The Write Agenda

thewriteagenda.wordpress.com ISSUE: Three April 2011

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

In A.C. Crispin, Absolute Write, Accountability, American Book Publishing, Ann Crispin, Authors, Credibility, Crispin, James D. MacDonald, Making Light, Preditors & Editors, Propaganda, Publishers, Publishing, Reputation, Reputation Management, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, Self-Publishing, SFWA, Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Victoria Strauss, Writer Beware on April 28, 2011 at 12:02 am

As you know, weve 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 andVictoria 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 Straussloyalists. 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, wouldnt you post them? You decide. Is this sandbagging at its best? Word of warning; dont trust everything that you read by Victoria Strauss or the SFWA. Always question the purported watchdogs (Victoria Strauss, James D. MacDonald & Ann Crispin). Theres 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. Its simple . . . answer the question Victoria Strauss . . . if you dont you leave 1000s 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.

Updated: James D. MacDonald Furious Over Tates Challenges to Yogs Law: Rants & Insults
In Absolute Write, Authors, Credibility, James D. MacDonald, Money should flow toward the author, Professionalism,Propaganda, Publishers, Publishing, Reputation, Reputation Management, Richard Tate, Self-Publishing, Writer Beware,Yog's Law on April 22, 2011 at 2:31 pm

Look at this! Over at the Tate Blog . . . . You dont know who Yog is? Maybe I can help you out . . . . If you dont think that Tate is a mendacious vanity, that blog post alone should prove it. - James D. MacDonald If you claim that youve disproved Yogs Law, or that youve found a fallacy in Yogs Law, or that Yogs Law doesnt apply, either youre a scammer, youre 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 Yogs 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 nave . . . . 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. Yogs 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 Yogs 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 Yogs law. I also believe that is what Annes and Victorias original intents were. However, Im 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 dont say that in an argumentative way, rather, its simply an observation. (Emphasis Added) - Jennifer Pereyra For more information click on the links below: Pop Quiz on Yogs Law Dispelling the Myth Behind Yogs 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>. Tate Publishing of Oklahoma: TATE PUBLISHING AND THE FACTS ABOUT YOGS LAW.Tate Publishing of Oklahoma. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://tatepublishingacquisitions.blogspot.com/2011/04/tate-publishing-andfacts-about-yogs.html>.

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 Bewares 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 Anns 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 dont, then say you dont. Clouding the issue with prior endeavors and using straw man propaganda strategies isnt 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 Victorias 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>.

Updated Pop Quiz on Yogs Law

In A.C. Crispin, Absolute Write, Accountability, Ann Crispin, Atlanta Nights, Authors, Credibility, David L. Kuzminski,Filmmaker, Free e-book, Free ebook, James D. MacDonald, Mark Barrett, Money should flow toward the author, Preditors & Editors, Propaganda, Publishers, Publishing, Rachael Saltzman, Reputation, Reputation Management, Richard Tate, Travis Tea, Victoria Strauss, Yog's Law on April 21, 2011 at 5:51 pm

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 Yogs Law T-shirts and memorabilia.

g) You are buying Atlanta Nights T-shirts and memorabilia. h) You are paying $1000 to Deborah Doyle (Yogs Wife) for a critique and line-edityour novel. h) All of the above. Money can flow in any direction you want, but its your job to know where every penny goes and what youre getting for those pennies. - Mark Barrett A few years ago an individual created out of thin air a concept he called Yogs 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 nave. - 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 Yogs Law. In todays 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. Yogs 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. Yogs law is not immutable. Writing is a creative act but selling ones writing and making a living off ones writing is a business act. (Emphasis Added). - www.dearauthor.com

A mainstream publisher traditionally assumes the risk of publication and production costs, selects the works to be published, edits the authors 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 authors work; and further payments, called royalties, based on the sales of the work. This led to James D. Macdonalds . . . dictum, Money should always flow toward the author (sometimes called Yogs Law). - Anonymous Yogs Law is very simple: Money flows toward the author. For commercial publishing, this is absolutely true. Once youve moved away from it, youre 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/thenew-money-flow>. Dispelling the Myth Behind Yogs Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors The Write Agenda. The Write Agenda. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/dispelling-the-myth-behindyog%E2%80%99s-law-the-fallacies-with-the-flow-of-money-to-authors/>. 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>. Publishing Business Models.Dear Author. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://dearauthor.com/ebooks/books-as-a-business/>. Tate Publishing of Oklahoma: TATE PUBLISHING AND THE FACTS ABOUT YOGS LAW.Tate Publishing of Oklahoma. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011.

<http://tatepublishingacquisitions.blogspot.com/2011/04/tate-publishing-andfacts-about-yogs.html>. Vanity press. Vanity press. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://vanitypress.co.tv/>.

The Write Agenda: The Right Company to Keep

In A.C. Crispin, Absolute Write, Accountability, American Book Publishing, Ann Crispin, Atlanta Nights, Authors, Credibility,David L. Kuzminski, Filmmaker, Free e-book, Free ebook, Investigations, James D. MacDonald, Making Light, Preditors & Editors, Professionalism, Propaganda, Publish America, Publishers, Publishing, Rachael Saltzman, Reputation, Reputation Management, Robert Fletcher, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, Self-Publishing, SFWA, Strategic Book Group,Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Travis Tea, Victoria Strauss, Yog's Law on April 20, 2011 at 7:05 pm

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 youve been acknowledged by Making Lights Moderator, Teresa Nielsen Hayden. In defense mode, Hadyen posted an article that stated that The Write Agenda has been taking potshots atVictoria 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 weve 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. Weve 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) doesnt necessarily mean that its 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 selfpromotion, encourage the purchase of our works or request donations. Its 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 isnt any facts, there is no law (or police report) so keep hollering . . . thats 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. Theyve also posted a string of new blog entries denouncing me, Jim Macdonald, Yogs 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 SFWAs good name. They do get one thing right, probably by accident: they point out that theres an element of the argument ad hominem in my own remarks about the [sic] Write Agenda. Thats true! There is! And furthermore, its valid! Theres 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 shouldnt 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 Victorias 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: Whos 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 dont 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. Its 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>.

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

Updated: 4/26/11 Dispelling the Myth Behind Yogs Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors
In Absolute Write, Accountability, Authors, Credibility, James D. MacDonald, Money should flow toward the author,Propaganda, Publishers, Publishing, Reputation, Reputation Management, SelfPublishing, Yog's Law on April 19, 2011 at5:59 pm

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 its Correct and TRUE! Updated: 4/26/11 Dispelling the Myth Behind Yogs Law: The Fallacies with the Flow of Money to Authors Yogs Law is very simple: Money flows toward the author. For commercial publishing, this is absolutely true. Once youve moved away from it, youre out of the realm of commercial publishing. James D. Macdonald Video: Dispelling the Myth Behind Yogs 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 Yogs Law. In todays 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 Yogs 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 dont 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 nontraditional sources (check your ego) youre a minor league player and youre 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 authors book. Most importantly, it is the key difference between the traditional and non-traditional published author. The authors 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 wellwritten 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, Yogs law may have some validity.

If you cant afford to put 10-15% of the cover price of every copy sold into a separate savings account, you cant 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 Yogs Law.

Click here to take the Yogs Law Pop Quiz. References http://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/the-words-of-james-dmacdonald/ 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: Yogs Law. Patrick & Teresa Nielsen Hayden. 21 Apr. 2011. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/012967.html>.

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

In Absolute Write, Accountability, Authors, Credibility, Free e-book, Free ebook, Investigations, Law Suits, News Tips,Propaganda, Reputation, Reputation Management, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, SFWA, Victoria Strauss onApril 18, 2011 at 10:31 pm

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 nonprofit organizations resources? (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Victoria Strauss, Throwing Stones from a Glass House?

In 60 Minutes, Accountability, American Book Publishing, Author Greg Mortenson, Authors, Credibility, Free e-book, Free ebook, Investigations, Professionalism, Propaganda, Reputation, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, SFWA,Victoria Strauss on April 18, 2011 at 6:49 pm

People who live in glass houses shouldnt 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 Mortensons books, as well as his charity work. Could this be yet another example of a nonfiction author embroidering the truth? (Emphasis Added). Weve kind of been wondering and asking the same question to Victoria Strauss and theSFWA 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 Victorias 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/>. Strauss, Victoria. Victoria Strauss | Facebook. Facebook.com. 18 Apr. 2011. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. <http://www.facebook.com/victoria.strauss1?sk=wall>.

Another One from the Wacky Author Files, Author Brett T. Mazzoni
In Author Contracts, Authors, Brett T. Mazzoni, Credibility, Professionalism, Propaganda, Publishers, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, SFWA on April 17, 2011 at 10:49 pm

We found this posting by Author, Brett T. Mazzoni on the SFWA Facebook page: Strategic Publishing which is also known as AEG Publishing is a classic vanity publisher; meaning that they take your money, print a few copies, send you one and thats it. Its nothing but a money making con. I dont know how this company is still operational and its employees arent in jail. I fell victim to them under the AEG name. Now I am seeking an agent and will not publish anything but short stories in small publications until I have that agent to keep me away from these thieves.

This appears to be another one of those my book hasnt sold, the publisher took my money, they are cons, they should go to jail and I am a victim stories. If this demonstrates anything, it validates Angelia Hoys statement: [w]hether you land a traditional contract or whether you self-publish, you are the one who will need to promote your book. (See below). Mr. Mazzoni, you are the classic example of the vanity author that was spawned from the misconception that your books failure rests solely on the shoulders of your publisher. What have you done to market this book? Considering that you were not able to secure a traditional contact and you voluntarily opted to pay-to-play and the fact that your book has likely sold only 5 7 copies in two years . . . wheres the theft? Heres what we have learned about the marketing of this book:

Title Calsisko Volume 1 The Beginning of the War Rank 1 10 100 1000 10,000 100,000

Publishe PubDat Author r e Brett Mazzoni

Price

Current Rank

Eloquent February Books 23, 2009 $22.50 4,834,683

Copies Sold/day 3000 650 100 13 2.2 (11 copies every 5 days) 0.2 (1 copy every 5 days)

1,000,000 2,000,000

0.006 (3 copies every 500 days) 0.0001 (1 copy every 1000 days)

Mr. Mazzoni, has a Facebook Fan Page with no sales links to his book (Amazon, B&N etc.). His information page states: Brett T. Mazzoni is at this point an unpublished Science Fiction author looking to make a career out of writing the genre that he loves. Huh? There is a YouTube Trailer Video that was created by the publisher which was uploaded on August 7, 2009. As of April 17, there have only been 39 views. The publisher posted a Press Release announcing Mr. Mazzonis book on March 7, 2009. A Google search failed to reveal any evidence of news articles, book reviews, signing events or interviews which Author, Brett T. Mazzoni may have either been a party to or participated in. The sad but very true fact is, unless your name is Stephen King, John Grisham, Nora Roberts, or some other household name, nobody is going to spend any significant time or money marketing your book. Even if you land a traditional contract, you will still be expected to do most of the grunt work. Dont believe me? Just ask any midlist or other relatively unknown author. The publisher might send out a few review copies, and might even arrange a couple of interviews and/or appearances. But, if the book doesnt succeed almost instantly, they are going to quickly turn their attention back to one of their best sellers, or to someone who they hope will be their next best seller. Whether you land a traditional contract or whether you self-publish, you are the one who will need to promote your book. Sure, if you have money socked away you can hire a PR firm but doing so can be incredibly expensive and, to be quite honest, theyre just not the author. Nothing beats an author connecting one-on-one with potential book buyers, online or off. Its like comparing a press release to a personal email from the author herself. There is no comparison and sales results will certainly show for it. - Angela Hoy References

Mazzoni, Brett T. Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America | Facebook. Welcome to Facebook Log In, Sign Up or Learn More. 16 Apr. 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <http://www.facebook.com/SFWA.org>. When Authors Arent Willing to Market Their Books. WritersWeekly.com. Web. 05 Mar. 2011. <http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/005129_010720 09.html>
A.C. CRISPIN, ABSOLUTE WRITE, AUTHORS, JAMES D. MACDONALD

Letter to the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

In A.C., A.C. Crispin, Absolute Write, Accountability, American Book Publishing, Ann Crispin, Authors, Credibility, Crispin,James D. MacDonald, Propaganda, Reputation, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, SFWA, Strategic Book Group, Victoria Strauss on April 14, 2011 at 3:22 am

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 aggressive 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. http://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/the-words-of-james-dmacdonald/

Ann A.C. Crispin, in making a statement about Strategic Book Groups President, Robert Fletcher, misused the Jewish term Mitzvah and stated: I have no doubt that Writer Bewares and Absolute Writes and P&Es warnings are costing Bouncing Bobby businessand I couldnt be more delighted. To me its a mitzvah, I think thats 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. http://thewriteagenda.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/commentary-a-c-ann-crispinsmitzvah/ 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: Im 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) http://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. Its 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 ABOUT US We are a group of individuals, writers, want-to-be authors and inquisitive wordsmiths that have become literally numb from reading the numerous author help related blog posts. Many of these postings are subjective and do not offer any substantial documentation regarding purported claims regarding publishers and other industry professionals. In addition, many of these sites have become nothing more than complaint boards that disseminate speculative claims without any substantiation. We do not discount the validity of some claims made. However, we want to question both sides of an issue and to assist other authors in making informed decisions. If a fact is proven true well support it. If a claim is twisted, slanted, incomplete, not updated (retracted) or smells like innuendo . . . well challenge it. We will not engage in self-promotion, post links to our books or encourage you, in any way, to purchase our books.

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