It will be interesting to see if I get calls from other companies, too. What I found interesting about this experience is that the company is definitely providing a service, and it might even do a good job of that. But the service has little value. Then there are those companies that just take the money and run. I hate that people get taken in by these offers.

Sandy

There must be cold-caller lists that are given to people who work for pennies on USD. Like the USPS ads/mail my mother gets at my house (she died in 2007), and my former roommate of 34 years ago gets. Maybe one “hit” is worth it? Awful odds!

Thanks for sharing the link, Tara! Your information is helpful.

Sandy

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve experienced this too, Johnson. They’re everywhere, aren’t they?

Sandy

How i wish all inspiring book author in Uganda could read this piece of information!

I have a story too about predator publishers here in Kampala-Uganda.

That’s why i decided to self publish all my books.

Thanks again Sandra.

Best wishes,
Johnson Grace Maganja
+256 782116311
+256 756398289

You’re so right, Wendy. It’s a business, and running a business requires knowing how to do a lot of unrelated things — and knowing when to look for help (case in point: I pickd up my taxes from my accountant yesterday because that’s outside my skill set).

I’m always grateful when people like you share your experiences in the comments, too. It reminds me of when I speak at conferences — my favorite part is answering questions at the end. I learn from the audience as much as they learn from my session — and I see that happening here, too. Thank you for always being willing to share your thoughts. It helps!

Sandy

Thanks for those links, cousin Maggi! They’re both great resources for this. How interesting that you’re getting calls on an older, traditionally published book, too. Do you have any insights into why? (I mean, beyond the fact that you’re “an important author.”)

I think one issue here is that while you recognize when something is too good to be true, others don’t, simply because they don’t know enough. And the predators know that. What a way to earn a living, right?

Sandy

Writer Beware is a great tip, Pamela. Thanks! I’ve noticed that it comes up in search results when you Google the company name plus “complaints,” “scam,” or “predator,” too. I appreciate the link. My iPhone *does* have caller ID, which is a big help. It also lets me automatically silence calls from any number that’s not in my contacts. It’s interesting to see how Ann keeps calling, even though I responded to her emailed proposal by saying I wasn’t interested. And hey, I’m sorry you’re being pestered, but I’m really glad sales are picking up. Yay!

Sandy