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Annie Wicking
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I'm off to a book launch on Saturday. The book is a POD book and it is full of gammar and spelling mistakes. Question: Do I tell the writer it is a wonderful book or do I tell them what they need to hear?  They truly believe that Waterstone will be selling their book. Going by the reviews fellow writers receive on here... The writer will be deeply upset by hearing the truth. The writer has put a 'thank you' in the front of their book as a thank you for all my help. After reading the book, I'm worried that it will reflected on me as they didn't follow any of the advice I gave them, nor did they read any of the books I lent them. The book doesn't read as if they did any editing at all.:omg:  Do publishers of POD not read through the books before publishing them? or will they just publish anything no matter how badly written the book is and not tell the writer? I would be very interested in knowing what I should say to them. 
This post was last edited by Annie Wicking, 15 May 2008, 17:30
The worst thing that can happen to a writer is to become a Writer. Mary McCarthyThe fact is, writing can be done only during the time when one ought to be doing something else. Isabel Paterson
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Chuck Buckner
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Tactfully, tell them the truth. Definition of Tact: The ability to tell someone to go to hell, in a manner that will have them looking forward to the trip.
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eddd
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Quote: Annie Wicking, Thursday, 15 May 2008 17:19I'm off to a book launch on Saturday. The book is a POD book and it is full of gammar and spelling mistakes. Question: Do I tell the writer it is a wonderful book or do I tell them what they need to hear? Hi, Annie. I've been in a similar experience. POD publishers often have no responsibility for content... and nor should long-suffering friends & family! It's a shame that you're named and thanked inside the cover, but actually no one takes that very seriously... it can mean anything from slavish editing to the providing of coffee and a shoulder. If the writer didn't take your advice the first time, I'd say you're now free from any duty to make further comments about content (good or bad). And don't upset a relationship over a book. Supporting a friend doesn't have to involve lying ... but you'll have to work hard to find something good to say. (It's like a YWO review!!!) Your friend has clearly put a lot of effort into getting this done, however badly. That's impressive. edddddd
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dwrob
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That’s a tough one. First it depends what you mean by POD? Do you mean a vanity publisher? One who promises everything, takes a large slice of money from the writer and then does nothing? I publish with an American POD house, but they take no money from me when accepting my work. Secondly, how well do you know the writer? If you know them well, you’d better get it said. They may not thank you for it, but in the long run who would they rather hear it from, you or the literary correspondent of your local newspaper? Whether you know the author well or not, you could send an email pointing it out. Again, it could cross you off the Christmas card list, but ultimately you’re doing this author a favour. It’s not the kind of thing you can be tactful about. If you don’t say anything and the book gets a pasting, the author may well ask why you didn’t let on. I’m fairly outspoken, and if it were me, I’d probably get it said, but I’m glad I’m not in your shoes. David
I might be found pottering in The Shed or Haunting Melmerby Manor
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spotty leopard
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Annie, this is an occasion when silence is golden. Don't spoil her day. It's too late for her to do anything to improve the book. Just go there with a big smile on your face, and applaud. Anything else would be like going to a wedding, and telling the bride she's making a big mistake.
LexiTrying to be a Time Lord: click here for my blog
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richie_d
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Once again, I'm with Spotty.
(Actually, that's what my girlfriend used to say before my acne cleared up!)
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Annie Wicking
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Thank you. Chuck, eddd, dwrob, spotty, & Richie They are a family member on my in-law side. They had their book published by Trafford. I can't believe they paid good money to have their book so badly printed. Put aside the very weak plot to read such silly mistakes a words like grandmother and downstairs written as two words instead of one. Another mistakes include the name Lillian was written as a pet name in dialogue as Lilly but spelt on one page two ways different ways, Lily & Lilly. There are many different example which could be easily pick up by simply reading through the manuscript. They have already been on the local radio talking about their book and have been in contacted with Waterstone.  I worried about how they will feel when someone ask for their £9.99 back.:omg:
The worst thing that can happen to a writer is to become a Writer. Mary McCarthyThe fact is, writing can be done only during the time when one ought to be doing something else. Isabel Paterson
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carlielee
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God, what a horrible situation for you. How many copies have Trafford printed?
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plumboz
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I'm with Lexi on this. There is always the chance that the author will pick up the book at some later date, begin reading his or her masterpiece, and discover at least some of the problems then. Of course, there is always the possibility that the author won't be able to spot the problems if they had red flags and buzzers attached, in which case the only thing you can do is try to make sure you don't get roped into a consulting role on the next project. "Sorry, but the Americans have called, it seems the CIA needs my help. Again. Sad, really, but there you are. Can't be helped. Best of luck!"
Alan
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dwrob
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I feel for you. A colleague's brother fell for the Trafford literature. I tried to warn him off via my colleague, but he took no noticed and landed out £3500 ($7000US) to have his book published. He now has a garage full of them.
I might be found pottering in The Shed or Haunting Melmerby Manor
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Help needed! What should I say at POD Book launch
15 May 2008, 17:19
