Complaint Review: Poetry.com - The International Library of Poetry - Owings Mills Maryland

I am an unpublished author floundering my way through trying to find an agent, and tonight I am past upset! When someone decides to reject my work is my business. When someone tries to take advantage of me, it is my decision which road to travel! HOWEVER, When someone tries to take advantage of my child, it is unconscionable.

Let this be a warning to all. Anyone who praises you and then asks for money is less than the primordial ooze than climbed out of the slime that bore it! Please do not fall into these predators' hands. They do not care! All they are good at is turning a dollar into their pocket. Unfortunately, praise when you desire to be published is unconditional in the unknown author's mind, like love is with your child, and Poetry.Com has overstepped their boundaries.

Fortunately, my daughter showed me that she had won a contest. I was excited and read her poem, which was creative. However, my excitement left me when I read that she could purchase a complimentary copy of the anthology her poem would be published in (aren't author's suppose to get at least one complimentary copy)? She also received a paper she was supposed to sign and I told her to just forget it and let's see what happens.

Well today, she received an offer to buy the Sound of Poetry at a substantial discount of only $49.95 for one copy (savings of $20.00) or two copies for $40.00 each. Excuse me, for something she contributed to and will make money for someone else, she has to pay it to hear it (as was the case with the anthology).

Would be writers, poets, dreams, please pay attention to what these people are asking! An author does not have to pay for their talent if the company is legitimate. A publisher or agent should feel privileged to represent or publish you. Your talent is important to them and they would not dare offend you by asking you to pay for what was given to you by God. A privilege, which they make an effort to abuse!

The device used above is just the other way around for people who in simple words are rapist, and no better than child abusers. The author should not feel obligated to whoever is publishing them! The author owes no favors unless the agent or publisher has worker for them!

Still and all, the main thing that bothered met was not the offer of a contract or any type of releasejust my daughter's signature. Now, if she signed somethingWhat else would be involved? Her consent to spend money she does not have?

In addition, I went on the Poetry. Com. Sat, and looked at her poem, which was listed as copyrighted by my daughter in 2001. She is not listed by the Library of Congress, so I wonder how this was so. Could it be under (as in Who Can Claim Copyright) Copyright protection subsists from the time the work is created in fixed form. The copyright in the work of authorship immediately becomes the property of the author who created the work. Only the author or those deriving their rights through the author can rightfully claim copyright. This statement worries me. If she signs something how far can this go?

I have had experience agents less than admirable. The agent representing me claimed that Our agency services over 100 national and international clients; people, like yourself, who have attained professional success in your chosen field and are now looking for success as a published author. Our client list is comprised of doctors of various disciplines, lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, professors, scientists, religious leaders, professional artists, accountants, corporate and business executives and pillars in their communities. But yet not a single author was register in the Library of Congress under copyright. I checked. If anyone had been published there should have been copyrights.

All I am saying is that if it comes with sugar coating do not it like it sounds. Investigate. Take it from someone who knows. I offer you the latest from an agent who wanted to see my manuscript and after they read it this is what they said, You might consider working with an editor. A book editor will point out your weaknesses enabling you to learn from your mistakes. Do you know an experienced book editor who will work with you? If not, I may be able to suggest a few. I'd also like an opportunity to then read your book again.

This is a skimpy trapping along with buy your published work. Please pay attention and beware!