iUniverseReviews of iuniverse.com

They did a beautiful job on my book, titled "Me and Mr. Bear"! The design is amazing. I didn't like the fact that my friends received their books before me! My friend had to drive over to my house just so I could see my finished product. They let me borrow the book so that I could make a video on tiktok.

I did like the communication. If a call was scheduled, it took place right on time. The process moved very quickly, once a commitment was made. I wish that someone helped more with social media, but overall it has been a good experience, especially for my first time.

My publishing experience took place in a timely manner. Each task in the publishing process was linked together, from manuscript submission to print publication. I enjoyed communicating with each staff person; they explained the possibilities beforehand. Overall, I would highly recommend IUniverse publishing to a writer.

This is my second go-around with iUniverse. I got what I paid for using the "Pioneer" package -- a print copy of my book plus an e-pub on Amazon with a Getty-image cover and transcription of my manuscript without any professional proofreading or copy-editing. Make sure your manuscript is in print-ready form before submitting it. They are efficient and responsive. You must do the marketing, however, and do not fall for or pay for their promises to make you a star. They are a business designed to make money. They are not going to make money for you, and they do not care about your writing. If your expectations are realistic, there is no problem. Everything is outsourced to workers in the Philippines, but I was able to discuss issues by telephone, and they were polite. FYI, the price for your publication package is negotiable. Addendum 4/24/2024: As of this date they have failed to make my e-pub available per contract. Several calls and emails have gone unanswered, or someone in customer services unsympathetically says they will get back to you in 24-48 hours (untrue). Also, about 7-10 days after my book was published in paperback I began to receive calls on my personal cell phone from complete strangers -- scammers with Filipino accents -- wanting to help market my book for a hefty fee. I did an online investigation and discovered this was a common occurrence with iUniverse (google iUniverse and "Logan Crawford"). If I write another book, it certainly won't be published by this untrustworthy organization. Addendum 5/13/2024: I discovered a recurring $9.99 fee on my AMEX for "Author Learning Center." Apparently it was part of a one month "free trial" that comes with the Pioneer package and presumably other packages, only they continued to charge me for the "service" after the one month free trial was over. I eventually cancelled the service -- a service I never used -- but they refused to reimburse me for the six or so months of recurring charges -- service charges that I did not request or want. So much has been written on the Internet about iUniverse and other self-publishing companies under the Author Solutions company umbrella, including many lawsuits for deceptive marketing. Stay clear of all these companies: Xlibris, iUniverse, Archway, Balboa, and many others. They are exploitation specialists operating in the publishing realm. Highly unethical people in it only for the money.

This was one of the worst experiences for me and it costed me to take the risk. I was so excited to get started. Paid almost 2 grand and when it got close to finishing the project, they went ghost. No communication what so ever for almost a month. They rushed me to send in my unfinished manuscript because once you do that you’re locked in. They can drop the ball but once you cancel from fear of failure and/or fraud, they will take 50% without lifting a finger. Nothing was done on their behalf and it still costed me over $900. Who has money to throw away? If you’re thinking about going with this company I have one word of advice…Don’t. Do not send them your manuscript. They get a little lazy after you do or they’ll just keep trying to get money out of you for marketing. Don’t fall for it

I got the copies of my book as described in the publish package I bought.

The service is bad, poor communication, multiple delays. Will never recommend I-Universe

I contacted this company in regard to publishing as a first-time publisher. They made me feel very uncomfortable, and even started to insult me when I told them I had yet to decide who I was going to pick. The man said it sounds like I'm procrastinating (Kelly) and made me feel like I was being yelled at for thirty minutes straight because I didn't commit! Don't go to this company, authors be aware! Not professional staff.