Many of you are probably aware there’s been a buzz regarding artistic copyright infringements by Trestle Press. I don’t have the time or the energy to list the growing list of links. It’s out there if you feel like spending the time Googling away.
My decision based on the evidence was to sever ties with my publisher. What follows is the exact e-mail I sent to publisher, Giovanni Gelati:
“Wow, I've been reading all the posts regarding Trestle. I've also read your posts regarding the facts. It's definitely disappointing and I'm sorry this has happened regardless of intent. I was really looking forward to working with you. At this point, I've had way too many bad experiences with copyright infringements and plagiarism, and don't want to be part of a heartbreak to anyone's creation. Sadly, and I do mean sadly, I will need to sever our relationship. I have nothing personal against you, but I've made up my mind.
Please remove my series, The Man of Shadows from the Trestle Press catalogue, provide me sales figures, and send all royalties owed to my Paypal acct.
I hate this has happened.
Angel Zapata”
And his response:
“sure thing, thanks.”
Oh, well. I guess that fuckin’ sums it up.
I totally feel you. Said the same thing to me when I severed my ties with them too.
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing. Sorry for recommending them to you.
ReplyDeleteWater off a duck's back, it would seem.
ReplyDeleteI was talking with Luca Veste this morning and saying I can't help but feel that Trestle will be folded and something embarassing will replace it like 'Wrestle Press'. He's a charlatan, he'll be back in some form.
and Paul: I can't speak for anyone else, but this is so obviously not your fault.
Hm...I guess his response sums it up in a lackluster sort of way. Sorry you've had such hard time of it.
ReplyDeleteI got the same response. A lot of writers with broken dreams right now, but I'm relieved to be clear of it. Have been spending hours deleting sales links to my book,contacting others who kindly posted links, canceling 1 or 2 future guest blogs and interviews...hopefully I'll get whatever nickels and dimes are owed me from Trestle and be done with it. A really hard lesson starting out as a writer, and I'll be a lot wiser - and far more suspicious - in future. Best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteWell. There you go.
ReplyDeleteI thought your letter to them was very professional. Too bad more people don't hold the same standards.
So, so sorry to hear, Ang. x
ReplyDeleteIt sucks big time, bud. All the best, Angel.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Col
Tis water under a shaky bridge Angel. You derailed from a potential train wreck -- high, dry, safe and with the class and distinction to soar on to a higher sky.
ReplyDeleteI-know-you-can.
I-know-you-can.
I-know-you-can.
~ Absolutely*Kate
WTF- as if writing and publishing weren't hard enough. Transcend the bullshit, and just remember you're a good writer, you like writing, and many love your work. That is what counts.
ReplyDeleteThis is a terrible tragedy for the eBook publishing community. About a year ago, with several partners, I started a crime fiction magazine called Noir Nation and several book imprints, including Bare Knuckles Press. From the beginning it was my belief that the more eBook publishers there were, the better. Competition helps improve everyone's game. And for any art to flourish it must have a way of reaching its intended audience. And I do hope that our imprints can help authors and visual artists do that over time. In the meantime, we have a Web site, NoirNation.com, that could use content and the fiery back and forth that distinguishes the blogosphere from other media. Currently, the site supports the magazine, which appears no more than twice a year. It could be so much more. Please consider becoming a Noir Nation blogger, and help advance the state of international crime/noir fiction while increasing awareness of your creative work. Best to contact me via twitter: @vegawire
ReplyDeleteSo well expressed Mr Varga, that I'll cop a ride to how sure as shooting your NoirNation is spreading good shadowy words and taking worthy authors yet the higher. Interested in a fast getaway centerstage under spots and kleigs AT THE BIJOU, currently showcasing ~ "The Shadows of Our Noir:?
DeleteThe highly evocative teeming talents of Angel and fellow authors of honour and distinction e'er deserve classy representation and energies emanating further growth. Your sentiments reinforce that exactly.
Best to your zest,
~ Absolutely*Kate
>>> Angel -- google international artist TOM ANTONISHAK @ THE ART DEPT. -- His style upholds your style - you'll see. Tell him Absolutely*Kate sent you and overlook the groans -- there could just be judging some exquisite covers there for your longstanding future successes.
( Rise Phoenix from the asses -- typo - ashes )
~ Absolutely*Kate
Angel-
ReplyDeleteWhat everybody said above - especially Erin and Kate. Talent exceeds all the other bullshit and you're too good of a writer to be bogged down in this. Keep going and don't look back.
He pretty much said the same to me as well, but this was before I knew of the copyright issues. I quit because he wasn't doing anything he stated on the contract and kept giving me the run around. "What goes around, comes around." And it's coming around big time.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone,
ReplyDeleteI do not know where to ask, so I do so here. I was recommended to this 'Trestle Press', and after talking to him, I sent him my manuscript. That is as far as I have gotten. I have signed no deal, and after reading about this "publisher" I do not plan to. From what you all know about this publisher, will he delete my manuscript from his computer on request? I do not know if I can trust him to do that (If he steals artwork, then why wouldn't he steal parts of books?). I would appreciate any help on this.
Hey Joshua. Sorry to hear you've run into the same issue. Regarding your manuscript, there's no real way to know if it will be deleted from his file. And since his actions are out of your control, you'll just need to save any correspondence between him and yourself, press forward, continue to write and submit your work elsewhere. This is all part of a writer's journey; lessons learned, adversity conquered, talent appreciated by readers and credible publishers. Put it behind you and continue to do what you love… write.
ReplyDelete