Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/01/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I became a new Author of a book titled, "**************" (2020) and Redleaf Press is the publisher. Due to the pandemic I wasn't able to capitalize on book sells. I received a phone call and offer from Authors Reputation Press out of ****** ** to republish the book (they explained that due to the pandemic, they were reaching out to authors to maximize sells and that there were no legal conflicts with doing so. After a month of considering the offer and multiple employees ( ***********************************, *********************) stating that it is legal and that they have total rights to move forward with me. Thus, a deposit and another payment was made (book transformation) to them. Two days later I was contacted from Redleaf Press in an email and told that they do not have the right to move forward with the republishing of this book. After informing Authors Reputation Press of the email and the conflict, I was told that I would be getting a refund from ******************* and *************************; employees of ARP. It has been days since this agreement and now the company employees will not answer calls and get back with me to discuss the refund. Redleaf Press warned me of this company recently (after *********** unfortunately) and pointed me to blogs which identifiy this company as a SCAM and that they do not return monies and that they are illegal. Please help me.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/29/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  I am an author. Redleaf ********************** published and released my book right before the pandemic in March of 2020. Due to low sales, Authors Reputation ********************** contacted me earlier this year and believed that they could improve the sales of the book as they are a company that re-publishes books. However, after paying $560.00 to them, I was contacted by the original publisher who told them and me that they have no right to re-publish the book (I asked them this question more than 3 times before I agreed to contract with them- they lied). Thus, Authors Rep ********************** accepted their responsibility and began the process of sending me a refund. Initially, the company authorized an interim payment return to me for $560.00 but only sent a partial payment of $210.00. The bank has investigated this matter and sent me a letter stating that on 11/22/22 they will taking back the $560.00 from my ***** Fargo account. Thus, this will leave me with $350.00 still owed. It has been more than two weeks where I have contacted ARP to seek my remaining refund and they are now not answering my calls or emails. I sent the letter to *******************, ********************************* and ************************* but none of them are returning my calls. PLEASE HELP because I am struggling and I have no money in the bank so when they take the money on the 22nd I will be in bad shape. HELP 

  Business Response

  Date: 12/07/2022

  Dear *********************************,
  
  
  
  Author Reputation Press acknowledges and honors the authors complaint.
  
  We appreciate you formally raising this issue. Author Reputation Press is willing to discuss your concern and assist in coming up with the most relevant and effective approach to take that would resolve the issue.
  
  With humility and understanding, we apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
  
  To make everything simple and clear, the author claims that he needs to get a refund amounting to $210.00 and $560.00. Now, Author Reputation Press addressed the matter promptly; the refund was processed on August 4, 2022, and the ****************** sent an email to the author that same day. (For your perusal, kindly review attachments 1, 2, and 3.)
  
  The refund has been processed back to the card on that we had the transaction. We believe that ********************************* received an email from the ****************** informing him that the matter (the refund) has been addressed. The subject of the email is the transaction ID.
  
  
  
  It is mentioned in the email sent to the author, to wit,
  
  "We wish to inform you that your REFUND as of 04-AUGUST-2022 has been processed.
  
  Attached is the refund confirmation receipt of the transaction amounting to $770.00 in total.
  
  Please note that it may take **** business days for the amount to be completely reversed into the **** card ending in XXXX6616, depending on how responsive your credit card company is.
  
  If you wish to follow up with the refund, please contact your credit card company immediately and provide the Transaction ID on the subject of this email."
  
  
  
  Moreover,what the author mentions, to wit, "Initially, the company authorized an interim payment return to me for $560.00 but only sent a partial payment of $210.00.", is not correct according to the preceding paragraphs of this response. The amounts mentioned are separated because they are for different payments of services. As a result, it is best to process them on separate receipts to ensure proper procedure and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
  
  According to the author, to wit, "I sent the letter to *******************, ********************************* and ************************* but none of them are returning my calls.",this point is contradictory to what (really) happened. The author was able to have a word with ************************************* (Author Advisor), Ms. ******************* (Finance Officer), and Mr. ************************* (Sales Manager). They were able to explain what had occurred.
  
  Taking into account the discussions made between the author and the abovementioned representatives, it is realized that Author Reputation Press presented the facts and proposed a resolution that hopefully will resolve the issue and at the same time honor the stipulated rules and agreements agreed upon between the parties.
  
  Thereby,Author Reputation Press recommends either of the two (2) options the author may prefer: (1) reprocessing the refund after determining that the $560.00 was returned to the company account; or (2) Author Reputation Press may issue a company check, which may take longer than the other. Hence, it is the authors discretion that will be honored as to which course of action he prefers to take.
  
  Again,we understand that youre struggling and have no money; hence, we addressed your concern with promptness.
  
  Nonetheless,it is a great honor and privilege to assist authors like you, who honor dedication and cooperation. We hope this response will help make up for the challenges we both have experienced.
  
  
  
  Kind regards,
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/08/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.  If you do not enter a reason for your rejection, your complaint will be closed as Answered.]
  
  Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.
  
  FAQ

  I have been waiting for a refund for 4 months and this explanation is all wrong.  This process is taking way too long just to issue a refund check which you admit was your error.  I have submitted proof that your money was returned and rejected by my bank and thus, it is simple, please refund my monies because you lied from the very beginning regarding republishing my book.  I NEED MY MONEY PLEASE.

  
  Regards,

  *******

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/20/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have paid approximately $15K in the past year for different marketing contracts with Author Reputation Press (ARP). They have been unresponsive and have not met the terms of the multiple contracts I signed with them. I previously filed a complaint with BBB but one of the managers of *** called soon after my complaint was published and personally asked me to rescind my complaint, promising to correct all of the lapses in my contracts. He assured me he would personally oversee my account. I've not heard from him since. In the fall of 2021, I had signed a contract for Pitch Fest, an event where a professional pitcher presents your book to a roundtable of entertainment executives for movie or television adaption. For the past nine months I have been trying to ascertain how many rounds Pitch Fest consists of and the dates of the rounds. None of that information has been provided. Four months ago, I was advised my book was well received during round one and I needed to have a movie treatment written by a professional screenwriter for the second round of Pitch Fest. This cost me an additional $3K with a promised turnaround of 3-4 weeks. After four MONTHS and countless emails, I received a treatment needing multiple grammatical and fact corrections. It was not professionally written, and I was told I was not allowed to know the screenwriter's name. I have been trying to find out what happened with the professional screenwriter I paid for and the details of the second round of Pitch Fest. No one will respond. This is exactly how my other contracts have been treated and why I wrote my original complaint in the first place. They have not followed through on any of their contracts. I would discourage any author from using their services.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/28/2022

  
  Dear **************************,
  
  We appreciate you taking the time to reach us and express your concern. In this manner, we will be able to articulate clarity and understanding as a result. We are willing to address your concerns and assist you in determining the right course of action. To establish clarity and progress, we must address the author's concerns and meet the needs while honoring and not compromising the underlying guidelines and facts of the circumstance that *** or *** not yet be presented.
  
  We sincerely regret any inconvenience this situation has caused the author. This response's content *** clear up any misunderstandings and explain the matter's broader framework.
  
  We ask for the author's patience and understanding as we continue to discuss and clarify any misunderstandings that *** have arisen in accordance with the terms of the signed agreements, which articulated the set goals of the author and publisher to venture and ****** (take the risk) in making a **** and name in the literary industry.
  
  Please allow us to compartmentalize the components of the complaint according to our understanding of the key points of the subject matter.
  
  
  
  I have paid approximately $15K in the past year for different marketing contracts with Author Reputation Press (ARP)  
  
  The author mentions "approximately $15K" for the marketing contracts, but as we checked the records, the following facts were discovered: (1) the author did not pay $15K but (to be exact) $13, 694 and (2) the sum of what the author paid is not only for the marketing services (as how she puts it, "different marketing contracts") but she availed on publishing services as well,which is the Aristotle Publishing Package. (For your perusal, kindly review attachment 1.)
  
  Furthermore,the publication of the authors book, "Finding *********" (Book 1 of The ********* Series), is completed. The copies of the said book are available on Amazon, ****** & Noble, ARP Website, and other online booksellers. Links below are a few of the means by which readers can buy the authors book:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SVQY7ZL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-**********************************************/1122739156?ean=9781649618375
  https://authorreputationpress.com/products/finding-*********
  
  
  
  
  They have been unresponsive and have not met the terms of the multiple contracts I signed with them  
  
  The words used to illustrate the long endeavor (journey) that we (the author and publisher/marketer) have been pursuing are discouraging. Taking into account the following considerations: (1) A number of representatives (***********************,*************************, *************************, *************************, ***********************, *********************, and others) from ARP have been reaching out to ****************, via emails and phone calls, informing and asking for the approval of the fulfilled services. (2)There are exchanges of emails between the mentioned representatives and the author, including the point wherein the author provided her opinion on the fulfilled services, which will be articulated in attachment 2. (3) Almost all the purchased marketing services are fulfilled (completed), while the others are in progress in the sense that we are waiting for the results of the efforts made. On the other hand, the purchased publishing services are completed, which is explained in the preceding section. (For your perusal, kindly check attachment 2, which contains a few samples of the exchanges of emails between the author and ARP, which also presents the fulfilled purchased marketing services.)
  
  Now, with these presented points, please kindly define and let us know which parts we were "unresponsive" and "have not met the terms of the multiple contracts"?
  
  
  
  been trying to ascertain how many rounds Pitch Fest consists of and the dates of the rounds  
  
  
  With respect to this matter, we would like to begin by reminding ourselves how great things require enough time and effort. There is no such great thing that comes easily. The venture of making a name and leaving a remarkable **** in the literary industry is undoubtedly challenging because of the fact that millions of books are published every year and there are millions of passionate authors like you who are also gambling with hope and courage and at the same time accepting that some efforts and plans dont always happen the way we want them to be. Mr. *********************** and his team have been thriving to prepare and work on the requirements needed for various presentations. They were able to present the books summary, introduce the author and her achievements, and provide the books copy (paperback and/or E-book), Book Review, Movie Script Coverage,Movie Treatment, and Radio Interview with the author to different companies and/or organizations.
  
  He (***************) provided a report on the status, including the accomplishments of the presentation (for your perusal, kindly review attachment 3). Regarding the progress, we are still waiting for the final announcement about the next plans and events, including the arrangements for the next rounds. He and his team have been working and asking for updates from the organizers. Certainly, the team will inform the author of the results and updates as soon as they receive the information. However, we must remind ourselves that this is a ******, and that "getting in and accepted" is uncertain. **************** was informed about the updates on the results of the matter. It is significant to take into account that in any literary event, there are a number of applicants, and certainly, there are criteria/standards/qualifications to be considered in making the decision on who among the applicants is/are to be approved and/or accepted. As the publisher and/or marketer, we, ARP, did our part. However, it is not in our hands to decide whether the authors book is to be granted or not. Needless to say, most of these events have elimination rounds, which we hope that the author is reminded of that point.
  
  Rest assured that the team has done everything possible. Moreover, please allow us to stress the note stipulated in the agreements that the author signed, to wit,"(1) The results of your marketing and publicity campaign *** produce varied results, depending on the quality and sales potential of every book.Author Reputation Press merely provides the essential programs to help your book achieve its maximum sales potential."
  
  
  
  I received a treatment needing multiple grammatical and fact corrections. It was not professionally written, and I was told I was not allowed to know the screenwriter's name.
  
  Regarding this concern, please allow us to lay down the following matters: (1) we apologize that you deemed the movie treatment was not "professionally written". (2) we cannot provide the screenwriters name for it is a piece of proprietary information. (3) with respect to the "multiple grammatical and fact corrections" (as how you put it), according to the analysis after conducting an assessment, those were typographical errors, manner of speaking and/or writing, and used/preferred *** (point of view). For typographical errors, we stand corrected and acknowledge your corrections, which were applied in the revised copy of the treatment. As per the manner of speaking and/or writing, we need to be reminded that every individual (reader/writer) has a distinguished way of expressing ("languaging") ideas, concepts,meanings, and interpretations. In this case, the author and screenwriter have completely different ways of doing so in a way that they are on the same spectrum but on different sides of it. About the used/preferred ***, this is influenced by "philosophical orientation" that comprises the beliefs,experiences, emotions, biases, etc. These factors affect the meaning-making (interpreting) done by the screenwriter of the authors book. Authors are aware that the moment their books are published, different meanings and interpretations *** be made by different readers with different backgrounds,cultures, education, etc., which are completely different from the authorsintentions (intent message). Simply put, two readers have different understandings and interpretations of the same book. The point of the matter is that the *** used by the screenwriter is not the same as the authors preferred ***.
  
  Moreover,we cannot negate the fact that every book has its strengths and weaknesseseven the bestsellers. Every coin has two sides. The two sides are what make the coin a coin. You were right when you mentioned that "no book is perfect".To answer your curiosity as to why to include the negatives, it is important to present both sides the strengths and weaknesses of any work. In that way, we would be able to realize and see clearly which part of the work needs improvement. The room for improvement is the room that is always present and needed for any endeavor.
  
  
  ************,we appreciate your cooperation with Author Reputation Press.
  
  
  
  Kind regards,
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/28/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  Dear Author Reputation Press,

  I appreciate your verbose and circuitous response; however, you did not answer any of the issues in my complaint. My payment was approximately $15K which I iterated in my complaint. You pointed out I paid specifically $13,694. Interestingly, this is the only thing you were specific about in your response. The only reason I had Finding ********* republished with ARP was because it was necessary for the Hollywood Presentation package (Pitch Fest.)  I have never received a single royalty since ARP reprinted my book and distributed it nearly a year ago. Never in my complaint did I state I was angry that my book hasn't been optioned by a movie or tv producer. I have only asked to be given the details of the process and receive the professional scriptwriter movie treatment that I paid $3000 for. It is not POV to think that the SATs are a test you pass. It is common knowledge SATs are a benchmark test, the scores of which determine what universities will consider a student for admission. All I have asked for is information and representation contractually promised to me in the time frame in which it was to be delivered. I paid to have a movie treatment written by a professional screenwriter within 3-4 weeks. Four months later no one would give me any information about it. It is not unreasonable for me to be frustrated. I have asked numerous times for communication and professionalism. I have not asked for anything I was not guaranteed. If you cannot fulfill the Hollywood Presentation and provide proof that my book is presented, then I require a refund.
  

  
  Regards,

  *************************** (****)

   

   

  Business Response

  Date: 08/02/2022

  Dear ***************************,
  
  We acknowledge your prompt response.
  
  
  We provided a response that *** address your concerns because we wanted to clarify and explain to you the underlying factors. Besides, in the Desired Settlement, it requires us to explain. That led us to lay down and compartmentalize (specify) the issues so that we could both see them clearly. We did not intend to sound "verbose and circuitous"; we provided the results of the assessments conducted for the raised concerns. We addressed and honored your complaint by providing the explanation that stemmed from an investigation with the involved representatives. Furthermore, we consider this complaint as a reminder for us to realize the improvements that we need to make.
  
  
  There was a need to specify the amount you paid because we intended to clarify that the $15K that you mentioned was really around $13K and not only for marketing services alone but included publishing services as well.
  
  
  For what you have mentioned, to wit, "I have never received a single royalty since ARP reprinted my book and distributed it nearly a year ago." Regarding this matter, ***********************, Web Developer, sent you an email on the 15th of February 2022 informing you about your updated login credentials so you can monitor your royalty reports by logging in to your account. (For your perusal, kindly check attachment 4.) Now, why you "have never received a single royalty", that is because we must consider the report that is presented and reflected on your authors website account. As a reminder, the minimum amount required before a royalty payout is released is $50. As a result, you were not eligible for a payout because your total fell below the statutory minimum.
  
  
  Again, please allow us to stress the note stipulated in the agreements that the author signed, to wit, "The results of your marketing and publicity campaign *** produce varied results, depending on the quality and sales potential of every book. Author Reputation Press merely provides the essential programs to help your book achieve its maximum sales potential."
  
  And, yes, you are certainly right that "It is not POV to think that the SATs are a test you pass. But the way readers define and make meaning on the word "pass" ("passed") can be relatively done. We *** utilize the connotative meaning or the denotative one of the word, "passed". Anyhow, your correction is applied and honored.
  
  
  For the refund that you are requesting, it is stipulated in the agreement you signed, to wit, "By signing this document, you hereby agree to the proposed terms of both parties. Once signed, these services are non-refundable." (For your perusal, kindly check attachment 5.)
  
  
  Lastly, we understand your frustration and we are not invalidating your end. We are trying to meet in the middle by clarifying things. Thank you for understanding, *************
  
  Kind regards,
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/03/2022

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

   

  Dear Author Reputation Press,

  Thank you for your response. If you read my first response again, you will notice the solution I asked for was communication and professionalism. I stated if that was not possible, I wanted a refund. As a senior level paralegal, I am more than capable of reading and understanding a contract, however vague it may be. As for ***********************' email of February 15,2022, I never received it.  We can resolve this issue if you will agree to inform me about the Hollywood Presentation and be up front with the details of the dates of the Pitchfest rounds, participants, locations and provide timely summaries of the feedback regarding my book.  That is what was promised me by *********************** and is what is professionally expected of a marketing department.

  Regards,

  ******************************

   

   

  Business Response

  Date: 08/17/2022

  Dear ***************************,
  
  
  We acknowledge your response. The solution that you were asking for, to wit, "communication and professionalism", we already addressed and explained in our first response. As we put it, "A number of representatives (***********************, *************************, *************************, *************************, ***********************, *********************, and others) from ARP have been reaching out to ****************, via emails and phone calls, informing and asking for the approval of the fulfilled services. There are exchanges of emails between the mentioned representatives and the author, including the point wherein the author provided her opinion on the fulfilled services, which will be articulated in attachment 2."
  
  
  Moreover, we provided attachment 2 as a justification of the number of emails exchanged between the author and the publisher and/or marketer. Communication and professionalism were not withheld. We have made an effort to update and inform you (keep you in the loop). Because if we were not responding (communicating) with you, then we would not be able to honor your suggestions and/or corrections. Revisions could not have been delivered.
  
  
  As for the login credentials sent to you by the web developer, that is not a problem because we have re-sent your login information to your email. Kindly check attachment 6 for your perusal.
  
  
  Finally, it is our shared objective to resolve the raised concerns. As for the details and reports regarding the Hollywood Presentation, we have also incorporated the report that **************** sent. This was covered in our initial response when we said, "He (****************) provided a report on the status, including the accomplishments of the presentation (for your perusal, kindly review attachment 3)."
  
  
  We hope to come to terms with you, ***************************, and settle our differences once and for all.
  
  
  Kind regards,

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/23/2022

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response submitted by the Author Reputation Press (ARP.) While it still does not address the particular issue at hand, transparency with the Hollywood Presentation, which has multiple levels, it is pointless to argue with the staff ad nauseum. I will complete this pre-paid contract and thereby complete my business with ARP.  It is my choice to never work with them again. I would be hesitant to recommend ARP to any other author.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************