Archway PublishingReviews of archwaypublishing.com

Archway was very helpful at times and obtuse and unhelpful to the max at others. MUCH depended upon whom I was working with. The Art Department was extremely helpful and pleasant to work with. During the process of bringing my book to fruition, I had 4 or 5 "Concierges" or Coordinators. The first one was minimally helpful and seemed more concerned that I acknowledge her in my manuscript than anything else. Communication was difficult. She did not seem to read anything or really answer questions. i UNDERSTAND SHE HAS BEEN PROMOTED--THIS IS A POINT OF CONCERN. The next one I had for a few weeks, then he was gone. The next was very helpful, but she took medical leave. The 2nd from last was very helpful--and really worked with me. He was a credit to the company. He listened and accommodated me where he could--and explained options when he could not. There were problems galore in the effort of working with Archway--starting with a mailroom that lost things and sometimes in processing what they opened made messes. Extremely aggravating would sum up my experience at times with Archway. Archway claims to help first time or inexperienced authors bring their books to fruition. IF you are an excellent computer user, IF you are doing nothing out of the ordinary, IF you do not need feedback--or expect any, IF you can figure out everything on your own--or have some sort of support system of your own--IF you have a high tolerance for frustration--then Archway may work. Archway DOES NOT mentor, make things easier, or show a lot of flexibility. Everything is by a formula. In short, it does not make writing the book for an inexperienced author easier. I experienced repeated staff changes. There was little continuity. No one took notes on what was agreed upon or what was going on. I had to repeatedly explain the same thing over and over again. I suspect Archway loses a lot of customers. Many first time writers are not expert computer users, they are unsure of their prose, they need guidance, support, nurturing--not continual references to the contract or various rules. Finally, consider sending drafts of a book being readied for publication on paper as well as over the net to the author. Frankly, it is much easier to edit a book when it is on paper in front of you. Finally--make sure that your payments office is open if the company office is open. I called in to pay a charge--there were all sorts of people there--but no one could be found in the Business Office! You are losing money! CONTINUITY OF SERVICE, STAFF STABILITY, MENTORING, PAPER DRAFTS, STAFF TRAINED IN WORKING WITH THE INEXPERIENCED AUTHOR, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS OF AUTHOR NEEDS--ALL THESE THINGS WOULD HELP A GREAT DEAL.

I liked how they put together the book from page lay-out to pictures. But, the print was light and hard to read, like they were running out of ink. I reached out to them but got no reply as of yet.

I was disappointed in the support provided. This was my first book to be published, and I was told I would be led by the hand every step of the way with lots of input and advice. I was mostly sent emails that asked me to approve this or that. I even had to request that my book trailer be added to my website, and had to think of this myself. For marketing, I was just sent a box of stuff. No direction, no watch this video, etc. Yes, disappointed for what I paid.

I was told a consultant would be with me throughout the process, but that is not the case. Each step someone else is your contact. There was a lack of personal engagement. If you have a question, right away you are told there is an 'extra' cost. The discount format does not allow for consignment unless you buy a whole lot of books. I am not talking 50 but much more. The design work was great, but I wish they were more up front, had author friendly discounts, and were more personable.

I had purchased the marketing package and then decided I didn't want it. I was told as long as I cancelled it before the payments were complete, I would pay a $75.00 fee, but the rest of the money I had paid in would be refunded. Not only has it been over two months and I haven't been refunded, but you all keep charging my credit card for another payment. I have emailed two different people about this issue with no response. I'm not happy at all with how you all have run this part of the support piece.

This was my first experience writing a novel. In the end Archway delivered what was promised but there were a few slightly hidden costs (editing) and there were a few times where Archway dropped the ball and caused some delays. The cover design service was very disappointing until I designed it myself.

I purchased a package which supposedly ended with a quality review. That review was not completed until I called to ask the status several weeks past the time due. The review was so rushed that I don't think it was completed at all. When I received my final material there was a mistake which was not in what was originally sent. So, something was touched that was correct when sent. Wrong when returned.