Found this tonight while blog-hopping, originally posted to Sylvia Day's blog on Wednesday, 24 August.
"Dear Board Members of Romance Writers of America, Inc.:
I have been informed by several authors as well as other people in thepublishing industry that ImaJinn Books has been removed from your list as a recognized publisher. Since we declined to fill out the paperwork for recognition, I expected this action. I do, however, find it unprofessional that I did not receive a letter or even an e-mail from you telling me of your action prior to you releasing this information to your membership, or at least contacting me at the same time you notified your membership."
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So that's at least two of the now-unregonized publishers who have publically chastised RWA. I think Linda Kichline (owner & publisher, ImaJinn Books) does bring up a few valid points, the primary one being the lack of professionalism with which RWA has handled this. The very least they could have done is notify the publishers prior to sending their letter out to RWA members. More than that, publishers who were removed from the "recognized" list should have been given an opportunity to respond prior to member notification.
Third, the publishers should be supplied with the "industry standards" by which they will be judged. Not supplying this information makes it possible for RWA to reject a publisher out of hand, no explanation given -- and it also makes it possible for them to alter the standards in order to keep someone out. If no one knows the standards, no one can dispute them, right?
And fourth, though I have no idea exactly what RWA asks publishers to turn over, it does sound as though confidential information is being requested, which leaves them vulnerable to legal action. It's a wonder some of the small presses and epubs haven't already organized a class action suit against them.
Friday, August 26, 2005
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2 comments:
What makes this worse is that, let's be real here, the RWA is a WRITER UNION. Their approved list does nothing to promote buying to the reading public. So in the bottom line-- being an RWA recognized publisher does what for the writer or the reader? Oh yeah, I know-- not a damn thing.
Makes you wonder if it really is worth it to be a recognized publisher if it only means that you get noticed in the RITAs only. Sounds like a ripoff perpetuated by a group that thinks it actually has power or should have power. Unfortunately, it's got delusions of grandeur.
RWA needs to get back to reality and soon before someone decided to create a better, all inclusive group that does what is really required-- teaching how to write well, giving you the necessary contacts, and more importantly-- teaches that ALL royalty paying publishers are great as long as you remember Caveat Emptor.
I just saw the letter from ImaJinn over the weekend. Wow. So much info about the situation I wasn't aware of. Definitely a lot to chew over.
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