Jul
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Righting a Wrong
July 7, 2010 | 4 Comments
I was at Amazon the other day looking up my newest book, “Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology” to see what the pub date is (July 15, 2010 btw) and I noticed that I had reviews up for my last book, “Haunted Historic Greensboro.” Eager to see what they were, I clicked on the links and zipped on over.
I was shocked, not so much that there were two five star reviews, of which I was very flattered and grateful to have, but at the two one star reviews. One star? Really? What on earth could cause a person to give a book a single star?
It was because of an alleged production error, not because of the quality of my writing. It was some consolation.
According to the two reviewers, placed a day apart, it was because the book had a mistake it in. They, chapters that were listed in the table of content were not in the book while other chapters were missing or repeated. One claimed that he had intended it as a Christmas present and could not return it. Funny how the other reviewers did not have this problem, nor any of the nearly thousand people who purchased the book.
I am not saying that these people are wrong but I will say this – none of the books produced by the publisher, Schiffer Publishing Inc, have had this error. I know because I contacted my editor there and spoke with the production manager. Schiffer assured me that no such error was ever made in the production of my book. Further, they also said that if this were true, they would have gladly accepted the faulty book and given the buyer a new and unblemished copy of the book free of charge. Also, I cannot imagine that the Amazon seller would have refused a return and risked their standing with the company. Folks have no idea how hurtful those bad reviews can be, more so when they are unfounded.
So, if you claim to have a faulty copy of my book, please contact me via my website and I will personally replace your book for you free of charge if you would be so gracious to mail me the incorrect copy. I will even pay for the postage. It is more important to me that you, my reader base, are happy with the books I write. Or, if you prefer, you may contact the publisher, Schiffer, who promised to do the same, so long as they receive the faulty copy.
Comments
4 Comments so far
I pretty much know that there are some people who either because of jealousy of just small minded, coldhearted spite, feel the need to say nasty things about pretty much everything.If that production error exists and your publisher is willing to make amends then why won’t these people retract their damaging statements?
I learned there are those out there who may met you and decided not to like you or are as Sarah said are petty, meanhearted types. Maybe jealous. I think they intentinally put up these reviews–never read the books either. I had one I know they did not read due to what they said in the review. So learn to ignore these. Unfortunately they’re out there. By the way, I loved your book, Terry.
Thanks guys for your understanding and support. Schiffer also posted a notice at Amazon stating that they too would accept any faulty books, if they existed. So far, no takers.
That’s very noble of you Theresa. Good to know there’s authors out there with that kind of integrity!
Oh, by the way, what happened to your definition of a Slavic vampire post?