Watchdog Archives — The Self-Publishing Advice Center

Red Flag: New Translation Service Promises Too Much for Too Little

As the global association for independent authors, ALLi urges authors to exercise extreme caution when considering ultra-low-cost translation services like those offered by GlobeScribe, a new company founded by the team behind Bloodhound Books.

Seven Red Flags in Serialized Fiction Contracts

Learn the seven red flags to watch for in serialized fiction contracts, including waiving moral rights and unfair payment structures, to protect your rights as an indie author.

September 30, 2024
ALLi Editorial
Watchdog
0 Comments

How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Emails: Indie Author Guidance

Following our recent #AskALLi advice post highlighting indie author scams to avoid, we're following up with detailed guidance for spotting and avoiding phishing emails with Outreach Manager and author Michael La Ronn.

Cover Image: Is This Publisher Email Legit?

Is That Publisher Email Legitimate?

A famous publisher wants to publish your book? Not so fast. Scams about in the publishing industry, and that email may not be what it seems. Learn how to identify the fakes.

Recovering From a Bad Publishing Experience

Recovering from a failed publishing experience is not only possible, it's far easier than most suspect. And it's an opportunity for authors to republish their book more professionally and profitably than before.

October 12, 2021
John Doppler
Watchdog
0 Comments

Adelaide Books: A Watchdog Advisory

The most vital obligation a publisher has is to provide timely and accurate statements, and to pay royalties without delay. The Watchdog Desk has received multiple complaints about late or missing statements from Adelaide Books. In several instances, authors stated that no payment was ever received.

September 9, 2021
John Doppler
Watchdog
39 Comments

Interview: Adam Croft on IngramSpark and Amazon KDP Print Problems for Indie Authors

A perennial problem for indie authors is the interplay between Amazon and IngramSpark, where POD titles by Ingram are marked on Amazon as requiring days, weeks, or even months for fulfillment; or they are shown as "out of stock" entirely. Today, John Doppler ALLi's Watchdog and Adam Croft, discuss the issue of Amazon and IngramSpark delays.

August 26, 2021
John Doppler
Watchdog
17 Comments

Pearson Media Group: A Watchdog Advisory

Prolific spammer Pearson Media Group boasts of their expertise and connections, but like much about the company, these claims ring false.

June 10, 2021
John Doppler
Process 3 & 4: Production & Distribution, Watchdog
34 Comments

Are Self-Publishing Services Silencing Authors with Nondisclosure Terms?

It's no coincidence that nondisclosure clauses in publishers' terms and conditions protect the elements most likely to be cited in complaints.

Audiobook Publishing Alternatives to ACX: A Comparison

ALLi's Watchdog Desk contrasts ACX and Audible with six rival audiobook distribution services — Author's Republic, Findaway Voices, Kobo Writing Life, Lantern, PublishDrive, and Soundwise — to explore options for authors who wish to reach a wider audience beyond Amazon's walls.