Authors and Authors' Estates Sue Topps Company for Unpaid Royalties - Writer Beware (R)

Always know what you sign.

Here's an interesting post Panzer found on the Writer Beware (R) site.

 

Victoria Strauss' post covers the lawsuit by authors and their heirs against the Topps Company. These are BattleTech and Shadowrun book authors and heirs suing for unpaid royalties. It's an interesting and complicated case because of all the business sales and closings. Included in the post are links to contracts, the court case and other information.

 

Panzer says, "See if you can follow the trail to figure out what's happening."

 

Note: This is a medium length post, but because of all the links you'll need to decide what to bring to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to Topps Company 

India proposes charging OpenAI, Google for training AI on copyrighted content - TechCrunch

 

How much content did they take from India?

Panzer found an interesting post about OpenAI and Google at the TechCrunch site today.

 

According Jagmeet Singh's post, India wants to collect royalties from AI companies that do business in the country. The money would then be given to the creators of the content used by AI companies. There is however already pushback in the country.

 

Panzer says, "It looks like a good idea to this little kitty."

 

Note: This is a long post. You'll need to decide what you want to snack oin.

 

To read the post tootle over to India 

Author Complaints at Clear Fork Press - Writer Beware (R)

Wind. Hail. Thunder. Lightening. Tornado. Bad day.

Today's weather forecast is for a major storm. We're posting early and will be unavailable until tomorrow.

***

Today, Panzer made a quick trip to the Writer Beware (R) site. There he found a post about problems authors and illustrators  are having with a children's book publisher.

 

According to Victoria Strauss's post, the problems being encountered at Clear Fork Press run from not receiving royalty payments to not receiving ordered books on time. As with all of her posts Victoria Strauss does a deep investigations of the problems.

 

Panzer says, "You really need to read this post."

 

Note:This is a very long post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to Write Beware

Coming Soon to ACX: A new royalty model and more opportunities to earn - ACX Blog

Interesting royalty split.

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the ACX Blog site. There he found a news release about opportunities for creators to earn more royalties at ACX.

 

According to the post ACX has invited a group of creators to begin using the company's new program. The post explains the new royalty rates, the new way to generate sales, and new sales programs to join. There's link to join the waiting list for the next opening for enrollees.

 

Panzer says, "If you plan to use ACX, this is worth looking into."

 

Note:This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

 

To read the post tootle over to ACX

Facing Author Lawsuits, Shawline Publishing Re-Brands as New Found Books - Writer Beware (R)

Don't sign a contract with these red flags.

Panzer's second stop in the Catosphere today was at the Writer Beware (R) site. Our traveling kitty pilot always finds useful writer information there.

 

Victoria Strauss' post delves into an Australian publishing company called Shawline Publishing. The company advertises itself as a hybrid publisher. Shawline Publishing is being sued by several authors so the company simply changed its name. Under the new name, New Found Books, it's continuing to do business. The post contains examples of author contracts and book royalty complaints. The post also includes links to other information about this company and its practices.

 

Panzer says, "Victoria Strauss is definitely a bad guy's worst nightmare."

 

Note: This is a very long post. You'll need to decide what to bring to drink and snack on while you read.

 

To read the post tootle over to Writer Beware Blog

A Grim Fate Befalls Horror Publisher DarkLit Press - Publishers Weekly

Finished reporting for the day.

On his way back from Writer Beware (R) Panzer made a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. There he stumbled into a post about the mess at Canada's DarkLit Press.

 

In case you haven't read about DarkLit online yet, Nathalie op de Beeck's post gives an indepth look at what has led to the death of the publisher.

 

Panzer says, "It's an interesting story that makes no sense to this little kitty."

 

Note: This is a very long post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on while you read.

 

To read the post tootle over to Horror Publisher DarkLit Press

In London and New York, Author's Trade Groups Hail Amazon's Change on Self-Service Ebook Returns - Publishing Perspectives

 Panzer stopped in at the Publishing Perspectives site today. There our inquisitive kitty boy found a post about changes to Amazon's ebook returns policy.

 

Why would you do this?

According to Poster Anderson's post, Amazon has made a significant change to the ebook self-service return policy. The current policy allows a reader to return an ebook for a refund even after reading it as long as the return is within 14 days of when it was purchased. Both the Society of Authors (UK) and the Authors Guild (US) have complained to Amazon about the policy and its impact on author royalties. The new return policy will not allow self-service returns if more than 10 percent of the ebook has been read. Amazon plans to have the new policy in place by year's end. The post contains more information about penalties for improper returns and quotes from the organizations executives and Amazon.

 

Panzer says, "Humans will steal anything, including author royalties."

 

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

 

To read the post tootle over to Amazon's Ebook Returns

Authors are protesting Amazon's e-book policy that allows users to read and return - NPR

Today, Panzer made a trip to the NPR site. There our illustrious kitty traveler found a post about Amazon's ebook return policy.

 

Why are you stealing from authors?

According to the post by Deanna Schwartz, authors are upset by Amazon's ebook return policy. The policy allows readers to purchase an ebook, keep it for a week, return it, and get a refund. The policy allows readers to legally (by Amazon's standards) steal an author's work and royalty payments, by reading the ebook in the seven days, returning it and getting the reader's money (the author's royalty payment) back. Several authors are quoted describing their experiences with lost royalties, including one author who owed Amazon money because of the reader refunds. The post contains several links, one of which goes to a petition to have Amazon change the return policy for ebooks.

Panzer says, "This little kitty didn't know people were just treating Amazon like a library."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea, a muffin and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) for today's reading. If you follow the links in the post, you'll need to decide what to bring to eat and drink.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon ebook returns

11 Reasons Why You Should Submit Your Short Stories to Anthologies - Fiction University

Today when Panzer was washing the windshield of the Panzermobile he found something stuck under the wiper blade. Flattening it out, our fastidious kitty boy discovered it was a post from the Fiction University site about short stories.

 

In her post Rayne Hall lists 11 reasons why an indie author should submit their short stories to anthologies. The reasons are based on the assumption your story is accepted for inclusion in the anthology. These reasons include: you earn validation as a writer, you earn royalties, you earn name recognition and eight more reasons.

 

Had you heard of them?

Panzer says, "This little kitty never heard about cat anthologies before."

 

Note: This is a short-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

 

To read the post tootle over to Short Story Anthologies

Hardcover is available on KDP! - KDP Announcement

 Today as Panzer was napping, he was rudely shaken from his kitty bed by clapping and cheering coming from the Catosphere. Hopping in the Panzermobile, he followed all the noise to the KDP Community page. There he found an announcement about Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and hardcover books.

 

According to the post KDP has announced hardcover books will now be available as an option for authors' books. The hardcover books will have a 60 percent royalty. Submission information and links are included in the post.

 

Now back to that nap.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty wonders how this will work because of all the paper shortages everybody is talking about right now."

 

Note: This is a short post. You wont need to bring anything to read the post. If, however, you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring two cups of tea and three muffins.

 

To read the post tootle over to Hardcover on KDP

#DisneyMustPay: Authors' Groups Join Forces to Advocate for Writers Owed Money By Disney - Writer Beware

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere he suddenly heard booing and hissing outside the Panzermobile. Following the angry noises took our brave kitty pilot to the Writer Beware site. There he found a post about the Disney organization's treatment of writers.

 

According to Victoria Strauss' post, the Disney company is not paying some writers their royalty payments. The company, also, is not responding to authors about their requests for payment. Seven writers' groups (Authors Guild, Horror Writers Association, National Writers Union, Novelist, Inc., Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime) have joined together to help authors try to get their royalties paid. The group is using the Twitter hashtag #DisneyMustPay for discussions, to give out information and to learn about authors who aren't being paid.

 

Careful. He left a big mess there.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... So, Mickey isn't paying his bills, huh?"

 

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a large muffin for today's reading.

 

To read the post tootle over to Disney

Barnes & Noble Press Announces Refreshed Author Benefits Including Improved Payment Terms - Press Release

 Today as Panzer was settling down for his afternoon nap, he was shaken from his kitty bed by clapping and cheering coming from the Catosphere. Hopping in the Panzermobile our expeditious kitty boy headed out. Following all the hoopla took him to the Barnes and Noble site. There with no digging at all he discovered a post about Barnes and Noble's new author payment plan.

 

MeWOW! 70 percent!

According to the Press Release at the Barnes and Noble site, Barnes and Noble Press has increased its ebook royalty rate to 70 percent and payment frequency to 30 days. Although not included in the new royalty rate, Barnes and Noble Press also does POD (print-on-demand) paperbacks which are sold through BN.com and at the Barnes and Noble brick and mortar bookstores. The post includes a link to more information about the changes.

 

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Maybe this little kitty needs to take a look at using Barnes and Noble Press."

 

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection.

 

To read the press release tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Writers Groups Protest Audible Exchange Policy - Publishers Weekly

 Today Panzer was just finishing his afternoon nap when his kitty bed was shaken violently by noises coming from the Catosphere. Hopping in the Panzermobile, our brave kitty boy headed into the maelstrom of crying and shouting. Following the chaos took him to the Publishers Weekly site. There he discovered the cause of the problems was a post about Audible.

You know, sneaky always gets caught.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, Audible and Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) now have as part of the company's Audible Premium Plus membership benefits, members can purchase an audiobook, listen to it, return it within 365 days, and then exchange it for another audiobook. When the audiobook is returned for the exchange, the royalties for the sale are removed from the author's royalties account. Audible began doing this without notifying the authors what the company was doing or why. When writers discovered what Audible was doing, they contacted the Authors Guild. The Authors Guild and other writers groups are in the process of collecting signatures on a letter protesting what Audible is doing. The letter likens the new process to Audible having a rental or subscription service. Audible has now backtracked a little and says the company won't deduct royalties for books returned after 7 days. This, however, won't become effective until January 1, 2021.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Seems like Audible has stepped in a big pile of you know what."

Note: This is a l-o-n-g post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Audible exchange policy

Scandal Engulfs Independent Publisher ChiZine Publications - Writer Beware

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, the Panzermobile was suddenly buffeted and shaken by yelling and screaming outside. Braving the chaos and following all the noise took our adventuresome kitty boy to the Writer Beware site. It took no digging at all to find the cause of all the hullabaloo was a post about Canadian indie publishing company ChiZine Publications. In case you didn't know, Writer Beware is a site which advises writers about scams and unscrupulous sites, agents, and publishers.

Watch where you step.

According to Victoria Strauss, ChiZine Publications has recently had numerous complaints filed against the company by writers. While it appeared the company had an excellent record working with authors, it has come to light according to the quoted authors, sites and blog posts this wasn't true. The post contains quotes from authors' blogs about not getting paid their royalties, statements from writers' organizations, and a statement from ChiZine. There are also links to several blog posts about the issues as well.

Panzer says, "This is definitely one big pile of pooh you don't want to step in."

Note: This is a humongous post. Bring a gallon of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links, also bring a gallon of cocoa, a dozen muffins and a dozen chocolate chip cookies.

To read the post tootle over to scandal

If I Should Die Before I Wake - SleuthSayers

All cats and writers need to read this.

Today, Panzer decided to make a quick stop at the SleuthSayers site. There with a little digging in the posts, our inquisitive kitty found a post about the important preparations writers need to make before they die.

Michael Bracken's post brings up special things writers need to do. These are things to help their family members take care of the writing business and their royalty payments, the rights to their work, their obituary, and other business duties. This is a serious post.

Panzer says, "This little kitty never thought of writing his own obituary."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea, two muffins and some paper and pen for taking notes for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Sleuthsayers

Amazon: Over 1,000 Authors Each Earned Over $100 Grand in Royalties in 2018 - The Digital Reader

Where's my $100,000?

Today Panzer made a quick stop at The Digital Reader site. There he found a post about Amazon's indie authors.

According to Nate Hoffelder, Amazon released a report that includes information about indie authors' royalties from book sales through the company. Amazon says in their report that over a thousand authors made over $100,000. There's a link included in the post to download the twelve page PDF report. The author information is included on page 11 of the report.

Panzer says, "It's not necessary to download the report. Just read the post at The Digital Reader site and you'll have all the information you need. Believe this little kitty. Mom downloaded the report and read it to me. Skip it."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon authors

Reverberations Continue in Donadio & Olson Embezzlement Scandal - Publishers Weekly

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging around in the posts our intrepid kitty reporter found a post about the Donadio and Olson literary agency bookkeeper scandal.

He did it for seven years?

According to Rachel Deahl, the Donadio and Olson literary agency's bookkeeper was just convicted of embezzling from the agency and it's authors. Darrin Webb, the bookkeeper, pleaded guilty to embezzling $3.3 million over seven years. The bookkeeper did this by altering authors' royalty statements and not sending checks based on those statements or altering the statements to show lesser amounts owed and then sending checks for the lesser amount or by not sending royalty statements or checks at all. Apparently, the bookkeeper was able to do this because no one was checking his work. A lawyer is now involved on behave on some of the authors to try to determine what the authors' options are. Included in the post are some things authors who use literary agencies can do to protect themselves from fraud.

Panzer says, "This little kitty would never trust anyone else to be in charge of his finances."

Note: This is a h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s length post. Bring a thermos of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Donadio embezzlement

Did Amazon's Audible inadvertently create the current royalties mess by incentivizing listeners to skip forward in the audibook? - The Hot Sheet reviewed. First edition - The New Publishing Standard

When Panzer got into the Panzermobile today he found a wadded up post under his pilot's seat. Smoothing it out our fastidious kitty discovered it was a post from The New Publishing Standard site which is a review of a The Hot Sheet post. The post is about Amazon's Audible subscription service.

In the The New Publishing Standard post Mark Williams quotes extensively from the March The Hot Sheet post about Amazon's Audible romance audiobook subscription service royalties schedule and author payment issues. In between the quoted material he inserts his opinions regarding the issues raised in The Hot Sheet post. According to the information contained in the March post, the payment rate was so abysmal authors were leaving the subscription service. Audible then decided to add a bonus for authors; however, no information was made available about how the bonuses were calculated. The post addresses other issues with the unlimited subscription service. There are links included in the post to other sites with information about the romance subscription service.

A fraction of a cent? Humans.

Panzer says, "Umm ... This little kitty is totally confused. Why would an author agree to a contract where you only make one one-thousandth of a cent per minute?"

Note: This is a h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s post. Bring a thermos of tea and four muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon's Audible

Barnes & Noble to Rebrand Nook Press as B&N Press - The Digital Reader

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to The Digital Reader site. There our enterprising little kitty discovered a post about Barnes and Noble's Nook Press.

Hmm ... 65 percent?

According to the post by site owner Nate Hoffelder, Barnes and Noble has renamed the Nook Press the Barnes and Noble Press (B&N Press). In addition, the royalty rate for ebooks priced $10.00 or more is now 65 percent and the pre-order window is lengthened to 12 months. The company has also made changes on the print on demand (POD) book side such as in cover options and trim size. The major portion of the post is an email from Barnes and Noble to the Nook Press authors.

Panzer says,"Hmm ... This little kitty didn't know there was a Barnes and Noble POD paperback press division.  He used CreateSpace POD to make his paperback books available in the b&n.com store."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Freight authors agast as former publisher sets up new imprint - The Guardian

17 Day Until Christmas

Panzer had barely made it into the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was struck by a sound torpedo of crying and screaming. Following the noise trail took our brave kitty pilot to The Guardian site. There he found a post about Scotland's Freight Books.

The post by Alison Flood documents the demise of Freight Books. According to the post, the partnership between Adrian Searle and Davindor Samrai was dissolved in April when Mr. Searle left the company. By September the company was in financial straits and unable to pay its creditors, including authors. The company is currently shutdown and in liquidation. It appears the authors will never be paid. While authors are dealing with the realization they won't receive their royalties, former partner Adrian Searle opened another publishing company the day after the liquidation was announced.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... It just doesn't make sense to this little kitty."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Freight authors