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Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Jan 2 05, 11:26

Hello all.

For those who may be NEW to writing sites, we'd like to share those sites where 'caution' should be exercised.

Feel free to add to this thread, but remember to ONLY post FACTUAL information, no hear-say...

The one site that I have heard and read about across the WWW that is a CAUTION is Poetry.com(one of the domains owned by International Library of Poetry, aka International Society of Poets).

The following link provides excellent details on what they're all about:

http://poetropolis.com/poetryscams.php
Well, Poetropolis is no longer operating, but Kathy has provided another link for us all (TY):

http://windpub.com/literary.scams/endall.htm


This article also references other sites:

Noble House (European branch of poetry.com)
The Poem Place (thepoemplace.com - another International Library of Poetry site)
Hollywood's Famous Poets Society
The American Poets Society (poetryamerica.com)
The Poetry Guild
Pen Pushers Publications
Poets' Guild
Iliad Press (Cader Publishing)

Addition: Sep 11 2005 (thanks Fran) !
I am sure there is a tile somewhere with information on scams, but I shall add this link here in the meantime:

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm

Posted by: Jox Jan 2 05, 12:19

One common approach of some organisations, keener you grab your money, than publish you because they like your art, is as follows...

• Scan the Net for writers (poets especially vulnerable).
• Find a contact address.
• Write the writer a very friendly e-mail which praises their work and says how much the organisation would like to publish them. The writer deserves a wider readership etc.
• Ask if they may use one / more of your poems in a publication
• (You agree to this).
• They then offer you the opportunity to buy a copy of the anthology which contains your work.
• You may / may not receive your copy of the book.

Now, just let's consider what has happened...

You have given permission to an unknown organisation to publish your work. How much did they pay you?
Err, nothing actually.
Well, of course they sent you a free copy of the anthology as a payment, then?
Err, no actually.
But of course, they sold you a copy.
Well, yes they did.
So what have you gained?
Not much.
What have they gained?
Free material and a ready group of people only too willing to pay for a book - giving the firm the profits on sales.
You know when you've been duped!

I name no names but you'll know the type of letter / e-mail when you receive it.

Best wishes, James.

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Jan 2 05, 12:32

I myself have received several such invitations James.

Of course, I did not get duped, but others may not be so fortunate. I even replied to two such emails asking for credentials and HOW they received my email address - and did not get a reply. THAT should tell ya something!

Be careful!

Another tip:
Ask to see the names and credentials of the judges for any such contests. For the most part, you will not receive the list for those shady sites.

Also - take a look at the 'Winners' circle and make your own notes of the quality of work. Do these poems/stories meet your own criteria of professional, well-written, well-described work that you would yourself showcase?

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Jan 6 05, 17:01

13 Warning Signs of a Bad Poetry Contest

Scam-busting by Winningwriters.com

Check out their advise http://www.winningwriters.com/warningsigns.htm

And another look at Poetry.com through Winningwriters.com
http://www.winningwriters.com/wergleflomp/flubblebop.htm


Good tips!  :pharoah2

Posted by: Jox Jan 6 05, 17:28

Excellent links, thanks Lori - a great warning and brilliant comedy.

Ghoil pfloh djiun!

James.

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Sep 11 05, 05:58

Added a new link above from Fran.
:pharoah2