Would You Trust Your Book, Or Your Royalty Payments With That Woman?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007Posted in: e-book authors posting under the influence, Teresa Jacobs opening another e-publisher, The Dishing Diva AKA Rene Lyons, There is no such thing as bad publicity right?
Remember how earlier this year, Teresa Jacobs, CEO of the now defunct Mardi Gras Publishing, lost her damn mind? No? Well she’s the madam who wrote that she’d closed down MGP, “due to a lack of finances, hormonal females, and bitching”.
Well, apparently she’s started up a new publishing company called LA Media. I was wondering who the hell would be foolish enough to trust her with their books, but upon closer inspection, I noticed that one of the authors was a lady called Jaden Sinclair (the other author was Teresa, herself under the guise of Teresa Wayne, and some bird called Savannah Black). Now for some reason, that name seems very familiar to me, can anybody shed a light on who she is? Didn’t she engage in a full-on rant trying to defend Jacobs and MGP?
Anyway, I found her Teresa Wayne blog, and I must admit, I was tickled pink when I read the blog post entitled Vengeance is Karma. She writes:
Hello my dear readers!
I have been gone for quite some time and now I am back to continue my writing career with a blaze of glory.
My previous venture with Mardi Gras Publishing was a huge lesson learned, and one I care not to repeat or discuss.
Many ebook related folks have found it necessary to drag the failer of MGP and its owner (me) in the dirt in a very unforgiving, one-sided fashion. Constantly including my writing name (Teresa Wayne) into their one-sided acqusations. My writing had nothing to do with MGP…Hummm….
Personally, I feel I owe no explanations, outside of what was given to my authors during the closing of MGP. I have not in the past, nor do I intend in the future, to seek any sort of vengeance. No need to. My vengeance is karma.
My previous venture with Mardi Gras Publishing was a huge lesson learned, and one I care not to repeat or discuss.
Many ebook related folks have found it necessary to drag the failer of MGP and its owner (me) in the dirt in a very unforgiving, one-sided fashion. Constantly including my writing name (Teresa Wayne) into their one-sided acqusations. My writing had nothing to do with MGP…Hummm….
Apparently LA Media also provide proof-reading, and various other editorial services. Nuff said. *g*
In other news remember The Dishing Diva, AKA author, Rene Lyons? Well apparently she’s also decided to start a a new publishing company too. It must be something in the air.
I must say though, I was most gratified to see the following stipulations on the site:
DSP will NOT consider:
Pedophilia: Such a book will not be considered in any form.
Rape: Rape for titillation is not acceptable.
Necrophilia: Sex with the dead will not be considered for publication.
Bestiality: Sex with animals is not accepted. This does not include shape shifters in human form.
Incest: Self explanatory.
Rape: Rape for titillation is not acceptable.
Necrophilia: Sex with the dead will not be considered for publication.
Bestiality: Sex with animals is not accepted. This does not include shape shifters in human form.
Incest: Self explanatory.
Now if she’d banned daddy/daughter play, I would have been in seventh heaven, but alas, I’ll have to make do with her banning rape play and incest. *g*
It seems scarily easy to start your own e-pub these days. If I was an aspiring author, there’s no way I’d give them my work until they’d been published for at least three years.
I’m wondering how long they’ll both stay in business?
And before anybody mentions it, yes, I did indeed notice who the first commenter on the Dishing Diva post was. Ahhh, the good old days of rampant sucking up eh? *g*
Katie(babs)
December 11
2:56 pm
Gosh, no necrophilia or some barnyard loving??
The world of ebook publishing is a scary place!
And I am the first to post here *G*
Jane
December 11
3:36 pm
Good lord.
Sarah McCarty
December 11
4:26 pm
*sigh* The good thing about this year is there’s no shortage of information out there for authors looking to make an informed decision about what makes for a good epublisher.
M
December 11
5:04 pm
And you can rest assured, that there will be some that will fall into that trap anyway … regardless of all the negative information that can be found online related to Jacobs and Mardi Gras Publishing.
Mardi Gras went bankrupt in a horrendous way recently (August 2007), an incident of plagiarism was reported, authors not receiving royalties, salaries not being paid, etc. and this individual has the gall of opening a new publishing company and speak about karma … *snort*
Gotta love the circus that epublishing is turning to be thanks to people like her.
Anonymous
December 11
5:28 pm
Oh but my dearest Karen there’s more. Rene has started this company with ZERO start up capital. She expects to surpass Samhain within a year of operation. And how is she getting authors?
Well, she is emailing people “invitations to submit” based upon the author lists she got while working at Red Rose Publishing and other places as a cover artist and editor.
Since we know already how wonderfully nice she is, it was no surprise to learn about some of the ridiculous things she said to authors while editing their work. Hell, I can email you all the juicy details if you want.
Puppet truth
December 11
5:28 pm
What kills me is that She *Teresa* has started this company, and hasn’t filed for bankruptcy, and STILL hasn’t paid a dime out on over 2000 books to over 50 authors from various sources. A lot of people are pissed and are getting pissed that she could start all over again and not have to pay for everything shes done to the people that trusted her.
Ooh and Savannah Black… thats a guy. Yeah apparently *and this is what rumor has.. so don’t quote me* the three of them couldn’t get anyone to publish their stuff so they opened the company.
As for the other company, I don’t know so i cant say, but i DO know shes *Rene* pissed off a lot of people with her antics at RRP in both the editing and cover art department. Frankly no one should open a publisher unless you are serious about it, and have a clue as to what your doing.
Karen Scott
December 11
5:37 pm
Anon, e-mail away, hairylemony @ gmail .com
Hey Anon, are you also Puppet Truth? Just wonderin.
Anonymous
December 11
5:40 pm
Nope, not the same. 🙂 Gimme a few to compile it all…
Anonymous
December 11
5:43 pm
YAWN…….
And any URL that begins with the word “lame” basically says it all 🙂 If the covers weren’t so darned hideous, they might get a few suckers—oops—authors to trust them!
I give them both a few months and then the ugly accusations will start flying once again…..
Shannon C.
December 11
6:02 pm
Hmmm let’s see if I can leave a comment so the visual verification will work.
All I gotta say is, I’m glad I’m not shopping subgmissions around. And, painful as it is to watch these trainwrecks, they always do provide fascinating insight.
Puppet truth
December 11
6:04 pm
the sad thing is people will give Teresa a chance thinking shes changed… and get burned. And with Rene, I have been checking about, and that company shes opening isn’t registered with the US govt for any tax purposes, not is she inc. or llc’ed. think about that. she wont have to pay her authors or hold up any sort of contracts. And if you notice every single thing she started in the past months has not panned out. She has no experience as a publisher, or as a decent human being.
heather (errantdreams)
December 11
6:07 pm
Her post… the spelling… She calls herself a writer/publisher? AGH. GACK. SPLUTTER.
Let The Truth Be Told
December 11
6:51 pm
For those who do not know LA is an Adult Movie term for Lower Alabama and has been used for years.
LA aka Lower Alabama is where Teresa Jacobs aka Teresa Wayne lives.
No pun intended I am sure with http://www.lamediaonline.com. LOL
Does this mean that Jaden Sinclair will be doing the promotions which they are offering for $200 for 6 months. LMAO can you see her posts as they are offering to post to 10 major yahoo groups once a week for that price.
Oh no poorly edited promos are coming!
Anonymous
December 11
10:03 pm
Honestly, the best thing about this is going to be TDD’s reaction to it all. She’s already deleted her blogs, every single one.
The last time someone dared call her on her bullshit – she posted a blog about how hard her life as an editor was because every author is stupid – someone anon gave her hell for it. (could have been, I don’t know…me) She replied with tearful justifications about how she always treats everyone with respect and hasn’t ever done a thing to warrant anyone’s dislike. Wah wah, poor her. I have encountered others with victim complexes as large as hers, but it’s been quite a while.
Seriously, if three quarters of the small press community thinks you’re a raging bitch from hell, chances are it’s true. The pathological lies (do you think her books sell 700 copies a quarter? me neither), the condescending attitude, and the plain ol’ shiesty behavior doesn’t seem to go over well anywhere, even the at-times shady world of epub and small press.
It’s never wise to bite the hand that feeds you, in any corner of the world, and certainly not in this one. Good luck with that whole “bigger than Samhain in a year” thing, Rene. We’ll throw you a party when you fail.
Katrina Strauss
December 11
11:26 pm
It’s like a train wreck. A hilarious train wreck at that. Thank you, Miss Wayne, for providing us with more blog fodder for the next year to come!
Angelle Trieste
December 12
2:09 am
Karen & the commenters:
Your “acqusations” are hurting her…she’s already hurting from the “failer” of MGP!
:tongue-in-cheek:
Anonymous
December 12
2:41 am
I received one of those invites. I thought it was odd at the time since I’d only spoken to Rene once and she’s never read anything I’ve written, but simply brushed it off. Now, finding out she’s starting with no capital and not even registered as a company with the government? No thank you.
Anonymous
December 12
2:47 am
Well I want to know who opens a E-Pub business with only 2 books and one coming soon
?
Angelia Sparrow
December 12
3:08 am
To the last anonymous:
Circle Dark Publishing.
They have an anthology out, I’m editing on their first novel release for Jan., and they have a Feb. release as well.
But LA Media is going to be a trainwreck. She sounds like a flake, period.
(and is it necrophilia when the dead person is up, walking around and cogent enough to consent?)
Anonymous
December 12
4:32 am
Update 1: LA Media Online has closed down, with a message to visit their individual author pages to buy their books.
Update 2: Teresa has added yet another nonsensical rant on her blog about how awful the world is. http://teresawayne.blogspot.com/
Anonymous
December 12
4:46 am
Well I guess someone need to explain to Teresa what the word Karma and the word vengence mean first of all…And Karma is a bitch because Teresa is proof of that, screw enough people like a circle it will come back…Nuff said…
Karen Scott
December 12
7:45 am
Update 1: LA Media Online has closed down, with a message to visit their individual author pages to buy their books.
I just saw that, geez, I hope it wasn’t something we said.
Just goes to show though, if she’s willing to give up a business venture because of criticism, she really should just forget the publishing game altogether. What a sap.
Anonymous
December 12
8:41 am
ROFLMAO, the word verification, I sh!t you not: puszy
Okay, like a rubber-necker, I had to go to TW’s blogspot. Besides the slighty psychotic, and lengthy, rant about someone ranting about LA Media… Was I the only one to notice she’s also hawking A-freakin-von? Right there, under all her ‘writer’ stuff, the Avon link.
I know NY is getting antsy about their writers working for e-pubs – to the point of trying to write that negation straight into contracts. The sad part is, those folks know who to publish with on the net.
Thank goodness there are people out here actually helping newbies with good info like this. If I had any inclination to write, I’d feel pretty good about the open communication it seems this community enjoys. There aren’t too many other professions where the same can be said.
Shirley
Teddy Pig
December 12
9:44 am
Well the site is shut down so I guess they will only sell through Fictionwise.
http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/LAMediaeBooks.htm?cache
Teddy Pig
December 12
10:56 am
From Teresa’s blog just now…
It seems the same problem children keep rearing their ugly head in protest of me as a publisher and writer.
I can actually count on ONE hand: Patti, Ash, Katrina, H.S. Kinn, aka Heather, and Regan. I realize a few are smart enough to work in the shadows, manipulating their friends to do it for them. But still – do these people have anything to do besides harrass others?
And another thing I missed. This whole plagiarism thing is beyond me. You point your finger at me but not the author you claim did it. I can only assume, you just intended to add this to a “lets bring Teresa down” list of tactics. Sad…
I said my apologies to MGP – sorry you missed it. And I released all contracts, in the loop and off the loop. If folks are still sitting on their thumbs with manuscripts, its because they didn’t follow the author loop very well.
I stayed back in the shadows watching idiots make fools of themselves in the loops.
MGP is just like any other failed publishing house. CLOSED. But I don’t see folks trying this crap on them, so I take it as a compliment and move on. I’m an author now, so leave me be.
M
December 12
11:49 am
As an owner of a company, you have FULL responsibility over what goes on with your company. Period. If there is any liability, it will come back to bite the OWNER in the ass, not the lackeys. You don’t delegate the job on others without checking, at least ocassionally, how each department is doing. Why? Because in the end YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS GOING TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. That comes to show how much business sense she really had to begin with.
Jaden Sinclair Sucks Ass
December 12
12:51 pm
Jaden Sinclair is that lunatic who wrote “puter” instead of “computer”, who defended Teresa and said that her dog ate the computer-lmao. I cannot believe that those fucking idiots-have the nerve to start another company. Teresa would have been better off changing her author and heck-her real name completely.
Jaden Sinclair should do it also. Now this isn’t out of spite, but that bitch is a lunatic, and can’t spell worth a damn.
That’s why her and Teresa are BFF.
Anonymous
December 12
1:12 pm
Oh and for you authors out there, who need a publishing house, but want to know what’s good out there. Let’s do the bad ones first:
STAYWAY FROM:
http://www.silksvault.com
http://www.redrosepublishing.com
http://www.lamediaonline.com
http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com
THESE 4 ABOVE WILL ROB YOU BLIND.
SOME OF THE GOOD ONE’S ARE:
http://www.samhainpublishing.com
http://www.loose-id.com
http://www.cobblestone-press.com
Katrina Strauss
December 12
2:28 pm
I can actually count on ONE hand: Patti, Ash, Katrina, H.S. Kinn, aka Heather, and Regan.
So it’s all our fault, eh? Never mind all of the authors who started leaving MGP in multiple waves — that final one rather publicly — before I ever came out with my story of what happened to me. None of us have done much now other than duly inform everyone of a new company in the industry that seemed suspect. But yes, it’s entirely those five people’s fault and it’s all about smearing Teresa Wayne’s pristine reputation??? Bitch, please. Oh well, providing no new suspect e-pubs start up to take advantage of ingenues and/or we catch a peer in the act of plagiarism, I’m getting back to writing.
Heather
December 12
2:57 pm
Ellora’s Cave and it’s sister imprint Cerridwen Press are also good publishers, since a list is being made.
As for this other mess, insane just doesn’t quite seem a strong enough word.
Shiloh Walker
December 12
3:17 pm
Yikes. Man, this one is getting ugly, isn’t it?
Just a piece of probably unwanted advice, but whether you’re an author or a publisher, rants online do you no good.
And, although it pains me to say it, even if you’re an author that got screwed sideways by a less than reputable publisher, watch what you say and how to you respond to insults thrown around by some lacking in professionalism.
It can easily come back and bite you on the tail.
If you respond to their unprofessionalism with unprofessionalism of your own, it isn’t going to do you a lick of good.
Either ignore it or think of diplomatic way to respond.
Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. Five years ago, I would have said screw diplomacy, but there are readers who may be reading your words, without understanding the story behind it (and some don’t care)
When they see nothing but bile, it’s not going to paint a pretty picture of you in their mind.
So that’s my unsolicited two cents.
I can’t caution authors enough about checking out a publisher before they submit anywhere. But chances are, those who need this advice probably aren’t paying a lot of attention to posts like these.
🙁
And since I can’t sign in the normal way on blogger any more…I’ll do it like this.
Shi
http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com
Anonymous
December 12
4:00 pm
Suggested name and slogans for new Pub:
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow – “at least we are sincere…”
Anonymous
December 12
5:35 pm
You can add Amber Quill Press to the list of reputable publishers. They always pay on time and give a full accounting.
azteclady
December 12
6:07 pm
What Shiloh said: “Never wrestle with pigs. The pigs like it, and the rest of us can’t tell the difference” (or something like that)
Anonymous
December 12
7:23 pm
Whispers Publishing pays and pays on time.
sybil
December 12
7:37 pm
So Rene has pissed everyone off and had to ‘create’ her own company?
::shrug:: someone was bound to come along to publish ferbat
Jackie L.
December 13
2:38 am
Sybil, you are not a nice or happy woman, and I totally fangirl you.
Emily Veinglory
December 13
2:54 am
Nice line in paranoia there. I dissed MCP and LA and I don’t even recognised the names on her list. I just saw what they did and don’t think saying sorry makes it all better.
Red Rose Publishing
December 13
6:50 am
Shiloh,
I have to concur with you. As an owner of a new publisher I tell authors to ask authors how they are being treated at a publisher. Make sure they are on the up and up.
Check with RWA and others to make sure they are listed etc..
Most importantly as an author you have to find out if the publisher pays on time, is willing to work with you as well as keep you informed of what is going on.
A publisher who hides things is not a good one to be at.
This year has seen many ebook publishers come and go as well as more having issues and problems.
It breaks my heart to see this happen as it is usually the authors who get screwed on that deal.
While Red Rose Publishing is new we keep every one informed, work with them and are accessable for them.
It is not cheap to start up a company if you are going to do it right, and boy do I know. But if done right it can be a terrific place for all.
Ebook publishing is not cheap to do if you are going to do it right so I would tell anyone who is interested in the ebook companies to do your homework and find a good home for your books that will give them the respect they deserve.
While I am not perfect nor do I proclaim to be, I believe every one at Red Rose Publishing works together as we all are in it together as each and every person has a vested interest in Red Rose and the right to know what is going on.
I am so proud of everyone there it is not funny plus we already have authors making 45% (over 300 books sold) and 50% (over 501 books sold). One of my business goals is for each and every author there to get at least 45% in royalty per book they have out at Red Rose Publishing.
Wendi
http://www.redrosepublishing.com
Publishing with a touch of Class!
Fleur
December 13
7:48 am
Make a list and check it twice, hmm?
STAYWAY FROM:
http://www.silksvault.com
http://www.redrosepublishing.com
http://www.lamediaonline.com
http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com
THESE 4 ABOVE WILL ROB YOU BLIND.
Personally, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with Red Rose, and most authors I’ve talked to on the Red Rose author group have nothing but good things to say as well. I’ve heard nothing of no one not getting paid and on time.
Anon 12/12/2007 01:12:00 PM
December 13
2:09 pm
I created the bad publishing list not because I wanted authors from Red Rose, Silks, or any other place to come over here and defend themselves. But because I had experience with each and everyone of those on the bad list. You readers, authors can choose to listen or not. It doesn’t matter. I voiced my experience, and now it’s you’re own choice.
I created the good list because I’ve had experience with them also, and it’s been very good.
Unfortunately, some authors will choose to ignore, and follow the fact that they just “want to be published.” That’s you’re choice too.
And I agree, INVESTIGATE YOUR PUBLISHER BEFORE YOU SUBMIT. You don’t want to end up with bad editing, or not being paid.
It’s too damn easy these days to open up an e-publisher. I only hope that one day, it becomes very hard for people who want to start up a business WITHOUT EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY AND HONESTY.
Lil
December 13
3:28 pm
If no one minds, I would love to add a couple (or three) pblishers’ names to the list of good ones.
Changeling Press, LLC
http://www.changelingpress.com/
They gave me a shot as a proofer and I am forever thankful for the start, they are an wonderful group to work with and great peeps as well, ones I would be proud to meet in person.
Whispers Publishing
http://www.whispershome.com/
Dawn gave me a chance and a lot of responsibility and the trust she placs in me is phenomenal. I’ve never had a problem with them paying on time and I’m always up to date on everything, the authors are wonderful and a sweeter bunch I’ve yet to meet.
The Wild Rose Press
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
They are taking me under their collective wing and teaching me about submissions as well as allowing me to spread my wings and learn a lot. I edit for the Champagne Rose line and my teacher/head Editor, Roseann is one awesome lady, never too busy to answer a question and there whenever I need her.
With any of the three above, I am welcome and encouraged to talk to the authors, am on friendly relations with many of them, whereas with MGP, as a proofer only, I was told up front I was NEVER to contact any of the authors, for any reason. Being new at the time, I did wonder why, but didn’t think anything of it. Now I know I should have been wary.
Just my .02 cents on the subject. Good publishers need to be applauded and I work with three of the best.
Lil
Lil
December 13
3:31 pm
and then I go and screw up the comments…*sigh* it should be publishers (2nd line) and places (11th line)
Lil
Renee Rocco
December 31
3:52 pm
I just wanted to drop in and give a response to some of these accusations written by two of the Anonymous posters and Puppet Truth.
Let me start with the claim that I “expect to surpass Samhain within a year of operation”. That’s preposterous. Nevertheless, I am looking to Samhain, Ellora’s Cave and the other highly successful small presses to see what made them succeed where others have failed. They are the standard by which I’ll judge Dragon Spell. I’m sure anyone can understand that. They are the gold standard and SHOULD be looked to.
As far as me pissing off people, yes, as an author I’ve misstepped a time a two – put my big fat foot right in my big fat mouth, but then, who here hasn’t done or said something that causes them to break out in a cold sweat and wish they could take back? All I can do is learn from past mistakes and solider on and allow the merit of my character and the respectful and honorable treatment of my authors speak for me.
I’ve also heard it said I “ticked” off someone at ARe. I wrote to Lori James herself and she replied back that such a rumor was utter nonsense and she wondered what someone hoped to gain by saying such a thing. I saved that email from Mrs. James as proof of that blatant lie. I have a very good relationship with the entire staff at ARe.
The RRP authors I’ve emailed were ones I believed I’d become friends with during my time there as a cover artist. I didn’t mass email the authors there. And as far me cold emailing authors, yes, I’ve done that as a means to introduce Dragon Spell. At the time, I saw nothing wrong with an introduction. I see now that was not the thing to do and have not done so again. A mistake learned from and not repeated.
The claim from Puppet Truth that I am not an inc or llc, that’s another blatant lie. It doesn’t help their case of discrediting me if someone is caught lying, as Puppet Truth clearly is. How can anything else they say be believed? Our company name is Lyrical Press, Inc. We’ve chosen to to do business as Dragon Spell in order to broaden our publishing range. You cannot publish erotic along side of young adult, so under the blanket name of Lyrical Press, Inc., we can do both. Dragon Spell can publish all that wonderful goodness that is romance in all of it’s forms and genres and Lyrical Press Inc. can publishing everything else.
I was not fired from Red Rose Publishing due to unprofessional behavior despite what is being said. I have the emails and IMs to prove I resigned first as an editor when the publisher did not back me when I criticized the author who posted here “(could have been, I don’t know…me)” during edits. I stayed on at RRP for another couple of months (which proves I contunied to have a good relationship with RRP) before resigning at 7am on December 5th after learning that the publisher had begun slandering me (I have saved IMs and emails proving this) the day I informed her I had opened Dragon Spell. I remain at Dark Eden Press as Art Director and have an amazing relationship with everyone there, some of which are actually RRP authors as well.
After making the decision to resign from writing I posted on my personal blog that I would be deleting it and stepping back from the persona of ‘Rene Lyons’ the author to focus on other ventures. Roughly two weeks later I deleted the blog.
All I want to do is provide readers with good books. I want to give authors a safe and friendly home for their books. I will not be drawn into a tit-for-tat war or reduce myself to playing petty games of gossip. It’s unprofessional and highly damaging to a publisher’s reputation. That should be remembered at all times and I will do my best to succeed and live up to the promises I’ve made to my authors of treating them with respect and honoring their hard work.
Renee Rocco
(Rene Lyons)
Dragon Spell Publishing