Athena Press

[wammel]

Has anyone had any experience with Athena Press?
I have a workmate who is signing up with them to publish his work. He is very enthusiastic about the whole thing having been 'accepted' at his first attempt . I believe it's not that easy to get into print as a beginner and am concerned he is going to end up out of pocket. It all sounds like vanity publishing to me. Does anyone know what costs are involved in this type of venture?

[wammel]

Thanks for the advice, In A Pickle! I had already seen the web site for Athena Press which prompted me to wonder just how much it really costs to use this kind off service. I've no reason to doubt they're a reputable company and provide a good service if you're only aim is to see your book in print and not be concerned whether it sells.
My workmate seems to think he's up there with J K Rowling seeing that he was accepted immediately and she was turned down by several publishers (as quoted on their website) but time will tell how it works out.
Thanks again

[LeMarchand]

I used to manage a bookshop, and dreaded the Athena rep's visits with his selection of overpriced, badly produced tat with generally awful cover design. Rarely did I see anything I wanted to buy in.

They say everyone has a book inside them; most should keep it there.

[fairkatrina]

Total vanity publishing, I'd tell him to be careful! Unfortunately, the only way of getting a book published reputably is to get an agent and approach the big publishing houses. This may take a long time (and may never happen) but there really is no other way of doing it 'properly.'

[wammel]

Thanks for your comments LeMarchand and fairkatrina. Your views seem to comfirm my first impressions on this subject. I will certainly pass them on to my friend. I shall wait with interest for the outcome of this little venture and post the results when I can.

[Goldenbull08]

Just received an exhuberant "Readers Report" from Athena Press. It was really a sales document, made my head bigger and chest larger. Their editorial department had recommended acceptance of my novel for publication. However, accompanying the report was a requested payment to cover the cost of publication. I've sent my manuscript to a couple others, and there are a lot of preditors and subsidiaries of preditor companies that you really have to "Caveat Emptor."

[quattro1912]

in google search, type athena press publishers, then under the 6th result under the one you posted should tell you all you need to know, i was offered a contract with them, they wanted me to pay them �2800, i was in no position to pay them as they could not guarantee they could sell enough books to guarantee i would get my money recouped, let alone make a profit, if your friend cant risk that sort of money, dont try it, the only ones to make real money are the publishers, not the authors, try to self publish, it's cheaper, much cheaper from �795, good luck.

[wammel]

thanks quattro1912, it does sound a rather expensive venture, unfortunataly my friend has already signed one of their contracts and is now awaiting publication. He's a bit evasive when asked how much it's cost but if it's anything like your figure he's in for a big shock if the book doesn't sell.
Will post any developments on this subject when I can. Thanks again.

[Eversley]

I submitted a book I had written to Athena Press and received back a glowing Readers Report back praising the contents of my book and me as the author which led me to pay Athena Press �3400 to have it published. It was published in February 2008 under the title of 'Life and Smells 18 Short Stories by Bill Lean'. In February 2009 having not heard from them I sent a email asking how many copies had been sold.
The reply was that there had been no sales in the past year. When I asked why I was told Athena Press had no control over book retailers and others shops. I asked if there had been any reviews and the only reply I got was to ask me to supply them with local book shops and reviewers. They no longer reply to my letters and emails. I
warn others not to be taken in by Athena Press praise of their written work.
W. Lean email: [email protected]