Unprofessional Publisher -- Warning to all authors
I wanted to share a very upsetting experience I had submitting a query letter to River's Bend Press in MN. I sent them a query about a book that I have written exploring a - yet to be reported aspect - of the Holocaust. I received my letter back with 'LOL' written in black bold marker across the page. I wanted to call the publisher to ask them about the behavior of their editor and when I attempted to find a phone number for this publisher I found that there was no record of them in MN. I proceeded to contact the Anti- Defamation League of Philadelphia and with their help wrote a letter to the publisher explaining how upset and offended I was at their unprofessional response to me. I sent the publisher a certified letter with a return signature card to be sure that they got it. I asked for an apology and for the publisher to deal with the editor who did this. I gave them a date to answer and never heard back from them. I have been successfully published for many years and have received many rejection letters, so having this project turned down is not the issue. Even though I am not Jewish, I cannot express in a blog how offened I am at this publishers behavior. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?
About Susan
I have been a lover of animals all of my life. I love the country, being outdoors and sewing.
Susan’s Favorite Books
Anything by Louis L'Amour or Zane Grey. I also love to read textbooks.
What an Evil Experience...
Thanks so much for the heads-up. That's beyond insensitivity. I think it's a pretty clear message of anti-semitism. I'm so sorry this happened to you but thank you for going the extra mile and not only warning other authors who might have contacted that publisher but for contacting the Anti-Defamation League as well. We must all be vigilent. History tends to repeat itself.
Warmly,
Darlene
thank you
Dear Darlene,
thank you for your comments and understanding. I hope that in some way the publisher will learn to be more sensitive and professional.
Sue
Vengence is mine, sayeth the Lord.
Susan,
Don't waste anymore time on this publisher. But e-mail Preditors & Editors and tell them of your treatment therein. Enough writers check with this wesite (it rates publishers and agents) that the word will diffuse around. (Read about P & E on Wikipedia)
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubabout.htm
thank you
Dear Dennis,
I did not plan to spend more time with this publisher. Thank you for the suggestion to go to Preditors & Editors, I will do that.
Sue
How awful!
How awful!
There is a great writer's site, Absolute Write, with a forum (Bewares and Background Checks) designed to look into questionable publishers. I went over there to check out these publishers, and there is a recent discussion about them that bears out your criticism. In fact, I think it alludes to your experience. Steer clear of them, all right!
Here is the link:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113373
thanks
Dear Blair,
Yep that is me. I have let a few sites know about this publisher. Hopefully they will get enough bad press to have to go out of business.
Thanks
Sue
Red River's Press
Susan, I was struck by our similarities: we're both Jewish authors (on RedRoom) who have written about the Holocaust,write in multiple genres, and are animal lovers. Talk about kindred spirits!
I empathize, from a very personal standpoint, with you on the reaction of that awful editor. The good news is that he won't find himself in business much longer now that the word is out about his action.
If you're willing, I'm very interested in hearing about the heretofore unreported aspect of the Holocaust. My email address is author40@verizon.net.
Cynthia Polansky
www.cynthiapolansky.com
holocaust
Dear Cynthia,
thank you for your comments. I do hope that this publisher will be out of business soon!
Sue
Let Us Remember Everyone Who Died
This person was rude and unprofessional. However, it is best not to make assumptions about not being Jewish. Of course you were offended, but you do not need to be Jewish to be affected by the Holocaust or to be offened by an unprofessional publisher.
Do not assume the editor was an anti-Semite. 6 million Jews died PLUS at least 5 million others. Please read below:
Although the true figure may never be known, here are estimates
11 million people died.
6 million of these were Jewish (close to two thirds of Europe's Jewish population)
3.5 million were gypsies
In addition, Hitler targeted homosexuals, communists and other political dissidents, , slavs, Jehovah's Witnesses, dissidents, some Protestant and Catholic priests, black people, the mentally and physically disabled, and others. The figures include the camps as well as the mass graves in the countryside, killings on the street, organized mass shootings (such as Babi Yar, etc.) and basically, any person singled out for their religion, political beliefs, or their sexual orientation.
holocaust
Dear Sara,
I fully understand your comments. I am not Jewish, but was as offended as if I were. The publisher was totally unprofessional. I am aware of the scope of Hitler's hatred and what happened under his rule. But it is always good to hear it again. Thanks for the reminder and your comments.
Sue
WHOIS info on Riversbend
Registrant William Schmaltz william schmaltz schmaltz@pressenter.com PO Box 606 Stillwater, MN 55082 US +1.7153864724 (FAX) Administrative William Schmaltz william schmaltz publisher@riversbendpress.com PO Box 606 Stillwater, MN 55082 US +1.7153864724 (FAX)
His education, current employer, etc.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/4/988/B93
vanity wing of Riversbend according to Preditors and Editors
http://www.rionortepress.com/
holocaust
Dear Cat,
I am amazed at what you were able to find! Wow. Thanks so much.
Sue
I'm sorry about the bad
I'm sorry about the bad experience with River's Bend Press, but I want to say that the press, which published my novel "Black Tuesday's Child," has been civil and straightforward in its dealings with me. -- Donald Mace Williams