Okay, so here’s what happened in Publishing Land today: Simon & Schyster—I mean Simon & Schuster announced that they jumped into bed with Author Solutions, forming yet another imprint run by Kevin Weiss et al. They’re calling it Archway Publishing.
So, to clarify: Pearson who owns Penguin who merged with Random House and owns Author Solutions Inc. is now working with their competitor, Simon & Schuster. Yes, for real. The New York Times adds:
“One odd twist of the deal is that Author Solutions was purchased by the British publishing giant Pearson in July. Pearson has made Author Solutions part of Penguin, a Simon & Schuster competitor. But since Simon & Schuster was already far along in the planning with Author Solutions for the new brand, they decided to go forward anyway, [Adam] Rothberg said.”
The Times also reports that Simon & Schuster wants to “distinguish Archway as a premium service, at a premium cost to the authors.”
Distinguish it from what, I wonder? Perhaps from all of Author Solutions’ other already overpriced brands and partnerships—names like Author House, iUniverse, Xlibris, Trafford, Palibrio, Publish in the USA, Abbott Press, Balboa, WestBow, Inspiring Voices, Legacy Keepers, FuseFrame, Pitchfest, Author Learning Center, WordClay, BookTango and AuthorHive?
By charging $1,599 to $24,999 for packages, Simon & Schuster’s Archway may well succeed in distinguishing themselves as the most laughably overpriced self-publishing option available. But I can’t imagine the words “premium service” becoming the hallmark of this hookup. You see, S&S is taking a hands-off approach to the whole thing. Again, quoting from the Times:
“While the venture promises to access the expertise of a major publishing house, it will be completely operated and staffed by Author Solutions. With no Simon & Schuster personnel involved, and without the Simon & Schuster name attached in any way to the final product, Archway’s prices – significantly higher than even the most expensive competition – could be a hard sell.” [emphasis mine]
And we all know about Author Solutions’ reputation for great customer service and quality, right? I mean, are these people for real? Let’s run down the litany of complaints against ASI one more time to make sure we’re all on the same page. From an earlier post:
“The short list of recurring issues includes: making formerly out-of-print works available for sale without the author’s consent, improperly reporting royalty information, non-payment of royalties, breech of contract, predatory and harassing sales calls, excessive markups on review and advertising services, failure to deliver marketing services as promised, telling customers their add-ons will only cost hundreds of dollars and then charging their credit cards thousands of dollars, ignoring customer complaints, shaming and banning customers who go public with their stories, and calling at least one customer a ‘fucking asshole.’“
Anywho…
I admit I scratched my head over the Pearson/Penguin buyout of Author Solutions this summer. But with this S&S deal, I think I’ve carved an inch-long notch out of my skull with my fingernail. They’re effectively letting their competition run their self-publishing show. And all they have to say about it is that they were so far along in the branding process they didn’t want to turn back?
Add that to the list of things I won’t be buying from Archway Publishing.
Interesting, Emily, how it has been received by the press and writing community. I’ve seen everything from S&S ‘licience,’ ‘help launch’ to ‘form pact’ with ASI. I suspect we are already seeing a damage limitation exercise. Reading betwen the lines and what is on some of the writing forums, leaves me baffled by the S&S is a victim of ASI from some of the traditional community! The cries of ‘off with their head’ after Harlequin and Thomas Nelson from authors seem so long ago. Poor S&S. I’m bleeding for them!
It is odd to say the least, Mick. And I’d agree that characterizing S&S as a victim is baffling too.
How much more bizarre can all of this get? And how does a company like ASI even get to continue to do business, let alone be courted by big publishers? Thanks for keeping us informed, as always, Emily.
[sigh]
Bizarre is right! I’m just waiting for Pearson to announce they’re buying S&S. The skeptic in me just doesn’t buy the story as is.
I only hope that would-be authors are smart enough to avoid these types of scams. Unfortunately, I feel that it’s a vain hope.
Great article!! These people are feeding off desperate authors and yet they are not man enough to allow their name on the books!
Thanks for the heads up. Self publishing is so easy once you know how to truly do it. It’s time we take down these poor excuses for publishing services.
I guess we’ll find out if the concept of economy of scale applies to evil too.
Great piece Emily. We made a short animated film that addresses some of these issues here: http://youtu.be/u7eQT015k8I
Interesting write up… i worked for ASI for 7+ years as a cover designer. i’ve seen all sorts of issues through the years. some ASI’s fault, some are the author’s lack of understanding. i was just a small cog in the wheel so, i really didn’t fully understand what was going on outside my department.
I am sorry I did not listen to you! I purchased an Archway package after receiving an email assuring me they are owned by S&S. My book is an evidence-based memoir of recovery from evangelical religion because I have 2 history degrees. I was NOT given the Archway/S&S criteria for libel/content/pseudonym until my content assessment. There is NO way I could/would gave in to their criteria because it would gut my book/s. I asked for a refund. You guessed it. I’m still waiting 12 days later. It was simple bait and switch because I’d been given misinformation. Fortunately, I kept all my emails and have filed complaints with both the Bloomington BBB [they get a LOT of complaints] and the Indiana Attorney General’s office. HOW can these guys have an A rating with the BBB? That is what led me to buy along with the sales assurances that they are OWNED by S&S!