Maryland publisher, PublishAmerica is no stranger to soliciting sales from their authors on the backs of celebrities, authors and well known publishing houses, like Random House.
This time, PublishAmerica has managed to step on the really big literary toes of J. K Rowling. As a matter of fact, this is just more controversy in connection with the Edinburgh International Book Festival in which PublishAmerica had also solicited book sales promising its authors exposure. The organizers of the festival however have stated that PublishAmerica had been deceptive in it's claims.
“We have no relationship with @publishamerica. We have asked them to cease and desist making promises involving us.”
What was said on PublishAmerica's website that angered J.K Rowling and set off a firestorm of bad press?
“We will ask the world’s very bestselling author to look at all of your books next week. We will bring your book to the attention of Harry Potter’s author next week while our delegation is in her hometown, and ask her to read it and to tell us and you what she thinks. Tell her what you think: in the Ordering Instructions box write your own note for JK Rowling, max. 50-100 words. We will include your note in our presentation for her!”
Delegation? Not only did they promise that for 49.00, ($59.00 for the "Priority option" and $69.00 if you published more than one book with them) not only will Rowling look at your book but would also offer some sort of review.
J.K Rowling and the lawsuit that her manager eluded to would no doubt be the end of this publisher. PublishAmerica who is well known for filing frivolous SLAPP lawsuits on their critics will certainly be wearing out their keyboards typing up C and D Letters to international media who have reported on this story and labeled their business practices as deceptive.
Jk Rowling's legal staff issued a Cease and Desist notice. PublishAmerica certainly did not accept the Cease and Desist notice gracefully, and shot back with a response filled with insults, and threats.
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