ComplaintsforAuthor Reputation Press LLC

• Initial Complaint

  03/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  May or 2021 contracted with ARP to republish my novel, Time of Trial. ARP agreed to provide the Aristotle Publishing Package for ***** dollars. Again in May of 2021 I paid another ****** for data entry services to ARP to enter data into a print on demand system for the novel. To date as of March 2022, ARO has not published by book in any format at all. Worse, they have not given me the curtesy of a reply to my many queries.

  Business response

  04/18/2022

  Dear ******************************
  
  We appreciate you taking the time to share your concern with us. Thank you for getting in touch. We are willing to discuss your concern and assist you in determining the appropriate course of action. In order to achieve clarity and progress, we must address our clients' concerns and meet their requirements while taking into account and not undermining the guidelines and facts of the matter.
  
  We humbly apologize for the inconvenience this concern has caused you. Permit the substance of this response to clear up any misunderstandings and explain the larger context of the situation.
  
  We are requesting the authors patience and understanding as we continue to fulfill the purchased services in accordance with the stipulations stated in the signed agreements.
  
  This issue has already been addressed. **************** has been speaking with his new Book Fulfillment ******** ************************** who has informed him that the authors previous Book Fulfillment ********the late ******************************** died due to complications from COVID 19.
  
  The author's book is in the process of being published. The author received the initial layout of the manuscript a week or two ago, and the author provided his approval.Moreover, the Book Pricing phase has been taken into account by the author and his BFO. Currently, we are in the phase of preparing and finalizing the materials to be submitted to the printer. After submission, a week or two after, the books title will be available on the list of Amazon, ****** & *****, and other online booksellers.
  
  ****************, we appreciate your cooperation with Author Reputation Press. We hope things are going well for you at this time.
  
  Kind regards,

• Initial Complaint

  02/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was contacted by Author Reputation Press in August 2021. For over $10,000, Senior Author Advisor *********************************** and Marketing Director *********************** promised to market my book, Finding ********* to its network of over 300 entertainment individuals, professionally pitch my book at a ******************** to Hollywood agents, producers, screenwriters, etc. as part of its 'Hollywood Presentation' package and run an Amazon campaign for my book, getting it to the top seller list on Amazon. In order to do all of this, I had to republish my book under its publishing house. I paid in full at the time of purchase. The representatives soon became impossible to reach. They republished my book and after many phone calls and emails, I received a report on the Amazon campaign which had dismal results. I have no details on what advertising they did. They stated they were unable to give me that information. As far as the 'Hollywood Presentation' in *********, I have had no feedback and again, my emails go unanswered. Despite specifically promised in my contract, I never received a single report as to the individual pitches to the over three-hundred contacts promised by senior author advisor, ***********************************. In fact, I do not know if the Amazon report is even valid as I don't believe they have done any of the marketing they promised. I want to know what the results are of the different campaigns they have done. I have found multiple articles stating the company is fraudulent and if that is the case, I want a refund of the $10,694 I have paid to Author Reputation Press.

  Customer response

  03/09/2022

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint. Please let me know what to do to proceeed.

  Regards,

  *************************** (****)

• Initial Complaint

  01/26/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Please see my statement attached. There was not sufficient room to make a full statement.

  Customer response

  02/09/2022

  See attached

  Business response

  02/16/2022

  Author Reputation Press acknowledges this complaint from **********************************, and we will address this concern.
  
  We apologize for the inconvenience this circumstance has caused. May the content of this response clarify the confusion and explain the very context of the whole matter.
  
  We are requesting the clients patience and understanding as we continue to fulfill the purchased services in accordance with the stipulations stated in the signed agreements, given that the services the author purchased are fully paid.
  
  Taking into account the concerns laid down, to provide context, here are the following clarifications to address each one:
  
  The first to address is the Los ************* Ad. Its release is in the category of "to be completed". The release date has reportedly been pushed back to February 13th, 2022. ******************************* has been provided the layout for approval. On the other hand, he declined and responded, to wit,
  
  "Hi
  First, do not put my book in the LA Times until I give my permission. 
  Second, send any emails or other correspondence to the ******** ************************** I know that they have contacted you, because an individual in the ************************* just called me.
  I believe this is clear and the way we should proceed. Any questions you have, contact the ******** *************************.
  
  ******"
  
  The concern now is that *********************** refusal to approve the LA Times Ad 2022 layout may be troublesome among the other authors who have already given their assent to the proposed layout.To respect and honor ************************ consent, the marketing department has put the final layout on hold for the time being and has requested from the LA Times an extension of the deadline for submitting the final layout (as approved by the authors) until tomorrow. As a result, the LA TIMES has pushed back the publication date to Sunday, February 20, 2022.
  
  Within a week of publication,the authors will receive a copy. Hence, we humbly request ************************ final decision on the proposed layout so that we can proceed with presenting it. The Los ************* has been extremely patient in allowing us to extend the deadline for submissions until tomorrow, February 16, 2022. (A copy of the layout and an email sent to the author are attached herewith).
  
  ******************** has signed the Service Contract, specifically for the LA ***************** which is an apparent indicator that we may move forward and begin working on the procedures needed to complete the purchased service. Moreover, if the author pursues to withdraw and requests for refund, it is stipulated in the contract that refunds are not allowed once the contracted services and the publication work on your book have begun. You agreed to our service rules, including the fact that the services you paid for are non-refundable once signed, as stated in the service contract, which includes your signature. (A copy of the Service Contract signed by the author is attached herewith.)
  
  
  Concerning Hollywood Movie Script Coverage, the marketing department has already sent the screenplay. ******************** has received the Hollywood Movie Script Coverage for the book "Hope and Destiny". Hence, the next step is to endorse the manuscript to movie producers, production companies, and studios. (The Hollywood Movie Script Coverage and the email sent to the author are attached herewith.)
  
  For the Gold Seal with Aristotle, the book has been published and can be purchased via ARPs online bookstore and other partner online booksellers. However, given that the consumer has a balance to be paid, the marketing services (the ** Review of Books/USRB, CBS Radio Interview, and ********************* Nomination Award) have to be put on hold for the time being. The completion of all services will be addressed as soon as the author pays the balance, as stipulated in the agreement. May we ask ******************** to email and/or call ARPS Marketing Fulfillment Supervisor, ***** Donovans email, **********************************************************************, and contact number, ************, to discuss this matter further and monitor the updates and progress of the unfulfilled services? Currently, the marketing department has been preparing for ***************** CBS Radio Interview and for the other services to be fulfilled. (Mr. ********* statement of account is attached herewith.)
  
  For the Bookstore Returnability Program, considering that as authors who have been thriving to establish a reputation for themselves in the literary world, marking your book as "returnable" is beneficial and certainly a proactive way of getting your foot in the door. However, note that returnability does not guarantee that a particular bookstore will order and stock your title, but it is a sure way no bookseller will hesitate to put your book on their shelves. ARP does not have control over whether a bookstore will order and/or stock (until when/how long) the authors book. We must take into account that each bookstore, be it commercial or independently owned, maintains its own business operations, including deciding which titles to sell on its shelves based on the standards it establishes. (Book Returnability Certificate is attached herewith.)
  
  Please allow Author Reputation Press to clarify that we had no intention of failing to provide ******************** with the services he had purchased. The LA Times and the Book to Film-Script Coverage were both delayed due to tight constraints,delayed confirmation of operations, and timetable adjustments.
  
  It is also worth noting that Author Reputation Press has been working with a number of authors. There are checklists of services that must be completed and procedures to be followed. Despite our desire to do everything as quickly as possible,there are things in our queue that must be completed first. Author advisors mentioned to the authors that fulfilling the purchased services takes time,effort, and patience. The fulfillment of certain services may take a number of months, even a year.
  
  Furthermore,ARP requests the consumer's patience and understanding, given that the consumer's book was only published in the later months of 2021. As a result,other services in the next phase, particularly marketing services, are already underway, even though we are still in the early months of the year.
  
  We hope to reach an agreement with ********************, the author, and put our disputes to rest once and for all.
  
  Kind regards,

  Customer response

  02/28/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  Please see my response to Author Reputation Press,
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************************, PhD
  

  
  

  Business response

  03/09/2022

  Dear **********************************, 
  
  As we (Author Reputation Press) recognized the author's complaint, we also humbled ourselves and conceded that we, as the author's publishing and marketing partner, had made shortcomings. However, acknowledging that point (manifested shortcomings) does not encapsulate the entire journey of the pursuit, which is to deliver the purchased services while maintaining appropriate procedures and processes that take a reasonable amount of time.
  
  Furthermore, dealing with problems in the realms of publishing and marketing books is certainly common.Challenges, such as resolving a complaint, provide an opportunity for both parties to settle issues that have caused misunderstandings and would help the organization grow and improve. This also encourages us to clear up ambiguity and establish the necessary manifestations. Please allow us to state clearly and emphatically that we did not intend to deceive or fail to honor the stipulations of the signed contract (s).
  
  As to how the author pointed out, to wit, "I asked for months to see something, some evidence that something was happening, and they showed me nothing," it is worth pondering to ask that if we "showed nothing," then what are all the procedures weve done to publish the authors book and make it available for purchase? Revisiting all the things that we (ARP and the author) have done together in making the writing pursuit possible and taking the first steps (the humble beginnings) is considered "nothing"? Not to mention that publishing a book takes a number of months given that there are following procedures to be considered:
  
  
  Contract Signing
  Before the publishing process starts, the author needs to sign the contract and publishing agreement with Author Reputation Press (the publisher).
  
  Fulfillment Officer **************** style="white-space:pre">After the author affixes his/her signature to pertinent documents, the senior fulfillment officer or publishing specialist will initiate communication with the author to begin the publication procedure.
  
  Submission of Publishing Materials
  This step involves the submission of manuscript including its interior, cover, and images, if any, to the publishing specialist. The text portion of the manuscript must be sent in digital formats such as MS **** or Rich **** Format (RTF).
  
  Book Design and Layout
  The companys fulfillment team will comply with the authors requested design,layout, style, and possible changes from the original manuscript.
  
  Design Preview
  A digital version of the book galley will be sent to the author in digital format for review. The author may request modifications, revisions, or any changes to the layout and design of the galley. These changes will then be applied to the digital copy of the book by our fulfillment team.
  
  Design Approval
  The author must give his or her final approval to the books design and layout before it is forwarded to the printer for production.
  
  Proof of Print
  Once approved by the author, the final version of the manuscript will be printed out and then shipped to the author in accordance with the publishing package he or she availed of.
  
  Post-Production Revision
  The author is entitled to one free round of revision to the printed copy, if any.
  
  Book Cover and Interior Approval Form
  The author must sign the book cover and interior approval form before the revised manuscript is sent back to the printer. Once the necessary corrections are complied, the final proof of print will then be shipped to the author. A post-production fee of $250 will be charged to the author for further revisions.
  
  Global Distribution
  The book will be distributed through online retailers and bookstores worldwide.
  
  Post-Fulfillment Service
  Author Reputation Press will closely monitor the marketing and sales of the book as well as send royalties to the author on a quarterly basis.
  
  
  In addition, the timelines for editorial services (23 weeks), artwork services (12 months), and the publishing process (23 months) all necessitate a significant amount of time.Authors frequently inquire about the publication date of their works. While we have an idea of how long each phase of the publication process takes, it's difficult to predict how long the revision stage and the author's final approval will take.
  
  Throughout the publishing process, our fulfillment team will send authors information and documentation that they must review and approve before production can begin. Some authors may take immediate action in this phase, while others may take weeks to give their permission. It can take time to review the revisions and request their manuscript or illustrations. Only their responsiveness will allow us to complete tasks on schedule. In general, the length of time it takes to publish a book is determined by the authors' responsiveness to completing each phase of the process.
  
  The authors book was published in the last months of 2021. Taking that into account, the number of months mentioned by the author has been utilized for the publishing procedure.Hence, the marketing services for the authors book began only after the book had been released. Furthermore, we suppose that there is a huge misunderstanding about the process of publishing and marketing books; this venture certainly requires time, not to mention the unanticipated challenges along the way.
  
  As per the matter of the "price is not printed on the book", its mostly about taking into account the sense of flexibility (pricing strategies). In certain instances, authors opt not to display the book's price on the cover in order to avoid complications if they decide to use dynamic pricing in marketing in the future. This allows the author to modify the price of their books at any time based on market data and demand (seasonal demand). As a result, a variable price is considered rather than a fixed price.
  
  However, if the author insists on putting a price on the book (at his/her discretion), it is possible,and we respect the author's decision. And anyway, marketing is a process that takes time, effort, and patience; it does not occur suddenly, and it encourages change. As the scenario evolves, so do the marketing strategies.
  
  Seeing how things are escalating in relation to this complaint does not have to be this saddening and conflicting. Taking into account the efforts that have been undertaken: (1)the contact person, Honey ******, did not fail to try to explain and clarify the misunderstandings that have arisen pertaining to the purchased services via call; (2) we (ARP) acknowledged and did not deny that fulfillment of certain services has been delayed but not dismissed; and (3) underscoring the point that in fulfilling publishing and marketing services takes time given that there is a number of authors who have purchased set of services in our queue;(4) it is disheartening that the fulfilled tasks have been neglected and not counted, as a matter of fact, the authors book has been published and can be purchased via ************* and other partner online booksellers; and (5) we are more than willing to provide resolution and make amends with the author.
  
  We will not justify the manifested shortcomings, as we assert and hope to come to terms with the author and resolve our disputes once and for all.
  
  
  
  
  Kind regards,
  
  

  Customer response

  03/22/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  These last several weeks have been extremely difficult.  Last May I had very high hopes that by now my book would be getting the attention that would attract many people to read it.  
  
  Today, with the world going back to a cold war mentality, Hope and Destiny must be read to educate the public and academics alike.  
  
  I have had to do a lot of thinking about the issues that I have brought up.  
  
  On one hand, I am impressed with the way you have packaged my book for a book to movie.  On the other hand, I was not pleased with how my book was displayed in the LA Times and the fact that I did not get to approve it. 
  
  One issue that is imperative if we stay together as a team and that is the brick and mortar bookstores.  I was told last May that ARP has access to thousands of these stores.  So, if we are going to do business, I need to know how many of these stores you are ready to put my book into and how many you are projecting.  I need this type of information.  I also need to know about the libraries around the **.  How many of those are you working on to place my book now and in the future?
  
  Another issue is about my royalties.  I need to know how we are going to get that set up.  What is the timeframe that you will inform me about my sales?
  
  The fact is the world is hurting right now and we need to get my book out.
  
  I still want to know how you are going to do a book to movie project.  When is the next major gathering with the movie houses.  I have paid for this to happen and I am ready to see some evidence that Hollywood is interested in my book.  This presents a great opportunity for you, ARP and myself.
  
  We have a great cover, interior, subject matter and opportunity.
  
  So, I am willing to stay with you as long as you work diligently with me, always honest, not keeping me in the dark, and making sure I get my full royalties, which I understand are 80%.
  
  If I have a sensing that you are not looking after my best interest, then I will  go to an attorney.  
  
  What I need from you is a legitimate contract that we both sign. That is the starting point.  I am sure everything else will move rapidly.  
  
  I want you to prosper as I do in this business partnership.  I am ready to get started, if you are.
  
  ***************************************, PhD 

  Business response

  04/20/2022

  Dear *******************************************, Ph.D., 
   
  
  The response from the author is acknowledged.
  
  As we went through the process of resolving the author's concerns and attempting to meet on the same ground, we were able to listen to each partys manifestations and requests. We have addressed your concerns, provided explanations, and responded to your contentions with both BBB and the Arkansas ************************* Your author advisor made a number of calls to try to explain and make amends with you, and we conceded that we have made shortcomings, and the marketing department has been prioritizing the fulfillment of your marketing services.
  
  
  Furthermore, we explained that it is stipulated in the contract that refunds are not allowed once the contracted services and publication work on the authors book have begun. You agreed to our service rules, including the fact that the services you paid for are non-refundable once signed, as stated in the service contract, which includes your signature. Author advisors always mention to the authors that fulfilling the purchased services takes time, effort, and patience. The fulfillment of certain services may take a number of months, even a year. The publishing process flow needs to be revisited to remind us that publishing a book does require a number of phases and factors, including the giving of approvals. The authors book was only published in the last months of 2021. Hence, the marketing services for the authors book began only after the book had been released. Publishing and marketing books take time and effort, not to mention the unexpected difficulties that arise along the way. However, it is saddening that we have arrived at this point. The author filed a chargeback request on March 21, 2022.
  
  A few essential points must be established. (1) We appreciate your time as well as your efforts in contacting us and responding. (2) Working with you, ********************, has always been an honor and a privilege, which is why we worked so hard to save our publisher-author relationship by providing resolutions and manifesting our willingness to make reparations.
  
  The author's decision to file a chargeback request will be respected and honored. We will wait for the results and proceed as necessary.
  
  ********************, we appreciate your cooperation with Author Reputation Press. We hope things are going well for you at this time.
  
  Kind regards,

• Initial Complaint

  01/19/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Author reputation press published my book under a contract. The contract has been fulfilled, however they are not responding to my emails or phone calls regarding my royalties that we agreed upon. They are not giving me access to the web page that shows my royalties. They are deliberately keeping me outside of the box while they keep my money. My book has been published since may of 2020 and I cannot get a hold of anyone from that company.

  Business response

  02/10/2022

  Dear ******************************
  
  Thank you for reaching out, and this may assist in resolving issues that have generated misunderstandings. Moreover, thank you for acknowledging the fact that, to wit, "the contract has been fulfilled".
  
  
  We apologize for what occurred. We humble ourselves and apologize for the delayed response and the inconvenience. We appreciate your patience in this matter.
  
  
  In a context where confidentiality is considered, which is based on the stipulations in the Agreement Contract that the author signed. As it is specifically stipulated therein, "Protection of Information. The parties may provide each other with confidential information and trade secrets, including without limitation, information on their respective organization, business, finances, personnel, services, systems, pricing structure, proprietary products and processes, transactions and/or business relations (collectively, the "Information") Each Party shall only use the other's information solely for the purpose of performing obligations under this Agreement, and only disclose the Confidential Information on a need-to-know basis, provided that, such party shall be liable for the acts of any third party who obtains the Confidential Information from such party. Each party shall take all necessary precautions in handling the Confidential Information of the other party and limit disclosures on a strict need-to-know basis."
  
  
  With that in mind, we shall do what is proper and necessary for the situation at hand, which is to discuss the author's royalties in high confidentiality because we must uphold what is indicated and agreed upon in the contract. The author would be given the login credentials to the website account that contains the essential information. Since the system has been fixed, changes have been made, and we may be able to provide updated logins. We respectfully request a phone call from the author. The author may contact ARP's Fulfillment ***** Mr. ******************** at ************ during office hours or via email at **********************************************.
  
  
  ********************* we appreciate your cooperation with Author Reputation Press.
  
  
  Kind regards,

• Initial Complaint

  01/15/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My husband ***************** was contacted by Author Reputation LLC. They left a message on his phone stating that his wife ********************* has a book titled The Virtuous Wife and they want to see if they could talk with Cenith and help her get the book out to the public and do more with the book as far as advertisement. I ********************* contacted Author Reputation LLC and spoke with ************************* the Sales Supervisor and he told me how he came across my book and in order to get started, the start up fee was $780. so I gave him the money by debt card on December 2, 2021. Within 24 hours I spoke with my husband and he stated that now was not a good time to go forward with the book offer due to financial obligations due to Truck repairs and Heater system failure (we have receipts) for the repairs as proof. We contacted *************************; back on December 3, 2021 and my husband **** spoke with him and his Director and they stated that it takes 10 business days to refund the money and we have not seen the money yet. Forty days have passed. We have receipts upon request.

  Customer response

  01/26/2022

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

   

   

  Business response

  01/28/2022

  Dear *********************,
  
  
  We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your concern. Thank you for reaching out. We are willing to address your concern and assist you with the action to be considered. In the pursuit of clarity and progress, it is vital to us that we address our clients' concerns and meet their requirements while taking into account and not jeopardizing the rules and facts of the matter.
  
  
  We apologize for what occurred. We humble ourselves and apologize for the delayed response and the inconvenience. For your challenge ("financial obligations"), we are sincerely sorry that, for now, you cannot continue with your goals for your book. We completely understand your circumstances. We are more than willing to resolve the situation and carry out the necessary procedure.
  
  
  The ****************** has tended to and has made moves to address the matter. The refund takes longer due to the December holidays, tight deadlines, delayed confirmation of operations, and other challenges that we also must address.
  
  
  The refund has been processed back to the card that we had the transaction with. We believe that ************************* received an email from the Business ****************** informing her that the matter (refund) has been addressed. The subject of the email is the transaction ID. (The screenshot of the email/refund confirmation sent to the author is attached herewith.)
  
  
  It is mentioned in the email sent to the author, to wit, "Please note that it may take **** business days for the amount to be completely reversed into the **** card ending in XXXX1800, depending on how responsive your credit card company is." Hence, please bear with us as we wait for the process to be completed.
  
  
  We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Please let us know if you have any additional questions, concerns, or comments, or if we may be of assistance at any point in the future.
  
  
  
  Kind regards,

• Initial Complaint

  12/30/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I paid them to publish a book Nd they dropped off the map,

• Initial Complaint

  12/08/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Author Reputation Press contacted me in May 2021, said they wanted to reprint my coloring book - they were very complimentary. They promised delivery by June 2021. I paid them the agreed amount of $950. They did not produce by June, I called several times, several different people in the organization. They never answered the phone, so i also emailed them several times. By august sept. I was done waiting for results. i kept calling and finally got in touch with the book keeper and said i wanted my money back because they were not delivering. I got in touch with the boss and he said he could not give me my money back. He also said all the conversations were recorded... which I was glad about. Then he changed his tune and said it was my fault because the art (PDF) i sent them (from the original publishing company) was not adequate and i needed to redo the text. At this point I knew I had been scammed. The first publishing company made me a very nice run of books with the aforementioned art work. No one ever called me back from Author Reputation Press after that last phone call to make it right. I would have been happy to get my money back. I did mention to them that i would contact the BBB - he said fine, ill deal with them. So I do have some of the names of some of the people that gave me the run-around. ********************* was was "The Boss" who was my final contact with the company.

  Business response

  12/22/2021

  Dear **************,
  
  
  First and foremost, thank you for bringing your concern to the table of discussion. This may assist in resolving issues that have generated misunderstandings. This also encourages us to clear up the ambiguity and lay down the necessary manifestations. Second, please accept our heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience this has given you, and we appreciate your patience in this matter.
  
  
  Considering the authors point, to wit, "They promised delivery by June 2021. I paid them the agreed amount of $950. They did not produce by June", we must remember that the "delivery" was delayed due to the difficulties in implementing the necessary changes and interventions. The author, *************************, is informed. The points (challenges) that needed to be addressed were explained to her. We should deem that the author submitted a *** copy of her coloring book. A *** copy is an uneditable file type. Hence, the editing (the application process of the edits (changes) that the author wanted to be made) is not possible. Furthermore, if we were to convert the *** copy into a Word document (which we did), the arrangement and the overall physicality (the images and texts) of the coloring book got messed up. Not to mention, that the books type is a coloring book, which has a substantial number (or size) of images (per page). 
  
  
  Regarding the refund concern, to wit, "i wanted my money back because they were not delivering", it is stipulated in the contract that refunds are not allowed once the contracted services have begun and the publication work on your book has begun. You agreed to our service rules, including the fact that the services you paid for are non-refundable once signed, as stated in the service contract, which includes your signature.
  
  
  We can confirm that the project is still active and that we can pick up where we left off. We believe it is critical to underline the importance of notifying you that we are very willing to accommodate amendment requests till the book is completed. Please educate us on your thoughts and views with the goal of reaching an agreement.
  
  
  After looking into the issue, please allow us to offer you the following options: you may opt to (1) send an editable copy (Word document) of your coloring book so that we can apply the necessary alterations and interventions after considering your instructions, or (2) (noting that a print-ready file was initially sent, which was the file with the incorrect text placements), send an .INDD file of the document so that our artist(s) can pick up the editing of the file, and when they export it to ***, they will be able to come up with the correct positioning of the texts.
  
  
  We will take your lead on how to proceed from here, but we hope one of the clarifications will help make up for the challenges we (both) have experienced.
  
  
  
  Kind regards,

  Customer response

  12/27/2021

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does begin to satisfy my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint #********. I understand that by choosing to accept the business response that my complaint will be closed as resolved.  I do hope they follow through with their side of the deal. Also it has been very challenging to get through to actually talk with someone. I hope this works. 

   

  
  Regards,
  
  *************************

  Customer response

  01/13/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  I have not heard back from them. I have also sent emails to 2 other people in the company that I had talked with earlier on in the project. 
  
  I need some advice on what to do next. 

  Business response

  01/25/2022

  Dear **************,
  
  Thank you for your time, patience, and response.
  The accounts that you have emailed were managed by a former employee who is no longer working with us. We apologize for the inconvenience. We believe that you have been enlightened after receiving an email from one of our representatives. (The screenshot of the content of the email is attached herewith.)
  
  We hope things are going well for you at this time.
  
  Kind regards,

  Customer response

  01/26/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does satisfy my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint #********. I understand that by choosing to accept the business response that my complaint will be closed as resolved. 

  
  

  I sure hope they continue to pursue the completion of this project. thanks for your help.
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid Author Reputation Press over $3731 to publish 2 books in 2019. Everything that was asked of me I completed. I even purchased a book return program when they told me ****** was interested in 500 books but there was no guarantee in place for ****** to return books they did not sell. Never heard another word. I have never received royalties for my novel: Chance of Snow nor have I received any royalties for my poetry book: Windswept. My novel remains on Amazon upside down. They broke contract. I have nary a clue of the amount of royalties withheld from me. I know several people who have purchased my books through them. Author Reputation Press should be held accountable and return my investment.

  Business response

  12/11/2021

  Dear *************************,
  
  
  We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your concern. Thank you for reaching out. We are willing to help you and provide clarification.
  
  
  We work hard to deliver exceptional customer service and value client feedback. It is crucial for us to meet the needs of our clients as much as possible. We are always open to improving our services, so thank you for bringing this up.
  
  
  We apologize for the confusion and frustration. However, from a different angle of perspective, this will also enable us to address any issues that arise and improve our services.
  
  After looking into the concerns laid down, here are the following clarifications to address each one:
  
  1. The first concern that the author has pointed out, to wit, "book return program when they told me Canada was interested in 500 books but there was no guarantee in place for Canada to return books they did not sell...", the authors assertion about BRP speaks for itself, "there was no guarantee". ARP does not have control over whether a bookstore will order and/or stock (until when/how long) the authors book(s). We must take into account that each bookstore, be it commercial or independently owned, maintains its own business operations, including deciding which titles to sell on its shelves based on the standards it establishes.
  
  
  2. As for the matter of royalties, to wit, "I have never received royalties...", this necessitates considering the authors website account, which shows the records that the combined indirect and direct royalties (for both books) have not reached the minimum amount required for payout. (Please see the screenshot attached herewith). As a reminder, the minimum amount required before a royalty payout is released is $50.
  
  
  Furthermore, as we have often advised the author, marketing strategies must be put into this initiative in order for the books to be visible to more readers. We have to keep in mind that we are a hybrid publishing house, not a traditional one. The goals and marketing strategies the company proposed to the author were not without investment involved. We never lacked the effort to get these things across to the author. Despite our repeated efforts to emphasize the relevance of our marketing services to the authors books, the author refused to consider them at every opportunity, leaving the books without a way to reach a bigger audience. The author has shown little interest in marketing the book, unlike most of the authors who have already received their royalties. However, we never left the books with no marketing campaigns. In fact, we initiated a couple of online initiatives to spread the word about the authors books to make them visible to as many readers as we could reach via our social media accounts and web blog. Without the authors cooperation, we are left with only the marketing options at our disposal.
  
  
  3. As for the concern, to wit, "They broke contract", please provide specifics for your claim that "we broke contract", should we view this as though nothing in our agreement contract has been completed or a part of our agreement has not been delivered yet. For your perusal, we have included screenshots of the publishing agreement form between the author (you) and the company. As far as the agreement is concerned, we kept our side of the bargain. Your books have been released and can be purchased through our online bookstores. Please let us know which part of our agreement has yet to be delivered.
  
  
  We hope to come to terms with you, *****************************, and settle our differences once and for all. We are still willing to discuss this matter with you over the phone if possible.
  
  
  Kind regards,

  Customer response

  12/19/2021

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.  If you do not enter a reason for your rejection, your complaint will be closed as Answered.]
  
  Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.
  
  FAQ
  
  Regards,

  ***** My concerns are as follows: On bullet point 1, To my knowledge the guarantee referred to was NOT a guarantee for purchase of 500 books. Of course no one can guarantee that. The guarantee we spoke of on the phone is standard procedure to ensure the businesses are not stuck with books. I feel they communicated the companies were ready but needed a guarantee. So I purchased it to show good faith. On bullet point 2, since the publishing of both of my books January 13, 2020 there has been No direct royalties. For the indirect sales there has been 2 Chance of Snows and 1 Windswept sold in January 2020 and 2 Chance of Snow and 1 Windswept in February 2020. I find it hard to believe my books are that bad. As for bullet point 3, I searched several sites with findings of no images, no results, or not found. *********************** haunted me to publish with him after **** publishing did a number on me. He told me one book had a rating of 8.5. I believed him.

  Business response

  01/05/2022

  Dear ******************,
  
  Thank you for your response.
  
  As per the *** concern, we believe we have done our share. As we often emphasize, the author's collaboration and intentional commitment are critical not only during the first phase(s) of the procedures under the publication process of the book(s) but also throughout the journey, which can be lengthy and demand a great deal of patience and effort. The current state of the literary world necessitates contemporary authors to leverage the resources for marketing ventures.
  
  There is competition everywhere. Books of all genres have been emerging, for all intents and purposes, we need to be innovative and creative in our current pursuits. We could utilize traditional and digital marketing to boost success, which is not taken into account in this case.
  
  Your books are not awful at all. Having the basis of whether the books are bad or not that is why they are not noticed is the least likely factor of why the sales were not thriving. Diverse readers have different preferences for what they want to learn and discover through reading. Certainly, there are readers who can benefit from reading your books by learning and realizing new things. How, on the other hand, can readers/consumers be aware of the beauty of your work if information about it is not widely disseminated?
  
  Marketing is crucial since it aids in the sale of your books. If one of the goals in publishing your books is to generate revenue, marketing is an important route to use to get there. Many firms, authors, etc. would not exist if it were not for marketing, because marketing is ultimately what drives sales. Sure, we need decent and substantial books, but how can we generate sales if consumers are unaware of our products, to begin with? To attract readers and lead them to a purchase, we need to produce new and inviting content (marketing actions).
  
  One way to provide information to consumers is through marketing. Readers will have a better notion of what your book is about if we do it this way. They will also be aware of the advantages of purchasing your books. Marketing informs a large number of people about a certain product. Your sales will rise if readers are well-informed about your books. It increases brand recognition and distinguishes the publications.
  
  
  Again, there is fierce competition in the market, and we must have a consistent voice to persuade readers.
  
  As for the concern, to wit, "I searched several sites with findings of no images, no results, or not found, we checked and tried to search for your books using the books title and the authors name (your pen name). The books can be found, and images can be seen. Given the number of books with titles that are like yours, it is critical to add the author's name while searching for books in online bookstores/websites. The screenshots of the results in searching for your books are attached herewith.
  
  
  Kind regards,

  Customer response

  02/06/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  First off, thank you.
   To respond to bullet point number one: The guarantee referred to was not a guarantee for purchase of 500 books although it was presented as your response is of the utmost importance. The guarantee was for the buyers protection to return all unsold books for a full refund. Of course the buyer cannot be made to order them. I was told on a phone call the buyer showed great interest but was hesitant without this safe guard in place along with 2 other interested parties.
     To respond to bullet point number two: I signed a contract October 11, 2019 for two books - one a novel and one poetry after receiving many phone calls staring on March 18,2019. I was told the scouts and different outlets, etc. were very impressed with my poetry with a rating of 8.5.I do not know how only 6 books have been sold (indirect royalties, there have been no direct royalties, oh my). It has been over 2 years. Hard to believe when so many were so interested. The release date was ******* 15,2020. I was told ******* 30, 2020. 
  To respond to bullet point number three: I signed a contract October 11, 2019 for the republishing of my works: a poetry book and a novel after receiving numerous phone calls starting on March 18, 2019 telling me the scouts were in awe of Windswept giving it an 8.5 rating. Emails offering different options to invest in to broaden my horizons such as TV trailer, movie, radio spot, overseas bookfair, cross country bookfair and hard cover books at a discount were rejected phone calls dwindled then stopped. I heard nothing from August 2020 to ******* 2021 when I was sent 5 emails for audio books at $.18 a word. I should have known better when an email appeared stating 'GET PUBLISHED WITH US' with a note stating you could give me a quick review "OVER THE ****** on July 9, 2019. The two year contract between we and thee has expired. PAID IN FULL. Windswept and Chance of Snow are now out of print yet again. This is how I felt when I started this journey. I have made nothing on this journey. Not a great loss unless the six books sold through the indirect royalties are counted. I am down but not out. I am wiser, hopeful. What's mine is mine. 
  

  
  

  Business response

  03/09/2022

  Dear *****************************,
  
  The authors response is acknowledged.
  
  We apologize for the confusion and inconvenience this matter has brought to both parties. We wish that the given clarifications asserted in the preceding responses somehow enlighten whatever is not clear.
  
  To encapsulate everything, the purchased services by the author are fulfilled. We have done our part. It is noted that our obligations as the authors partner in her writing pursuits are addressed.
  
  As we have mentioned in the preceding responses to the matter of royalties, it is necessary to consider the authors website account, which shows the records that the combined indirect and direct royalties (for both books) have not reached the minimum amount required for payout. The minimum amount required before a royalty payout is released is $50.
  
  We have frequently urged the author that advertising strategies must be implemented in order for the books to be seen by a larger number of people.Again, we are a hybrid publishing industry rather than a traditional one. The services and marketing techniques offered by the company were not free of charge. We never failed to make an effort to convey these ideas to the author.In the preceding response, we underscore the relevance of marketing actions.
  
  Notwithstanding the repeated efforts to stress the importance of our marketing services to the author's works, the author refused to consider them at every turn, leaving the books without a way to reach a larger audience. Unlike most authors who have previously received royalties, the author has shown no interest in marketing the work. However, we never closed the books without a marketing strategy in place.
  
  In essence, we started a handful of online efforts to get the word out about the author's works to as many people as possible through our social media accounts and blog. We are left with only the marketing choices at our disposal if the author refuses to cooperate.
  
  
  Kind regards,

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