only one who has suffered similar treatment. In the interest of fairness, I should point out that there are some notable authors who are very happy with DA...but then again, you would keep your big names happy, wouldn't you?

I hope this helps you to decide on whether to enter the competition or not. Best of luck!

You might want to check out:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48220

Terry

Thanks, Terry - I have read this and many similar threads (sadly).

There was/is also a warning on the Society of Authors website and I saw comments on The Bookseller website from disgruntled staff. I have had emails from others who are unhappy...but what can be done?

Seemingly, nothing.

Kerri

Well, you could write and tell them that as far as you're concerned, they've breached the contract and you're taking back the book. Trouble is, they don't have to do anything: just wait and see if you manage to sell it to a conventional publisher, when they'll come forward and waive the contract around. Also, they know you'd have to inform any interested publisher about your earlier contract anyway, and that that would probably put them off the book.

Hiring a specialised lawyer would obviously be very expensive. However, I know the Society of Authors' legal section has successfully dealt with similar situations - drafting letters for authors to send to this kind of publisher which, with the Society's name involved, has produced results. However, I'm not sure if you're in a position to join the SoA (in which case, sorry for bringing it up!).

So, overall, probably the best thing to do is forget this book for now; write another one and persist with conventional publishers or if you self-publish again, do it in such a way you keep all the rights to the book. If you get a conventional deal, and your book does well, you would then have the leverage and clout to get the first book back.

Terry

Hi Terry - thanks for the good advice. I should clarify that I did not self-publish, but had a traditional contract with DA. I also corresponded with them, and made it clear that they had breached the contract. They just refuse to acknowledge emails or letters. I am entitled to join the SoA, but couldn't afford to do so, unfortunately.

I know that I've lost out with regard to the last book, but don't want to see them treat other aspiring writers in the same manner. I became completely disillusioned and have barely written anything since.

I just want people to e aware of the type of company they are dealing with BEFORE they decide to enter their re-launched Undiscovered Authors competition.

Thanks again.

Kerri