Balboa Press
reviews & complaints

Back in August I felt a review for a certain book published by Balboa (not stating which one here because that might constitute unacceptable info - but details can be provided). However, due to an issue that has arisen between us I would like to remove that review.

I have searched online but Balboa does not (unlike Amazon) provide any information as to how I can do this. It just seems that it has to remain in existance forever.

Thanks for your assistance in advance.

I purchased the Chapter Two package, which on Balboa Press own website states :-
• A professional media release — Expertly written by a Balboa Press AU representative, your media release will be customized based on information you provide about your book.
• Distribution to 300 Australian media outlets — Your media release will be distributed by Balboa Press AU to a minimum of 300 undisclosed media outlets throughout Australia. Recipients will be chosen based on location as well as your book's specific genre/message and may include TV and radio stations, magazines, newspapers, and online publications"
Now I am receiving phone calls from their Marketing Department DAILY stating I need to be doing my own marketing. The first phone call I had lasted nearly 45 minutes and only towards the end did the penny drop and I realised that they were trying to get another $3000 out of me to design a website.
I have paid for a basic package which includes a press release - this was sent to me and I corrected a couple of things and sent it back. I has been a week now, and no reply, the lady who sent it to me is not answering the phone or her emails and now I am being told I need to pay extra to get basic marketing!
The publishing consultant has been very good, and I am pleased with the book itself (published in March) but the marketing situation is turning into a nightmare. I just wish to be left alone to write my second book and not have to field daily calls from Marketing to cough up for additional services that according to the Terms and Conditions is included as part of the package I - in good faith - paid for.

I decided to use balboa press to publish a memoir. Unfortunately, I had no choice but to cancel my agreement with them before we even really got started. Roadblocks, lack of communication about what I can have in my memoir, I was told I need a power of attorney for all people mentioned in the book, lack of clarity on issues and poor customer service, meant I simply couldn't work with them a couple of weeks in... Now they will not refund the first deposit I gave them, even though all they did was scan my first couple of chapters and tell what I need to do to change the book before proceeding. I am very disappointed. I have my first book published with them, which I published five years ago, and it has done nothing in terms of sales, due to poor editing, and so I have removed it from their website. I will rewrite the book using a different company that is more professional and not just trying to get my money.

Don't give these people money. They are dishonest and thieves.
Give me a refund you creeps.
Please don't give them your hard Earned money they lie. Louise Hayes owns this company I thought she was honest it's criminal. They don't stop hounding you for money. They don't pay the royalties either. It's been a total negative and expensive experience I won't to save people the pain and lies.

I had decided to try Balboa press based on their marketing agent's explanation and paid my deposit.

I received an email with the contract. After reviewing the contract I decided that it did not meet my expectations and declined signing and submitted the return email.

Almost immediately I received a voicemail call wanting to discuss my decision. When I returned the call I too left a voicemail stating that I had declined the contract and requested my deposit returned. May 22, 2020

On this same day I also emailed my contact, Kristine Dale, stating that I had declined the contract and requested a refund.

On June 3, I again left a voicemail message requesting my refund.

Balboa are unprofessional, they over charge under deliver and are robbers.
Totally disappointed.
I want my money back they are criminals.
Nothing nice to say.
When they want to rip you off of thousands of dollars they will call 10 times a day, badgering. When you want something they don't get in touch.
Please don't use them I want to save people from this exorbitant expense.

I am complaing about not receiving a refund
For the printing marketing of my two picture booksl
It has taken two years to be edited by balboa press and it still has not
Been printed. The final editing has not been sighned by me.
I have only paid 30, 000 for nothing in return.

Ii will be printing the book else where and marketing it myself.
For half the price.
Also I have waited two years for this editing and what do I get?
Nothing?
I am complaining for a refund just for the printing and marketing as
This has not been done.

They keep on asking for more payments with no fulfillment. Very bad experience. You can always publish and market your book independently in a cost-effective way. Shameful indeed they're using Louise Hay's name to get you into trap. I should have done more research and now, then won't allow me to refund my money. I paid more than $30k with them. I need my money back.

I recently found out this blog for their published author:
https://gettingnaked.com.au/2017/06/17/scammed-personal-experience-balboa/