Q: Non payment of royalties and denial of termination of contract by Westbow Press Publishing company.

My book titled "Tainted Hands", got published by Westbow Press in June 2016. I was informed that my book would be printed upon requests from distributors but I discovered that Westbow Press has been printing copies and selling the book through ebook formats across the globe.

1. Up to this date (September 2018) They have not paid my royalties. They sent me email claiming my cheque (undisclosed amount) was returned by their postal system. They asked me for an updated mailing address, which I promptly provided. They wrote back stating that the cheque would have expired by the time it reaches me. I asked them to send the royalties through bank electronic system (EFT service). They responded stating that they do not deal with international banks. When I complained saying that when I wired my money through my bank (Standard Chartered), when buying the publishing package, my money went through successfully. They dismissed my complaint. 2.They also deny me access to their legal department.

1 Lawyer Answer
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
Answered
  • International Law Lawyer
  • Potomac, MD

A: Westbow Publishing appears to be a Christian self-publisher service located in Bloomington, Indiana. There appear to be complaints about their responsiveness on the Internet, and, for most authors, royalties from self-publishing are quite small or non-existent. But, if you have earned significant, unpaid royalties that remain unpaid, you should seek litigation or creditors’ rights (debt collection) counsel in Bloomington.

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