BEWARE: Writers – Why “Pay to Play” is best

Why “Pay to Play” is the way to go when you get requests to be featured in magazines and books. 

Before I tell the horror stories, I want to first share an exciting opportunity that DOES WORK for writers and authors.  Good news first.

verbii http://Verbii.com/ :::
Discover the New Empowered Publishing Solution Conscious Authors Are Using to Create Beautiful Books And Share Their Message With The World

Sean Patrick Simpson is a successful publisher and promoter of a select category of books.  I should know, I am one of the featured authors in the book, Love and Oneness, which came out in the fall.  This book is part of a series of books. 

There is a cost to get published properly.   I recommend Sean and his new venture, http://verbii.com

Also check out Mike and Carolyn at http://nomadceo.com/ who organize compilation books and even ghost write for you.

And, if you want someone to do the publishing for you, check out Jim Kukral and his company Digital Book Launch, http://www.digitalbooklaunch.com/. Jim works with authors in both Kindle and physical book formats.

Now the horror stories:

I made the mistake more than once to write exclusive content to be published in a book, magazine, and newsletter.   As you can imagine, these publications never saw the light of day. 

Why it looks so real

When you get communication that seems so real you think this person is legit.  After providing the last piece of information, there was silence.  No response to a least five follow-ups.

It looks like you sent over the story but not a bio or a picture. Can you send those over too when you get a chance? The Bio can be about 100 words (How to contact you for more information, etc.) and a headshot type of picture. The picture will be used in the marketing and on the book.

I did get your email a little bit ago. Thank you so much. I know you are very busy so I appreciate you taking the time to help me with my project.

Thank you again. I will keep you posted on the progress of the project.

Have an AMAZING day,

(name redacted)

Here’s another

This person is all about the excuse.   

First let me reiterate how grateful I am to you for taking the time to write for my magazine.  Your support (and the out-pouring of support from dozens of other people who also submitted articles) gave me tremendous faith that this magazine is a great idea.   

But like many great ideas, it’s only viable when the time is right.  And for various reasons, the time hasn’t yet been right to bring this magazine to fruition.  

However, this magazine’s time may still come.  I won’t be able to make a decision one way or another until a few months from now at the earliest, after a few other factors play out. But once I do, you will certainly be among the first to hear the news! 

(name redacted)

This person had multiple people writing in a frenzy to meet a deadline… a crazy deadline.  Beware of these folks who steal your time – time stealers are sleazy.  Yes, sleazy.  Even if they give you a beautifully written excuse.  Sleazy folks who steal your time are thieves

Moral of this Story:  Better to “pay to play” to be part of a magazine or book with indicators that you’re involved with someone that is serious and committed.

#LikesUP for Sean Patrick Simpson, Mike Lewis, and Jim Kukral

sherrie-rose-likesUP-amazon-author

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