I do believe that the publishing industry is one of the leading scam industries. Let me say upfront, I have been fortunate to work with three companies who are great and are living up to their promises to me.

BUT, I receive multiple calls every day (including weekends) from supposed publishers or book acquisition companies promising the moon and then asking for money. For example, I got a call from a company offering to sign me up with one of the main-line publishers for no money up-front. They would pay me for the acquisition of my book, republish under their brand and take care of the distribution and marketing. This offer came through an email. They said that if I was interested, to please answer with a “Yes”.

I answered back that I was interested, but had some questions before I made any decision. I asked my questions in the e-mail answer and waited. Finally, two days later, I received a phone call saying that they were excited to do business with me, but because I was unable to say yes immediately, I missed the opportunity to receive the FREE package and that it would cost me $4,000.00 now. When I said no, I was not paying them any money, the original offer was for no money up-front, they reduced the offer to $2,000.00.

I finally had to hang up on them. SO! Fellow writers, beware. Please do your research on all of the companies you are working with. There are some great ones and I have been fortunate to get them.

On a happier note, I had the chance to spend a few days last week down on the Oregon Coast. Jim came from Colorado, picked up Peter in Albany, Oregon and went down to Seaside, Oregon. Alan and I joined them there. We had a chance to drive down to Cannon Beach and I got to visit with my old friend, Haystack Rock, which happens to be my favorite place in the whole world. It is always good to get the brothers together. As we get older, we take every opportunity that we can to visit and take lots of pictures.

I am almost finished with the third book in the Journey trilogy. It will be awhile before it is published though. I do have some chapters to rewrite and a lot of editing to do.

This post started on a negative note, but I want it to end on a positive one. We are all so fortunate to live in a country that allows us the freedom to choose and live the way we want to. Let’s keep it that way. No matter what political party you support or which candidates you prefer, please do not forget to vote. It is one of the most precious freedoms that we have.

God Bless you all!