Seeking Experienced Opinions

1. 75

   Marie Flintposted 6 years ago

   Has anyone heard of or have experience with Carter Press? They are a fairly new publishing service asking me for 30% of their marketing costs to publish my children's picture book. Feedback would be appreciated.

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   1. 77

      galleryofgraceposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Why pay for something you can do on Amazon for free!

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   2. 94

      MizBejabbersposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      My advice is don't do it. I'm not familiar with Charter Press, but I am rewriting and editing a book for a distant cousin who was suckered in by an obscurity press and basically lost his book due to an unscrupulous contract. This company made no effort to promote his book, and refused to provide any accounting for copies (if any) sold on Amazon through them. While working on this book, a kind of historical documentary of a local legend, I was talking to an employee at a historical museum who publishes her own books and gave me advice. She said that she owned her own publishing company and advised me to start my own. Her words were, "anyone can start a publishing company." I think that is the key here. I would hate to see your being responsible for a faked 30% of marketing costs and then them not following through.

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   3. 75

      Marie Flintposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I think ALL of you for your honest and astute opinions. I had asked the company to provide me with three titles of picture books they had published so I could purchase and study them from Amazon. Still waiting.
      
      
      As one writer friend from Facebook pointed out, working with a publisher also means having to satisfy THEIR deadlines, something I'm not really interested in doing. When I was younger, I thrived on deadlines, but now it's a different story. I prefer to meditate, reflect, and take my time. Quality, not quantity is my choice.
      
      Blessings to all!

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2. 0

   Beth Eaglescliffeposted 6 years ago

   I'm not familiar with the Carter Press, but these are my thoughts after looking at their website.
   
   They are very new - less than a year old. The site owners say they are experienced literary agents, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are good at marketing and promotion.
   
   Click on "Books" to see examples of other authors who use their service; none are listed. The page is blank. That does not bode well.
   
   If you do sign up with them, make sure you understand what you are getting for your money. Carter Press are vague about what exactly they are providing for the fee. For example, under their publicist program they say:
   "While our publicists will spearhead the marketing of your book, they can also provide you with marketing suggestions so that you can successfully market your book on your own" (My italics)
   It sounds to me as if you will be doing most of the marketing yourself even if you pay them.

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3. 62

   Marketing Meritposted 6 years ago

   In addition to what Beth has said, the website is registered to a guy in the Philippines, who may be their web designer in all fairness. Site only registered in July 2018 by the seems of it.
   
   Check out this Writer Beware site before parting with a penny.
   https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/fo … re/vanity/
   
   No info on Carter Press, but they have only recently been established.
   
   Also, no names of individuals who own the company are provided on their website.

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4. 62

   Marketing Meritposted 6 years ago

   Also, 106 Commodore Terrace is a family home. Residents' details here: https://www.spokeo.com/NJ/Edgewater/106-Commodore-Ter

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5. 65

   psycheskinnerposted 6 years ago

   There is no such thing as a secret marketing service.  They haven't achieved a single notable action of any kind and are unlikely to start with you.  Avoid.

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6. 85

   Jodahposted 6 years ago

   I think you have been given good advice here, Marie. You would be taking a risk going with a new company like this that has no track record.

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7. 67

   How to - Answersposted 6 years ago

   Never pay anyone to publish your work.  If the company is legit then they will pay you. Please be aware of these cons.

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