A Note to New Authors . . . is Victoria Strauss Lying?

As you know, we’ve asked a simple question to Victoria Strauss and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA): Show your evidence that American Book Publishing “has been the focus of at least one police investigation.”

Points to consider:

1. We have researched every conceivable law enforcement agency in the State of Utah, where American Book Publishing resides.
2. There has been no reply by either Victoria Strauss or the SFWA.
3. There have been no proofs offered by either Victoria Strauss or the SFWA.
4. Neither Victoria Strauss nor the SFWA has posted evidence in support of their claim.
5. We have been attacked, personally, in an attempt to cloud the issue by the SFWA and Victoria Strauss supporters. Neither has presented evidence in support of the “investigation.”
6. We have been called names and attacked by Victoria Strauss and the Victoria Strauss loyalists.
7. Victoria Strauss loyalists have flooded the internet with posts, unrelated to our question, to discredit our inquiry.
8. Did Victoria Strauss try to get on their payroll at American Book Publishing as contract administrator?
9. Has Victoria Strauss followed up on a threat to post a false report because American Book Publishing refused to retain her as a contract administrator?
10. Has Victoria Strauss lied?
11. Is the SFWA supporting and purpetuating Victoria Strauss’ lie?
12. What is Victoria Strauss’ hidden agenda?
13. If you had proofs, wouldn’t you post them?

You decide. Is this sandbagging at its best? Word of warning; don’t trust everything that you read by Victoria Strauss or the SFWA. Always question the purported watchdogs (Victoria Strauss, James D. MacDonald & Ann Crispin). There’s something seriously wrong with this allegation against American Book Publishing. A reasonable man/woman could only conclude that this claim is a fabrication by Victoria Strauss and that it is being supported by the SFWA.

It’s simple . . . answer the question Victoria Strauss . . . if you don’t you leave 1000’s of authors speculating about your credibility as a “watchdog.” Your silence only leads a reasonable man/woman to conclude that you are a liar with a hidden agenda.

ALERT: (Posted 10/24/11) American Book Publishing: No Case, No Criminal Contact & No Legal Action Taken

ALERT: American Book Publishing “Investigation” Research Released: No Proof of Victoria Strauss’ Claims

The Write Agenda by The Write Agenda is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on all work at thewriteagenda.wordpress.com. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available athttps://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com.

© The Write Agenda, 2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from The Write Agenda is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to The Write Agenda with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. You must attribute the work in the manner specified by The Write Agenda (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work). Please contact The Write Agenda for sample attributions.

Updated: James D. MacDonald Furious Over Tate’s Challenges to Yog’s Law: Rants & Insults

Rants & Insults of James D. Macdonald

“Look at this! Over at the Tate Blog . . . .  You don’t know who Yog is? Maybe I can help you out . . . . If you don’t think that Tate is a mendacious vanity, that blog post alone should prove it.”

 – James D. MacDonald

“If you claim that you’ve “disproved” Yog’s Law, or that you’ve found “a fallacy” in Yog’s Law, or that Yog’s Law “doesn’t apply,” either you’re a scammer, you’re a dupe of scammers, or you have no clue about publishing.”

– James D. MacDonald

Other Quotes by James D. Macdonald Click Here

The Posting in Question

“A few years ago an individual created out of thin air a concept he called “Yog’s Law.” I have no idea who “Yog” is or what planet he may be from but just like Superman there is “kryptonite” in this concept and that “kryptonite” is the facts. His over-simplistic “Money always flows to the writer” is his central argument. The problem with that concept is that he makes it sound like a movie script. Write a book, ask mom how good she thinks it is, send it to a publisher, they take it and make you a millionaire while you sit at home and watch TV. Of course writers should make money for their work, but the premise that they will never have to spend money if they publish, promote or market their books is incredibly naïve . . . . “Money flows to the author? . . . . Sure, J.K. Rowling and James Patterson are multi-millionaires, but they have each cranked out several books, have movie deals, and have to sell an incredible volume of books. They are in the extreme minority, of which I am certain Mr. Yog’s Law is not a member.””

– Richard Tate

Reader Responses

“James [Macdonald], I am really surprised by your latest post about Tate being liars. Up until this point I had thought that you wanted to have an open and honest conversation about Tate . . . .  That led me to believe that you were sincere in engaging in this discussion but at this point, I am starting to question your intent . . . . The fault in Yog’s Law is that it does not provide for a set point in time at which one should take stock of his or her net gains or losses . . . . As writers, if we are to be objective, we should look at all sides of a story and try to gather as much reaearch [sic] as possible . . . . James [Macdonald], I, like you, believe in providing the general public with all of the facts so they can make informed decisions that best meet their specific needs which is why I came her [sic] in the first place. I believe that is what your original intent was in writing Yog’s law. I also believe that is what Anne’s and Victoria’s original intents were. However, I’m starting to get the feeling that you are all just writing to defend your point of view and not really to seek the truth . . . . Sorry, but to me, that is more of a personal attack and is immaterial to the issues being discussed here. . . . Just one last observation on your post. I find it interesting that you got so upset about Tate writing about you and your beliefs on one of their blogs when this has been commonplace for you to do over the years through the forums you frequent. Please believe me when I tell you that I don’t say that in an argumentative way, rather, it’s simply an observation. (Emphasis Added)

 – Jennifer Pereyra

For more information click on the links below:

Pop Quiz on Yog’s Law

Dispelling the Myth Behind Yog’s Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors

References

“Tate Publishing – Page 55 – Absolute Write Water Cooler.” Absolute Write. Web. 22 Apr. 2011. <http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6064591&gt;.

“Tate Publishing of Oklahoma: TATE PUBLISHING AND THE FACTS ABOUT “YOG’S LAW”.”Tate Publishing of Oklahoma. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://tatepublishingacquisitions.blogspot.com/2011/04/tate-publishing-and-facts-about-yogs.html&gt;.

Ann Crispin: “. . . Writer Beware never makes claims without documentation to back them up.”

 ” . . . One would think that Mr. Write Agenda, having been exposed to Writer Beware’s extensive documentation and organized record-keeping a couple of years ago (and, after being exposed to it, dropping his lawsuit with a dull thud) would realize that Writer Beware never makes claims without documentation to back them up.” (Emphasis Added).

– Ann Crispin

 While we cannot speak to the “extensive documentation” in Ann’s allusion to the Fletcher case, we do acknowledge that Writer Beware™ has backed up claims with documentation in the past. We applaud these efforts and they are to be complimented for their use of primary source materials in those instances. However, the claim that “American Book Publishing has been the focus of at least one police investigation” remains an open allegation and is devoid of any documentation.

Ann, if you have documentation to back this claim up then produce it. If you don’t, then say you don’t. Clouding the issue with prior endeavors and using “straw man” propaganda strategies isn’t going to make this go away. It would seem to be the better part of wisdom to admit, deny or prove the veracity of these claims. By doing so you may restore legitimacy to your organization. In the event that you continue to ignore these requests authors, agents, publishers and industry professionals will rightfully conclude that the allegation is false and that it was motivated by other agendas. The choice to end the black cloud of speculation, or not, is yours.

For more information, click on the following links:

 Letter to the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

UPDATED: 04/08/11 Facebook Exchange with “Atlanta Nights” Filmmaker, Rachael Saltzman

American Book Publishing, “Police Investigation” Victoria Strauss Fairy Tale?

 UPDATED: April 4, 2011 – Boycott Victoria Strauss’ Books: Request to Reveal Evidence of “Investigation”

What was Victoria’s Motivation? Missing Pieces to the Puzzle

 References

 Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Teresa. “Making Light: The Write Agenda: The Wrong Company to Keep.”Making Light. 19 Apr. 2011. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. <http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/012966.html&gt;.

Updated – Pop Quiz on Yog’s Law

“Money should flow toward the author” but not if:

a)     Your book is published through non-traditional means as an investment in anticipation of a return on the investment.

b)    You are donating to the Preditor & Editor/Dave Kuzminski Legal Defense Fund

c)     You are purchasing Crispin, MacDonald or Strauss books.

d)    You are purchasing the “Atlanta Nights” book.

e)     You are donating to the “Atlanta Nights” film project.

f)      You are buying “Yog’s Law” T-shirts and memorabilia.

g)     You are buying “Atlanta Nights” T-shirts and memorabilia.

h)     You are paying $1000 to Deborah Doyle (Yog’s Wife) for a critique and line-edit your novel.

h)     All of the above.

”Money can flow in any direction you want, but it’s your job to know where every penny goes and what you’re getting for those pennies.”

–  Mark Barrett

“A few years ago an individual created out of thin air a concept he called “Yog’s Law.” I have no idea who “Yog” is or what planet he may be from but just like Superman there is “kryptonite” in this concept and that “kryptonite” is the facts. His over-simplistic “Money always flows to the writer” is his central argument. The problem with that concept is that he makes it sound like a movie script. Write a book, ask mom how good she thinks it is, send it to a publisher, they take it and make you a millionaire while you sit at home and watch TV. Of course writers should make money for their work, but the premise that they will never have to spend money if they publish, promote or market their books is incredibly naïve.”

– Richard Tate

“Author and publishing watchdog James D. MacDonald has in times gone by proclaimed that ”Money should flow toward the author,” better known as Yog’s Law. In today’s day and age this law holds true if, and only if, an author is traditionally published.”

– The Write Agenda

“Money flows to the author? . . . . Sure, J.K. Rowling and James Patterson are multi-millionaires, but they have each cranked out several books, have movie deals, and have to sell an incredible volume of books. They are in the extreme minority, of which I am certain Mr. Yog’s Law is not a member.”

– Richard Tate

“The current publishing business model which relies on advances against royalties and the consignment method of selling cannot be sustained. A robust publishing industry is good for the reader. Yog’s law is not immutable. Writing is a creative act but selling one’s writing and making a living off one’s writing is a business act.” (Emphasis Added).

 – http://www.dearauthor.com

“A mainstream publisher traditionally assumes the risk of publication and production costs, selects the works to be published, edits the author’s text, and provides for marketing and distribution, provides the ISBN and satisfies whatever legal deposit and copyright registration formalities are required. Such a publisher normally pays the author a fee, called an advance, for the right to publish the author’s work; and further payments, called royalties, based on the sales of the work. This led to James D. Macdonald‘s . . .  dictum, “Money should always flow toward the author” (sometimes called Yog’s Law).”

 – Anonymous

“Yog’s Law is very simple: Money flows toward the author. For commercial publishing, this is absolutely true. Once you’ve moved away from it, you’re out of the realm of commercial publishing.” (Emphasis added)

– James D. Macdonald

 References

Barrett, Mark Barrett. “The New Money Flow.” Ditchwalk: Storytelling in the Digital Age. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <www.ditchwalk.com/2009/12/01/the-new-money-flow>.

“Dispelling the Myth Behind Yog’s Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors « The Write Agenda.” The Write Agenda. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <https://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/dispelling-the-myth-behind-yog%E2%80%99s-law-the-fallacies-with-the-flow-of-money-to-authors/&gt;.

“James D. Macdonald.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 19 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_D._Macdonald>.

MacDonald, James D.. “Learn Writing with Uncle Jim, Volume 2 – Page 63 – Absolute Write Water Cooler.” Absolute Write. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6056820#post6056820&gt;.

” Publishing Business Models.”Dear Author. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://dearauthor.com/ebooks/books-as-a-business/&gt;.

“Tate Publishing of Oklahoma: TATE PUBLISHING AND THE FACTS ABOUT “YOG’S LAW“.”Tate Publishing of Oklahoma. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://tatepublishingacquisitions.blogspot.com/2011/04/tate-publishing-and-facts-about-yogs.html&gt;.

“Vanity press.” Vanity press. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://vanity-press.co.tv/&gt;.

The Write Agenda: The Right Company to Keep

“When you have the facts on your side, argue the facts. When you have the law on your side, argue the law. When you have neither, holler.” – Al Gore

There is nothing more satisfying to log on to the internet and discover that you’ve been acknowledged by Making Light’s Moderator, Teresa Nielsen Hayden. In defense mode, Hadyen posted an article that stated that The Write Agenda “has been taking potshots at Victoria Strauss, Ann Crispin, our own Jim Macdonald, Absolute Write, Writer Beware, Preditors and Editors, SFWA,  Atlanta Nights, and other entities . . . .” In addition, while encouraging writers to avoid our company, she portrays our postings as “attacks” and that we are somehow affiliated with Robert Fletcher of The Literary Agent Group or C. Lee Nunn of American Book Publishing. The postings in response to her article are the typical propaganda retorts that reek of Ad hominem. Instead of addressing the arguments that we’ve posed, they want to make it personal calling us “cockroaches” and that our approach is somewhat akin to tactics utilized by the Church of Scientology[tm].

Firstly, we would not classify our postings as “potshots” or “attacks” on these individuals or entities. We’ve merely posted questions and requested proofs on some of their claims. For example, “American Book Publishing has been the focus of at least one police investigation.” Just because Victoria Strauss and the SFWA said it (or posted it) doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s true. Historically, these individuals have provided proofs and vetted their claims. In this particular instance, regarding American Book Publishing, they are devoid of any substantive proofs. Any reasonable man would question such postings that lack primary source material to back them up. Secondly, as a matter of record, we are neither affiliated with Robert Fletcher and American Book Publishing nor are we collaborating in concert with them. Thirdly, we do not engage in self-promotion, encourage the purchase of our works or request donations.

It’s interesting to note that whenever an individual or entity questions the veracity of the watchdogs the response, by the minions, resembles those of “The Flying Monkeys” in The Wizard of Oz . . . obeying and protecting those in the hierarchy. Also, you are most likely to be called a “troll” or a “sock puppet.” These kinds of monkeys can be found on various internet sites and frequently engage in propaganda strategies that fail to address the issue at hand and are nothing more than baseless attacks. Resorting to personal attacks in lieu of addressing the real issues only furthers speculation and questions their own credibility. Moreover, the request for Victoria Strauss and the SFWA to personally admit, deny and prove the existence of a “police report” regarding American Book Publishing is a fair and reasonable question. Until Victoria Strauss and the SWFA break their silence, start fending for themselves and stop relying on “The Flying Monkeys” to continue to cloud the issues, the veracity of the claim that American Book Publishing was the subject of a “police investigation” will remain a blemish on their legitimacy. There isn’t any facts, there is no law (or police report) so keep hollering . . . that’s what Flying Monkeys do. It would be more legitimate to use this energy in a positive manner to compel Victoria Strauss and the SFWA to prove their claims or admit that they were fabricated stories; to continue to leave this issue open on the table is an insult to all parties in the publishing industry.

We graciously welcome your continued company. Writers, never stop questioning or demanding answers.

“For when even when your enemy acknowledges you exist . . . therein validity exists.”

– Anonymous

“The Write Agenda has been following Making Light bloggers and commenters who have Twitter accounts. Patrick and I blocked them when we found them in our followers list. If you find them in your own list, do whatever amuses you most.

They’ve also posted a string of new blog entries denouncing me, Jim Macdonald, Yog’s Law, Ann Crispin, and other usual suspects, and an open letter to SFWA in which they misspell multiple names, grossly misquote Jim Macdonald and Robin Bailey, and demand that SFWA discipline, expel, and repudiate Ann Crispin, Victoria Strauss, and Jim Macdonald in order to preserve SFWA’s good name.

They do get one thing right, probably by accident: they point out that there’s an element of the argument ad hominem in my own remarks about the [sic] Write Agenda. That’s true! There is! And furthermore, it’s valid! There’s a long history of bad behavior on both their parts that tells us that if Robert Fletcher and/or C. Lee Nunn are associated with a project, prudent writers shouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.”

– Teresa Nielsen Hayden

For more information click on the following links:

Letter to the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

 UPDATED: 04/08/11 Facebook Exchange with “Atlanta Nights” Filmmaker, Rachael Saltzman

American Book Publishing, “Police Investigation” Victoria Strauss Fairy Tale?

What was Victoria’s Motivation? Missing Pieces to the Puzzle

Facebook Exchange with “Atlanta Nights” Filmmaker, Rachael Saltzman

 Florida Attorney General vs. Strategic Book Group: Lack of Evidence?

 How Pathetic Can Preditors & Editors David L. Kuzminski Be?

Cretella v. David L. Kuzminski (Preditors and Editors)

Writer Beware: Who’s not minding the forum? Boobs, Bras & Panties?

  “. . . [W]hen you sit in front of the blank screen and wonder if what you write will be good enough for the flying monkeys: Remember. You can never write well enough for the flying monkeys. And you don’t have to. Just write well enough to create that ecstatic sense of thunder on the keyboard, the rush of living large that comes from telling a story told with passion, not perfection. That keyboard thunder, that rage as you tear through a story with bliss and compassion and pathos and energy? It scares the flying monkeys. It scares them. It makes them cry big monkey tears. It’s why they hate you in the first place. (Emphasis Added).

–       Thomas Roche

 References

 “Fallacy: Ad Hominem.” Holocaust Educational Resource. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. <http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/ad-hominem.html&gt;.

 Monkeys, Flying. “How to Get Kicked In the Balls By Flying Monkeys and Not Fuck Up Your Lipstick | Write Sex.” Write SEX – The Definitive Guide to Writing Erotica. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. <http://www.writesex.net/?p=121&gt;.

“ProxyWhore.” Untitled Document. 28 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.proxywhore.com/invboard/index.php?showtopic=215657&gt;.

 Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Teresa. “Making Light: The Write Agenda: The Wrong Company to Keep.”Making Light. 19 Apr. 2011. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. <http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/012966.html&gt;.

“When You Have the Facts on Your Side, Argue the Facts. When You Have the Law on Your Side, Argue the Law. When You Have Neither, Holler. by Al Gore.” Famous Quotes at QuoteDB – Interactive Database of Famous Quotations. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. <http://www.quotedb.com/quotes/3806&gt;.

Writer beware Ann Crispin Victoria Strauss The Write Agenda Passion Blue Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers SFWA John Scalzi Making Light Catherine Schaff-Stump cath best sellers thumbs down ac crispin a.c. crispin The burning land The awakened city The Garden of the Stone Guardian of the hills The Arm of the Stone Absolute Write Water Cooler Preditors & Editors Dave Kuzminski Jenna Glatzer James D. Macdonald Prof. Jim Fisher A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing A Writer’s Life Author! Author! Bookslut Booksquare Buzz, Balls, & Hype Dear Author GalleyCat How Publishing Really Works Making Light Passive Voice PersonaNonData POD, Self-Publishing and Independent Publishing The Book Publicity Blog The Query Project The Rejecter The Rejectionist The Synopsis Project Anna Louise Genoese Behler Blog Editorial Anonymous Editorial Ass Evil Editor Ashley Grayson Book Cannibal BookEnds Chip MacGregor Crowe’s Nest Dystel & Goderich Janet Reid Jennifer Jackson John Jarrold Lucienne Diver Nathan Bransford Noah Lukeman Pub Rants Rachelle Gardner The Knight Agency The Swivet The Zack Company Absolute Write Water Cooler Agent Research & Evaluation AgentQuery.com Author Assist Backspace Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Children’s and YA Resources Preditors & Editors Publishers Marketplace Query Shark QueryTracker The Rejectionist Writing-World.com Starbridge

Updated: 4/26/11 – Dispelling the Myth Behind Yog’s Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors

PROPAGANDA ALERT: Victoria Strauss Goes from “Watchdog” to “Weinerdog” – How the Selective Use of Research Material Can Damage Your Reputation: Victoria Strauss Cites another Police Investigation Regarding a Publisher . . . This Time it’s Correct and TRUE!

Updated: 4/26/11 – Dispelling the Myth Behind Yog’s Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors

“Yog’s Law is very simple: Money flows toward the author. For commercial publishing, this is absolutely true. Once you’ve moved away from it, you’re out of the realm of commercial publishing.”

James D. Macdonald

Video: Dispelling the Myth Behind Yog’s Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors

Author and publishing watchdog James D. MacDonald has in times gone by proclaimed that “Money should flow toward the author,” better known as Yog’s Law. In today’s day and age this law holds true if, and only if, an author is traditionally published. Once an author reaches a predetermined limit of rejection letters, following the submission of their manuscript, a value determination needs to be made. Should the manuscript be re-written? Or, if the author still believes in the manuscript and its marketability, they may decide to turn to non-traditional publishing sources. This is the cross-road where “Yog’s Law” terminates; at least temporarily. To wit:

“Self-publishing is the part of the map where the author hires the editor, hires the cover artist, the typesetter, the proofreader, contracts the printer, buys the ISBN, arranges distribution, promotion, marketing, and carries out every other aspect of publishing. What you need to recall is that while the author is the publisher, “publisher” and “author” are separate roles. One of the classic mistakes I see with self-published authors is that they don’t put “paying the author” in their business plan as an expense. The money still needs to move from one pocket to another. Those pockets may be in the same pair of pants, but that movement must be in the business plan, and it has to happen.” (Emphasis Added)

– James D. Macdonald

The difference here is very similar to a sports analogy. The author tried out for the major league and was cut. Once the decision is made to go to non-traditional sources (check your ego) you’re a minor league player and you’re in a “pay-to-play” environment. Inherent in this personal choice are risks, investments of financial resources and investments of personal resources . . . mostly time. It is the attention to detail on these investments that result in the success or failure of an author’s book. Most importantly, it is the key difference between the traditional and non-traditional published author. The author’s responsibilities weigh heavily on actively securing a return on their investment, goals and objectives. Then, and only then, will money “flow toward the author.” This route is certainly not a bar, assuming that an author has produced a well-written and marketable book, for later success as an author in the traditional market. Many authors have successfully made the leap from the minor league to the major league having first gone the non-traditional route. Under this scenario, “Yog’s law” may have some validity.

“If you can’t afford to put 10-15% of the cover price of every copy sold into a separate savings account, you can’t afford to self-publish.”

– James D. Macdonald

We will soon be publishing a white paper on this subject. For now, the flow chart below (click on image to enlarge) will walk you through this process and illustrate fallacies behind “Yog’s Law.”

Click here to take the Yog’s Law Pop Quiz.

ALERT: (Posted 10/24/11) American Book Publishing: No Case, No Criminal Contact & No Legal Action Taken

ALERT: American Book Publishing “Investigation” Research Released: No Proof of Victoria Strauss’ Claims

References

https://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/the-words-of-james-d-macdonald/

“James D. Macdonald.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 19 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_D._MacDonald>.

MacDonald, James D.. “Learn Writing with Uncle Jim, Volume 2 – Page 63 – Absolute Write Water Cooler.” Absolute Write. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6056820#post6056820>.

MacDonald, James D. “Making Light: Yog’s Law.” Patrick & Teresa Nielsen Hayden. 21 Apr. 2011. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/012967.html>.

Writer beware Ann Crispin Victoria Strauss The Write Agenda Passion Blue Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers SFWA John Scalzi Making Light Catherine Schaff-Stump cath best sellers thumbs down ac crispin a.c. crispin The burning land The awakened city The Garden of the Stone Guardian of the hills The Arm of the Stone Absolute Write Water Cooler Preditors & Editors Dave Kuzminski Jenna Glatzer James D. Macdonald Prof. Jim Fisher A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing A Writer’s Life Author! Author! Bookslut Booksquare Buzz, Balls, & Hype Dear Author GalleyCat How Publishing Really Works Making Light Passive Voice PersonaNonData POD, Self-Publishing and Independent Publishing The Book Publicity Blog The Query Project The Rejecter The Rejectionist The Synopsis Project Anna Louise Genoese Behler Blog Editorial Anonymous Editorial Ass Evil Editor Ashley Grayson Book Cannibal BookEnds Chip MacGregor Crowe’s Nest Dystel & Goderich Janet Reid Jennifer Jackson John Jarrold Lucienne Diver Nathan Bransford Noah Lukeman Pub Rants Rachelle Gardner The Knight Agency The Swivet The Zack Company Absolute Write Water Cooler Agent Research & Evaluation AgentQuery.com Author Assist Backspace Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Children’s and YA Resources Preditors & Editors Publishers Marketplace Query Shark QueryTracker The Rejectionist Writing-World.com Starbridge

Writer Beware, Non Profit Organization . . . Conflict of Interest?

Writer Beware™, is a  publishing industry watchdog group is sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, a non-profit organization, that receives support from the Mystery Writers of America. Most non-profit organizations have conflict of interest polices in place to comply with local State and Federal law regarding the usage of the entities resources .  Query: Is this posting, by a non-profit officer, Victoria Strauss, an appropriate use of the non-profit organization’s resources? (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Victoria Strauss, Throwing Stones from a Glass House?

“People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”

While commenting on on the 60 Minutes story regarding possible fabricated stories by Author Greg Mortenson, a pondering Victoria Strauss posted the following question on her Facebook page:

 

“‎60 Minutes has raised questions about some of the claims in best selling author Greg Mortenson’s books, as well as his charity work. Could this be yet another example of a nonfiction author embroidering the truth?” (Emphasis Added).

We’ve kind of been wondering and asking the same question to Victoria Strauss and the SFWA regarding their claim of a police investigation regarding American Book Publishing. Could this be yet another example of a “science fiction” author embroidering the truth? Very ironic that Victoria Strauss would even consider questioning the veracity of another author while her own needlework on the fabric of truthfulness still remains in question.

For more information, click on the following links:

 

American Book Publishing, “Police Investigation” Victoria Strauss Fairy Tale?

What was Victoria’s Motivation? Missing Pieces to the Puzzle

Letter to the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

 “Why are there people who are convinced that they are in charge of what can or cannot be dispersed when it comes to disseminating truth? Much of this rhetoric emanates from . . . leaders who have promoted blindness to the truth while increasing their power over people. It has progressed to the point where they become obsessed in their considerations of image . . . . In doing so, they have abused the trust that was placed in them by their followers.” – Rabbi Yossi

References

Bergen, Peter. “‘Three Cups of Tea’: Served with a Grain of Salt? – CNN.com.” CNN.com International – Breaking, World, Business, Sports, Entertainment and Video News. 18 Apr. 2011. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. <http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/04/17/three.cups.of.tea.controversy/&gt;.

Strauss, Victoria. “Victoria Strauss | Facebook.” Facebook.com. 18 Apr. 2011. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. <http://www.facebook.com/victoria.strauss1?sk=wall&gt;.

Letter to the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

DATE: April 13, 2011

TO: Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Officers, John Scalazi, Mary Robinette Kowal, Robert J. Howe, Amy Sterling Casil, Bud Sparhaw, Lee Martindale, Jim Fiscus, & Sean Williams

In re: James D. MacDonald, Ann “A.C.” Crispin and Victoria Strauss

It is with great concern that we present this letter. There have been several issues that we have raised recently that question the credibility and integrity of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). These issues center primarily around three individuals: James D. MacDonald, Ann “A.C.” Crispin and Victoria Strauss. All three of these individuals frequently and aggressively pontificate their association with the SFWA. Frankly, we feel that their recent online activities have become a liability and an embarrassment to your organization. To wit:

James D. MacDonald recently posted on the AbsoluteWrite blog:

“But only if she strips down to bra-and-panties first.”

https://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/the-words-of-james-d-macdonald/

Ann “A.C.” Crispin, in making a statement about Strategic Book Group’s President, Robert Fletcher, misused the Jewish term “Mitzvah” and stated:

“I have no doubt that Writer Beware’s and Absolute Write’s and P&E’s warnings are costing Bouncing Bobby business…and I couldn’t be more delighted. To me it’s a mitzvah, I think that’s the term, to the entire universe of aspiring writers to tell them the truth about Robert Fletcher and his schemes, not to mention scams.”

This statement has angered many Jewish people and prompted the posting of several rabbinical responses on the subject.

https://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/commentary-a-c-ann-crispins-mitzvah/

Most egregiously, are the accusations that “American Book Publishing has been the focus of at least one police investigation.” As you know, this quote is posted on the SFWA site and appears to be related to the following post by Victoria Strauss:

“I’m beginning to also conclude that perhaps what the company stated in their defense to me is much more true and likely. That you made a phone call to a police department and then falsely reported it as a ‘police investigation of the company’ to shock and scare their authors into contacting you with their worries and attracted their most inexperienced authors.” And why would I do such a thing? Mr. Wentworth claimed to know the truth: ‘I asked the company the same questions I asked you, and they stated that you had tried to get on their payroll as contract administrator and when they refused you, you followed up on your threat to post this false report.’” (Emphasis added)

https://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/american-book-publishing-%E2%80%9Cpolice-investigation%E2%80%9D-victoria-strauss-fairy-tale/

We have conducted research and have contacted every conceivable law enforcement agency in the State of Utah (the home of American Book Publishing) and have not found any information that confirms  that this organization was ever investigated. Based on this research, our Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA) and Victoria Strauss’ intentional avoidance to personally address these issues, it would lead one to conclude that these allegations are false, defamatory, actionable and slanderous. Moreover, it causes one to question the credibility of all postings regarding literary agents and publishers that have not been appropriately vetted by primary source material on your sponsored sites.

In addition, this quote from Robin Wayne Bailey, on your site raises the brow of a common person considering membership in your organization:

“I do it for power and popularity. It’s all about the power. And the popularity. Really. It used to be about fame, fortune and free sex.”

Conceptually, we agree with the premise of your watchdog efforts. However, personal objectives, agendas, conflicts of interest and the quest for revenge appear to have run afoul. In addition, the use of the SFWA resources, by these individuals, to self-promote is despicable and are questionable practices for any non-profit organization to support and be engaged in. Clearly, there are readily apparent conflicts of interest.

Your By-Laws state as follows:

Section 10. Expulsion of Member. The officers of the Corporation may, by unanimous vote, expel any member for good and sufficient cause.

Based on the circumstances listed above, we believe that there is “good and sufficient cause” for the expulsion of each of the members listed above. At the minimum, some form of disciplinary action should ensue for the disgrace and disingenuous activities that they have engaged in; not to mention the dishonor they have brought upon the organization.

Other proposed actions:

• Reorganize and restructure the watchdog group and enlist unbiased/objective officers to bring back integrity to the organization.

• Implement appropriate fact-findings procedures that actually validate claims.

• Remove the current officers of the SFWA watchdog groups from their responsibilities.

• Delete the false, slanderous and defamatory allegations regarding American Book Publishing and other publishers/agents if the information is not supported by primary source material.

• Force and compel Victoria Stauss to admit or deny that  her actions against American Book Publishing were in retaliation to her attempt to get on the payroll of American Book Publishing.

• Force and compel Victoria Strauss to admit or deny that these postings were the result of her following up on a threat to post a false report.

• Force and compel Victoria Strauss to admit or deny the veracity of the statements made against American Book Publishing.

Sincerely,

The Write Agenda

ALERT: (Posted 10/24/11) American Book Publishing: No Case, No Criminal Contact & No Legal Action Taken

ALERT: American Book Publishing “Investigation” Research Released: No Proof of Victoria Strauss’ Claims

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Complaints Against MacAllister Stone & AbsoluteWrite

These are certainly worth reading. There is a history of non-payment for services and apparent retaliatory actions.

CLICK HERE to read the postings.