OK Dolls and Guys it soap opera time -:) Time to tune into my ongoing drama with Amazon who: (1) refuses to take down/retire Immortal 1st edition that I published myself even though I've faxed, called etc. and (2) refuses to list both of the titles I published through lightning source. Here are the most recent emails:
(in response to my complaint about the incomplete listing of my titles)
Hello,
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> If your book is published through Lightning Source, it should appear in the Amazon.com catalog automatically. Lightning Source supplies copies of the books they print to a major distributor, who in turn provides us with information about the books so they can be added to our catalog. We then order copies from the distributor as we need them to fulfill customer orders.
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> Amazon.com's web site availability of "print on demand" titles will fluctuate, dependent on the distributor's inventory. If the distributor has a printed copy of a particular title on their shelves, the title will be listed with us as more readily available than a title for which the distributor has no inventory.
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> In cases where the distributor doesn't have a printed copy on hand, Amazon.com may list the title with a "backordered" (3-5 week shipping) availability. This availability allows time for the book to be printed and ensures that Amazon.com is able to meet our customer expectations of delivery.
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> Because we would obtain your books through our distributor rather than from you directly, we would not be able to provide you with any sales information. You would need to contact your distributor or publisher regarding items sold through Amazon.com.
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> Another option would be for you to supply the title to us directly through the Advantage program. The benefit of this arrangement is that we keep a few copies in our inventory at all times, so that your book is shown as usually shipping within 24 hours. As customers purchase your book, we would pay you directly for these sales. By having a direct relationship with us, you have access to your sales and inventory reporting at all times, online. We also have a dedicated support staff to assist you with any questions about your membership. You can read more about joining Advantage here:
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> http://www.amazon.com/advantage
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> Thank you for your recent inquiry. Did I solve your problem?
Dear Sir or Madam:
Forgive me for speaking plainly but I don't believe a word of your explanation. We are talking about POD: print on demand. Their are no "back orders," "books on the shelves" or any of that other nonsense. What I believe is that you are not listing all of my titles that I published through lightning source because this could potentially reduce your profits.
As a case in point why are you continuing to list Immortal 1st edition for sale (ISBN-13: 978-0615182193) another POD title that I published through lulu and have asked you repeatedly to take down? My first request was made in Febuary 2009. Since then I've faxed and called Amazon's office. Yet still it sits as big as life on Amazon's listing my novels.
As far as Immortal 1st edition goes, you have left me no other choice than to contact an attorney, which I'm doing as we speak; and I'm seriously thinking of closing down my createspace account to remedy the incomplete listing of my titles.
I'm also going to share this email -- and yours -- in online blogs that my very dear Indie authors and friends frequent. Oh and I'm not the only one who's had bad experiences with createspace and Amazon. Can we say class action suit boys and girsl? Have a nice day.
Valjeanne Jeffers, author
Valjeanne Jeffers-Thompson, publisher
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