Author: John Rigo
Date:   09-15-05 14:00

I am a senior citizen and self employed business person who has been writing poetry for a hobby for over twenty years. I started going back to college recently and have been encouraged by individuals with PhD\\\\\\\'s to publish my poetry. I started my search on the net which has proved to be interesting.

Recently I came across Tate Publishing out of Oklahoma on the net. I was fairly impressed with the site (even thought I am a practicing Christian I did find a little too much \\\\\\\"We are a wonderful God-fearing company\\\\\\\" which is generally a \\\\\\\"red flag to me\\\\\\\". Have you ever noticed \\\\\\\"crooks\\\\\\\" are the first to tell you what great Christians they are?\\\\\\\") On my dime I took time to make a phone call and spoke with Janey the manuscript managers whom I was very impressed with. We spoke over the phone for twenty minutes. Based on the conversation, I forwarded my manuscript. I received numerous e-mails encouaging me from that point on to read about the company. I downloaded their brochure which was mainly a picture book with little meat in addressing specific questions. I was aware they reguired a $4000 investment on the part of a \\\\\\\"selected author\\\\\\\" since they spent in little Oklahoma about $16000 to $21000 thousand (so they claimed) of their money to promote a book they selected).
I sent an e-mail to the founder of the company which asked simply \\\\\\\"how many authors had they actually refunded the $4000 to and could they verify that information with a CPA firm? They claimed that they refunded these books when 5,000 books were sold. Since I have been in Marketing and Sales Training for over forty years, I felt my question was a reasonable one. The response I received from the President of the company was both insulting and completedlhy \\\\\\\"off the wall\\\\\\\" indicating this is a \\\\\\\"racket being operated out of Oklahoma\\\\\\\". Run, do not walk away from these folks.

[Please Note: Ryan Tate, President of Tate Publishing, rejects Mr Rigo's description of the contact between himself and Mr Rigo and would like that to be known. (Hamish - WritersNet)]

Author: John Rigo
Date:   09-15-05 21:51

I might add to this e-mail, do not be taken in by the negative sale approach....it is the oldest con in the world. As many have said on this site, "All monies should flow to the author, not the company". Do not let that, "We are the big shots" and you are the "nobody" get to you, just move on because you just entered the twilight zone of another internet con on the net. By the way, their printing is done in Houston, not in Mustang, OK. More than likely by some company like LuLu for pennies and they have a big family party on the difference of that $4000 YOU PAY!

[Please Note: Ryan Tate, President of Tate Publishing, takes issue with some comments in this post: "I can assure you we are not a 'con'" and would like that to be known. (Hamish -WritersNet)]

Author: John Hess
Date:   09-16-05 11:31

Wow, I have published two books with them and my experience has been completely different. They have done a wonderful job and the founder was extremely nice and very helpful. I had a team of two editors and graphic artist and I have already sold over 2000 books. If they decided not to publish you book you shouldn't be so negative towards them, it is just how the industry works. I would highly recommend them, but I am sorry you didn't enjoy your experience.

Author: John Rigo
Date:   09-16-05 11:51

Mr. Hess,

It is a known fact companies such as this make it a point to cover their butts on these boards. If you have noted, my question was directed to the owner of the company the same day I submitted my manuscript. It has no bearing on approval or non-approval. My question is: (1)what is the title of your books?, (2) What is the publishing dates with Tate? There is no doubt your comments are a plant on this site since there are many other negative comments concerning Tate on this site and their "mickey mouse" negative approach to selling their program in a town of about 100 with printing done in Houston. My next major question deals with the same question that the owner refused to address, "How many of their authors have ever hit that 5,000 mark and had their $4000 returned to them. The answer I am sure is NONE! It is a big come-on.

Author: John Rigo
Date:   09-16-05 12:08

A search accomplished just a few minutes ago indicates no John Hess on any of the sites like Amazon.com which is a normal source outlet for Tate. Nothing on Google except Mr.Hess a noted newspaper reporter who wrote two books died recently at 87. Welcome back from the death Mr. Hess lol.!!!!!!

Author: John Hess
Date:   09-16-05 13:16

You are very strange. I use a pen name so that people like you leave me alone. Good luck trying to find a publisher!

Author: Texas Poet
Date:   09-16-05 13:18

This is called the old nail in the coffin for Tate. Searching the tate site: www.tatepublishing.com There is no John Hess or any Hess listed as one of their authors. We rest our case! Verify search under "H" in search on their very own site. The reason "mickey-mouse" are always good against honest folks, is because those that commit the "mickey-mouse" are experts on taking money from folks!

Author: Texas Poet
Date:   09-16-05 13:59

By the way Mr. Phoney Hess, I "did not trouble you." You are the one that came on site with your phoney review for Tate. Sorry you got caught. That so called "paper-mill" PhD of the founder did not work this time. Still, there is no hard feelings on my part. I am happy....Tate did not get my money by showing their ass on their false advertising. Thank you God for protecting me from the unjust and dishonest. Site members be alerted to this scam.

Author: Texas Poet
Date:   09-16-05 16:15

My statements considering Tate Publishing Company are entirely retracted since a personal phone call was made by the owner of the company this afternoon personally to me. It was a situation of two grown men making bad decisions at both the same time. Thank you folks on site for your time. I feel that this company be honorable in their dealings whether I use them or not in the future for my personal book of poetry.

Author: Ann Crispin
Date:   09-17-05 09:13

Four thousand bucks "investment???"

FOR POETRY?????????

Run away!

It's a scam!

Signed,

Professional scam hunter...

-Ann C. Crispin
Writer Beware
www.writerbeware.com

Author: Ryan Tate
Date:   09-26-05 16:11

My name is Ryan Tate and I am the president of Tate Publishing & Enterprises In Oklahoma. My office was recently made aware of some comments that were made on this forum about our company and I wanted to give every person interested the opportunity to get all of their questions answered. It is the goal of Tate Publishing to serve all authors and help them to make it to print while supporting them every step of the way. I have read some of the comments posted on these sites and could not disagree with them more. We do a wonderful job of working wiht authors evey day and are succedding on an incredible level in partnership with our authors. I would really encourgae anyone who would like to speak with us to call at anytime. We would love to talk with you. We reject nearly 95% of the manuscripts we receive for production so I feel that the angry comments might be becasue of that issue. Once again, please call our office at (405) 376-4900 or toll free at 1-888-361-9473 or e-mail us at info@tatepublishing.com if you have any questions. I have never seen any other publishing company enter these forums, but I figure if authors are coming here to ask questions then I would like my staff to be available to them. Thanks, Ryan Tate

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   09-29-05 10:10

Hello, My name is Leon Mentzer and I’m the author of “Just When You Think You Are All Alone”, and I’m a Tate Publishing author. I have been reviewing and watching the remarks about Tate Publishing for several months and now feel the need to, as my sons would say “Jump in”.

As to my experience with Tate Publishing, it has been very different from all those negative remarks that people have been posting.

As a victim of Janet Kay & Associates, I can say without any shame I hate being taken for a “ride”. As a retired CEO, I’d like to say I’m educated enough to catch a scam. Guess I’m not too old to learn a lesson or two.

In all the logs there is one thing missing. And that is the true facts. Everyone has an opinion, but is it based on true facts? Actual testimonies from a published Tate author?

So I post this to say…..ask me, a first-time, first-published Tate author, the questions that everyone else seemed to have ready answers to, but has no facts to support them.

My experience is this:

Everything that I expected from this partnership relationship with Tate has been performed and has exceeded my expectations. Yes, it is a partnership. I ought to know because that is all I’ve done in my corporate life was to establish partnerships with my corporation. Some worked, some didn’t. Some performed poorly and some performed very very well.

Does Tate place my books in stores? Yes. I’m in all LifeWay Christian Stores and I’m featured in their (LifeWay’s) June catalog. Ironically LifeWay turned down my book, stating that “short stories don’t sell”. But when the book was published and released a copy was sent to them and they called Tate personally and ordered the books. Also the placement in the June catalog cost Tate $3,400. I asked LifeWay about that and they said that was just the way the business is. You have to pay to get in their catalogs…..but the catalog goes out to over 700,000 customers.

Tate has just informed me that Family Christian stores will be ordering my book also as well as all of their top ten sellers. Barnes & Nobles carries my book in their Springfield, Illinois store. They even put it on a center table for new releases. Waldenbooks has stocked my book locally from day one. Other book chains are asking about my book. The more it sells the more stores are asking about it. Simple publishing rules.

Within two weeks of its’ release it went on sale in Japan, here is the site:

http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/guest/cgi-bin/booksea.cgi?KEYWORD=%6A%75%73%74+%77%68%65%6E+%79%6F%75+%74%68%69%6E%6B+%79%6F%75+%61%72%65+%61%6C%6C+%61%6C%6F%6E%65

Does Tate promote my book? Yes. They placed an ad in the February issue of “Christian Retailing” magazine. They advertise under the “Top 100 Best Sellers List” page, it is the best spot in the magazine. “Christian Retailing” is distributed to over 20,000 different Bookstores, Publishers, and Subscribers! When I called “Christian Retailing” magazine about placing a similar ad they told me the cost would be about $10,000. (out of my budget).

Do they help distribute my book? Yes, through Spring Arbor and others.

What is the level of sales help? Who cares? What ever it is, it’s working.
I could not reach this level of marketing through a POD.

Is this $4000 partnership working for me? Yes. I figured out how many books needed to be sold to break even and I went for the mark.

Does Tate really give back the $4000 if you sell 5000 books? Yes.

But I’m only interested in my contract not others. I talk to other Tate authors all the time, as well as, other authors from other publishers. We network among ourselves and share information about marketing, our families, and our hopes and dreams.

Are there un-happy Tate authors out there? Maybe, surely there must be someone, but I haven’t talk to anyone……yet. If there are, they are welcome to contact me, as well as anyone else at Tate publishing. Their number is listed on their web-site.

I still own all the rights to my book. I have been approached by another publishing company, (one that turned me down, and there were lots of them) but there were issues about length of time that they wanted the North American rights.

Hello! Where were you in the gambling stages of this book. Sure you are there for me now. Now that it might be a sure bet.

My partnership agreement allows me to leave Tate in search of greener pastures now that the book has been released. At any time, but I’m not going.

I have just signed an agreement that might lead to five one hour, made for TV productions. Who gets all the money. ME! Tate doesn’t have an interest. I offered them an interest in this, if they would help protect my interests. They informed me that they don’t do that. But they offered to help me find an attorney that could protect my interests in this type of deal.

The bottom line is this, everyone has a story and an opinion. At the CBA convention in Denver this year, I met many authors, some sad and some happy about the same publisher. We are all looking for that sure fire thing…..but it is very allusive. The success or failure of my book doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to another author’s book. Rick Warren, self-published and sold out of his trunk for ten years before a main-line publisher picked him up………so I‘ve got eight more years to go…….

Blessings to all my fellow authors, Someone some where needs to read what you have written, stay focused and deal with true facts………..Leon Mentzer

Author: James Stevens
Date:   10-08-05 09:41

Author James Stevens

Along with with Leon, my name is Rev. James Stevens and I am satisfied with Tate! They sent me a contract for new authors. I understood the contract before I signed it. My book was released on Sept. 27 and since August 1st I have already sold over 400 copies. I thank God everyday for Tate and the work they do. The Bible emphasizes that we are to build one another up, not tear others down. Every author who has signed with Tate knew exactly what was in the contract. They have been upfront and honest with me. They are trying to operate a Christian Ministry and so called Christians should know better than to be trash talking. You are hurting the body of Christ and I am part of that body. I will be praying for you and I will continue to support Tate and pray for them. One person is not going to steal the dream that Tate has for seeing God's word proclaimed. Dr. Bailey Smith, a former President of the Southern Baptist Convention recommended my book for publishing. I love you all and may God bless the USA. To God be the glory! "He Dwells Among us!" Rev. James Stevens, founder and pastor, Dwelling Ministries.

Author: Danielle Lampman
Date:   10-17-05 08:30

My name is Danielle Lampman, I am currently in the production process with Tate Publishing. My personal expirience has been wonderful. I realize that everyone has their own opinion when it comes to something like this but sometimes our opinion's are written out of ignorance, lack of knowledge and also understanding. I didn't look for a publishing company that was going to take my book and make it their own, I asked God to guide me to a Publishing Company that would take my work and help me to bring it through the production process to make it the best it could be...God led me to Tate Publishing...and from personal expirience...God turns things around for his Glory...so if he led me to Tate...They can't be that bad...God doesn't make mistakes!

Author: Art Mailer
Date:   10-17-05 17:49

I\'m interested in personal conversation with any Tate authors. If you are willing to share your experience with Tate and your opinions about their fees and services, please contact me.

My e-mail name is \"TheArtOfM\" at hotmail.com.

FWIW, here is my impression so far (I had an extensive conversation with CEO today)

I believe that Tate may be mischaracterized. They claim to be a true traditional publisher. Yet, \"real\" publishers aren\'t supposed to charge money. However, \"real\" publishers don\'t seem to give most people the time of day (based on what I\'ve read, I\'m very new to this!!)

I went looking for a publishing partner - not someone to push my crappy book onto in the hopes of getting a big check, and not someone who will charge me money to print a bunch of books and deliver them to my door (actually, I was looking for that too and discovered POD - a valuable service, but clearly meeting a different need)

Before I started, I thought about how I would run a publishing business. I realized that I would want to work with authors who have a genuine interest AND the means to work in full partnership. To me, that means a risk-sharing arrangement, not a handout. Tate says that\'s what they want, as well. It makes perfect sense to me, being a fresh outsider who only started researching this business recently.

Tate says they\'re not a vanity press, because they operate as a traditional publisher, and because you get the risk-sharing money back when you sell units. They say they can and will get your book into the major channels. They say they will help you market your book. (Also, they claim that some authors are accepted without the risk-sharing. Again, it makes sense to me if the author is professional and the book is clearly marketable)

My sense is that they will invest in your book if, and ONLY if, you\'re willing to invest in it yourself. However, that\'s only a sense. I\'m interested in conversation with real authors who have published real books with Tate. Tate says they\'re the only publisher operating under this model, so I\'m also interested in knowing of other publishers who make the same claims.

Thanks,
Art M.

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   10-18-05 10:09

Art contact Tate and ask them for my contact information. I'd be glad to talk with you.

Leon Mentzer

Author: Cindy Whitney
Date:   07-12-06 11:29

Would like to know what's happening now - I called Lifeway and they "discontinued" your book - and didn't even know who the vendor was that sold them the book.

Author: Gideon Harris
Date:   09-11-06 15:59

It should be noted that Tate does not disclose in any way on their website that authors will be required to pay a fee of thousands of dollars. Seems like that would be an important bit of information to make people aware of right off the bat. I consider it a little misleading that it isn\'t stated in any section of their website, in any form.

In fact they state \"When you become part of the exclusive Tate Publishing family, here are a few things you can expect:\" and go on to list the many \"benefits\" that supposedly separates them from the rest of the publishing community. They don\'t mention that you should also expect to pay out of pocket, thousands of dollars, with no guarantees whatsoever as to the success of your book.

Real publishers don\'t operate this way. This is unique to small, vanity presses and \"print on demand\" publishers. If you have no where else to turn, it\'s an option I guess... but if you really believe in your book, and you have confidence in your abilities as a writer, that money might be better spent on getting your work in front of literary agents that may be able to actually get your book to a real publisher. One that doesn\'t charge you for the priviledge of publishing your book, or advertising it, etc. A publisher picks up your book if they have confidence that they can sell it, that they can get it in bookstores and make a profit on THEIR investment in you as an author. They don\'t charge you for that opportunity.

Tate apparently has no confidence in their authors, or they\'d be willing to invest in their writers and the work they agree to publish. ATTENTION WRITERS: If you are paying for your book to be published, then you do not need to be paying Tate fees AND 60% of royalties. They are an unnecessary middleman. You can self-publish for less than what they want to charge you, and take 100% of your royalties. If Tate doesn\'t have enough faith to invest in their authors, why should you have faith that they can sell your book and PAY them to do so? That\'s not how it is supposed to work. Sorry.

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   09-20-06 10:42

Hello again.

My first remark is to Cindy Whitney. As to what is happening now, My 1st book is still selling.

As to your research with Lifeway,

Talking to a local Lifeway store doesn’t reflex what is really going on. The person you talked to sounds like a clerk and I wouldn’t expect them to know that each of the 125 Lifeway stores can pick and choose books to continue to sell.

Alas we are all allowed just 15 mins of frame according to Andy Warhol. My book will not always be in demand in any store. The fact that it was, speaks volumes about my success and publisher.

Also the fact that they didn't even know who the vendor was that sold them the book is not logical / correct. All unsold books are returnable for credit. This is standard policy for ALL book stores. An informed Lifeway store person would’ve known that. The corporate office does. That means money back in their account.

Lifeway is still a partner for my book as my southern states tour indicates. I’m scheduled on a major tour of their stores this fall for the Christmas buying season.

My book has sold very well for a first time author. The screen rights have been sold for possible development in to 5 one hour, made for TV specials.

The national average sales for 1st time authors by traditional publishers is 1,000 to 2,500 books sold. Authors that sell in this range are considered a success and are usually offer a second book deal. My book has exceeded that many times over and continues to command new readers.

Thank you letting me set the record straight.

As to Gideon Harris:

The whole world of business doesn’t spell out every detail on their website or on their signs outside their place of business.

FREE Cell phone! 50 % off sale. These business are using limit time and space to get us to come in & talk to them. Listen to their sales pitch and then make an informed decision.
The FREE cell phone is connected to a 4 year contract, and the 50% off is only select items.I don't even list my speaking fess on my web-site, but I do list them in my information letter after e-mail contact.

If you’d requested the information packet, you would’ve gotten eight pages of additional information including the pricing. You would have noticed that it includes free AUDIO BOOK PRODUCTION for all authors. (You need to check out the value of that alone.)

As to your remark about: no guarantees whatsoever as to the success of your book.

At what price or better yet what company will ever give you a guarantee?

As to: ATTENTION WRITERS: If you are paying for your book to be published, then you do not need to be paying Tate fees AND 60% of royalties. They are an unnecessary middleman. You can self-publish for less than what they want to charge you, and take 100% of your royalties. If Tate doesn\'t have enough faith to invest in their authors, why should you have faith that they can sell your book and PAY them to do so? That\'s not how it is supposed to work. Sorry.

Some facts:

You imply that one pays Tate fees and 60% of the royalties. You’re incorrect. The fees schedule is 15% from store sales, 40% from web sales and 60% from your personal sales.

It costs way more to self publish in the long run because of:

1.There is no option to get that money back, with Tate there is.

2.Plus you don’t get an audio book deal.

3.There is no distributorship relation with a distributor. It is the distributor that really does a major job of marketing your book.

4.Major bookstores are not very willing to host even a book signing from self published author, let alone stock their book. Poor delivery and availability history accounts for this, added to the fact that the books are listed non-returnable.

As to:
Tate apparently has no confidence in their authors, or they\'d be willing to invest in their writers and the work they agree to publish.

Please check your facts before you post. Here is two examples you are incorrect.

How about Shane Hammond two time Olympian and the national spokesman for Rachel’s challenge who just received a $20,000.00 signing bonus from Tate.

Not to mention me. I just signed on for my second book now in production and a third book for early summer.

Tate’s confidence in Shane and myself is OK with us.

Author: jordan Yarbrough
Date:   09-23-06 12:46

hi i recently got a contract from tate pub. this is my first contract and im new to the writing world . I would take the contract if i had 4000 laying around. im looking to make writing a living for me, i just dont know what type of publishing company i should choose. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a subsidy publisher and a vanity publisher is? And if anyone could refer me to a good publisher for me. I want to make a little money as well as have my book published for everyone to see.
THANKS!

Author: jordan Yarbrough
Date:   09-23-06 12:51

o ya im only 15

Author: Jeff. and Kim Norris
Date:   11-13-06 16:59

Hello,
We had a book published with Book Surge self publishing. The title of our book is 'Officer Kaboodle Goes to School" This is a children's interactive book. Because I am a child abuse survivor we decided that part of the proceeds will go to help abused children. Our book along with other to follow will have morals and ethics in them for kids.
Now, we were quite happy with having a book published. But, we want our cartoon character Dipsey Kaboodle to go further. So, we prayed and found Tate Publishing. No, they do not mention the author particapation investment on the web page. But, this is what caught and kept our eye when we got the contract -they invest $16,000 of their own money to publish your book. If the book sells 5,000 including books you buy for your personal use they give you the money back. Plus, if your book does well after giving you back your money, you do not have to invest if they accept the next book you submit!! It is all explained in a gold sealed contract. This contract is initialed by you the author,and the CEO Ryan Tate, so it is a legal document. They only publish 4%. We have been chosen as one of the 4% so we feel that our book will do very well. We are now trying to raise the money to do this. It is very hard to have a book published in the main stream. We got rejected time after time. Because of our faith in God, knowing that he wants this to help kids we working towards other books as well, plus a children's clothing line and toys and we even envision a cartoon. Tate has answered all of our questions, plus they offer so much. The list is endless. So, if you have been rejected by them, try a self publising. We think Tate is wonderful. The investment is much lower than starting a business would cost. Another thing that impressed us with Tate is that on one of the pages of the contract it states what they believe - one God 3 person, Christ died on the cross for the sins of man, rose from the dead and will come back. Being Christians this means that they take the time to witness, because that is a page you must initial!!
Look for us on Oprah one day!!
We will post again as soon as we raise the money and get going with Tate!!
In Christ,
Jeff. and Kim Norris
ps- our book can be found on amazon.com
'Officer Kaboodle Goes to School'

Author: Ken Pollin
Date:   03-23-07 11:22

Ryan,

First I want to thank you and your family for being interested in my book. I take great pride in my Children's book and chose a selected few Publishing houses to submit it to. With complete honesty I have to say that I was praying that your company would respond, because I loved what your company stood for and projected through on your website. Sure enough my dream started to become a reality when Janey called me to let me know your Publishing house was interested in offering me a contract. I almost did a back flip with excitement. Then I started to realize - I am getting married in September - I just bought a new house - I started a new job that I love. My last dream of being a published author was right there. Then I realized that I would need to squeeze almost $4,000.00 to have my dream become a reality. I believe to much in myself and my ability to have to pay to be recognized.
I do not expect to get an advance - but this business like most is about risk. It shouldn't matter if your a first time author or not. That's the impression that I got from your website. That your Publishing house based their selections off raw talent and skill. That's why I chose you. Now my dream will cost me $4,000.00 and if I choose not to pay not only does it take a shot at my confidence and make me doubt my ability. But it also takes a jab at my business judgment. I have to say that this overall experience reminded me of a drawn out 3 month Amway sale.

I am also informing you that I am not interested in publishing with Tate. I feel like I am back in a Church I used to go to where they used to give me food because I was so hard up for money and on Sunday when I went to church - I still had to contribute to the basket that was passed around. I will take my chances praying to God that another publishing house will take a risk with me as I do with them.

Keep your eye open for me on the shelves. I will be published and I will be known. Most of all I will make a publisher plenty of money.

Also tell Janey that she complimented me on the wrong book title in my offer letter. My book is called I love to dream - not I can dream

Thank You for your time
God Bless
Ken

Author: L. Lee Parmeter
Date:   04-03-07 12:48

I have been reading the Tate blog with so many negative comments and frankly it surprises me that many have been very critical of Tate.

Facts: In life and the publishing world there are no free lunches. It is a natural thing to try and get something free or pay as little as possible. In the end you get what you pay as many great men have quoted.

If you get a "Free Publisher" most own you and your book from 5-10 years. The editing is free and you get what you pay for. The book cover design is free and again you get what you pay for. The list of what you get goes on and on.

Each new author thinks they have written the very best book in the world and visions of a Pulitzer dancing in their mind. In fact the author is the only that feel that way and they must be proven in the publishing and distribution arena. You are an unknown new kid on the block.

Let's drift back to Tate. You invest $4,000 on a book and for that you get a profesional staff that, with your help, provides with the best solutions to publish an excellent book. Tate owns the right for one year and it is in the contract that you can have all of the "materials" they used to publish the book. Who cares how much they spend as they have a business to run and there are no free lunches, if there were, they wouldn't be any good nayway.

I bet most you didn't know that Rita Tate reads every book published! They do care and their attitude shows.

For me I am very pleased and the $4,000 was a small price to pay for the education I received as well as a very nice book, professionaly done by people who care. My book, The Last Tear Drop, has done well but for those of you that think you are going to get rich as a new writer you have a long way to go. I left my footprint for my children to enjoy and I sincerely appreciate the way my publication was handled.

The last thing is that books don't sell themselves. You have to get out and sell you work and get involved with book signing, TV interviews and don't stop talking about it. Also remember that it takes about a year after you are published for anything major to happen as that is the way the system works.

You don't have to ask, as one morning you will awaken and know your book is a success.

L. Lee Parmeter Biloxi, Ms (what's left or it)

Author: Michael Goodnow
Date:   04-18-07 21:43

I have just submited a manuscript to tate publishing. I wouldnt ask for any other publisher for my out of this world book of revaltions book.
I really want Tate to take it and I can't wait for them to finally give me the call, the call to have them publish it.

Thanks,
MJ Goodnow

Author: Larry Sakin
Date:   04-29-07 19:45

There are several interesting things about these notes on Tate Publishing.

The first thing that occurs to me that many of the people claiming to have Tate contracts in this forum have many spelling and grammatical errors in their messages. That doesn\'t bode well for the quality of work Tate accepts.

Another interesting aspect is each Tate contractor essentially reiterated Ryan Tate\'s response. I may be wrong, but it seems like they may have given \'writing points\' to deflect the negative commentary.

Third, a fifteen-year-old wrote that Tate has sent him a contract. I hope both he and Mr. Tate knows that as a minor, this young man would have no contractual obligation to Tate under the law. Perhaps he just neglected to mention the necessity of his parent\'s involvement with any contract provided by Tate.

Fourth, considering the four percent ratio of accepted manucripts, it\'s a bit odd that so many Tate contracted authors responded here. They either receive many manuscripts, or that four percent number isn\'t a hard and fast rule.

Although Tate resists calling itself a subsidy publisher, it obviously is. As such, it\'s important that potential consumers of Tate\'s services approach the partnerships offered by the company with a great deal of caution.

Best wishes to all of you striving for publishing success.

Author: Dan Smith
Date:   10-11-07 16:01

Greetings Citizens

I notice that the there is not any complaints from authors that have taken the time – and yes, the money – to publish with Tate. This was a major factor in my choice to utilize Tate Publishing.

I have spent a great deal of time on my book and that time is much more important than any monetary investment I might have to make. My book is of such great importance to me, that I plan to spend much more to make sure that it is available to readers all over the planet.

The name of the book is Primal Ancestor; skeptics are encouraged to Google the name. It is categorized as a science fiction and as an Adventure-Odyssey. Of course, you are wondering why this venue is so important to me. The venue is not so important; I just like scifi. I wrote the book for my grandchildren, because they are so important to me.

I am sure this poses many questions to those of you that are so skeptical. You will just have to read the book. It is on the Tate website now and will be released through the major distributors beginning December 2007.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   10-26-07 07:32

A note to Mr. Goodnow--I mean no disrespect, but your post sounds like the start of a sting. It sounds familiar to the beginnings of recent successful stings.

My comment: I'm a soon to be released Tate author. I can say that I have found Tate publishing and staff to be nothing but honorable and sincere in their contact with me. Any concerns or questions I've posed to them have been responded to quickly and forthright.

Being the class company that they are, I've no doubt that how they chose to label themselves under their business model was well researched and approved by legal counsel. What you critics choose to label them is your problem. But one thing I know for certain, THEY ARE NOT A SCAM.

There are those of us who can find the means and choose to enter a partnership with Tate. Guess what--that doesn't make us any less published or inferior to other writers, as some of you critics would like the general populace to believe. Another guess what--some actually read our books and enjoy them. One more guess what, folks--Tate IS in brick and mortar bookstores--and have signings booked for their authors well into 2008--one of which I plan to attend next month to meet a fellow Tate author.

Before you label someone a scam--at least wait until you have proof they have scammed someone.

Author: Frank Adamo
Date:   11-07-07 03:02

Dan Smith wrote"The first thing that occurs to me that many of the people claiming to have Tate contracts in this forum have many spelling and grammatical errors in their messages. That doesn't bode well for the quality of work Tate accepts."

That's what I've seen -- not only here, but in two other writers' forum. I've read many negative comments about Tate Publishing but none of the commenters said that they have used Tate. On the other hand, I've read only good things about Tate from more than a dozen who used their services.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   11-07-07 11:33

In various forums, I've noticed spelling and grammar errors by those published by so-called traditional publishers. And in reading some works, I’ve noticed that errors have slipped through and gone to print. So I don't see how that can factor in, in this discussion. While I believe it's important, especially if we are writers, to be careful to use good spelling and grammar--I believe the acquisitions editors at Tate realize they are dealing with novices, and are probably watching for a good story that will sell, and the editing process takes care of the rest.

I do know they (Tate) read the submissions, because when the acquisitions editor called me, she would not have made the comments she made, if she had not read the manuscript.

Author: Dan Smith
Date:   11-16-07 11:33

Greetings,

Frank Adamo posted: Dan Smith wrote…
Note that was not written by Dan Smith; it was written by Larry Sakin. Frank, although your summation was correct, you attributed it to the wrong author.

For those that would criticize Tate Publishing, there are several reasons for an author to choose Tate and only a few reasons that someone might not want to choose them. If the price is a problem, you should probably reevaluate exactly what you have created and why you are trying to get your work published.

Even though I do not have much money, the price was not so great a factor that I would not utilize Tate. The book I wrote, Primal Ancestor, is already on the Tate website and a few of the major booksellers. I have stated before, just writing the book cost so much of my time, which is much more important to me than money. I poured my soul into writing my book; it became a passion and consumed a large portion of my life. When you create something that is so much a part of you, it becomes precious; it has value that far exceeds what it costs to get it published.

When I had finished writing my book, I spent a great deal more time just researching how I would get it published. Obviously, Tate is making an investment in the works that they do accept. It would be ludicrous to think they would accept a work that would have no chance of success. If any publisher does not accept your work, you should concentrate on improving your work, not maligning the publisher.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   11-18-07 21:44

Yesterday, Saturday the 17th of November 07, I attended a book signing for a fellow Tate author. I found her event dates on the events calendar at the Tate web site. There were, in the few minutes that I was there, 3 books sold.

I Introduced myself and we had dialogue regarding our experiences with Tate. She confirmed that Tate, in fact, did make her book signing dates through their promotions department and that Tate had fulfilled their contract agreements regarding editing, promotion, and catalog distribution to bookstores.

Her next gig, also arranged by Tate, is next Saturday at the Sunrise Shopping Mall in Sacramento, Barnes and Noble. I don’t see how anyone can find fault with this type of report.

Her book is well written, laid out beautifully, and the cover is one of the most impressive that I’ve seen.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   11-19-07 15:21

Any publisher will put together book signings. I published with Authorhouse prior to finding Tate and while they are a scam as well at least they only want $698. They do everything Tate does so just because you book is listed on Barnes and Noble's website do not feel like you are getting your $4,000 worth and that you are something special because Authorhouse as well as any other publisher gets your book listed in over 25,000 places online. I wrote a lifetime bodybuilding system that is the reinvention of the bodybuilding and fitness industry, more powerful than steroids for building muscle mass and the solution to the obesity and steroid epidemics. When Tate thought I was going to hand over $4,000 to them they praised my book as the best thing they ever saw. When they found out that I was called to investigate them on behalf of The Church and had no intention of giving them $4,000 they said my material was a joke that only showed people how to make some protein shakes. That statement came directly from Janey Hays, their precious acquisitions director, less than 24 hours after she said how great my book was. These are jealous and greedy people who are liars and gossipers. I know this because that loud mouth loser Trinity Tate called me after I told them off in an e-mail and man did she ever figure out that was a big mistake. Richard and Ryan Tate has zero guts whatsoever and are the definition of when Jesus talks about "where men become as women." These people will no doubt have many things to answer to Jesus for and will obviously be going to heaven only by the skin of their teeth. Nick

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   11-19-07 21:33

Well, your experience is obviously different than mine, since your goal was to deceive them in the first place. Deceit is not the way of a Christian. I wonder what "church" would call anyone to deceitfully investigate a business. And if they did, obviously you didn't find anything worth "reporting," as they are still in business.
You sound like a very bitter person. I feel sorry for you.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   11-20-07 07:32

do not feel sorry for me, I am worth over 17 million dollars and am one of the greatest and most powerful men of God who has ever lived. Funny how you put words in my mouth and judge my motives, now that is what I call not the way of a Christian. it seems like everyone here who is here to talk about how great Tate is simply sounds like one of their stooges because they offer absolutely no real evidence that you can be successful with Tate or that it is a Godly company which it absolutely is not. The invenstigation acould have gone either way and any company or any person who uses the name of Jesus to promote themselves is subject to investigation for the protection of The Church. The Tates are lying and promoting an image that they are anointed by Chirst and anyone who would give them a nickel is proof that there is one born every minute.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   11-20-07 09:52

Sir,

There has been nothing in Tate's actions or attitude toward me to make me believe they are anything less than Christians. Are you faulting them for their business model? Then say so. Many Christians proudly state their Christianity while conducting business. You can't mixed the two here for spiritual judgment, because they are not running a non-profit business.

Those of us who chose to co-publish with Tate are getting a service for our money and made informed decisions. When we signed the contracts, we were aware that money would change hands for a service.

And for the record, I am making these statements of my own choice. Tate is my publisher and I stand by them.

There are no guarantees that ANY book, published by ANY publisher is going to be a huge success, co-pay or not.

Author: Harry Chamberlin
Date:   11-20-07 13:38

I am considering sending a manuscript to Tate publishing but since I saw what it would cost and the bad mouth they have received, I don't know anymore. But I would like to say this: Before I contacted them I checked with the better business bureau and was told they have only had one complaint and it was resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   11-20-07 17:07

To Harry: DO NOT SIGN WITH THEM! You will be sorry and you will never see that $4,000 again. you would be better off going to a self publisher and spending a few hundred to get it published and then spending 1 or 2 thousand to get it listed in a best sellers list for exposure if you have $4,000 to spend on doing this.

To Ann: What you and most people clearly do not understand and ironically Christian people do not understand is that all money belongs to The Church and only those of us who have Christ's anointing own that money. There is a deal in which if you hand over 10% to someone like me the remaining 90% is yours but that just will not do. You have to hand over an additional 10% minimum to sow seed in order to grow harvest and become what Jesus intended to be. Now of course there is alot more to becoming great then just handing over money but handing over money is where it begins and if you cannot even do that then what exactly can yuo do? In my investigation of the Tates who use the name of Jesus and act like they are so obediant to him I found out that none of the Tate's give that kind of money to any real ministry and will absolutely lie when confronted about the money they claim is given. So you see since all of the money is mine,since what happens when one is anointed by Jesus is that Jesus transfers ownership of the world to his anointed son and every anointed man co-owns the world and everything in it with him, that means I own Tate Publishing and that this and all companies operate on money that belongs to me things are either going to operate my way or not at all. How do you think Ted Turner lost over 7 billion dollars 5 years ago? How do you think virtually everyone on the planet is getting more broke by the day? and those kinds of things are the least of what I am involved with. A world to the wise Ann, do not cross someone anointed with absolute power no matter how much you disagree with them or how non Chirstian you think they sound because 99% to 100% of the time you will be wrong and the last place you want to be is on the wrong side of an anointed man. Nick

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   11-24-07 10:53

I would suggest that one might what to google "Nick frolos" AKA Sam Sparrow (AKA Nick Frolos) and see the charges and complaints he has against him.

It a shame that the posts by him are just a waste of a professionals time.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   11-24-07 12:39

The so called "charges" against me are nothing more than gossip and if you were a real Chirstian you would know to stay away from it. Those people who made those comments have all been "taken care of" if you catch my drift. It is repulsive that you need to align yourself with people who are on their way to hell or are already there as we speak to make an attack against me and it's funny how you haven't shown up here in over a year and your doing so now only provides further evidence that Tate stooges are mostly if not fully responsible for any and all positive remarks. That would make sense since your remarks are in line with the phonies known as the Tate family and would also explain how you know my last name. Rod Parsely anounced a message from Jesus on worldwide television in 2005 that less that 2% of all Christains will be bringing glory back to heaven with them when it is all said and done. You and the Tates are proof positive that the astronomical 98%+ of everyone going back to heaven will have barely made it there and recieve no rewards for eternity and live a nothing 2nd class citizen life for eternity that would cause you to cry for eternity if Jesus did not eventually put and end to the crying is a very real and accurate figure. Nick

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   11-28-07 13:53

Wow, Leon, very interesting. Thanks for that link.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   11-28-07 17:09

What link are you speaking of Ann? There is no link. He told you to do a web search of my name to find gossip, something that is all the craze with weak unGodly Christians these days so big surprise that you find that kind of thing interesting Ann. Grow up, Nick

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   11-29-07 12:00

Leon, sorry. I meant to say thanks for that information for a google search. Really interesting.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   11-30-07 09:58

what is it exactly that you find interesting Ann? The attacks on me made by a loser in Britan who calls himself BA who says that Jesus was an alien? Well everyone take a close look at Ann because she resembles the typical person stupid enough to give money to the Tates and stupid anough to fall for this phony Tate stooge wo calls himself Leon. Tell me "leon" how is it that you not only know my last name but also the original spelling of the undercover name I used when investigating the Tates? Nick

Author: Michael Broadway
Date:   12-02-07 15:03

I have read the postings regarding Tate Publishing in its entirety. What began as a search for information, since I was considering their services, has turned into a need to respond to the most recent comments.

To Ann: You have gained my respect by your controlled and non-combative responses to Sam Sparrow.

To Sam Sparrow, aka, Nick Frolos: I take offense with you calling Ann "stupid." Even if you have $17 million dollars, as you claim, it doesn't give you the right to speak of others in that way. I'm ashamed of you. You owe her an apology.

Author: Michael Broadway
Date:   12-02-07 15:06

I have read the postings regarding Tate Publishing in its entirety. What began as a search for information, since I was considering their services, has turned into a need to respond to the most recent comments.

To Ann: You have gained my respect by your controlled and non-combative responses to Sam Sparrow.

To Sam Sparrow, aka, Nick Frolos: I take offense with you calling Ann "stupid." Even if you have $17 million dollars, as you claim, it doesn't give you the right to speak of others in that way. I'm ashamed of you. You owe her an apology.

Author: Michael Broadway
Date:   12-02-07 15:07

I have read the postings regarding Tate Publishing in its entirety. What began as a search for information, since I was considering their services, has turned into a need to respond to the most recent comments.

To Ann: You have gained my respect by your controlled and non-combative responses to Sam Sparrow.

To Sam Sparrow, aka, Nick Frolos: I take offense with you calling Ann "stupid." Even if you have $17 million dollars, as you claim, it doesn't give you the right to speak of others in that way. I'm ashamed of you. You owe her an apology.

Author: Michael Broadway
Date:   12-02-07 15:11

I have read the postings regarding Tate Publishing in its entirety. What began as a search for information, since I was considering their services, has turned into a need to respond to the most recent comments.

To Ann: You have gained my respect by your controlled and non-combative responses to Sam Sparrow.

To Sam Sparrow, aka, Nick Frolos: I take offense with you calling Ann "stupid." Even if you have $17 million dollars, as you claim, it doesn't give you the right to speak of others in that way. I'm ashamed of you. You owe her an apology.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   12-03-07 08:43

what exactly am I supposed to be apologizing for? There is a 90% chance Ann is not even real to begin with and if she is then what do you call someone who would hand over $4,000 to phonies like the Tates and disobey Jesus by not giving 20% minimum of any and all income to the right ministries and would call great men of God con artists just because they ask for that very money? I call that person stupid, Jesus himself knows that over 98% of all going back to heaven are stupid and being called stupid is going to be the least of those people's problems in eternity. They will be given twigs and branhes etc. to represent the reward they squandered on sin and then ordered to burn them. They will be 2nd class citizens for eternity all because they could not, say, control their mouth towards an anointed leader of The Church. Very stupid is you ask me. Nick

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   12-03-07 12:36

Michael,

Thanks for your kind remarks. We all have our reasons for why we do things. I believe we should respect those who choose to do things different than what we personally would. I am in my last phase of editing and expect to be released soon. I do not have an exact date yet.

My personal experience with Tate has been a very positive one. I'm impressed with their integrity and the kindness that they and staff exhibit toward their authors.

Since we are a country that still practices "free enterprise" I admire Tate's business model as publishers and feel blessed because of time, that I have the means to co-publish with them.

I realize that there are some out there who are considered scams or dishonest. But from my knowledge and experience, Tate most certainly is not among them. They have not done or said anything that would make me think otherwise.

The authors that I have personally connected with, feel the same as I do.

Thanks again, Michael--and the very best to you.

Author: April Hollingsworth
Date:   12-06-07 12:04

I have recently been offered a contract with Tate. I was upset at the fact that their website didn't contain evidence of the author investment. Then, my acquisitions rep told me where it was. It is there at the bottom of the Publishing Services page "for more information on....writer investment...."

Also, of all the research I have done on them it seems that those who have used Tate are happy with them. There have been a few who weren't happy or unhappy. I have not found one person who is UNHAPPY with their experience with Tate. The negative comments are only coming from people who haven't tried them.

I still haven't made up my mind yet. But I seem to be leaning towards signing with them. We all must understand that there are no guarantees in publishing any book...either with Tate or Random House.

As to the post about grammatical errors....I don't know about everyone else, but there are times when I don't concentrate on grammatical correctness. When I'm typing an email to a friend or shooting the breeze on a forum, who cares if there's a misspelled word or two. GET OVER IT!

Author: April Hollingsworth
Date:   12-06-07 12:04

I have recently been offered a contract with Tate. I was upset at the fact that their website didn\'t contain evidence of the author investment. Then, my acquisitions rep told me where it was. It is there at the bottom of the Publishing Services page \"for more information on....writer investment....\"

Also, of all the research I have done on them it seems that those who have used Tate are happy with them. There have been a few who weren\'t happy or unhappy. I have not found one person who is UNHAPPY with their experience with Tate. The negative comments are only coming from people who haven\'t tried them.

I still haven\'t made up my mind yet. But I seem to be leaning towards signing with them. We all must understand that there are no guarantees in publishing any book...either with Tate or Random House.

As to the post about grammatical errors....I don\'t know about everyone else, but there are times when I don\'t concentrate on grammatical correctness. When I\'m typing an email to a friend or shooting the breeze on a forum, who cares if there\'s a misspelled word or two. GET OVER IT!

Author: April Hollingsworth
Date:   12-06-07 14:21

Hey sam,

since when do Christians "boast" about how anointed they are?

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   12-06-07 14:57

That would be when they are those who actually are anointed sons and not when they are pretneding to be to try and draw money out of people's pokcets like the Tates. Let me ask you something and anyone who think the Tates are on the up and up can answer this if they lie. How much money has a real anointed ministry like Dr. Creflo Dollar, Dr. Fredrick K.C. Price, Mike Mudock etc. seen from you lately? Nick

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   12-06-07 15:00

I meant to say like not lie but what a fitting slip that was. Nick

Author: April Hollingsworth
Date:   12-07-07 14:01

After a week of deliberating I have decided not to go with Tate Publishing. I prayed and prayed and prayed, researched, and researched more. I rarely feel that I get a direct answer from God, but this time I know I did. I requested a sample from Tate as well as one from Book Bindery. I realized that Tate uses digital printing. This is very obvious on a full color children's book. Anyway...here's my letter to them.

I thank you for taking the time to read my manuscript. I also thank you for the time you took to answer all of my questions. When I send my manuscript in I did not realize you would want a $4,000 author investment. I also did not realize that your books are printed digitally. I received a sample book from you guys at the same time I received a sample book from Art Book Bindery. I understand that Art Book Bindery will not help me market, list or distribute my books. However, since I am able to purchase 100 books at 6.82 each or 1,000 for 3.62 each and have them printed on an offset printer, I may take the route of self-publishing. I have only been rejected once by a traditional publisher. Therefore I am still going to submit my manuscripts to those types of publishers.

I must say I still can't get over the fact that you call yourselves "traditional" publishers. Traditional publishers do not ask authors to invest nor do they print digitally. I was in the printing industry as a graphic designer briefly and I can tell a difference in offset printing and digital printing.

I did not originally write this book to make money. After having somewhat "completed" it I decided that I would like to make it available to people and possibly published. That being said, I am not at the point where I can invest that kind of money in it. I may make it available locally by self-publishing and visiting schools and independently owned shops. If I end up getting a book offer from a publisher, then awesome. If not, I have not lost.

Thanks for your time.

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   12-07-07 14:50

way to go April! Tell those crooks that you are not going to fall for their lies! Nick

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   12-07-07 21:54

Dear April, your statement:

“I must say I still can't get over the fact that you call yourselves "traditional" publishers. Traditional publishers do not ask authors to invest nor do they print digitally.”

Tate publishing is a publisher that offers several ways to get published. One is an author investment and another is traditional. Tate does pay advances, large advances to those authors that have “star power” such as Shane Hammond two time Olympian and the national spokesman for Rachel’s challenge who received a $20,000.00 signing bonus from Tate.

But then there’re the first time authors with nothing to guarantee that a publisher’s investment in our book will be a success.

As to publishers who print digitally, as a card carrying pressman who worked many years for World Color Press, right out of college. I remember the “letter presses”. Everything that was printed was done on a letterpress, then came the offset press, better faster and still had quality. Now we’re into digital printing, far superior to offset.

I encourage you to ask the top six publishers how they print and you’d be surprised to learn how many print digital. Digital is the new way books are being printed and stored so that they never go out of print. The big boys are counting on it because with a push of a button your book can be an “E” book. A new source of income for them.


As to your statement:

“I understand that Art Book Bindery will not help me market, list or distribute my books.”

Marketing, listing and distributing is 90% of being published. Without this your book is severely limited. With listing your book is on ALL the data bases. With distribution your book is assured notice to get into a book store because it is a returnable title. NO book store will ever order a book that can’t be returned for credit or guarantee that it will be shipped if ordered for their customers. Without marketing there is no one there to show your book and bring it to the attention of a store buyer. You’re one of over 20,000 titles printed each month, you need help getting noticed.

One of the pit falls of a new book is getting label as a self-published. So many self-published authors just can’t complete with the publishers that have a relationship with a first rate distributor such as Spring Arbor.


I’m one who has paid the author’s investment and I have received my investment back and I never had to purchase my books and be the only one selling them. To purchase $3,620 worth of book and still have to work to sell them is not good for the bottom line.

What is the different if you purchase 1,000 books and self-publish or you make an author investment.

The different is almost moot. Except with one you have marketing, listing and distribution. An author’s time is very valuable. I would rather have no inventory of books and let my publisher and their distributors sell my books.

There is nothing wrong with self-publishing. There’s just a different
outcome.

Blessings to you as you research what is the best route to take.

Leon Mentzer

Author: April Hollingsworth
Date:   12-08-07 07:52

I do understand that digital printing is on the rise. I would hope for Tate's benefit that they get a better printer than the one they used to print the book they sent me. It was a children's book with full color covers. I could see the streaks in large areas of one color. That's the straw that broke the camels back. It's not that I'm against digital....just crappy digital.

I did find out that Art Book Bindery prints their short runs on a digital press. However, it gives the look of printing with plates (rosetta pattern). You'd be amazed at the difference.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   12-09-07 21:16

I was sent a sample of my cover for approval. It's beautiful. I opted for the glossy cover. You can see it on my web site in progress at www.annwinters.net

Author: Carol Henley
Date:   12-13-07 13:01

I find it interesting that those who complain about Tate have not published with them and many are not published authors at all. My experience with them, as a published author, has been nothing short of awesome. Perhaps those people should spend more time actually writing than whining. As for the cost, it's a lot, but it's less than many other publishers.

Author: Carol Henley
Date:   12-13-07 13:05

Oh and one more thing, before the whiners get their panties in a wad.... Carol Henley is a penn name. I'm not foolish enough to list my actual name so they can contact me.

Author: Elizabeth Massie
Date:   01-03-08 16:10

I have never published with Tate, but I've bought and read one of their books. An author was having a signing in a nearby town so I stopped by and picked up a copy of the book.

I was dismayed to find what poor writing was to be found between the covers. The characters were one-dimensional and wooden, the dialogue unrealistic, the pacing rushed at times and painfully slow at others. On one single page, the POV jumped five times! The book looked nice, but packaging doesn't cut the mustard when people shell out cash for a good read. In addition, there were several typos on the back cover.

This isn't a case of me just not caring for a particular genre or a particular style of writing. This is coming from someone who has published with some of the best - Simon & Schuster, Berkley (Penguin), Harper, and more. This is just bad writing. That the company would market this only shows me they wanted the $4,000 that it would bring.

Author: TATE PUBLISHING
Date:   01-04-08 10:12

Ms. Massie,



My name is Curtis Winkle I am the executive editor here at Tate Publishing. We keep an eye on these boards because we realize their importance and as we all know it serves no one to have misinformation tossed about. With regards to your book review, I appreciate your opinion and I’d be very interested to know the title of that book. Feel free to email me at curtis@tatepublishing.com. We pride ourselves on the quality editing we provide. While a book is in the editing stage of production, we address both the grammatical/technical issues, such as punctuation and sentence structure, and the broader conceptual issues, such as plot development, story arc, and character depth. Yes, it is true that some first-time authors have a fair amount of polishing to do to develop a clean, engaging story, but our talented staff works hand in hand with them to achieve that end.



Best Regards, Curtis Winkle

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   01-04-08 19:51

OOH! I get nervous when a reviewer, critic, reader or another author etc., reads a book and then states an opinion about the author’s skills as a writer. Who is to say what writing style is correct. Let alone place blame on the publisher. I write books, people buy my books, but a perfect writer that makes me not. Opps! Bad English.

I love the fact that my editor(s) make suggestions but I don’t want them to ghost write for me. My style has nothing to do with my choice of publishers. Not everyone likes my themes, but that doesn’t make me a bad writer. If that were the case I know several bad writers who are very very rich.

As to mistakes, I remember the bet of one author /speaker who offered $100 for anyone to go with him to the local library and pick out any book and if he can’t find a mistake, a typo etc. they got the $100. So far he still has the $100 and I got his point.

Personally the thought of people shelling out cash for a good read is amusing since there is no guarantee you’ll like the book, unless you know the author’s other works. Then again it might be a disappointment too. Who knows? Buying a first time author is always a mystery. A wonderful mystery. They have to start some where.
A lot of my author friends admit ( including me) that they have thought of re-editing their book(s) years after they were published. An author is never fully satisfied with their writing.

I have hundreds of love letters from my Grandmother to my Grandfather. Reading them is so personal considering that my Grandmother wasn’t schooled. So if her letters were placed into a book would it be correct to edit the letters? Or would we just enjoy the style of writing that this woman gave us and call it historic not bad?

Good or bad writing is just an opinion. If you give your book to eight editors, you’ll get nine re-writes and ten opinions.

Author: Nate Owens
Date:   01-07-08 14:50

Ok.

Well, I had never heard of Tate publishing until yesterday when an author approached me to illustrate (been doing it for over 30 years) a book that he hoped to get published at Tate.

I turned him down because of prior commitments and past experience with wanna-be writers who had no current publisher but expounded on the wonders of shared royalties.

I have freelanced illustration for Harvest House, Zondervan, Focus on the Family and some others... it is a tough field and getting tougher - nowadays you cant even talk to anyone unless you have an agent. (I dont).

Since art is custom made and not a commodity that can be repossed and resold, any artist approaching such a deal without substantial advances is probably at risk.

Even though this is my first entry on these forums, I would have to say that I wonder what a non-Christian passerby would think of Christians based on the mud flying around here.

I wont expound on my background too much as it is nothing to be compared with other people. I will say that I have been on staff with a couple of national Christian organizations as an artist and art director (Jews For Jesus being one - and no, I am not Jewish).

Y-all lighten up and be aware of who may be reading your mail (postings). Some may be angels unawares. (Not me for sure).

Anyone can call themselves an artist, I just do what I can the best that I can, if youre interested in seeing some of the work drop in for a visit... just paste this in your browser = http://www.nateowens.com

I guess Im an author too, as I have written tracts and captions and headlines for some of the things I did art for... maybe doing art is authoring in some fashion... you think? If you search Nate Owens at google, or amazon or some others you may find a few of the books I did work on. They used to be there, I havent looked lately. Like someone said, What have you done today?

This thing says I didnt put in an email address, but I did
here it is = nate@nateowens.com - what else do they want?

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   01-07-08 17:10

Thanks for your comments, Nate. And if you know the Word, you know what it says. By their fruits, we shall know them. Unfortunately, most non-Christians do not have the option of that “rule of thumb.” Yes, we should choose our words carefully when claming the name Christian. I believe that most of those affiliated with Tate who have posted on this thread, have indeed conducted themselves well.

Author: Steve Norwood
Date:   01-12-08 20:38

Mr Tate should have hired an editor. His message above is full of errors! (Example of quality?)

Author: johanna jones
Date:   02-15-08 15:03

My book, Battleground University, will be released in April with Tate Publishers.

It's very difficult for a first-time author to get a book published. I was grateful for the opportunity to partner with Tate. I might have been able to find a conventional publisher, but honestly, I didn't have the time to search, and I thought the agreement was fair. If that changes, I'll post and let you know, but so far everyone has been an absolute pleasure to work with. (Yes, I ended the sentence with a preposition. That is considered to be acceptable now by a majority of grammarians. :-)




RE: Errors in posts: I have been teaching writing at the university level for 17 years. One major point that we address with students is "purpose and audience." On message boards, editing is not high priority, and should not be a measure of the quality or correctness of other types of writing by the same author. The purpose of these messages is to quickly dash off a comment, not to impress with writing skills.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   02-16-08 17:36

Hello, fellow Tate author Johanna--

Congratulations! I wish you every success.

I believe my release date may be right behind yours. Im waiting to hear of exact date.

Author: Tommy Bird
Date:   02-24-08 06:33

Although these messages are well over a year old, Tate Publishing has raised its ugly head again - sort of like a jackal seeking new prey.

My thoughts are the following: 1. Tate is a scam, only that and nothing more. They make PA look like a bunch of saints in comparison. 2. I carefully read the series of "messages" from those who found Tate to be on the side of the angels. I wondered if all those testimonies cale from one computer or two?

3. There is a term called "churning" that describes the controversial messages pro and con Tate. The term churning originated, so I have been told, to describe investment agents who buy and sell stocks repeatedly in order to "churn" the percentage they get for each transaction.

Pro wrestling uses the same tactics in its dumb drama where one loudmouth shouts "I'm the greatest! etc etc." Then another shouts something nasty in reply." Tate supporters and a lone loudmouth (Sam) who was patently the prototype of the phony Christian loud mouth fit this description.

4. By their own admission the "investment" (donation) caveat was hidden at the end where it would not be read easily. Common thief's practice.

So all in all I would like to warn anyone who even considered for a moment this was a legitimate, "traditional publisher," IT IS NOT!

If anyone wishes to prosecute me, come ahead. Tate is so obviously dishonest I shall represent myself pro se and win wit the necessity of very little research into libel laws.

As a writer with few credits to his name, I am still striving to grab the gold ring. For that reason and others I hate vultures like Tate who prey on the innocent and unwary.

All in the name of Jesus, too.

Tommy Bird (NOT a made up name)

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   02-24-08 21:52

Mr. Bird--you have your rights to speak.

What is your experience with Tate that you are so hate-filled? What have they ever done to you personally?

Again, my experience has been a very positive one. Your animosity toward someone who you have not dealt with personally puzzles me. PA? www.annwinters.net

Peace.

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   02-25-08 09:21

How interesting it is that Mr. Bird would wonder about whether or not the posts (cale) came from one computer or two? A little research and he’d have seen that they all have their own computers, and their own books. All very traceable.

Mr. Bird’s analogy of “churning” and Tate isn’t very clear. As there is no repeat selling of anything.

As to “Common thief's practice” Where are these rules? If anyone reviewed contractual writing practices over the years, one could conclude that all the “advertising” comes first before they mention the price.

Yes, I think the facts point to perhaps they turned Mr. Bird down for what ever reason(s), maybe because of his manuscript theme.

One final thought I don’t think the positive posts were from innocent and unwary. They were from authors who are now published authors.

Author: Markus Adams
Date:   03-04-08 09:13

I think that where a lot of confusion comes in is the difference between a "traditional" and a "vanity" publisher. To my understanding (and that of some of the watch dog agencies that monitor fraudulent activities by publishers and agents) a traditional publisher does not charge an author anything if the authors manuscript is selected to be printed as a book. They purchase the manuscript and pay a royalty. A vanity press or publisher (usually a small operation) will charge to offset the costs of turning a manuscript into a book. In all fairness to Tate Publishing, it is very costly to print a single book only to hope that it does well so that a profit is made. If a risk is taken too many times that does not pan out a profit a publisher can go under. So, I can understand why they charge a fee. On the other side of the coin, why won't the simply advertise that they are really a vanity press? It would really cut down on all of the negative press that they receive from those who feel that they have been misled.

Markus,

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   03-05-08 14:20

Tate considers all options when reviewing a manuscript for the merits of its content, marketability, and potential. And it is on record that they have in some cases, chosen the advance option. I venture to say, from some of the posts here that Tate does reject some manuscripts. Since they deal with a good number of new authors, it makes sense that they are highly selective.

I find nothing wrong with how Tate handles their publishing business. It’s entirely up to the authors after hearing their contract options, what avenue they choose to take or not take with Tate. To infer that one is less of an author, less published or being duped is an insult to those of us who have considered our options and have “selected” Tate as our publisher.

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   03-05-08 16:58

Here is why Tate won't advertise that they are a vanity press. They don’t fit the criteria.

Because they:

1. Don’t accept all manuscripts. Vanity publishing is what it implies, pure vanity. Most of these vanity books are not edited and have a crude, unpolished writing style. There are many authors who use this type of publishing, just to get their book in their hands. Nothing wrong with that. But the standards are defiantly lower to get published.

Tate won’t publish manuscripts that are not edited to their standards.

2. Tate offers advances to those authors that have “Star” power. Such Shane Hammond two times Olympian and the national spokesman for Rachel’s challenge who received a $20,000.00 signing bonus from Tate.

There is a lot of confusion when talking about "traditional" and a “vanity” publishing. Tate Publishing offers different contracts. It all depends on what the author has to offer. You mentioned that a traditional publisher “They purchase the manuscript and pay a royalty”.

I believe that if they purchase the manuscript that it is theirs to do what ever and there isn’t any royalties. Of course it’s all in the negotiating.

As to “the watch dog agencies that monitor fraudulent activities by publishers and agents”, watch dog is a good description. The dogs bark about everything but when you ask them to produce facts, they can’t or won’t compile. All bark no bite. They only good one is the one who backs up there claims with facts.

Finally to say one has been misled because they don’t like the offer is a bit dramatic. If that were the case we’d be mad at everyone who tried to sell us something at a price we didn't like. Authors MUST research before they commit. There are many other avenues to being published and they ALL want something.

Author: Richard Harvey
Date:   04-27-08 22:07

I have been considering Tate and monitoring these posts for some time. While this would be my first Christian book, I have authored and reviewed academic articles and books. Thus, I believe that I can read some of this with some measure of complexity. I do believe that many of the negative comments seem to be a bit unfair and polarized. However, whether or not Tate is a better alternative to say something like Xulon (who offer a \"gold\" package that presumably comes with some distribution services, is still unclear. I guess what I would like to hear or rather \"who\" I would like to hear from are some people who have prior publishing experiences. I would like to hear them compare and contrast the Tate offer with others out there. While many of the first time authors on here appear to have had \"good\" experiences. It is also likely that they simply have no other experiences by which to compare. You can\'t have disappointments without expectations. Thank you.

Author: Barbara Smitherman
Date:   05-14-08 16:59

I have been reading all the posting on this page. Mostly because I have received a contract from Tate to publish my book. I was well aware before I was ever contacted about the author investment. I was notified of this after writing a query letter to them. They graciously sent me an email thanking me for the query and explained their policy regarding the author investment. there was no surprise element to this information. the surprise came when after I had almost forgotten that I had sent them a portion of my manuscript almost three months prior that I
received a call from them.
Yes four thousand dollars is a large amount of money but we pay for anything else we want badly enough.
I paid to go to seminary to learn how to minister, I paid to go to nursing school to be a nurse. I paid to attend workshops and seminars related to my profession and some just out of interest. so if I really care about my book why would I not pay to help get it published?
It seems when we BECOME Christians we get an attitude that the world owes us something. We are suppose to do a little something and get alot in return (not to say writing is a little something). it all depends I believe, on what a person wants in life. You get what you pay for.
Waiting for a large well known Publisher to come in and pay me a large royality advance for a manuscript that I have written may never happen. I believe that God inspired my book and if He ordered it He will pay for it.
I have not yet signed the contract I am still praying about it and seeking guidance from the ultimate source.
Thank you.

Author: Kyle Barger
Date:   06-19-08 14:05

Prior to signing with an agent, I had looked at Tate. Years later, their name turned up again on my radar. I saw that a local Orlando lawyer named Paul Moses had published his book Opposites Schmoposites through Tate, and had to chuckle to myself.

I was quite surprised to see that a company billing itself as "God Fearing" would take on an author who was sentenced by the Florida Bar to 90 days in jail for contempt of court for "willfully refusing...to timely pay a child support obligation." So as to provide substantiation for my statements, feel free to check the Florida Bar website for the details. www.floridabar.org. Click on "Find a Lawyer" on the Top of the Page and then type in the name Paul Moses in Orlando. The results will allow you to click on his name, and then view his 10 year disciplinary history (Click the word "yes"). The jail sentence was ordered on April 28, 2005. The case number is DR02-3720.

Oh, it's worth noting that the book, published by Tate by Paul Moses is about Healthy Relationships.

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   06-25-08 09:10

Hm-m-m, this is interesting. Since when are Publishers required to do background checks? If that were the case then I’m in trouble. I got a rolling thru a stop sign ticket when I was 18; two D’s in High school AND skipped several classes in college to go to Wood stock. Alas there is forgiveness in all of us.

How would a publisher pick and choose what is acceptable? 90 days in the hoosegow or DUI. Murder or Divorce.

The phrase “God fearing” doesn’t mean “Thou shall Not Publish Bad Boys”.

A background check of an author doesn’t really factor into his writing abilities. Unless he was writing about his 90 day sentence, murder or divorce.

Bottom line is this: An author needs to do research, investigate and do a background check on agents, agencies and publishers. Not the other way around. No body would get published.

By the way Paul wasn’t the only author on that book……he was a co-author………but I didn’t do a background check on (Emily )her because it’s a waste of my time in looking for a publisher…..Writers don’t go off on bunny trails. Stick to the relevant facts of your research.

Author: Deano Carroll
Date:   07-10-08 10:22

Hi, I received a contract from Tate Publishing today...and have read most of the entries in this forum.

I would think that the fact that Tate has several hundred titles available at Borders Books alone should put to bed the \"Scam\" charge.

How much help they actually will be with stuff like editing my book remains to be seen...but the marketing piece appears to be in place.

I would think that a \"scam\" would be defined as \"promising a service, taking your money and not providing that service.\" (for example, my driveway).

Tate does not appear to fit that definition.

I would, however, like to hear from some writers that have had manuscripts rejected by self-publishers...one of my buds had a biography of his father self-published with the subtitle \"Diary of a white, anglo-saxon male\" emblazoned on the cover! A serious publisher would have edited that out on day one. The sad thing is, it really is a good book.

Thanks

Dean in Cincinnati

Author: joyce myers
Date:   07-27-08 12:16

they need to spend more time on getting there authors on the radio instead of in book signings. i should have went somewhere else and highly recommend you do. it's not worth the $4000 you pay run run run.....

Author: Leon. Mentzer
Date:   07-30-08 09:54

Hello Joyce.

Are you a Tate author? I looked but your name never came up. Are you writing under an AKA?

What didn’t you get from Tate Publishing and who have you expressed your concerns with there?

Tell me more about why Radio shows are better then book signings….. I’m always looking for a better way to market my books.
Personally I have found that there is no one thing that helps totally. It’s a combination of several.

Leon Mentzer

Author: V Helena
Date:   08-10-08 00:26

Peace & Blessings to all!

I am very grateful to this forum as I think it important to glean upon the experiences of others--specifically as it relates to writing and the business thereof--and so my thanks to all who have contributed.

I am a published author--not with Tate--however, I was considering Tate as a viable option for my next book. I too missed the "investment" piece, however, I don't have a problem with making that contribution. What has happened, however, is I am completely turned off by the possibility of submitting my manuscript to them as a result of the bickering I have read on this site.

It seems as though those who have been blessed with the opportunity to be published by Tate and are reaping the rewards thereof, have turned a positive blessing into an adversarial posture. Your success is not so much due to Tate as much as it is due to the Father who makes all things possible. Your insistence to "even the score" or ensure Tate's name is held to a high esteem, only raises suspicion--at least it did for me. What do you stand to gain from this? Why are you so vigilant in your responses and sway of support?

I am a firm believer that the Father is guiding my steps in the writing ministry that He has purposed in my heart. If it is His will that Tate will prosper, that will be the case--no matter what you or I have to say about it. The Father will either bless it or not. It will either prosper or die on the vine.

Perhaps the Father lead me to this site in order for me to read these postings, and place a negative cast in my spirit to stay away. Perhaps that's because He has something brighter and better for me. In any event, I pray sincere blessings to all in your writing journey.

V Helena
(author of His Love Is Freedom, and Having It All)
www.vhelena.com

Author: Janet Scott
Date:   08-12-08 15:35

Hello everyone, I am in the process of having my first book published through Tate. When receiving the contract, I held it for several hours before opening it up. That alone was a wonderful feeling, a feeling of the gift given to me by God. Boy, I can go on and on about me but I am writing this just to say I happy with them. They have not hurt me and even if they did, I would pray for them. My heart is big and I trust everyone, thats what we are to do. Smile and may peace be with you.

Author: Tom Lovett
Date:   08-22-08 21:44

G\'day everybody. Being a prospective partner of Tate\'s, and having received advice to \"do more research\" I came upon this forum and have read every entry. I am unsure what to make of it all. I only know that I am delighted with the comments of some authors and saddened by the comments of others. However, from my long experience in consulting and business and wrting, I do know that the ones who shout the loudest are the ones who have the least to say. An empty vessel, as they say, makes the most noise. The happy authors have the most meaningful content to back up their support of Tate and very little \"noise\" as far as I can tell. Their critics have done Tate Publishing a good service as far as I am concerned, I think. If you have something you would like to share you can visit me at www.blufm.org.au/bushmusic.org or send email to aussietom@pnc.com.au.

Author: Tom Lovett
Date:   08-22-08 21:48

G\'day everybody. Being a prospective partner of Tate\'s, and having received advice to \"do more research\" I came upon this forum and have read every entry. I am unsure what to make of it all. I only know that I am delighted with the comments of some authors and saddened by the comments of others. However, from my long experience in consulting and business and wrting, I do know that the ones who shout the loudest are the ones who have the least to say. An empty vessel, as they say, makes the most noise. The happy authors have the most meaningful content to back up their support of Tate and very little \"noise\" as far as I can tell. Their critics have done Tate Publishing a good service as far as I am concerned, I think. If you have something you would like to share you can visit me at www.blufm.org.au/bushmusic.htm or send email to aussietom@pnc.com.au.

Author: Howard Brown
Date:   09-10-08 18:14

PORT ST. LUCIE

Author releases

inspirational book

"Come to Me," by Port St. Lucie author Francis Smith Jr., is a wellspring of poems, prayers and meditations releasing nationwide.

Published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, the book endeavors to help readers praise God through victory and defeat and anguish and joy and encourages them to trust God at all times.

The book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com, target.com or directly from the publisher at orders@tatepublishing.com. An audio version of the book also is available from the publisher.


This will take place at the Morningside Library in Port St. Lucie, FL. If I get to it, I will ask the author about his Tate experience. Check the Port St. Lucie Library page for the date and time. I will try to get back with that.

Author: Howard Brown
Date:   09-10-08 18:17

I misunderstood, and the above is an announcement of publication, not of an author appearing at the library.

Author: Aurora Zen
Date:   09-30-08 17:07

Hi,

I have read every single post.

And, honestly..

I don't think humanity has a chance, really

I would just aask a favor, could you stop using Christ name in vane

Thanks, love

Aurora

Author: Aurora Zen
Date:   10-01-08 11:10

Hello,
I have to explain something.
This is not because I want to,
It is because I have to

As long as Humanity does not accept correction,
there is no hope for it.

This correction of language, emphasis, actions..
has to come from with in, from listening,

As long as everybody in this post does not understand,
or listen to that which is obvious,
and do not apply this principles in their life...

there is NO HOPE FOR HUMANITY.

Once again, because I love I would ask
could you NOT use Christ name to excuse your actions,
and look at yourself in the mirror, as I am doing now
and know that I would NEVER use
LOVE in this manner.

Is there hope for humanity?...well, it depends
on you and me

Could you respect Christ just a little, before you use his name as a shield for your anger, point of view etc.

Aurora Zen

Author: Sam Sporrow
Date:   10-01-08 11:52

What on Earth are you talking about and who are you talking to? We are simply pointing out and exposing these people the Tates for the wrongs they are committing one of which happens to be using Jesus to pilfer money from people and fill their pockets with it. If that is not a cause for anger then I do not know what is. Nick

Author: Shari England
Date:   10-18-08 10:13

Sam Sporrow - I have to say, your comment earlier about the "powerful man of God" you are simply because of the $$ you make, certainly calls your faith or at least the motives of your faith into question. While I do believe that God calls us, even requires us to use godly wisdom in all things, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, I don't think that you can claim to be been called by God as His personal "attack dog", yea, wealthy attack dog, on this issue. I sense zero grace in the tone of your messages, therefore....zero validity.

Author: Brian Robinson
Date:   12-04-08 19:56

Recently received an offer from Tate. The following is our exchange.

It was my pleasure to expedite your review. We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to issue you a formal offer for your book. The entire staff here at Tate Publishing is truly blessed to have the possibility of joining with you to see this project succeed. We are quite impressed with your work. We would love to partner with you to give your book some fantastic marketing opportunities that are normally not available to unknown authors!

It is not normal procedure for me to email contracts, but due to the upcoming holidays I wanted you to have the opportunity to review the contract as soon as possible. Our offices will be closing on December 23rd and we would like to hear back from you by the 20th in order to notify our production manager for early 2009 schedule.

I wrote back:Dear Mr. Tate,
I am sorry to tell you that I have accepted a contract from Publish America for my book. I very much appreciate your offer. I am working on another volume at the present, and would be open to working with you.
Congratulations on your success with Amazon.

He wrote:
Oh my...sorry to hear that. We would probably have given a large advance.
Dr. Tate

I wrote:Dr. Tate,

Send me a check and you'll own my next book!!!

He wrote:
Once an author goes with self-publishing for one dollar the industry and our buyers do not find acceptance of an author who has gone that route.

Author: DeWayne Bricker
Date:   12-05-08 22:59

My name is DeWayne and I recently received a very nice phone call from Trinity Tate and and email saying that she had read my book and liked it very much. She did list the fact that they were sending me via the US Postal service a formal letter describing the contract offer. She also listed the various ways that the company offered contracts and the possibility of $3,095.50 upfront cost to me if this type of contract was offered. I feel at present that Tate has been very honest with how they do business. I am a big boy and am quite aware that there is a dog eat dog world out there and I have no dilusions that I am going to step right in to the top of the publishing world without earning the right as do all great writers. Writing is easy but the business of writing is a different matter. I encourage all writers to research any publisher to the nth degree before signing anything. Keep writing and keep trying. Oh, one more thing; if you write to glorify God then He will guide you to the right publisher.

DeWayne Bricker

Author: Mary Ellen Johnson
Date:   01-07-09 12:24

My experience with publishers has been very good. I paid Gateway Press to print 4 books in hardcover and I paid a local printer to do one in paper cover. My last book was published by Heritage Press. I did not have to pay them but I only receive $1.00 per book in roayalities. These books are very specialized and do not have a wide reading audience. I have no problem paying for services when the end product is acceptable. I checked out the Tate Publishing site and even looked up the location on the map. I would definitely consider them if I had $4,000 but my husband has End Stage Renal Disease and medical bills take all our money. So I just keep writing for the grandchildren and print my stories on my computer. I'll never get rich doing this but I have the joy of writing and seeing my family enjoy what I've written.
Mary Ellen Johnson

Author: L.G. Bavaro
Date:   01-13-09 12:32

Thank you Leon for the imput, I am also an "In the works with Tate" author. I love these people, I have ran them to death, pushed the release, I call them almost daily. I could not be happier with my experience. It was well worth the 4,000. I had an agent before I went with Tate, CLA thats all I will say about that, but they started to dollar me to death before they even hooked me up with a publisher, money for their critics and editors, wanted me to pay some Indian company for illustrations that I wasn't sure the publisher would even approve, 2,000+ for a web site that they design. after I made my own and sent it to them, that was pretty much it. They knew they wern't getting my money,Then they didn't return calls or answer any questions, especially before it got to a publisher, God Bless Tate.

Author: Scott Bigler
Date:   01-24-09 22:23

As a soon to be published author with Tate, I have found that they have done everything they promised and more. I have no complaints.

As a Christian, I am very aware that faith is a key ingredient in any human enterprise. When I decided to publish my book, \"Living by Faith\", I realized that it would be a partnership between myself, the publisher, and the LORD. After all is said and done, I believe that if it is the LORDS will that this work be made available to the world, it will happen. My success as an author does not depend upon Tate or any publishing company. My source is Jesus and I will trust in Him.

Author: Marcus Teague
Date:   02-12-09 06:43

Ah, I was suspicious about that company. God help me! I just sent a manuscript!

But while it does seem aweful, they DO cite exactly what they do and who they deal with. The issue I had was that they state all over the website about believing in writers "investing" in their novels.

The first thing I noticed about it though was that there was no query letter. You just e-mail the manuscript and they call you 6-8 weeks. #1, this is the first agency that I came across that actually calls. #2, no query letter?

So what do they do with the manuscript if they call and you say, 'no thanks, please delete.'? I'm already broke, so I'm not authorizing any money giving (I'm recording the message in case anything sketchy happens in the future). I already posted the first chapter and terminology words on fictionpress.com, just in case.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   02-14-09 01:52

Marcus,

I just signed my 2nd contract with Tate, and I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about. They are not going to publish any of your work without a contract that has your expressed written permission. So if you didn't sign anything, you have nothing ot worry about.

Tate's integrity is intact.

Author: Marcus Teague
Date:   02-14-09 02:07

I figured that they really were honest, but I will only accept if they offer me a contract without any payments of any kind (I know the chances of that are extremely slim unless my writing really is that good). Otherwise, they can forget it and I'll keep waiting for my 11 other agents I've so far posted to, all the way up to the 100th agent (which after that, I'm going to write something else and try again).

I'm going to break the ice of the published world with my skills in writing, not my money.

Author: Mark Relsoh
Date:   02-14-09 11:23

I am currently reviewing a contract with Tate, as a first-time author. I'm not out to win a Pulitzer Prize, just want to get my story out. I'm surprised how many comments there were about not knowning about upfront costs. I found Tate Publishing's website and read everything. I knew about the partnership aspect of the business from the beginning. And it makes absolutely perfect sense from a business standpoint. I've read all of the above posts, and it is obvious who the liars and turned-down authors are vs the authors accepted by Tate. And $4,000 isn't a lot of money, especially for all the time Tate will invest. I'm looking forward to working with Tate Publishing, even if I don't sell 1,000 books (I believe that I'll easily exceed 5,000 in my area alone, as I'll probably get sued by my former cult leader, uh I mean pastor). Does anyone have any experience with libel issues and what I can do to protect myself?

Oh, and Aurora Zen, the commandment to "Not take the Lord's name in vain" has nothing to do with using it profanely. It is a commandment to those who enter into covenant with God to not do so in vain, or unsuccessfully. Of course, no one should profane the name of God. I'll step down off my soapbox now.

I'm looking forward to working with Tate. Thanks Stacy!

Author: Marcus Teague
Date:   02-14-09 15:42

" I am currently reviewing a contract with Tate, as a first-time author. I'm not out to win a Pulitzer Prize, just want to get my story out. I'm surprised how many comments there were about not knowning about upfront costs. I found Tate Publishing's website and read everything. I knew about the partnership aspect of the business from the beginning. And it makes absolutely perfect sense from a business standpoint. I've read all of the above posts, and it is obvious who the liars and turned-down authors are vs the authors accepted by Tate. And $4,000 isn't a lot of money, especially for all the time Tate will invest. "

-- 5,000 people is probably a lot more than one would expect. That's not even my goal or expectation of myself for at least 3 years (and I'm sure the average is even longer).

Unlike yourself, I want to be a serious author. If you count it out for the people they accept, they earn it up to $2 million a year. That is an amount of money they are garunteed to get as long as they accept good enough books from rather desperate people wanting to publish.

I need an agent who gets almost 100% of her paycheck from how well her books sell. That means 1. Whatever unsolicited work comes by BETTER be very good, and 2. she will do everything she possibly can to promote sales. The importance is higher.


If you just want a message to get out, try print-on-demand. You won't have to buy a stockfull of 5,000 books, and its easy if you have some money lying around.



" Oh, and Aurora Zen, the commandment to "Not take the Lord's name in vain" has nothing to do with using it profanely. It is a commandment to those who enter into covenant with God to not do so in vain, or unsuccessfully. Of course, no one should profane the name of God. I'll step down off my soapbox now. "

-- I am thoroughly impressed. You know your stuff!

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   02-15-09 21:12

Marcus,

You said, (I'm recording the message in case anything sketchy happens in the future. I already posted the first chapter and terminology words on fictionpress.com, just in case.)

I was only responding to that comment and your concern about what might happen to your manuscript if you declined any possible contract offer. You implied that Tate might do something illegal with your submission. I only wanted to vouch for their integrity based on my personal experience with them.

Oh, and I don't have to, or plan on buying 5,000 books. That figure is used in an entirely different context of the contract. It has nothing to do with an author being under any mandatory obligation to buy any of their own books.

Author: Marcus Teague
Date:   02-15-09 23:56

Ok. I was reinforced with my belief in protection of manuscripts from the Koi Wonder (great website for anyone unsure of what's really out there).


Still, the company is earning $2 million from authors paying their way in for publishing when accepted. If that's what they're offering, they can forget it.

I saw the book you wrote on their website, and it seems awefully expensive.

Author: Ann Winters
Date:   02-16-09 12:07

Well Marcus, the price of my book hasn't stopped sales or event bookings. And my marketing rep has scheduled my first spring and summer event with a bookstore in my area.

I don't fault Tate for their business model. They are in the business to make money. Obviously, they have not tried to dupe anyone or hide anything, because all information is available to anyone who scans their website or calls/emails them for information. What leaves a bad taste in my mouth are those who insist on attacking Tate's integrity because they have a different and well thought out business model. It’s the authors’ freewill to choose or not choose to go with Tate. They don’t hold a gun to anyone’s head.

They are highly visible and accessible, which speaks volumes about them -- they have nothing to hide.

I personally know that there is flexibility in their contract options to authors.

Tate has been, and I’m sure, will continue to be a blessing in my life.

I wish you success, Marcus.

Ann
www.annwinters.net

Author: John Beasley
Date:   02-26-09 10:21

This is an unedited stream of conscious reply, sorry about that to my more organized friends.

Tate Publishing


I have read the comments about Tate Publishing for the last hour. Some points are valid on both sides of the argument. What concerns me is a lack of candidness on the part of Tate Publishing. I think that is because they are a rather new company and have not had time to hit any home runs yet.


The Holy Spirt,

Let me say that I ask the holy spirit who I should publish with, and the answer is Tate Publishing. So, I will publish with Tate Publishing, because I am directed to do so by someone who has more understanding than I do. Still, allow me to present my reservations. I think Tate is a rather new company, and it could be Tate could benefit from some interaction with the writing community. This maybe an opportunity for a dynamic learning process that can benefit both sides of this debate, Tate and the writers.

Tate Publishing's Pedigree

I found their add under the website of Chariot Victor Publishing. This is a Christian company that offered some sort of shared publishing agreement, but no longer does so. They are a very well respected company publishing the likes of Jerry Newcombe, who writes with Dr. D. James Kennedy (or he did until Kennedy died). My thinking was that Tate was taking up the mantle of Chariot Victor Publishing.

Dr. Tate’s Ph.D.

Most Christian universities are considered paper mills as they only graduate 25 to 50 students per year. Least we forget, Oxford and the University of Paris only graduated 10 to 25 Ph.D’s annually for the first 200 years of their existence. But, somehow these colleges overcame the stigma of being paper mills!

The Contract

Tate sends out a contract to you and they ask you to date and sign the gold seal. (Opening the golden seals? Does this have a ring to it?) Then the date you sign on the outside of the contract is the same date as on the contract! Wow, how did they know? That is a bit much, but showmanship is part of the publishing business as well.

What is good about Tate’s contract is that it says any disputes will be settled by arbitration. Most publishing contracts say we will meet you in court in upstate New York. Which means if you can’t get a lawyer and get to court in upstate New York, you lose.

The contract is vague, they agree to do a number of things that can be accomplished at First Books, or any vanity press for about $500 dollars. You will receive some number of books, I think 40 books. Again, sounds Biblical: 40 paper backs and 40 hardbacks would surely ring true with Christians.

The thing that bothers me about Tate’s contract is that it is short on marketing discriptions. When discussing this with Janey at Tate, she did not seem to have any good answers. Tate does not seem to have a good marketing plan. Tate does not use the Christian foundation as a marketing tool. That is strange. If I were Tate Publishing, I would write every famous Christian in America and tell them that our publishing house would welcome the opportunity to publish any works that are specifically targeted toward the Christian Community. I would explain how Tate is a niche Christian publisher, and that we would welcome the opportunity to present them with Christian books that they might like to comment upon or write a forward to one of Tate’s Publications. I would offer these famous Christians seats on the board of directors of Tate Publishing. I would make Tate 100% by Christians, for Christians, about Christianity. Novels would have to have Christian themes and Christian hero’s. Recall this is how Ernest Hemingway got published, all his books had Jewish hero’s or a Jewish theme, same with James Joyce. Gertrude Stein got a group of writers published in Paris in the 1920’s by getting them to make the hero of their stories Jewish. It worked. Christian’s need to do the same thing for Christians. Tate could model their program on Scribner and Sons (I think that is who published these books). Why not follow a program that worked?

Marketing

If your book is going to sell, you as the author are going to have to sell it. You have to go from radio station to radio station (not really, usually a phone call will work) and do interviews. Get good at it, then go on Christian TV and push the book. Now there has been so much made about the $4,000 Tate charges. How much do you think it is going to cost you to go around America staying in Day’s Inn’s or sleeping in a motor home? A lot more than $4,000 dollars. What is your objective? Are you trying to sell the book, or establish yourself as a writer? If you are trying to become a professional writer, you have no choice but to do whatever it takes to get people to know who you are and what your writing is about. You have to create a following for your work. It’s a job. It is a job that may not pay, but you said you wanted to be a famous writer? That is the risk you agree to take when you set out to become a famous writer. If you don’t want any risks, go to law school. Of course law school costs $80,000 to $250,000! That is up front money, no guarantee that you will pass the law board exam!

Editing

I have read that Tate's Books have typos. That is sloppy and in a published finished work, not good. But, that is the problem of the author, not the publisher. The publisher and editor do not know what your book is about. They don’t know the subject matter. It is up to the writer to proof and re-proof all the manuscripts and cover. If you goof up, pay to have it reprinted. Fix it. Having said that one of the best books in print, Process and Reality by Alfred North Whitehead had a hundred or more typos, because he would not edit. Ditto for Nietzsche. Still Process and Reality is one of the most important books published in the 20th Century, typos and all.

As for expenses, I have had 3 professional edits done on my book and 1 grammar edit. These content edits saved the book, if it has been saved. I spent over $2,000 on editing, 3 cents a word. The editing - rewrite took 4 years, after I thought I was finished writing the book. The book grew in size from 28,000 words to 57,000 words. I like things clean and simple, but the editors wanted me to explain in detail. One editor gave me 36 pages of directions. Another editor rearranged the the context of the book. Then when I thought I was all finished, I was having dinner with a friend and his wife and his wife said, so what is the book about? It was in answering her that I came to understand what I had written. All of a sudden 4 years of work made sense. The holy spirit gave me this book to write, but I didn’t get it. Finally, I came to see what the book was about, and by the way, what is going on in American society. The book is the process of a lot of people kicking my work around until I got it right. Writing is hard work, I have spent 4 years of my spare time writing this book, that is an investment worth much more than $4,000 dollars. I could have gotten a job as a greeter at Walmart and made much more money than $4,000, but I chose to write a book. Writing for many of us is our ministry. It is the 10% that we give back to society for what we have received.

The book I plan to publish with Tate is a book on Christianity. The one book I have self published and made good money on is at the following website:

www.brevardcontractorsschool.com

Author: Janey Hays
Date:   02-26-09 16:52

We understand your opinions but feel your information is incorrect and would encourage you and any authors with questions to contact Dr. Tate directly for a chat at 1-888-361-9473.

Author: Crystal Johnson
Date:   03-17-09 23:56

I am a new author for Tate and I just sent my final proof back to Tate after my approval of all the changes. I want to know from old and new inquiries what to expet after this? I am a new author and all of this is very exciting, soooo...I want to be able to make money doing this. I wrote a children's book, Shaheed and his Rainbow. I know the marketing team will assist but What kind of questions should I ask during the next coming steps? Has anyone published with Tate? How can I get a large royalty check? I wrote a second book, can I ask for an advance? How can I sell the most books at the book signings? Any tips on getting people to buy books? I want to have a huge book signing, will Tate help pay for what I want? Even if you are reading this message 3years from the date, Respond anyway. Thanks!

Author: Marcus Teague
Date:   03-18-09 18:17

Its been almost 5 weeks and I haven't gotten any sort of response. I'm surprised they haven't even called to make an offer for me to give them any money to publish.

Author: Joseph Albinana
Date:   04-10-09 02:00

im interested to know where you stand in al of this crystal...

i have heard from plenty of people who have joined and are satisfied....

i have heard from plenty of people who saw the $4,000.00 fee and said forget this...

what i havent heard from are those who DID pay and now regret it....seems to be a gap....we have to all agree and say in the big scheme of things, there has to be a percentage of people in that category, regardless of how good tate potentially is....maybe i overlooked a previous posting....

on a seperate note i got the contract offer, and it took nearly 4 months to hear anything from them...whether or not i decide to pay up is another matter...like i said...ive heard the good.....ive heard the i dont think so's.....but where is the actual bad to balance this whole thing out?

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   04-10-09 16:04

They do not contact you Marcus, they wait for you to contact them. Then they act like they just recently finished reviewing your material and are so impressed with it they want you to come on board. Then when they find out that they will not be getting the $4,000 they are trying to scam from you they will change their tune severely and you discover that these people are about as Christian as the Wal-Mart family.

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   04-10-09 16:11

Joseph, The "good" that you have heard is either phony or by people who were not expecting anything monetary back from the $4,000 they put up to begin with. There is nothing good with the Tates and no one in their right mind would spend $4,000 on anything let alone nonsense like this.

Author: Amanda Waalkens
Date:   04-28-09 14:32

I have recently received a contract through Tate publishing; I had given up on them because it took them 4 months to review my manuscript. When I was going through my email, I had an email from Janey Hays, not exactly what I was expecting. In my email, she told me that my book was accepted and she attached a contract to the email. When I looked through the contract, I noticed that not only do I pay nearly $4000, I only get a 15% royalty from the book. This distubs me emotionally, why would I pay for a book that will only benefit me 15% of the worth of the book? If I am paying for a book, I will not be getting 15%, more like I will be getting 100%.

As to Leon Mentzer, I googled your name and the first thing that came up is:

'Legitimate publishers pay YOU, not the other way around. Any publisher that asks you for money in return for "publishing" your book is a vanity press. If you are intent on publishing your daughter's work in book form yourself, go to iUniverse, it's a hell of a lot cheaper.'

Here is the website I found that at so you may be able to explain to me if I have made a mistake.
http://leegoldberg.typepad.com/a_writers_life/2006/03/tit_for_tate.html

Therefore, it is my own opinion that Tate publishing is using Leon Mentzer's name to make positive remarks about the publishing company he uses.

Author: John Saint
Date:   04-29-09 01:43

I have experience with Tate Publishing and am not happy with the marketing at all!!!!
I wrote a book 2 years ago called "Tunnel of Light". You can see it for yourself ON MY OWN WEBSITE www.tunnelOfLight.info , not shouting , merely pointing out I had one made for me and not Tate Publishing. I was really enthusastic about promoting my book as a team player!

The whole book process was fun and exactly what they promised. When the book came out, they kept wanting me to buy my own book for all the booksignings, I bought 100 hundred of my own books at wholesale. They sent me ONE accepted booksigning at Borders Bookstore with the others offers, not answering the phone, not interested and so on.
I called and talked to my "Rep." I asked her why only ONE, her answer was, why don't you call and look around for a bookstore! I was floored....All this time and money for them to drop the ball when it is the most critical time for any sale, the MARKETING PHASE....The Marketing is virtually nonexsistant....I am truely sad that I have spent over 6,000 dollars and only have sold 8 books. Listen people...it is vanity press!!! The distribution report and the press kit they send you goes nowhere. I have followed up on the leads of wrong phone numbers, disconnected phone numbers, duplicate business contacts and a slew of radio and TV emails that virtually end up in spam folders.

Give me your money and I'll stand out on the street corner waving a sign. I should be able to sell 8 books. The MARKETING DEPARTMENT should be called the "I am only her because I get a paycheck" Department. They were rude, disconcerned and liars. I never called them back and never will. I will sell my book on the internet and thats it. I hope and pray they get whats coming to them, Gods wrath for hypocrisy..SHAME ON YOU Marketing Department.

Signed John Saint John, disgruntled, and shuned paying writer.
PS, I hope I didn't spell anything wrong. Because I had to edit myself too!

Author: Mark Mingle
Date:   05-01-09 19:25

Hi John,

My name is Mark Mingle, and I am the Director of Marketing at Tate Publishing.

I am very surprised by your above comments and accusations. Why did you not attempt to speak with me directly so that we could discuss and address your concerns or problems?

Your book released in January of this year, and we are still very early on in the marketing of your book. Unlike many publishers, we market our authors\' books long-term. In fact, we have many authors that released months and even years ago that are experiencing more success now than ever before. It takes hard work and long-term dedication and perseverance to find success as a first-time author, but with Tate Publishing you have a partner to help you pursue that success ongoing.

This past week we sent out the largest payment of royalties in the history of our company to our authors, and in May 2009 alone, we have over 450 author events across the nation that we have scheduled for our authors so that their sales can continue to grow. Every day our marketing staff sets up author events in bookstores and in other venues in each author\\\'s surrounding community so that they can engage their readers, connect with their target audience, and sell books. To say that our marketing is \\\"virtually non-existant\\\" is simply not the case.

If there have been issues with bookstore or media contacts, we would be glad to re-visit those contacts or pursue new leads for you right away.

I would be more than happy to speak with you any time to answer your questions and resolve your concerns, John. Please contact me at your convenience by phone (888) 361-9473 or by email (mmingle@tatepublishing.com) so that we can work to find solutions and continue to market your fine book.

Sincerely,

Mark Mingle
Director of Marketing
Tate Publishing and Enterprises

Author: Twila Wallace-Williams
Date:   05-19-09 16:42

My goodness!

I've recently signed on with Tate and I've not had near the bad experiences listed on here. They've been in contact with me at LEAST once a week if not more. Every single step of the way has been discussed and covered and every questioned answered.

This is really disturbing.

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   06-02-09 05:17

I am a Tate Publishing author. I am not sure who this may is talking about, but that is nothing like my experience at Tate.

From the moment I was accepted and offered a contract, all of my dealings with Tate Publshing have been exceptiona. The staff has been courteous and helpful. I am a first time author and have had many questions and concerns.

I wanted to be in a partnership, as well. I did my research and found it is very difficult for a first time author to get a deal. Tate has taken a chance on me and I was willing to deplete my savings for an opportunity to get my book published. I have not gone into this expecting to become a millionaire. I have a story to tell and they have helped me tell it. I have had creative input, all the way from the formatting of the pages, spacing in the text, and I chose my oover. I received assistance every time I took a step. When my book sells 5000 copies I WILL get my money back and I WILL be able to have a second book published without any cash outlay. No one mentioned that fact.

My book is professionally bound and beautifully formatted. As far as them printing in Texas, Tate Publishing is a PUBLISHER, not a printer. There is a difference.

I think you have been unfair and very unkind with your words, and, quite frankly, if your tone and expletives are any indication, I am glad we don't shart a publisher!

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   06-02-09 16:02

Why does everyone who posts here to defend the laughing stock known as Tate Publishing all say the same types of things? "I did my research", "I am a 1st time author", "it is very difficult", "opportunity to get my book published and tell my story", "not expecting to become a millionaire", "Tate is so wonderfully wonderful", "my 'experience' with Tate", "I will make my money back". If Tate is going to have their idiots post here they could at least come up with some better and more creative gibberish.

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   06-02-09 16:07

And one more thing..."Barbie Root"? They are not even trying anymore.

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   06-02-09 22:27

Nick, I am not sure why you are being so unkind. I don't even know you. My book will be released nationally in late August. It is currently being sold on Tate Publishing and through my own booksignings and knocking on doors.

I sell some every day. I have read many books on marketing and after many years as a Training Manager for the largest gaming company in the world I understand about return on investment and I realize my book will only be as successful and my next sale.

This is very personal for me. I am not an idiot. I am a grieving widow who is trying to get through the next day. I went into this venture with one goal in mind. I wanted to save a piece of history for my children and grandchildren and future generations of our family. I DID do my research, believe that or not. You seem to making this personal. I lost my husband not too long after the hurricane and found myself a widow at 55. I wanted our story told. I wanted my future generations to understand the importance of family.

If you couldn't find my name it is because my book is currently only available on the website. It has not yet made it to the book stores. I have two book signings scheduled, and am currently setting up radio interviews. I am submitting information packages to major outlets. I haven't even met with the Tate marketers yet, but I know the only way to sell a book is one at a time. Leon Metzer told me that. I believe in myself and I believe in the reason I wrote this book.

Author: Nathan Fox
Date:   06-03-09 17:17

Thank you guys. I just received an email from Tate and will now know to refuse to publish with them, since have almost been scammed twice now - this making it three. Sigh. Can anyone recommend a good agent or company that isn't a scam?

Author: Janey Hays
Date:   06-09-09 17:53

June 9, 2009

Dear Nick,

I would wager you would not have the courage or character to call our toll free number and express your thoughts and remarks to me personally. I look forward to your call and I would be very interested to hear about your writing history, work as an author, and experience in the publishing industry. I am sure I would learn something. As a matter of fact, here is my cell number. 405-206-7191.
By the way, Ms. Root, who you find to be so humorous and are calling a liar, is a decent caring person who wrote a fine book about her experiences with hurricane Katrina. She is much more alive and real than some you may know. I will offer her an apology on your behalf since I doubt you would do so.

Sincerely,

Richard Tate, Ph.D.
Founder and Chairman
TATE PUBLISHING & Enterprises, LLC
The Tate Publishing Building
One Twenty-Seven East Trade Center Terrace
Mustang, Oklahoma 73064-4421

"The Lord gave some a Word, great was the company of those that published it." -Psalm 68:11
richard@tatepublishing.com
www.tatepublishing.com
Acquisitions BLOG
1-888-361-9473-Office toll free

Tate Publishing...2006 "Publisher of the Year", 2007 and 2008 Chamber of Commerce "Business of the Year", and 2008 and 2009 "Best Place to Work in Oklahoma" award.

PLEASE NOTE:

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

This electronic mail message contains information that (a) is or may be CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) is intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named herein, and (c) is protected by copyright and may not be displayed or shared with any other person other than the intended recipient. If you are not an intended recipient, please send an email immediately to publish@tatepublishing.com and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer system.

Author: Janey Hays
Date:   06-09-09 17:54

June 8, 2009

Dear Barbie,

I appreciate very much your kind words we read on the blog site and my apologies to you for the horrible remarks made by the person who calls himself "Nick." We regret that someone who has been through such a tragedy would have to be treated with such disdain to the point of being called a liar. You are a fine author and the world is a better place because of you. Again, my apologies for this persons unkind and unfounded act and behavior. I doubt he will ever apologize to you. Also, we actually think we know who this person may be due to historical events and the use of various names to decry our company because we would not comply with his requests regarding his book.

Sincerely,

Richard Tate, Ph.D.
Founder and Chairman
TATE PUBLISHING & Enterprises, LLC
The Tate Publishing Building
One Twenty-Seven East Trade Center Terrace
Mustang, Oklahoma 73064-4421

"The Lord gave some a Word, great was the company of those that published it." -Psalm 68:11
richard@tatepublishing.com
www.tatepublishing.com
Acquisitions BLOG
1-888-361-9473-Office toll free

Tate Publishing...2006 "Publisher of the Year", 2007 and 2008 Chamber of Commerce "Business of the Year", and 2008 and 2009 "Best Place to Work in Oklahoma" award.

PLEASE NOTE:

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

This electronic mail message contains information that (a) is or may be CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) is intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named herein, and (c) is protected by copyright and may not be displayed or shared with any other person other than the intended recipient. If you are not an intended recipient, please send an email immediately to publish@tatepublishing.com and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer system.

Author: Janey Hays
Date:   06-09-09 17:59

Nathan-

Dr. Tate has asked me to invite you to call him on his cell phone - 405-206-7191. He would be happy to visit with you.

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   06-09-09 18:28

Good day, everyone,

Thank you, Dr. Tate for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate them.

To everyone else; my book has been online for only a couple of weeks and it is selling. I am selling it. I have made contact with my friends and family and they have spread the word. I began marketing my book as soon as I was accepted. I made business cards and let people know that I had a book that was going to be published. I shared my news with old and new friends. I let people know when I saw them in the grocery store or the doctor's office. I told the guy who changed the oil in my car. When I traveled I would tell the waitress or hostess. I left business cards in Hawaii and Amsterdam.

No one knows my story better than me, so who better to promote my story than me? Some people gauge their success in dollars and cents. My book is already a success. I wanted to save our family's history since Hurricane Katrina roared ashore and changed life as we know it in South Mississippi. I want my grandchildren to remember their dear Poppa. Some of our grandkids were very little when my husband died and our youngest son has not started his family yet. Their recollection of Poppa will be in pictures and stories.

Tate Publishing believed in me and have allowed me to save an important part of our family's history. Thank you!

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   06-09-09 21:24

PS-If you want to check out if I am really a writer, go to TatePublishing.com and look for Life after Katrina by Barbie Root. I also have short video on YouTube. Google: lifeafterkatrina barbie root

Author: Lisa Overly
Date:   06-16-09 21:09

I\'ve sent my manuscripts for 3 children\'s books into Tate Publishing just last week and tonight I ran across this thread and read the whole thing! It took FOREVER!

I swear that\'s the most I have read...without pictures since I\'ve left college in 1990! What a horrible chore!

My thoughts about this Nick guy is that he is a 13 year old kid (or was when this thread started) just eggin you all on for years or however long this thread has been goin! lol It\'s a fun hobby for him watching all the posts roll in after he puts one up!

Nice though that Dr. Tate has stepped in a few times to respond to him in such a kind way by giving out his cell phone number to him! Nick please call him or stop posting since I pray to God that no one considering Tate Publishing after me(who hates reading) has to read this long thread just to check them out! LOLOL It\'s torture!

Author: Heidi Thomas
Date:   06-29-09 19:28

To Barbie Root or anyone else with info,
Could you contact me, please, heidi at heidimthomas dot com.
I have edited a memoir manuscript for a client who is considering having it published by Tate. I’m wondering what kind of experience you’ve had with your book. Do you think the $4,000 fee was too much or was it worthwhile? Do they actually do a lot of the marketing work for you? I’m trying to help her decide and appreciate any feedback you can give.

Thanks,

Author: jack N
Date:   07-12-09 00:08

I am looking for publishers. Glad to come across Tate publishers.

I have a qestion regarding this phrase in your information:

"Book purchases by the Author will apply toward the 5,000. The Publisher will return the $3,985.50 Author participation investment upon the sale of the 5,000th copy of the first work."

I understand the initial $3985 which is refundable on the 5000th book sold. Also read that there are no other costs.

What about the book purchases? Do authors have to buy a minimal number of copies initially? If so, is this purchase covered in the initial $3950?

If authors are given nth number of books upon the initial $3950, I believe Tate will do the distribution for us, ie: authors won't be receiving this nth number of books and having to post them to buyers ourselves. Just want to be sure. Thank you.

Thank you
Ted

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   07-12-09 00:15

It does not matter Jack because it is a scam no matter how you look at it. You will never sell $4,000 worth of books with Tate therefore you will never get your "investment" back. They call it an "investment" but it is just money to fill their pockets and without it there would be no Tate Publishng so stop giving them your money. Nick

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   07-17-09 18:46

I posted on Writer\'s Net and don\'t see that it has posted yet. If you have any other questions please contact me.

I am having a wonderful experience with Tate. They have been helpful and professional every step of the way.

From a personal standpoint, my book is already a success. My goal was to save our family\'s story for future generations and I have done that. My grandchildren will have their history in their family\'s own words. When I started this venture I had no idea what to expect. I finished my manuscript after my husband died. My mother always told us that when God closes a door, He leaves a window open. My book became my window. I spent a great deal of time on my manuscript prior to submitting it. I looked into other options such as print on demand, etc. and also found it is not easy for a first time author to find someone to publish. Many of the big publishers will not accept a manuscript from an unpublished author or one who does not have an agent. Tate believed in my story and gave me the opportunity to tell it. I liked the idea of having creative input. I wanted to be able to say what became of my story and they let me tell it my way. I learned how to edit. They did a wonderful job with the editing and we went back and forth until it was right.

As far as the cash outlay. I am a widow on a fixed income and the money was certainly a consideraton. However, this has been a labor of love. It is my understanding that Tate does not accept any manuscripts that they expect to sell less than 5000 copies. That does not happen quickly. I started getting marketing books as soon as I signed the contract. There are a number available of sites to buy used books reasonably. A particularly good choice is a simple book by Tate author Leon Metzer called, \"Amen!\" I talked to Leon via email prior to making my decision to sign with Tate. He has been successful and has sold the 5000 copies and then some on multiple books. I think going into this expecting to become the next big thing may be unreasonable. The question to ask may be, What is the end result you are looking for? I was not and am not looking for fame and fortune. I would like to get back my investment, but what no one who is slamming Tate seems to be taking into consideration is that you make money for each and every book you sell. Most information out there tells you to expect it to take a year to really get sales going. I think this is probably even more so with an unknown such as myself. You will get out of the project what you put in. I have been marketing since my book went into production. I made business cards; I handed them out to anyone who would take one. I left them on tables with tips when I went out to eat. I responded to emails with information about my book. My friends and family told their friends and family.

The royalty schedule depends on where the book is sold. You get 5% of the purchase price at book stores so in order to make money it is quantity of sales. If you sell on Amazon, your % goes up to 15%, so you will have to sell less to regroup. Books sold on the Tate website yield you 40% and if you buy them yourself and sell them you yield 60%. In order for me to get my money back, I don\'t need to sell 5000 books; this is my breakdown: Bookstores (2852 books); Amazon (953); Tate Website (356); Personal Sales (238). My book lists for $26.99, has 388 pages and includes an audio book download. You can see that depending on how many are sold by the different options I have to sell anywhere from 238 - 2852. I currently have made $541 selling them outright. I took my profit and ordered 60 more books. I received my first copies about six weeks ago. Aftetr the first week I had sold 16 at the Tate website which netted me another $172 so I have already made back 18.5% of my initial investment. So, you can see that you can make your money back before selling those 5000 copies. When you reach that goal you get back your initial investment; this is not a royalty, as I understand. That is above and beyond what you have made from your book sales. My contract allows me to publish a second book without any cost upfront. The other big thing with Tate is that you can get out of your contract if one of the big publishers wants to pick up your contract. No questions asked; this is at your option.

I am willing to put in the time it will take and I have the time because I no longer work outside my home. I did not go back to work after my dear husband died. I am working hard to get the word out, so is Tate, but ultimately you will be the reason your book sells.

The negative comments on Writer\'s Net seem to me to be from authors who were not given contracts with Tate. The authors who post who are Tate authors are happy. I don\'t wish to dignify any more comments by Nick with a response. He has been mean and vindictive and that is all I wish to say about that. I think if you talk to other Tate authors and do the research you will make a informed decision. Tate Publishers is the right choice for me. I have a follow up of my first book that I am working on and I also have two other books in the works, so should be busy for about 5 years.

One more thing to consider. Publishing a book takes time. I spent several weeks working on the edit along with their help. When the book went on the production schedule it took seven months until it was available online and another two weeks before I got my copies. It is a process but well worth the effort.

I hope I have answered some of your questions. I only have the highest praise for my experience with Tate and believe they will continue to be my choice for a publisher.

Have a blessed day! Barbie Root

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   07-30-09 11:36

Good Day, Everyone!

I just want to post an update. I am less than 200 books away from regrouping my initial investment...It hasn't even been released yet! Barbie Root

Author: Catherine Mcghee
Date:   08-11-09 01:04

Hi Barbie,

Let us know when you have reached your quote for refund of the $4000. I just ran across Tate Publishing. After reading all of the blog entries, no one has written about experiencing real success. It seems that most or just getting started with Tate. How long has Tate been in business? Are there any success stories. I self published my first book. Did all the work myself, including lectures on my content, booksigning, getting on amazon, barnes & nobles, and some bookstores across the nation. It is hard work and I would like to find a publisher for my upcoming book. To date I have sold over 7000 copies of my 1st book.

However, the comments on this blog are from 2005 - 2009, and there is not one success story other than those who are new to Tate Publishing. I welcome all input. Want to make an educated decision.

Catherine

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-16-09 14:15

I have read all the comments above and come to the conclusion that someone is lying...ha, ha...At fifty years of age, I am still gullile...but I think Nick could be working for a recent publishing company that tried to scam me...If he is telling the truth, I think his approcah is not really helping...just state the facts without calling tate authors idiots...that doesn't help...What is Nick's purpose? Is he trying to help authors avoid a scam, or is he BITTER about something? I am praying about publishing with Tate...The only thing I am concerned about is the comments from Tate authors caliming they do not publish for finacial gain...While it is honorable to try and help others with themes, ideas, I believe that most authors have the desire to get paid for their hard work...Of cousre, I realize the writing has to be quality...I was impressed that Tate uses their belief in the Trinity, which is my own belief, and I don't think a Tate PUblishing would use their faith to scam money...Why that would be blasphemy or the UNPARDONABLE sin...Who would be willing to commit thee Unforgivable sin by using the Holy Spirit as foundation for their company????? ONe more thing...I can not forget the fact the TAte Publishing has several prestigous awards that are NOT just handed out to scam artists...Publisher of the year...Business of the Year...Best Place to work in ALL of Oklahoma????????

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-16-09 14:29

Please do not read above posting...I did not edit...this is the edited version...So Sorry...I Never was gifted at TYPING....I still believe in pen and paper...

I have read all the comments above and come to the conclusion that someone is lying...ha, ha...At fifty years of age, I am still gullible...but I think Nick could be working for a recent publishing company that tried to scam me...If he is telling the truth, I think his approcah is not really helping...just state the facts without calling Tate authors idiots...that doesn't help...What is Nick's purpose? Is he trying to help authors avoid a scam, or is he BITTER about something? I am praying about publishing with Tate...The only thing I am concerned about are the comments from Tate authors claiming they do not publish for financial gain...While it is honorable to try and help others with themes, ideas, earnest messages or lessons in your writing, I believe that most authors have the desire to get paid for their hard work...Of cousre, I realize the writing has to be quality writing...I was impressed that Tate uses their belief in the Trinity, which is my own belief, and I don't think Tate Publishing would use their faith to scam money...Why that would be blasphemy or the UNPARDONABLE sin...Who would be willing to commit the Unpardonable sin by using the Holy Spirit as a foundation or major element for their company????? One more thing...I can not forget the fact the Tate Publishing has won several prestigous awards that are NOT just handed out to scam artists...Publisher of the year...Business of the Year...Best Place to work in ALL of Oklahoma????????

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-16-09 14:48

I guess I am just talking to myself, but I noticed this discussion has been going on for years while Tate Publishing continues to be in business....Hmmmm?

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   08-16-09 18:37

Who would commit unpardonable sin you ask? No one really, just over 98% of all born again Christians and 100% of all non believers. If it is claims of faith that impresses you let me say that I have talked to members of the Tate family and employees on the phone and via e-mail and as far as the Tate family goes they have very weak faith if any faith at all. They are CLUELESS as to the living word of God and what real Christians are supposed to do with their life while their statements about their faith are no more powerful than what could be read on a Christian cereal box. Nick

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-16-09 18:47

Nick,

Again, refresh my memory...did you publish with Tate?

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   08-16-09 23:19

I did not publish with Tate. I was going to when I, like you, thought they were real Christians who lived by the word and obeyed Christ. But I am one of the > %2 of Christians that actually has the anointing of Christ and used the abilities that come with that anointing to ask the questions that would tell me if they were what they said they were and obviously they failed miserably. Nick

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-17-09 17:42

Nick,

Could you please explain how a Christian could call innocent authors idiots? That is not very Christ like in my opinion...

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   08-17-09 20:30

who exactly did I call an idiot? I may have said in general that anyone who hands over $4,000 to people like the Tates is an idiot and generally speaking that is true. Nick

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-17-09 21:24

Mr. Nick,

Your show has gone on long enough...on 06-02-09 at 16:02 hours, you used the word IDIOTS...check it out Mr. Christian MAN...I know that Christ called the self righteous(ck spelling) Pharisees hypocrits, but he never attacked the innocent...Your Christianity is about as good as the dirt under my feet...You have NOT proved anything with your statements...as I said earlier, I believe you are working for a publishing company who recently tried to SCAM my money...I believe you are trying to get people to stay away from Tate Publishing because you are a scam company who has recently tried to SCAM my money...I bet you work for SBP or maybe WL Children's books...I could be wrong, but like you, I too have the anointing of the HOLY Spirit and he directs my steps....

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   08-17-09 21:52

I use the word idiots all of the time because when one is anointed everyone else looks like an idiot. I am done playing your ridiculous games that are so steeped in desparation you have to stand up and shout "you said idiots" and "you have not proved anything" like the little wimp you are. You think I am with the publishing company who tried to scam you because you are an idiot. Most if not all self publishers are scams and Tate is no exception. Nick

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-18-09 19:20

Nick,

So I am wimp and an idiot too...you have definitely shut me up...well I am sorry if I offended you with my opinion...you are entitled to yours...I just felt really bad for the your insults to the authors who have a dream and vision to see their writing in print. I am not playing games...I am seeking an honest publishing company because I too have a dream and vision to see my work in print...

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   08-20-09 22:55

Catherine, I have been very busy learning to market my book. Currently I have earned back almost half of my initial investment. I have my first of three sheduled this weekend only four days after my release date. I will be on our South Mississippi WLOX Channel 13 morning show on Saturday, August 28. I have been in the local paper her and in my home town of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. I will keep you posted on my progress...it is an exciting adventure.

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   08-20-09 23:04

Loreen, some of the authors in this link have been with Tate for years and have been very successful. Leon Metzer is one of those authors and the person I contacted prior to choosing Tate. I purchased one of his books and read it before I signed with Tate. This link has been going on for years. Nick should find another project. Tate is a partnership publisher. I retain the rights to my book; I have creative input; it remains my book.

I thought long and hard prior to signing my contract. I prayed and put it into God's hands. I made the decision to sign with Tate and have had no bad experiences. They have been wonderful.

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   08-20-09 23:06

Make that three scheduled book signings. Two in Mississippi and one in Louisiana...

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   08-21-09 16:08

Anyone buying this whole Barbie Root nonsense is a putz. Nothing but negative information has filled this message board about the Tates from day one. All of a sudden the Tates jump in to try and help themselves out and fail miserably. Then Barbie Root comes along and posts everything happening from the begining before she even gets involved with Tate and surprise surprise everything is coming up roses. The Tate authors I have talked to despise Tate Publishing and their stories are on par with what I experienced when I was talking with Tate so this whole Barbie Root thing is nonsense. This kind of "success story" has scam written all over it and is poor quality even by infomercial standards. I will say this one more time. Tate is only interested in getting their hands on the $4,000 from authors and trying to get more "investment" money from them after they have paid this ridiculous price. That is what I realized in my dealings with them and from what other Tate authors have told me. Nick

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   08-28-09 17:03

I will not justify Nick's comments. He does not know me; we have never met. He had been nothing but mean and malicous towards me, a complete stranger. I have another book signing tomorrow; I have had two television appearances this week; book sales are steady. My book will be a success!

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   08-28-09 17:25

Incidently, tomorrow, August 29, 2009 is the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. There is still debris in South Mississippi. There are still stairs leading to nothing, slabs where homes used to be and the missing who will probably never be found. Our lives here in the South have changed and will never be the same. Pray for those who are lost and for those who are still struggling trying to find their way back to normalcy. Our lives will never be the same.

My book is also available at Barnes and Nobles. It is stocked here on the Gulf Coast and can be ordered if it is not in stock. You can find it by searching www.lifeafterkatrina.com; www.amazon.com, and if you google my title you will see it is available after it's release last Tuesday.

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   08-31-09 23:16

Barbie,

I have been finding your book every where...I guess that speaks volumes about TATE Publishing...
I am in the process of ordering it...I am anxious to read it...the cover is so forlorn...sad and lonely...in keeping with the theme of life after Katrina...you keep up the good work...IGNORE skeptics...I have prayed and I believe TATE Publishing is founded on the Holy Spirit...Keep in mind Romans 8:31...If God be for us, who can be against us????...certainly NOT someone who is affiliated with ANOTHER SCAM publishing company who would like to take away from a GOD fearing publishing company like TATE Publishing...I think we will hear less and less from a major critic, not calling any names, for IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US????

NO Weapon formed against me shall Prosper...that is the word of God...keep the faith...and I SHALL condemn every tongue that SHALL rise against me in judgment...this is the HERITAGE of the servants of the LORD...even if he calls me a wimp and idiot...GOD BLESS Barbie Ruth and TATE Publishing!!!! Isaiah 54:17...

Loreen

___

Author: Loreen Sumner
Date:   09-01-09 23:24

Excuse me...I meant Barbie Root...I do not know where I got Barbie Ruth form???

Loreen,
Unpublished and considering

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   09-03-09 15:59

Thank you, Loreen! Maybe you were thinking of the Baby Ruth candy bar and who doesn't love chocolate?!? I know I have seached for my name and book and many websites come up. My reviews have been very positive but have been from friends, family, and former colleages. I value your input. Have a blessed day! Barbie :-)

Author: B Alves
Date:   09-14-09 01:53

Though I have not gone through their book publishing... I have had the recent privilege to be a part of a CD that was produced by their music department. Though they did not pay for 100% of the cost of making our CD, they have shared in costs, put in time, and should not have to shoulder the entire risk in trying to market NEW artists and products.

I do not think that all of the garbage written at the beginning of this "rant" was fair and I am appalled that you would waste your time trashing a company that YOU personally NEVER actually followed through with & those trying to explain their experiences.... You are trashing a company on ASSumptions of what you THINK they may have done or have tried to do instead of listening to those of us who ACTUALLY DID follow through and use them.....

SHAME, SHAME on people like you, John Rigo!!!!!!!
( it has been proven over the years that those who suspect that everyone is out to screw them over, think so because they assume everyone else thinks like them and that they themselves are usually the ones screwing everyone else over )

Author: B Alves
Date:   09-14-09 02:08

Well I had good luck with them & our CD that we had them produce, but of course we had a small following for our music before we used TATE, so maybe that speaks to our success.... sorry for those who have not been successful... but not sure it's the companies fault!

Author: Melvin Elliott
Date:   09-30-09 14:01

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Author: Barbie Root
Date:   10-01-09 18:37

Hello! I just wanted to drop an update. I have my third signing this week. Sales are steady. My book is selling. To all you authors out there, believe in yourself; you can do this!

Author: Melvin Elliott
Date:   10-02-09 02:30

Hi to Barbie Root and all the other good people here! (The rest may want to just skip this post, for it will only tend to make you even more angry than you already are.)

I just received my first publishing contract from Tate. If they truly do only select 3-5%, I consider myself fortunate. I have something very worthwhile to share with the world. I do hope investing nearly $4000 is a wise thing to do. I cannot agree with all the unqualified bashing here, especially with no tangible proof that ill will is on the part of the publisher, despite the fact that there is more of that here (and elsewhere on the net as well) than the positive.

Should I wonder? I have read that the \"true ones\" are only few in number...\"Many are called, but few are chosen\". Should we really believe the masses who cry out with their pathos and disappointment? Misery loves company. Maybe that\'s why they are lurking here. Perhaps they are lonely and merely desire the company of others like themselves. (Ha!)

I am not really in this for the money, or the fame. If that comes my way as a result, then what of it? I have also read, \"The laborer is worthy of his hire\". If the good Lord sees fit to honor me with a few \"toys\" in this life, I will surely appreciate it and spread it around a bit, but if not, then at least I will be able to proudly look in the mirror and see a \"published author\".

About the money...$3985.50 is my contribution to be exact. So what if things don\'t turn out the way my carnal mind likes to suppose it can? What have I really lost in the long run? Let\'s see...I\'ve spent the last 21 years doing research on this topic. Spreading out the investment over all that time means I\'ve only really spent about 52 cents a day on the project. That\'s peanuts, folks! And even if only a few people buy my book and get something out of it, I would have to consider that a success in itself, for what is thr true worth of \"just one soul\"?

Besides, this work may have the potential of shaking both the Christian and Scientific communities all over the planet! I\'m TIRED of them fighting each other!

I believe I have uncovered some things hidden for hundreds, or perhaps thousands of years which will help to equate those two factions together. God made both the natural things as well as the supernatural. He designed natural science as well as spiritual matters, and surely these are not only closely related, but tend to compliment one another as well.

If I do my best to get this newly discovered information out where it might do some good, then I have honored the one Who gave it to me in the first place, and my reward will be secured in heaven for the effort. If something more comes my way in this life as well, I surely will not turn it down.

I am willing to try, even if in doing so I become similar to the woman who \"gave her last mite\". I\'m pretty sure \"the ride\" will be fun...working with a team of editors, illustrators, etc...book signings, and all the rest.

If anyone cares to comment, I shall welcome all which gives me more confidence. And to you OTHERS...I cannot stop you from bumping your gums, but believe me...just as Glinda the Witch of the North said to the Wicked Witch of the East in the Wizard of Oz, \"Get out - you have no power here\"...I say also to you! You would be better off to keep your comments to yourself concerning me and my PERSONAL AFFAIRS with Tate Publishing!!!

Oh, by the way, if the \"hint\" about some of the contents of my book has aroused some interest or curiosity, then in the next year or so you may be looking for a book entitled \"Genesis One - The Table of Contents to the Bible\", or something to that effect. And wish me \"luck\" as a first-time author.

God Bless...
Mel

Author: Joyce Hope-Jones
Date:   10-02-09 15:46

My book was published by Tate, and released on June 30, 2009. : ( The whole process was fine, but the price of my book makes it extremely difficult to sell. It's priced $5 over any other book in its class, and that's after fighting to bring it down $5 from $23.99 to $18.99. Considering Tate's "partnership" fee, and what I've learned about the actual costs of publishing a book from beginning to end, someone is making money. It's just not me.

Author: Janey Hays
Date:   10-05-09 15:30

Hi Joyce,
We would love to visit with you. In fact, Dr. Tate has asked me to invite you to give him a call. You can reach him at 405-206-7191. We want you to be successful, Joyce! If you don't make money, neither do we. We have also contacted our Marketing Department who will be in contact with you. Please give us a call so we discuss your concerns.

Author: Joyce Hope-Jones
Date:   10-11-09 14:29

Amanda and Mark have already received a number of emails regarding my concerns, so there really is nothing to discuss. My book (and many others published by Tate) is grossly overpriced, according to consumer opinion and industry standards.

Author: Daniel Minteer
Date:   10-12-09 00:40

Say whatever you want, but finished product tells it all. Check out this quality Christian rock music CD at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=812517011376.

Author: Mark Young
Date:   10-12-09 02:46

Daniel,

That may be a good product, but how much did you pay to do that? Don\'t you think your talent is good enough to not have to pay your way into publishing?

I\'ve never heard of you before, none of my friends have either. You can say what you want, but there isn\'t a single Tate Publishing author that has achieved a best seller status or sold a million copies yet. And Tate Publishing will never strive to get your CD selling nor any author because they made so much money off of the artists paying them the fee. It\'s just as good as self-publishing services, only done more professionally.


If you went with a good agent, you would:
1. Pay $0.00
2. Know your talent was strong enough to be recognized by an agent who doesn\'t have to be paid to put you on the market.
3. You don\'t just get a CD cover, you get publicity and all the help and people you could ever need.
4. You would be selling copies of your CD to not just the company website, but on places like Amazon.com and stores around the US.
5. Did I mention you pay $0.00? This means that the first CD you sell is money in your pocket. You don\'t have to sell 2,000 CDs or what not to make $0.00 to cover a fee.


I googled your name and album, but there are a total of 3 pages worth of sites. Youtube gives me nothing. Your MySpace tells me that the total number of people who visited your page and listened to music peaked 58. You\'ve had a total of 1028 profile views (and how many of those are people you personally know?). Amazon.com says that your CD is currently unavailable. I searched my own Internet user/pen name that I alone use, and I have three times the number of links than your CD and name.

Tate Publishing is doing a swell job for you. I hope you got what you paid for.

Author: Joyce Hope-Jones
Date:   10-12-09 12:28

My book, Joy Comes in the Morning, was released on June 30th. My pen name is Joyce Hope. I'm very pleased with the editing and jacket of my book, it's simply priced way too high, making it very difficult to sell. I had a book signing canceled because the store owner couldn't give me what I had paid for the books. If she did, at 50% profit, the book would have still been priced higher than any historic romance book in her store.

I had an agent, but he became terminally ill. Before we parted ways, he advised me against going with a publisher that required a fee. I didn't listen. Many times, first time authors are unsure of themselves. They're not certain of how well their work will be received. While everyone who has read my book loves it, I should have prayed more, and "waited upon the Lord."

Author: Mark Mingle
Date:   10-12-09 14:46

Joyce,

I am not sure why you are unwilling to speak with us regarding these issues, as we have made multiple attempts to contact you by phone. We would still love to speak personally with you and to discuss.

Your book is a 340-page, 6"x9" historical fiction novel, and it is priced well within industry standards. During my recent visit with our buyer at Barnes and Noble in New York City, we discussed the prices for our fiction titles, and Tate titles are well within the price point that a major retailer like B&N is looking for.

We sell books the same price as yours (and sometimes higher for larger books) all day long, and this does not become a hindrance for us. If the book is good - and yours certainly is - readers will not let the price get in the way. We have the green light from major retailers to carry your book, and your personal Marketing Representative here at Tate is ready to brainstorm with you to pursue the myriad of opportunities that can be found in the niche market for a Civil War novel - museums, historical societies, Civil War re-enactments, etc. so that you can truly get your book in front of the readers that would jump all over it.

You have a terrific book - one that can have a long life in the industry. We are here for you long-term to serve you and to always pursue more. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Mark Mingle
Director of Marketing
Tate Publishing and Enterprises

Author: Mark Young
Date:   10-12-09 21:20

Director of Marketing has time to review and post on forums?

... I find that alarming.

Author: Mark Mingle
Date:   10-15-09 11:08

I am always happy to take time out of my schedule for authors with questions, be it on the phone, by email, on message boards, blogs, etc.

Authors are the lifeblood of the industry and are extremely important to me, and my goal is to serve them in any and every way possible and answer any questions that may arise, wherever they may be.

Thanks,

Mark Mingle
Director of Marketing
Tate Publishing

Author: Daniel Minteer
Date:   10-28-09 16:31

Mark Young,

You know as well as I do that self publishing costs money too. But by my calculation Tate Publishing won't make a dime on me unless my album sells. The amount of time they have given so far to recording, mixing/mastering, cover artwork, and promotions far exceeds the amount of money I have invested. It would have cost me far more to go to any music studio - in just studio time alone.

You know that the music industry is a tough place to be successful. There are tons of talented people out there who will never get heard because most of the major labels have their own selfish agenda. Companies like Tate Publishing are doing us a service. My album has only been released for about a month, so a lot of the online stores are still in the process of getting set up with my album (they're the slow ones, not Tate).

The thing that always has bugged me about people complaining "if you have to pay...then it can't be good" is this: Most people give a heck of a lot more to the banks and credit card companies in interest every year. So until they stop giving away their money they should shut their pieholes! They're too broke to self-publish. At least my money is going where I want it to go - and because I give the banks as little as possible, go figure, I have money to get my album published.

I'm having a great time with my music...and Tate is doing everything they said they would do. It was worth every penny.

Author: Daniel Minteer
Date:   10-28-09 16:35

Correction: Most people give more in interest to the banks every MONTH than I spent on Tate Publishing.

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   10-28-09 18:40

Why is it that we only hear from people who think they are going to make money with Tate and never hear from them again? If I was actually stupid enough to trust Tate I would also be stupid enough to have confidence that they were going to make money for me therefore that would lead to posts on boards like this championing Tate before they even did anything because as I said before I am stupid in this scenario. Tate makes money the minute you had it over to them and anyone who thinks they do not must be victims of the public school system. Tate would have to make money from it because they do not do anything to get any books sold. Trust me I have talked to plenty of Tate authors and their experiences were exactly what I suspected Tate would have put me through if I were stupid enough to give them $4,000, which I was not, and might I add that my refusal to give them this money led to exchanges with them that ended up with the police at my door courtesy of the bratty Tate children Trinity Tate and her brother. They both called me on the phone and if I had taped what they said anyone who actually thinks that Tate are Christians would think otherwise. They are scammers and they are out for money only. I do not know how many times I and others have to keep repeating ourselves for those who stupidly insist on defending that Tates come to their senses. As for Mark Mingle posting here it is only further evidence of the lengths these scammers will go to in order to maintain their sharade. Nick

Author: Daniel Minteer
Date:   10-28-09 19:41

I never said I expect to make money - that may happen and it may not. Tate Publishing is doing their part. I have to do mine. Noone can guarantee your success (except God). For me, this isn't about money. I did it for the love of music and sharing it with others. I've always wanted to do a rock guitar-lover's kind of album that isn't full of crappy lyrics.

Author: Mark Young
Date:   10-28-09 19:52

Numbers don\'t lie, Nick. They can\'t lie because they are only a count of facts. You said \"according to my calculations\". Well really? Let\'s see them. I gave you a mathematical formula to prove my point.

Fact remains. Nobody heard of you or your album. You are a nobody who paid $4,000 to have an album made, and you will remain a nobody if you sit around believing that Tate is getting you somewhere. You could pay a graphics designer intern who can load music on a CD for a lot less than that and get the same publicity.

Since it\'s founding, not a single client with Tate Publishing has made a best seller\'s list. None of them have sold 10,000 copies of anything. How does a multi-million dollar publishing company do that? They prey on desperate people. Their advertisements include a direct message to the rejected authors trying to make their way through agents, considered self-publishing, etc.


No matter what you say, all of my facts remain. You have no available CDs on any website; you can only buy your CD on Tate Publishing. Tate Publishing is making more money off of taking $4,000 from you and other people than they can waste on advertisement.

You are talking about a company where the head of finances actually has time to read through a forum and make comments. Even restaurant managers barely have time to raise their kids, much less waste away time on forums trying to help publicity.


Read some of the accounts of people who have been with Tate or had problems with them.

Author: Daniel Minteer
Date:   10-29-09 11:22

Come on guys. Is it really all about the best sellers list or selling 10,000 copies? Is success really about having money or fame? I'd say success is all about have more TIME, but that's another discussion.

You're right, I could have gone to a music studio, then had a graphic designer do up my album cover, then found an online publisher... One way or another though I would have had to pay out something. Here's the deal though: By the time I sell less than 400 CDs, which is quite likely even though I'm a nobody, I'll be in the black. After that, every CD sale or song download is a bonus.

Do I care if I sell 10,000 copies - not really (sure that would be nice). But if ONE person appreciates all the guitar solos I put in those songs, or the lyrics, then it will have been worth it. I'm a music lover, not a money lover. It doesn't matter if I'm a nobody (but by the way, I've had over 600 plays on my MySpace songs and my CD is available several other places than Tate like Amazon, CDBaby, CDUniverse and more to come).

Like I said before, if people would stop giving all their hard earned money to the banks in interest, they could have more money to pursue their dreams or cut back their hours at work and have more TIME to play. That's exactly what I'm doing. Does that sound like a desperate person?

Author: Lanette Kauten
Date:   11-06-09 17:34

I don't know about anyone else, but I like the fact that a publisher is willing to take phone calls from potential authors and is so willing to engage the writers into improving their craft. From what I have heard, this used to be the case quite some time ago, but it no longer is. If what I'm reading is correct, then Tate Publishing has the class to treat writers the way the industry used to. I sincerely hope I am not wrong about them. I submitted my first chapter to them today, and I know it will take time for someone to get back with me, but this is a company I would like to work with because of the personal attention. I had a question about content, so I called Dr. Tate, but it was just before lunch, so I left a message. I have a tendency to ramble a bit when I'm nervous, which I did when I left the message, but I am hoping on the man's graciousness to recognize nervous jitter. I know there are a lot of critical people on here, but I will come back and let you know how the conversation went because I am sure he will return the call because I do believe that is the kind of man he is- one of his word.

Author: Lanette Kauten
Date:   11-12-09 10:15

It looks like the critics have left.

I received a call from a lady, I forget her name, on Monday that is on staff with Tate, and she was able to answer my questions. The only thing that frustrated me a little bit is the website had said that we may submit a single chapter if the book is not completed, but I was told on Monday that they want most or all of the manuscript. It took me a few days to finish the book (I was almost done anyway- just some monor editing in the last three chapters), but I submitted it this morning.

In addition to the call I received Monday, Dr. Tate sent me an email apologizing for not being able to take my call as he had been out of town signing a well known singer. I like that even when Dr. Tate is busy with big named stars, he still takes his time with struggling, new authors. In my industry, we have our stars, but they are only known in the medical research industry. And I can tell you from personal experience that it is usually only the big shots and sometimes those who work with the big shots that receive any respect. While that is also true in the publishing industry, it seems to me Tate Publsihing believes in basic respect for everyone.

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   11-12-09 11:12

We didn't leave we were just out of town selling retirement swamp land, lol. I will say this one more time. When I was talking to Tate about publishing my book they said how great my material was and how interested they were in getting behind it. When I said there was no way I was paying them the ridiculous $4,000 they wanted they trash talked my book. How stupid and obvious can they get? Nick

Author: Lanette Kauten
Date:   11-13-09 11:10

Nick, if they were initially interested, I assume it must be pretty good. Have you found another publisher or agent?

Author: Barbie Root
Date:   11-13-09 14:56

I haven't been on here for awhile and some things never change. It seems that Nick Locke has made it one of his goals in life to slam Tate. All I can say, is pray for him.

My experiences with Tate Publishing have been exemplary. I have been met with nothing but courtesy, enthusiam and professionalism. Being a first time author I did not and do not expect to become the next new millionaire. I have a story to tell and they have helped me tell it. My book is beautiful and I am very proud of the finished product. The upfront money that I spent was worth it for many reasons:

* My book has been professionally edited
* My book is being marketed
* My book is available all over the USA and in foreign countries: Google "Life after Katrina Barbie Root" and see how many hits you receive
* I have had several book signings with more to come...
* I have accomplished one of my life's goals-to become a published author

The knowledge that I have gained from this experience far exceeds the cost. If I had to pay for a college course in publishing, it would have been much more and I would not have had the finished product that I have. I repeat; this has been worth it to me. Ask yourself what you are looking to accomplish when you go into this venture. You must be willing to work hard to make it happen. It is a process.

Critical to me was my input. This is my work and I wanted it to remain my work. I wanted to be able say what I did and did not like. I chose the font; I chose the cover; I chose the reader for my audio book; I retain the rights to my book. What do I have to lose? I have accomplished my goal. My book has been published. I AM a published author. The measure of my success was and is that my story has been saved. Thank you Tate Publishing for helping me accomplish my dream...

Author: A T
Date:   11-15-09 14:00

I am only beginning to explore the world of publishing, so I know very little about every aspect of this business.

I am reading a book from Tate Publishing and I'm only about 30 pages into it at this point. I'm alarmed at the number of grammatical errors and/or typos in this book that I'm reading, and I'm curious as to whether part of the service a publisher provides the author includes a proofreader or editor? If so, are the rules different when the book is self-published or if the author puts up money to have the book published?

As an unknown, I would be willing to put up money for a first book I would want to have published, but one of the services I would expect in return would be to have a good editor comb through the pages before the book goes to print. After all, an author is only human and mistakes can be made...it helps to have a second set of experienced eyes as backup.

I do expect occasional typos and grammatical errors in books from time to time, even those put out by well-known publishers, and I understand that a smaller operation probably doesn't have the manpower or money that a larger publishing house does, but the number of errors in this particular book seems excessive.

I'm sure it will be a while before I ever attempt to have anything published, but at this point, as a person who is just reading one of Tate's books, I might be a little bit concerned about going to them when the time comes. I am detail-oriented and would comb through my own work before handing it over to a proofreader or editor, but I would still appreciate someone there to catch any mistakes I may overlook. Am I off-base here?

Author: Joyce Hope-Jones
Date:   11-15-09 16:50

As a Tate author, I couldn't be more pleased with the work of my assigned editor. All books have one or more mistakes. I just purchased a book by a very well-known author, and found three mistakes in the first few chapters.

My only complaint is that I wrote my book primarily for the Christian market. It's not getting into Christian stores as the price has been set too high, and there's nothing I can do about it. I seem to be having more success in the secular market due to contacts that I have made, not through Tate's marketing. I've even been asked to lecture on herbal medicines at Civil War reenactments.

If a book is available at the dot coms, (Amazon), it's unlikely that many books will sell because it's only one of thousands of choices. The buyer is usually someone who knows the author, or has been referred.

AT- might I suggest self-publishing through Winepress or Xulon? Both are very reputable, and it may be less expensive. If you're writing is primarily for the Christian market, you should try to obtain an agent who will sell your book to a Christian publisher that ensures that there are several copies of your book in all Christian bookstores.

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   11-15-09 18:59

Typos, grammatical errors, poor photo quality are the things associated with Tate nearly 100% of the time. Just more proof that Tate is a scam because if they will not put the effort in to making the book of highest quality then what exactly will they do to make the book successful? Tate takes your money then sloppily makes a book then disappears until you have more money to give them. Nick

Author: Nick Lock
Date:   11-15-09 19:08

To Lanette: My material is a lifetime bodybuilding and fitness system that is the reinevtion of the industry and the solution to the obesity epidemic. It can get most cases of obesity under control within 16 weeks and create any type of body the user is looking to build from superfit to super massive. I have virtually nothing I am able to do with it any longer because after dealing with people like the Tates and the publishing company Authorhouse I can see that the only thing people are interested in making money by doing what their business is designed to do, signing authors. That means they will do and say anything to get the money they are looking for from the authors and that is all. There is no chance of them actually doing anything that is going to make the material a success and make money for the author even if it means it will make more money for them because the time spent on doing so would take away from signing authors which is their bread and butter. On top of that I have mental illness that has been severly aggravated by the time and energy used to make my material a success and it was all for nothing anyway. Nick

Author: A T
Date:   11-15-09 19:24

I appreciate the quick replies and also for your suggestions, Joyce!

Author: Lanette Kauten
Date:   11-16-09 11:18

Nick, Author House is a POD, and naturally, you will have the kinds of problems you have described with such a business. Have you submitted your manuscript to an agent?

Author: Lanette Kauten
Date:   11-16-09 11:27

To protect the privacy of the author, I will not mention his name, but I went to a book signing recently of a Tate author. He spoke highly of his experience with them. I liked the cover art work, and the printing looked good ( I had read somewhere about Tate books having sloppy printing, but that's not true). However, the author said the one problem was the poor editing. When he brought that to their attention he was told English grammar is constantly changing. I know that some things do change from time to time but not much and not often, plus there is an industry standard. If I get a contract, my husband and I will proof read the final draft before it goes to the printers. Since that seems to be the only problem with this small company, then a proof read will be all that is needed to fix the issue. I believe in identifying challenges, and then fixing them. Complaining and doing nothing about it serves no one.

Author: Lanette Kauten
Date:   11-17-09 10:39

I've been doing a lot of reading lately, and through a link I found on one of the Tate blogs, I found this piece of advice with regards to agents, and it's true for publishers, too- "The one that loves you is the one you want." That seems so simple, but I think the simple shift in my thinking will produce greater results, and the shift is this: Instead of pandering my manuscript with the desperation of a lost puppy, I have to believe that agents and publishers will want to read my fantasy about a teenage girl who woke up with horns growing on her head and the discovery of a mystical world and the dangers that that world poses on her and those she cares about. This simple shift in thinking brings confidence, which will show in the query letters.

I know this epiphany has nothing to do with Tate Publishing, but I thought it was well worth mentioning.