[Yjar]

Hello there.


In 09 I messaged Authorhouse asking questions about the publishing process. Don't know what I asked, I can't even remember, nor do I have a record of my message. I know it was a general inquiry though about publishing.

Now, close to 2012, I get these emails and phone calls from them. I'm confused. I can't help but feel skeptic about this. My book isn't even finished, yet the man is very persistent on wanting to be my guide to publishing my book, asking me questions about it, etc.

"I am here to assist you in advising you on those crucial pre-submission considerations and set proper expectations on each step of the publishing process. Your manuscript deserves the best, your manuscript deserves AuthorHouse"

I'm kinda like... 2.5 years? Anyone use Authorhouse before?


Thanks


- Person who knows nothing about publishing.

[MrBF1V3]

Two things.

It's a vanity press. You give them money they publish your book. They are more than willing to assist you because they want your money. Real publishers pay you, not the other way around. (And face the music, anyone with a computer can publish on smashwords. Why pay someone for something you can get for free?)

Irate customers; http://authorhouse.pissedconsumer.com/authorhouse-scam-20080912135099.html
Although I did note some different opinions in the comments, but those are few and the other commenters contested them. Either way, it should cause you to stop and think. I.E. DO NOT jump into that mess.

Is that enough?

B5

[KatG]

A vanity press is one thing -- they are at least providing a service. But a vanity press that comes after you to try and get your business is usually a scam operation. According to Predators & Editors, Authorhouse is one to stay away from and has been taken often to court.

[Teresa Edgerton]

I have never heard anything good about Authorhouse. I have read many complaints from dissatisfied customers.

The general consensus seems to be to avoid them like the plague.

[Window Bar]

If you're in the U.S., you can end the phone calls by registering your telephone number on the national "do not call" anti-telemarketing list. Simply go to http://www.donotcall.gov and sign up. This action will begin the process of putting an end to harassing commercial solicitation.

Once you've signed up, it will take some weeks for your number to be distributed through telemarketer land. After that, you'll notice a pleasant decline in the number of calls. If AuthorHouse keeps calling, you'll even have an avenue via which you can file a complaint that will result in A.H. being fined.

Good luck. -- W.B.

[Rob B]

AuthorHouse is part of the larger group Author Solutions, which also includes iUniverse, Trafford, Xlibris, Inkubook, and Wordclay. They charge exorbitant rather for something that you, the author souldn't have to pay. I've not heard good things about their customer service relationships, I know they've grown tremendously over the past 2 years and may have a difficult time keeping up with their growth. Part of this growth is the purchase/absorption of other vanity press publishers.

If you are looking to do a family reunion photobook or maybe a cookbook to share with your family, friends, community I think they are fine. For fiction, that's a different story.

PublishAmerica, on the other hand, they make Author Solutions look like Random House or Penguin by comparison.