The 411 on Bookwise & Authorwise

Hope everyone who needs to sees this heads-up--thanks!!!

Is Authorwise the name of a gatherer?

That's how it was signed, but it is part of the Gather name of the person who sent it.

Good work, J. -- here's hoping others were as cautious as you and checked it out before making any commitments.

There are two members called authorwise1. One is authorwise100.gather.com and the other is authorwise1000.gather.com. Neither of them have any action on their home page. Probably the same entity here to spread the bad word. Did you send the info to gather? (They get so annoyed about real members violating the TOS, they ought to come down on this one hard.)

Thanks for reminding me of that option, Charles.

Thanks for the heads up, J. People who prey on the hopes and dreams of others should be eaten by your icon.

This article just got declined by the group humor Writers.
"The 411 on Bookwise & Authorwise has been declined by Chris Carlisle for the group Humor Writers."
Dang it, funny people deserve knowledge, too!

SO, they didn't think this was funny...

I must be missing something important in this message. How does this differ from Home Interiors, Tupperware, or any of those businesses that bypass stores? And why is it not a good idea?

It's a vanity press, Sandy.

Home Interiors and Tupperware do not require you to buy into their company to buy or use their products.
The only way an MLM like this one works for you is if you sign more people up under you. The folks at the top of the pyramid get rich, everyone else breaks even or goes broke.

Thanks J.

Too bad, huh?

The number one thing to remember about publishing:
The money goes TO the writer.

Yay for your snooping skills J!

Thanks for the "heads up."

btw Sterling Lord is a legit publishing house. (And if you ask me, they need to be notified that authorwise/bookwise is 'taking their name in vain'.)
The difference between this and Tupperware? Tupperware promises to seal your leftovers to keep them fresh, Bookwise promises to make you a famous author overnight. Which one sounds more logical?
Unfortunately, there are dozens of these bunk businesses out there just waiting to take advantage of some poor unsuspecting shmuck who would do just about anything to see their book in print.
Bookwise makes it sound SOOOO tempting "only 300 others are going to submit (and you know you're better than they are) so hurry up and send you money so you can beat everyone else and ... and ... "
"Ohhhh, so sorry. You didn't win (you and 10,000 other folks who sent in their $40.) Now let's see... $40 x 10,000 = $400,000. Not a bad haul for doing nothing. It's sort of like Poetry.com where absolutely everybody and their brother is accepted for publication, (even if you didn't win the $10,000 prize) and, for a small fee, you, too, can see your 'brilliant' poetry between the pages of our anthology."

The truth is ... there is no such thing as a quick fix. Do your work, pay your dues and, if you're really good enough, you'll find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I'm glad you published this in addition to the gather mail you sent out.

I've always felt that if I was meant to be a famous author, it would happen no matter what I did or did not do. I'm a psych nurse, much to my dismay at times, because that's where I'm supposed to be. Damn it all, anyhow.

The truth is ... there is no such thing as a quick fix. Do your work, pay your dues and, if you're really good enough, you'll find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Reese, I don't think this is true in the book industry, any more than it is in the music industry. I've bought many books that should not be on a shelf, and I've read many manuscripts that deserve to be celebrated but most likely will never find a publisher because they aren't commercial. There are many great writers out there who will never be published, while others whose writing doesn't begin to compare are on the best seller lists.

I thought the $40 was membership to the 'club', and carried a potential earnings for those who sell books. I apologize if I misunderstood. I wasn't interested in either (the club or selling books) and admit that I didn't spend a lot of time on the site.

The way I understand it, sometimes vanity press is the only way to see your book in print. But there are some out there that won't steal you blind.

This is different. It's an MLM. They want your money, and you will get nothing but heartache in return.

I have no interest in publishing a book, however I must try and set the record straight. Bookwise is a company started by Richard Paul Evans and Robert Allen. Yes it is an MLM. For $35/month you get a hard back book of your choice, an e-book and an audio book plus a dozen other benefits. As for Authorwise, once a week, they have published authors and publishers online for a tele-conference where associates can call in and ask questions about getting their books published. It is interesting. Yes they are having a writing contest. No this is not the extent of the monthly fee. If you have questions about the company, I would suggest you go directly to their site and "snoop" around. They have answers to your questions without having to disclose your name or any personal information. You may find you have been misinformed.
Regards

Sterling Lord is the name of a literary agency.

I trust Predators & Editors and Writer Beware, Michelle. They are sites put together by professional writers, publishers, and editors.

I also noted that you did not say whether you're connected to Authorwise, or if you're the person who spammed me under an alter.

J. Golden, I am associated with Bookwise but not the one who sent the email. (In fact-- I really wish they would take that site down-- it does not fit the 'classy' style that everything Bookwise does is in. However, this is one where Predators and Editors and Writers Beware got it wrong--- really wrong-- but you'll have to decide for yourselves.

Bookwise is a phenomenal business opportunity for those who enjoy reading and those who are interested in personal wealth and life mentoring from the best of the best. One of the benefits I have noticed for myself is that I have been reading more really incredible books--- life-changing books, really. I have always been a reader, but the Bookwise catalog carries only the best-sellers and the classics. While we get to choose a free hardcover book every month, every book in the catalog can be trusted to be worthwhile. They do also have a self-published section, but those books are quality books as well.

Authorwise is a 'benefit' that has come up fairly recently-- in the past 2 months, actually, and the Writing Contest was announced just last week. It really is no different that the Gather.com Writing Contest-- no 'PROMISES'-- there will actually be fewer participants in the Bookwise contest than there were in the last Gather.com contest (there were literally thousands as I recall) because it is for Bookwise Associates only, but it's the same kind of thing. There will also be a Best-Sellers Seminar in the Fall that comes free with Bookwise membership where authors like Baldacci, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Evans and Allen, and many other best-selling authors will be sharing their expertise on how to make the book you have written a best-seller. Unfortunately, it's NOT just about the quality of the book-- it has a LOT to do with exposure, marketing, and getting the good word out.

As far as it Bookwise being an MLM-- that is the STRENGTH and the BLESSING of Bookwise. It allows me to create a business where I can work from home, have flexible hours, work with a team that is absolutely enlightened and enjoying life, AND create residual income. For example-- over the past 4 months that I have been a Bookwise Associate I have continued to work a part-time position where I have been paid approximately $1,500/month. That job will be ending one week from today and the paycheck will end. I will have $6,000 in the bank to show for it, but will never receive another dime for my efforts. During the same 4 months I have built my Bookwise business to include a little over 100 Bookwise Associates (who LOVE Bookwise, I might add-- EVERYONE is a winner-- some MLMs have a structure where only those at the top win big-- but that just isn't true with Bookwise). Between my own commissions and my matching commissions those 100 people represent about $175/month-- not a lot. But that $175 is solid for the rest of my life (Bookwise has a VERY low attrition rate for a variety of reasons-- ask me if you want to know why). That means that if my Bookwise business never grew again, over the past 4 months I have earned over $63,000 during my lifetime if I live for another 30 years. It goes over $100,000 if I live into my 90's like I plan to-- and then I can pass it on to my kids. And, of course, it will continue to grow-- in fact, it grew last night while I was sleeping. How nice-- that's another couple of hundred dollars over my lifetime while I slept. THAT is the power of residual income.

Bookwise is a wonderful opportunity for everyone, especially educators, authors, internet marketers, investors, and anyone interested in personal growth and development. Many may thank you for 'protecting them' from something they know nothing about, but I have had far more people that I don't even know until a friend of a friend of friend has told them about Bookwise-- their lives have been blessed-- and then they email me to tell me THANK YOU for telling my friend about Bookwise. I got one of those just yesterday. They are thanking me from a place of experience and full understanding-- and they aren't basing it on a huge paycheck-- this isn't a get-rich quick scheme-- it's a become financially stable over time thing. They are currently enjoying the incredible Bookwise benefits of being personally mentored by men who know where true success lies-- in giving back and blessing others-- and they are enjoying the reward of true peace and happiness with where who they are becoming.

My best to everyone. Sorry this is so long. If anyone has any specific questions feel free to email me personally.

J. Golden, I'm sorry I should have mentioned that I in no way sent spam to anyone. I am not associated with the authorwise name as you referenced it. I am a bookwise associate, and proud of that, but I would NEVER send out unsolicited emails to anyone. I can appreciate your concern and would hope that the person responsible will step up and make it right.
Regards

After re-reading your post I have a few more comments/corrections:

"* Your Book Published and Distributed"

This could be misinterpreted. There is no promise of your book being published and distributed other than that it will be the Bookwise e-book of the month, which I guess is being 'published and distributed' but could also be read as a promise to find a publisher. I know Rick is hoping to help the winner get a publishing contract and even hoping it will happen in time to announce at the Best-Seller's seminar in October. However-- there is no guarantee.

Also, to say that only 100 or so Bookwise Associates will enter could be misleading since absolutely NO ONE has any way of knowing how many will or will not-- or how many authors will enroll in Bookwise in order to participate. Only time will tell.

Bottom-line-- almost (I'll put that to avoid being misleading) EVERYONE who does get involved with Bookwise will bless the day they did! It is the opportunity of the decade IMO.

And now-- the other comment--

"It's a multilevel marketing scheme"

I believe it is very narrow minded and misinformed to judge all multi-level marketing structures as 'schemes.' There are many difference business structures to choose from. Within each you will have strong businesses and weak businesses-- honest businesses and dishonest businesses-- worthwhile businesses and worthless businesses. However-- to pigeon-hole ALL MLMs into one big bad scheme will only limit the individual who does so and those who follow his/her lead. MLM is actually the fastest growing business structure out there. If they were all 'schemes,' the government would shut them down (and when they are schemes-- they do!)

Let me ask you this--

Person A goes to a 9-5 job that they may or may not like day after day after day. In exchange for that they receive a paycheck for as long as they show up to do the work. Meanwhile, they point fingers and criticize and laugh at their friend, Person B, who was foolish enough to get involved in an MLM 'scheme'.

Person B - goes to work at a 9-5 job that they may or may not like for which they receive a paycheck as long as they show up to do the work. They also get involved in an MLM on the side that promotes a product they feel strongly about, they believe in, and they are able to easily tell other people about it in the course of their day--some who choose to get involved, many who don't. Eventually they are making enough money from their 'side job' to pull back from their full-time job and go part-time, giving them more time to spend with their families and pursue their hobbies. A little further down the road their MLM paycheck is generating enough income that they are able to quit their full-time job and only work the MLM on a flexible schedule, giving them even more time to spend with family and pursue their hobbies.

Years down the road both Person A and Person B have reached the ripe old retirement age. Person A retires and experiences a significant drop in their disposable income because they are now living off of their retirement savings and SS (assuming SS still exists at that point). Person B actually 'retired' years ago, but continues to enjoy not only the same paycheck as before, but a paycheck that continues to grow each month and provide even MORE disposable income for them to enjoy their retirement years AND to pass on to their children after they die. Person B-- even after death-- is able to help provide for the grandchildren's education, etc., because they decided to get involved in a little MLM years back and invite others to join them-- whether for the product, the residual income, or BOTH.

Let me ask you--- so in the end, who was the fool?

I see that the Bookwise site says that "The BookWise Catalog represents the latest releases, the most relevant and bestselling books in America (and in history) from many different categories. The list changes each month to reflect current national bestsellers."

Now, it doesn't say that the catalog contains the latest releases, it says represents...
Does that mean that Bookwise book club is selling discounted remainders?

Shari,
Please, spare us. Your posts read like a script. Your scenario even sounds like something you probably received verbatim from one of those "teleseminars" these MLM companies host. If someone really wants to get involved in legitimate direct sales, there are companies like Avon and Mary Kay and Tupperware that are based on actual sales, not recruiting.

The key thing when considering any home-based business is this: Do you make money off of SELLING or off a RECRUITING. If you make money off of selling, then you can make a nice residual income. If you make money off of recruiting and getting a hit on membership fees, run away.

The best, most profitable direct sales home-businesses deal in consumables or unique commodities. Avon reps can make good money because their customers buy consumables and repurchase. Customers can even shop on the website, enter their rep's ID number, and the rep still gets credit for the sale. Kirby vacuums are unique commodities only available through direct sales, which is why I know a lot of people who make full-time money selling vacuum cleaners. But books can be bought anywhere. They are not consumables nor are they a unique commodity. There is zero reason to add a series of middlemen to the purchasing process...particularly when the majority of book buyers are either dedicated to buying from bookstores or shop at Amazon.

J. Golden--

The Bookwise catalog contains a combination of CURRENT best-sellers and classics. For example, Harry Potter is there for $17.50. You can see view the Bookwise catalog by going to http://mybookwise.com/nonprofits and click on Catalog. They are the best of the best and the hottest of the hot. I have read some really incredible books this past week. While I have always been a reader, I have read a ton more since I got involved with Bookwise, and the books I have read have all been really life-changing. It's been an interesting phenomena even to me.

So, in answer to your question-- NO, Bookwise does not sell discounted remainders. They are selling current best-sellers and classics -- again-- the greatest of the great and the hottest of the hot! But don't believe me--- go check it out for yourself!

Julie-- Thank You!! I had no idea I had gotten so good at expressing my passion about Bookwise that it sounds like a script! The scenario is actually one I came with myself-- though I'm sure the basics of it came from what I have heard. The bottom-line is-- if it's true, it's true. Who's the fool? The person who works their whole life for an income that will end AND makes fun of others who build residual income through just as legitimate and worthwhile business endeavors, or the person who builds residual income, blessing others lives along the way?

The key here is the attitude of both people. I have nothing against people who choose NOT to get involved in network marketing. The truth is--- it isn't for everyone. There are people who do not have the skill set or the 'attitude' set and commitment to be successful at network marketing. I wouldn't want them to get involved-- not only because it won't bless their lives, but also because it will be another 'failed mlm' statistic that people will blame on the mlm industry rather than the individual who failed to put in the effort, stick through the tough times, etc.

However-- to make fun of or criticize or try to work against those who DO have the skill set and the mind set and the commitment and attitude to be successful is not only unkind, but is where the real 'foolishness' lies, in my opinion.

I'm going to answer your questions in a different post for a couple of reasons-- I hate posts that get too long, and secondly-- if I understand Gather right it will be better for J. Golden. :-) Oh--- and probably better for me, too-- but I don't really understand how the point thing works. Maybe someday I'll take time to figure that out. For now I have other things first. I guess those points will always be there!?! If not-- no big deal. I'm not here for the points.

The fool is the one who pays for the right to join a book club, Shari.

$17.50 at Booksense...

Amazon.com
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J. K. Rowling and Mary GrandPré (Hardcover - Jul 21, 2007) $17.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Walmart.com
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
97-Cent Shipping
Our Price: $17.87

I could save as much as fifty cents, assuming that there is no shipping cost from Booksense. However, there's that $30 something dollar a month fee...

So basic math says that if I bought sixty odd copies of The Deathly Hollows or something of similar price every month, I'd break even on that monthly fee, plus the cost of the books.
Thanks, I'll pass.

"If someone really wants to get involved in legitimate direct sales . . ."

That sounds like you are saying that Bookwise is not legitimate. It is VERY legitimate, and you may want to hold judgement until you understand the program yourself. You can learn more at the bookwise homepage (bookwise.com) or at winninginthemargins.com (you can use the passkey freedom)

"The key thing when considering any home-based business is this: Do you make money off of SELLING or off a RECRUITING. If you make money off of selling, then you can make a nice residual income. "

Excellent-- so we agree that you can make a nice residual income from Bookwise because you make money off of selling. There are actually a variety of different products you can sell--- you can sell the books, either by becoming a bookstore yourself (not my cup of tea) or through the Preferred Customer Program (not quite ideal yet, IMO, but they are in the process of working on it). So--- you can make residual income from selling books-- which many, many people love and is a booming business. One of the neat things about Bookwise is that our product will ALWAYS be the latest and greatest. Many 'consumable' products become 'dated' when 'newer' products hit the scene claiming to be better because of new research, etc. With Bookwise our product is always the latest and greatest, because it will always be the NEW best-seller's-- and classics, which never get old!

However-- IMO-- the BEST product that Bookwise has to sell goes way beyond the books. The absolutely 'life-changing product' that Bookwise sells is a combination of books, wealth building and life mentoring/training, and business building opportunity. This particular product costs $35/month since it is FREE with Bookwise membership. So--- am I selling Bookwise memberships or am I selling the books/mentoring/training/residual income 'product'? I guess each person will have to decide for themselves-- but to me I'm sharing the opportunity of a lifetime with others. This opportunity is particularly appealing to potential authors because part of the $35 package includes mentoring and training from best-selling authors on how to get your book published AND make it a best-seller, AND provides many opportunities for you to rub shoulders with those who have already done what you are wanting to do. What kind of value do you put on that? It will be different for everyone. I don't know if I'll ever pursue publishing a book or not-- but if I do I will be forever grateful for what Bookwise has provided me in assistance to get there.

Go ahead and pass--- you'll have your books, but nothing more. My books are tax-deductible, they come with a plethora of training opportunities and additional free books, AND provide me with residual income.

I'll take Bookwise.

Julie Ann-- one more point on your comment:

"Avon reps can make good money because their customers buy consumables and repurchase."

Actually-- my mother sold Avon. She could have made good money IF she kept passing our her brochures AND reminding people to place orders AND doing a lot of paperwork at the end of the month. I'm not knocking Avon-- while I use Mary Kaye, they are both good products. I only order on occasion, though-- and RARELY without my consultant coming to me and encouraging me to.

"Customers can even shop on the website, enter their rep's ID number, and the rep still gets credit for the sale."

Same with Bookwise. Sounds like a good plan.

"Kirby vacuums are unique commodities only available through direct sales, which is why I know a lot of people who make full-time money selling vacuum cleaners."

Hmmm . . . I would hate to be a vacuum salesman. It's great for some people, but would involve a lot more consistent, focused effort than I want to put in . . . AND when I quit making appointments to go sell the vacuums, I'll bet my income would end.

"But books can be bought anywhere."

And they are bought EVERYWHERE to the tune of billions of dollars a year.

"They are not consumables nor are they a unique commodity."

I wholeheartedly disagree. I spend more time consuming books than I spend consuming food, AND every book I read is unique and adds a different gem to my growing knowledge base and experience.

"There is zero reason to add a series of middlemen to the purchasing process...particularly when the majority of book buyers are either dedicated to buying from bookstores or shop at Amazon."

There is no middleman here, but the book buyer that will benefit most from Bookwise is NOT just looking for books. If they are just looking for books they might get as much going to a bookstore or Amazon (only because they probably wouldn't take the time to take advantage of the other benefits, including the tax deductions, available through Bookwise. However-- if they are looking for MORE than books, then Bookwise will be a smart investment for them.

Here is one other difference between Bookwise and Avon/Mary Kaye/Tupperware/etc. I have actually belonged to a few of those, also--- not in the make-up or kitchenware industry, but in areas that are of more interest to me-- toys and games for kids. Here are the differences I see:

With the toys and games I make money IF I am willing to go out and hold my parties or contact my customers and THEN do a lot of paperwork at the end of the month. With Bookwise I answer the question that everyone always asks-- "So, what do you do?" Then, when they ask for more information I hand them my bookmark that contains my websites, and then I answer any questions that they may have and respond to anyone who gets back to me and expresses interest in enrolling in Bookwise. Of course, I continue to help them and support them, just as I would in the other 'businesses.'

The other main difference is that with the toy/game businesses, once I quit doing the parties or contacting the customers, the money quit coming in and eventually the company pronounced me 'inactive' and eventually no longer qualified to sell their products. With Bookwise, the residual income I have genereated in the past 4 months will continue to come in for as long as I remain a member of Bookwise, even if I don't actively contact new customers. Over the past 4 months I've generated residual income of about $175 (some of it won't kick in until August due to the quickstart commissions, etc.). I will receive $175/month for as long as I remain active in Bookwise. That means that in 4 months I have generated income of $63,000 over the next 30 years. Not bad for a 4-month effort!!

Of course-- I also have over 100 people out there working with me now, too, to build a business for ALL of us-- so that will only continue to grow even if I were to quit contacting new customers right now. So--- I really can't even know the value of the work I have put in over the past 4 months. I know it is AT LEAST $63,000, but only time will tell the true value, which will be much, much more.

"Formal Education Will Make You a Living. Self-Education Will Make You a Fortune."

It's your choice. I support each one of you in whatever choice you make regarding your career, your hobbies, your interests. I would hope that you would have the courtesy to do the same for me and everyone else, but that will also be your choice. Either way--- it won't affect my future near as much as it will affect yours.

Oh . . . you were saying Booksense instead of Bookwise. My apologies--- I thought Booksense was another option for buying books. No doubt there are many options. BookWISE is just one of those options-- and while it started out being about the books, Richard Paul Evans himself said it's more about the WISE now than the books. Yes-- that one I took straight from Rick!

Shari:
I am a publisher. If it was as easy to sell books directly to consumers, nobody would need publishers, because everyone would self publish and sell a million copies through MLM.

1. Sounding like a script is not good. You can stop pretending to be excited now. That faux enthusiasm may work in face to face pitches, but falls flat in written form. You sound like every other MLM salesman I have ever come across.
2. Your books are NOT tax deductable unless you are actually buying them for resale...and resell them. Whomever told you that is outright lying. Maybe you should take the time to actually read the tax code and not just believe what you are told in those teleseminars. You cannot deduct as a business expense items purchased for personal use. So your personal books are not a legal tax deduction. I know this for a fact because I've been through this with my accountant. I've got over $500 in RPG books sitting on my bookshelf for my personal enjoyment. Just because I also publish RPGs doesn't mean I can deduct them. And even though I publish horror novels, I can't deduct my person collection of books.

In fact, as someone who runs a business and has done so for a number of years, I have to wonder how you are getting an alleged $3000 tax savings? Someone is engaging in funny math, and I doubt your tax return will hold up to an audit. Because you say you've made $728 dollars in the last 4 months, but somehow managed a $3000 tax write off? Honey, you can't claim more deductions than you have profit. The tax code is very clear about these things.

3. You keep claiming Avon, Kirby, etc you only make money if you go out and sell, but you don't have to do any of that. Then how do you make money? Off the 100 people BENEATH YOU in the pyramid! You don't make your money SELLING, you make your money RECRUITING! Your own words point to that.

And as a side note: you are all excited about making $700 in 4 months? When I was working in Kirby sales, I could make that in a couple of days. I won six vacations (all expenses paid) with the company, not to mention a lot of nice bonuses. So I know from first hand experience about real direct sales. And I never had to pay a membership fee or pay for any equipment up front.

4. Let's look at "what you've gotten" so far. You got 8 books by a guy you are giving money to. Free admission to a convention designed to keep you spending money with the company (are they paying for your hotel? Airfare? Food? Misc. Expenses? Let me guess...THAT the big tax deducation, right?), increased your reading speed (this is a business benefit?), weekly "interaction" with people who want to encourage you to continue spending money with them (I can't believe you listed that as a benefit). Do they push that as a benefit? Gods, I can imagine if I told my writers and artists "look, I want you to pay me $10 a month to publish your stuff, but in enchange you get to interact with me three times a week!"

They got you brainwashed. You're using all the little buzzwords and catch phrases and everything. I bet they even give you a little extra attention, because you're such a good cheerleader. Do you know why? Because that is what these companies do. They have their "stars" that they mold to point to as proof, but the reality is the program is STILL a pyramid and is still set up so that only those at the top of the pyramid make real money. You are all excited about your $400...but you'll blow that at your little convention.

I'm enjoying the debate; however, I find it interesting that no one has mentioned that Mary Kay, Avon, Kirby Vacuums, Simply Fun Toys, Pampered Chef, etc. all encourage you to "recruit" other teammates, representatives, consultants, whatever! "Can I give you a makeover" one week, and a month later, "Hey...you should sell this with me!"..."Guess What...you can make more as a Consultant than a Hostess...want to join me?"

The comment about "bookbuyers being committed to purchasing from bookstores or amazon. com"... rest assured...the day will come when you will personally know book lovers who are puchasing their books from BookWise. A very bold statement...but, BookWise will compete with Amazon.com! No! I am not the villian from authorwise.com that everyone is looking for...simply an individual who has decided for myself that the "tone" of Shari G.'s comments are kind, encouraging and leave room for personal choice and opinion. She doesn't resort to name calling (referring to another intelligent, capable adult as "honey") or take an attitude of being a "know it all"..."this is the way it is!" And one last comment, her enthusiasm and passion for what she is doing...my compliments! Isn't it sad that there aren't more people across the country who are as excited to be alive as she is! Imagine how the statistics for divorce, suicide, teen/adult depression, etc. would decline if there were more people excited and committed to SOMETHING!

thanks for posting this, J ....... I got the EXACT same email .... just put MY initials in place of yours .... the rest is verbatim ....... But I'm not interested in paying money to get published right now ......

when I have found the right publisher, I will take the time to meet him/her and develop a relationship that will [hopefully] be satisfactory for us both and lead to more book deals in the future .......

that is the best road for ME, at this point .... although others can do as they see fit for themselves .....

Cynthia:
I worked for Kirby for ten years. You were encouraged to recruit, but you made your money on sales. Avon and others encourage you to recruit, but you make your money on sales. If you read the literature, it is clear that the goal of such companies is not to "build a downline." The goal is to sell. Whereas the people who have discussed Bookwise to date have been more interested in building a downline, and the Bookwise site itself seems to be more about building a downline than actually selling. If this is NOT the case, then the site itself and its defenders are doing a poor job of communicating that.

I don't know who you and Shari are. I DO know the people at Preditors & Editors, and I know how they research stuff. So if something gets flagged by them as questionable, I consider it questionable.

Don't throw up a strawman arguement by deflecting the discussion with divorce, etc, etc. Her "enthusiasm" doesn't interest me. I'm not the one announcing to the universe how much money I'm making and yada yada yada. I have never pretended to be anything other than a small little publisher who puts out spec fiction and roleplaying games. I don't pretend to know it all. Fortunately, there is Google, and what I don't know I can research. Shari still has not addressed my questions and points, and dismissing me as a know it all does not make the questions go away. Anyone can feel free to call the IRS or their accountant and ask them point blank if they can deduct person book purchases as a business expense. See what answer you get. I keep getting a lot of people mad at me for asking questions...but nobody actually ANSWERING any of them with black and white answers.

I was hoping that you wouldn't spam all over my article while I was gone, Shari.