Xlibris Publishing review: Scam 105

xlibris is a fraud company, they don't work with you, they take your money, hang up on you, they are pathetic .They need to be shut down!

xlibris is a complete scam…… stay away they disconnect you, lie and don't have any respect for the writers, , , , , , , , , , fraud

Hawaii was admitted into the union of the United Stated of America August 19th 1959. We have been a state for 50+years... explain to me then why we are charged International shipping? The rep I spoke to gave me the casual reason "because of the distance." Maine to California is farther away than Hawaii is to the East coast so do they charge Mainers international shipping?

So Hawaii gets discriminated against because we're not attached? And then this clown keeps me on hold for 8 minutes after I asked for a manager. When he comes on he says that no one from the team is there, because it's Saturday.

I understand perfectly well that Hawaii has a higher shipping rate, I've lived here 30 years...but INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING?

What a bunch of BULL#^&!

I feel that they are a scam when it comes to royalty checks and is not honest with the author when it comes to marketing campaigns.

I'm the author of Repercussions: What happens in the dark will come to light. I'm experiencing problems myself as a new author. My first book was published with Xlibris on February 29, 2016. I know individuals personally who purchased my book and I also have E.F.T so I don't need to meet the threshold of 75.00 us dollars to receive payment. Also my book was mysteriously not searchable or available in Xlibris bookstore a few days for royalties to be paid. I'm also feeling that something isn't right

I sent in my typed manuscript to xlibris a year ago - at the time I wanted to get it in to a publisher because I wrote it in '86. They have had the manuscript for a year, I was hoping things would change but it hasn't. The person I originally was in contact with is no longer with the company and I want my manuscript back - I called to talk to them today and the person I spoke with told me that the original contact did not give him the manuscript. So, I told him that I wanted it back and I told him that it was his responsibility to find the script and mail it back to me. I am giving him 10 days to get back in my hands. My worry is, what can I do if I don't get it back? I guess in 10 days, I'm gonna have to look for an attorney. Thank goodness I never sent them any money.

I am in the same boat as everyone else on here. I created a children's activity book J.D. Drool Monkey's Big Day in 2014. I have seen on many web sites around the globe that there are numerous copies available from new to used. I have invested over $20, 000 and have only made roughly $50 in royalties. I was invited to attend Book to Screen Pitch Fest in Los Angeles and the International Book Fair in Miami. At the book fair, the Xlibris representative told me to only give the books out to the "important children"! ALL CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT! With all of this publicity you would think my books would be doing better. I have lost all faith in Xlibris as my publishing company. Everyone on here needs to get one lawyer and sue the pants off these people.

I have experienced all of the problem sited above with Xlibris. What I'd like to do is to form some kind of group which can officially go after Xlibris and have them banned from the business or more. I'd like to have them indicted for fraud and support a criminal case against them naming the individuals in the organization who are responsible. Any Attorneys out their who can supply some advice?

I agree with everyone. My book is beautiful to look at but after over a year of editing mostly by myself I was jerked around being tossed around from person to person and being offered one service after another and getting a total of $36.00 in royalties. They are always asking for money and not coming through with their marketing. I was so excited when my book finally came out my dream is now crushed by them. I wish someone would take the chance and bring a class action suit against them so no one else will go through what we have.

My name is Richard Webb. I'm a novelist and have written 12 novels with 6 published. Recently I decided to self publish with Xlibris. This was the biggest financial mistake I've ever made in my life. From the very beginning the programs were misrepresented. Straight out lies which they were even bold enough to put into Emails. Example; I was told my package would cost $1, 800.00 and I agreed to it. Two days later the salesman called me and said that for $1950.00 "INSTEAD" I could get a number of additional benefits. The benefits were definitely worth $150.00 more, but when I looked at my Visa Account I realized they had taken an (ADDITIONAL) $1, 950.00. This was done without my authorization with an E-signature. It gets much worse. Between agreeing to the first offer and the second lie, I was contacted by their "Marketing Department) After talking with the representative for an hour, I agreed to add on "Marketing Plan One" Endorsements. The plan made sense, and I agreed to it, about $3, 000.00. But after realizing they had scammed me on the original package I Emailed to cancel the Marketing Plan One. Too late. They had already taken a down payment, $900.00. I immediately closed my account to prevent them from taking any more money. It gets even worse. They sent me what they considered the "published edition", I assumed for my final review, which is traditional in the industry, however, it was full of errors and the cover was outrageous with dark red print over glossy black paper making it impossible to read. The back cover was worse. Again blood red lettering over black, and the print size was like 7, instead of 12, impossible to read without very strong glasses. None of this had shown in the Gallies which I did approve. They were perfectly readable. So I immediately stopped publication and sent in a request for the necessary revisions. All hell broke loose.Problem after problem, too many to enumerate here. Bottom line, three months later still no book. I'm talking to my attorney and if they don't come through soon, I'm suing their crooked ### for everything I can throw at them.

After several phone calls and emails concerning the corrections of a few pages of my book I had no correspondences for two months with Xlibris. I paid in advance for my book to be printed. They send me a proof with very low resolution images and text out of the margins. I asked them to send me the corrections and high resolution of the images and since then nothing happened no phone calls, no emails for nearly two months.

On my first book I received about $10 in royalties the book was published in 2012 on my second book because of my experience with ex-labor I decided to change walk there's the book was not even edited I am an author but I do not edit books the spelling was not even corrected because also spelling was incorrect was very dissatisfied with the experience of my first book and more dissatisfied with the second book even when it which printed I was extremely disappointed it is to bed I felt for their line I am a new author and I should have seen it coming

The royalties I have received my first book amounted to about $10 on my second book they did not edit it appropriately I had to pay them $6000 on my first book and I almost spend $3000 on the next book after that after I receive their repetition another publisher coldly since I read there record of their failure I decided to somehow good part of my royalties I am sure since the first book was published in 2012 I think that I should have received more royalties than what I've stated above

I have reported Xlibris Publishing to the Federal Gov. for computer fraud. They have high-jacked my computer and copied-deleted my documents and images. These are workers who are selfish, and I do not know if the company is aware of these two shysters but I must sue. Is there someone out there who can help me? Call [protected] and ask for Yvonne

I have just found out about this and I have trusted
Xlibris They have published two books so much for trust
I am out $3000, .00 +++++++++++
what a fool i was

hi my name is Michael Brophy from Ireland i am so glad i have read all your comments i have been in contact with a selling agent from Xlibris in the uk she goes by the name of Rogie Pierce i had been on line and i thought i had contacted a publishing company and i left my e-mail and my phone number. The next day i was contacted by this woman Rogie Pierce by phone her english was ok but not great she spent at least 45 minutes on the phone telling me about how Xlibris would publish my book got me to explain what my book was about told me the price for the best package was nearly three thousand pounds i told her to put everything into an e-mail which she did and i have to say i was impressed with the e-mail and excited to think my book would be published as a first time publisher.
She contacted me the next day and she seemed a bit pushy telling me i need to move fast with the book as the printing time was four months and to have the book printed and ready for sale for Christmas purchases was very important i told her i needed time to think.
she phoned every day for about a week and i did not answer her calls until yesterday monday 27/07/2015 she again was very pressing about the time and i should pay and get started i then told her i could not afford the amount she told me to hold on the line and she would talk to her manager she came back with anew price of 899 pounds a big drop from the first price but told me if i did not make a payment to her by card there and then she would not be able to offer me the same deal again she also wanted my home address for them to send the copies of the completed books.
at that point i told her that i had not agreed to her proposal and why should i give my address to her and i did not have my credit card on me she again put me on hold to talk to her manager she came back and told me that she would hold the deal until today.
i am so glad i smelled a rat that i decided to go on line today and see if they are scammers they wont be getting any money from me she will be phoning me today and if anyone of you people know how colourfull an Irishman, s language can be when pissed of well that is what Rogie Pierce is going to be getting today.
The sad thing is for all the writers out there that have had books published and not received anything something should be done as this so called company is making millions over the years from this scam.
Whoever came up with this idea its obviously above the law they have the company and if anyone complains they just say that the persons book is not selling and its not there fault.
i would like to thank all the people who put up there comments as they have saved me from being scammed and if anyone of you know a proper publishing house please e-mail me at mickbroph@yahoo.ie thanks again michael brophy

I published a book with Xlibris in 2010 and still did not receive a royalty!
I am a South African citizen who has fallen in love with writing, I always wanted to have an international publisher who would assist me live my dream and publish as many scripts as I could, so little I had known that the publisher I chose would create my demise before I even started with my work. I paid over 5000 English pounds for the executive package and later paid more money for other promotional program which did not materialize as promised. I feel so bad about this given the amount of money I paid converted from my SA currency to theirs. I did not listen when I was warned by the department of arts and culture in my own country, I was very persuasive and took all the money I have been saving for this work, I am however writing few poems that will be included in the anthology of verse to be published in SA. I cannot believe they are still expecting me to put more money for their so called promotional programs. hahahahahahahahahhhhh! I learnt a hard way, I hope that one day just will be served.

I did consider Xlibris, and then after speaking with a rep decided to do my own research and agreed to speak with the rep later in the week. This rep did seem too agreeable about my work which he had not read; he did however encourage me to choose the least expensive package to "get started." He added that if I just wanted to spend the money, I could choose a more expensive package. He also said the he was forwarding the contract details for me to read while I contemplated going forward with Xlibris. I never received the email. I also could not locate the reps name on the Xlibris website---the address the rep gave to me. Then I could not locate the books of the two authors that the rep said he had helped. I extensively searched to no avail and amazon, the company of which Xlibris says their authors' works automatically goes, says they have no knowledge of said work that I was inquiring about. I would say this is not a stable place to go to, to get your work out there. Good luck to authors who must sue. It can be beneficial to read reviews/complaints.

I have not been paid my royalties for 18 months. Every time I talk with them about it, they say there's nothing they can do. They are blaming the postal service for losing 8 cheques! Really? All of my other mail makes it to me just fine but apparently money that is owed to me by Xlibris can't seem to find its way into my mail box. They are the worst company ever so please do NOT take your business to them.

Simply this: I spent $5, 000.00 for a marketing scam that didn't sell one book.

I just wrote full text explaining myself on how they ripped me of for $8000 it hasn't gone through it disappeared! They are thiefs and liars! If anybody else wants to join Kred2 and me leave a note on my blog please www.mickeydraca.blogspot.com

Gary Wayne Thomas,
I understand you completely. I've been writing since I was 12 and my soul is in it. I am also visual artist which they made fun of by taking$8000. In last two weeks I have been talking to them everyday just to get confusing answers on my q about sales and royalties page. Some would tell me that report is done for the last two quarters some would say report hasn't been done. It shows no sales to the last two quarters while I'm sure I have sold some books. Last night I had Don Garliado trying to convince me to give him another $8000 for putting my book on baker and Taylor's website as he is absolutely sure that my book is so good that it would attract book investors around the world. When I said I haven't sold a single book since last two quarters he persisted in convincing me I don't know how to do business. He just wanted more money.
Let's stop this disgraceful harassment and mental abuse. Let's get together and sue them. They are liars and thiefs!

They have access to my email address if you want to join the battle post me on mickeydraca.blogspot.com

I've been ripped of, if anyone else wants to sue them apart from me and Kred2 you are welcome!

I made contact with this company believing they were in New Zealand. Later to find out they are in Australia. Oooh then I get the phone calls but after a few questions I discover I am dealing with a Philipines based company. The phone calls I got were endless all sorts of promises and endless e mails. All praising my work. That was amusing as they had never seen it. When told I would be using a New Zealand based company their tone changed to being critical of everyone else and telling me they were a global company with a major stake in Penguin Books and Random House. A search of them via the web and here I am. Ever so thankful to everyone who has posted warnings. The phone calls continued as did the e mails from this company and when I pointed out what I had read it became nasty, I should not listen to the black publicity smearing their company etc etc. It got to the point of being abusive. Don't go near this company

Easily said: I paid $5, 000.00 for a marketing campaign. Not one book was sold!

From experience, and as a publishing consultant, I can tell you there is almost NEVER a reason to go with a publish-on-demand or vanity publishing company. They either get your money up front with no way of knowing if there is any return on your investment, or they get your money in royalties with no evidence of a return on your investment. You even lose on your royalties by the time bookstores and Amazon like places pound their royalties and commissions out of you. The only people who benefit are the publishing companies and lawyers. Where there is a breach by the publisher, yes you can almost always get out of the contract by taking your complaint public and to the social networks. You are entitled to a financial accountability, the print ready file - unless you signed away your ownership rights, then you own nothing; and the distribution and listings should be yanked from all places claiming commissions and royalties under the name of the publisher.

For the unestablished, and sometimes to an established, author the world of publishing is intimidating, confusing and overwhelming. There are a multitude of different types of publishing houses and sources in which to use. Which is right for you? What happens when you go with a less than honorable vanity or print on demand publisher? What steps are involved in the writing, printing, publishing, distribution and marketing of a book? How does an author proceed safely with their dream? How does an author determine what is the best course of action for their book? As an author, writer and publishing consultant my goal is to help the author determine what their best course of action is and sometimes how to undo a bad choice and how to start over. www.janethorton.net

I published with Xlibris in August 2010, and twice now I have had difficulty obtaining my royalty fees from them. The current fiasco dates from Q1 2012, so basically I'm still waiting for my April payment from you. despite over 30 emails and 10 phone calls no body returns my calls. This is a copy of the last email I received from Xlibris on the subject dated 11th September 2012.
"Hi Chris,
Finance has been informed of your request to be paid via EFT. Another follow-up has been made earlier today. We will continue to reach out to them until we will be able to finally resolve this one.
Again, we are so sorry for all this. You have indeed been very patient with us. Thank you for letting us work on this for you.
Sincerely,
Pamela Blake"

So, 5 months of delays in paying me, Xlibris are more than keen to take money prior to publishing, but when it comes to paying it's sadly an completely different story.

I interviews authors who've had trouble with the companies owned by Author Solutions on my blog Suess's Pieces. If you're interested in sharing some more details, I'd like to tell your story so that other writers will know to steer clear of these scammers.
Emily Suess
www.emilysuess.com

I have not received any royalties from my book sales either. Xlibris says that the book hasn't sold but I have a list of people I KNOW purchased the book, they have their copies of the book but Xlibris says they have no record of the sales. I believe that a class action suit is exactly what is needed in this situation.

Anyone who is interested in self-publishing: do not go with Xlibris. They will hound you to make a decision, lie, and do anything in their power to make you sign with them. Luckily, I did not, but each day they offered me a lower price (still ridiculously high). Started with 20% off, then 25%, 40%; each offer new offer was attached with a note that said to hurry up and make a decision before March because their prices were about to go up significantly. I decline each offer and try to get rid of them, but with no luck. I finally quit answering their calls only to get emails. Guess what happened it March? Prices were not doubled or raised at all, but cut in half. Everything was 50% off. I hate this company. SCAM!

I have proven that Xlibris does not pay or report royalties on books sold. None of the people I know show up as have purchased my book, Evil Eyes, A Daughter's Memoir (by www.cherylann-thomas.com). My Xlibris statement shows only 5 books have been sold, I have over 80 people I know bought the book, and paid an unusually high price for the shipping ($12.00 for a small 300 page paperback book plus the $19.95 for the book). Why are none of my known purchases not showing up on my royalty statement? They say it takes a month...well, three months later and here I am. I paid upfront $8029.00 for the publishing service, they take 75% royalties (well, 100% royalties since I am not getting my 25%). This company must be stopped and to me a class action law suit might just do it. We need lots of people who have had rip off experiences with Xlibris to get a lawyer who will work on a contingency basis (meaning he does not get paid until the order is made by the judge that, indeed, we have been duped.

I have since e-mailed xlibris and told them that I am in the process of speaking to a lawyer (which isn't true) but guess what I received an e-mail a few days later telling me that they was sorry and that they had made a mistake and that my book had been selling and that they will send me all the money that is owed to me, Just goes to show that telling a little porky can go a long way, I recently sent a query to a top agent in London asking him if he was interested in a book that I have written and surprise, surprise I received an e-mail 3 days later asking me to send him my book, Fingers crossed and I pray that he likes it.

Karen, don't be surprised if your book IS selling.. you'd never know if what happened to me is happening to you..

Well what do you know.. I was looking up Xlibris scams and lo and behold.. My story.. I published my book with Xlibris about 10 years ago.. Paid over $1000 to do so because it really sounded like it would pay off.. Well, my book has been selling everywhere.. Amazon, Ebay, Used bookstores, UK.. and I have made probably less than $100 royalities in 10-11 years.. When I ask why I am not making royalities, they inform me that my book is not selling. Whem I inform them that I think I have been scammed by 'SOMEONE"( because my book is selling everywhere and I'm not making a dime), they do nothing to look into it.. AND ON TOP OF THAT, they continue to call me asking for more money for marketing to make my book finally sell! How do I know it's selling? A LOT of Fans and friends have contacted me to tell me how much they enjoy the book. I see it listed everywhere including lots of copies on Ebay from folks who have used copies… so have I been royally ripped off by either other "Phishing Artists" or simply Xlibris themselves. Will never know..

Not too sure what those squiggly things are that are printed over my comment lol

I was so proud when I had my first ever book published with xlibris and trusted them 100% until I read all the comments on the scam page and realised that xlibris are in it purely to make money out of people, They talked me into paying £230 for e-mail marketing I've never heard from them since, I worked hard trying to self-promote my book including going on my local radio station, writing to magazines and my local press and just none stop trying to get the message out there about my book but only to be told by Lea who works for xlibris that I had only sold 2 e-books which I find hard to believe, The money didn't really matter as it wasn't a huge sum but my all past went into that book that told a true heartbreaking and harrowing story that I had never dared to tell anyone before and guess what surprise, surprise my book is called Never trust anyone, I have wrote to xlibris and cancelled my contract with them and I am now looking for an agent who will hopefully be interested in taking my book on if there are anyone who could help me find one I would be more than grateful, kobrady@hotmail.co.uk

I published a novel with Xlibris back in the early 2000s, right when they started. The book's quality was quite good, but it cost me about $1000. They subsequently priced it at $22 where it's been since then. And, of course, it's not sold a single copy--even though I'm an established science fiction writer. At $22, no one buys a trade paperback! Now they want to sell the book electronically--for $9.99. That's twice the price most novels go for on Amazon.com. The truth is, Xlibris prices its books so high because they figure--being a vanity publisher--that the only people who will buy their books are the parents or families of the author and that they'll pay any price for said book. Don't waste your time with them. Please.