Archway PublishingReviews of archwaypublishing.com

The final product turned out ok. Over email, they were responsive. However, there is little phone communication unless they want to sell you something, and there is not much clarity provided for you to make good decisions. Editing was poor and delayed project a bit.

OK The Book CAME OUT FINE THE REST OF THE OPERATION IS A GIANT PAIN IN THE ASS

While there is a process, they stick to the maximum times highlighted and don't engage a lot throughout the process other than by email. It is very cold and low touch compared to how much they sell you during the beginning. Very expensive for low engagement.

I went with Archway primarily because of its affiliation with Simon and Schuster, an industry powerhouse. The sales staff was friendly and encouraging. The printed copies looked great. No complaints. Marketing Services, however, were hard to identify. Any spinoff Simon and Schuster advantage was nonexistent. The press release Archway sent out was picked up by an international business finance newsletter dealing with nuclear energy--a subject briefly covered in my novel. When I asked for the number of books requested for reviews I was told that information was not available. When I asked for a rewrite of the press release to better focus on the preferred audience, I was told I'd have to pay for additional services. I realized I'm basically on my own at this point, promoting book sales.

I paid for editing in the amount of $516.97 on May 5th or there about. They did not do the expected editing and I was informed I would get that amount refunded.I have exchanged several emails with them and they keep stating that the refund has been approved and it will be refund in 3-5 days. I have 3 emails informing me of that info and 2 more emails telling me 24-48 hours. It has now been 4-1/2 months and still no refund. That is unacceptable in my opinion. I also sent the manuscript to Jeff Stone on the 5th of May and they contacted me 3 weeks later wanting to know why I hadn't sent the manuscript, evidently they had lost it. Everything else has gone smoothly but that.

This is my second book with Archway, and it is apparent that the C-Virus and management changes have taken a toll on their ability to get things done and provide help to authors. Hopefully, they will return to their old selves after the country heals.

I do not wish to be too harsh but I felt that for months, the inter-action was "pulling teeth." in fact I was ready to ask for my material back. Now that we are in print, it is my MBA International Marketing son who has organized ideas and has given me the most help for marketing. It seems as if the staff is basically young and inexperienced. Mr. De Groff and Mr. Mc Quade have been really helpful. Michael Grady has helped in my re-orders. Price wise, the book production cost we are researching and seems to be higher than the market value. Time will tell. I am normally very positive and I realize this is a first for me so will evaluate as time goes by. I always look at value for cost.

Archway has the most friendly people to work with; they are well-trained in whatever area is their area. However, their process is very cookie-cutter and they do not have any wiggle room for special needs. Also, if you are new to the publishing industry, there is no real education of what is happening and what is going to happen. They have a checklist and march through it This is not all bad, but as an entrepreneur and corporate business owner (as well as a writer) I want to know and understand the business of publishing my own book and I just haven’t gotten it. The other major complaint I have is that for my Children’s book I never was allowed to talk to the artist directly (more cookie cutter stuff). I’m sure they have a stable of graphic artists, but I had a clear idea of what I wanted to see as my illustrations and never got exactly what I wanted because I had to deal with a go-between.