The Undiscovered Country

Why Research is so Important

When we first decide to seek out a publisher for our works, it's very easy to go too fast, and tie ourselves to the first publisher who gives us The Nod.

Shiloh Darke wrote an entry today that's a perfect example of what can happen: "Invalid Entry" .

Scary stuff.

I know several others who published through Mystic Moon Press, so I admit to a little surprise, and sympathy for all those authors who were swindled.

Two minutes of research yielded some interesting facts, namely in April, 2008. Karen Scott wrote a blog about how the owner of Mystic Moon Press had swindled before under a different publishing company:

http://karenknowsbest.com/2008/04/10/kristi-studts-disgraced-ex-owner-of-triskel...

That popped up after searching "Mystic Moon Press scandal". I'm sure if I searched more and included writer beware sites such as http://www.sfwa.org/beware I would find out even more about not only Mystic Press, but the owner. I could then be better informed about whether the publisher is legitimate, or not.

I want my books published, and there was a time not too long ago I would have jumped at The Nod, to hell with any research into said publisher.

After reading horror stories like the one above, I'm a bit more cautious.

As we all should be. Some steps to take:

1. Check out any complaints against the publisher by it's (thinking of you Voxxylady ) authors.

2. Ask said publisher for references and a means to contact its authors. If they refuse to even provide a list, wave a hearty goodbye.

Anyone else have a burned by a publisher experience and would like to share?

My list of what do to do is a bit paltry (I'm tired and can't think straightly). What more advice can you impart to authors seeking publication (traditional or indie, don't matter here)?