iUniverseReviews of iuniverse.com

It started out OK, the first person I spoke to gave me a small discount on the base level price. The next person I spoke to gave us a step up discount. We paid a little more, but got the next tier up for the same price as the base level. Then came the long list of changing people. It seemed every time I called there was a different person, or a different department. I can't count how many times the person I was working with was 'no longer there' and I had to start working with someone else. As my book progressed through the stages there became other services that they wanted me to use. The first was editing, which was going to be over $1000 for them to go through line by line, because when they did the generic editing supposedly there were many errors. They only pointed out two or three, but claimed there were many more. I did not agree and instead moved forward. Next was promoting my book/marketing. Which I actually thought was part of the 'better' tier I had purchased according to the person that had sold me the package. But no, it was not. For the first package they tried to sell me it was going to be over $3000. The next was a little cheaper and when I did not go for that they offered a simple press release for $900. A three line paragraph. I say offered...it was a half hour call with me telling them I couldn't afford it, and them giving me all the reasons I should do it anyway. Including being able to adjust the payment date if I was unable to keep to the schedule. Since I completed the process of before the end of the year they gave me a 'deal' of five extra free books. My package came with six, so I was now up to eleven free copies. They said it would be a few weeks before the book would be ready to print. So I waited. A month later I was wondering where my books were, and called to check on them. I found out the last person I spoke with neglected to add in the part that I still had to pay shipping and handling on these free books, at just over $4 each. Almost $50 later I had my free books ordered and on the way. They did show up fairly quickly and looked nice. Which it should. I paid $300 for a cover copy polish. Which is where they edit the front and back cover to make it more marketable or pleasing to the eye. Back to the Press Release. It turned out I could not keep up with the payments. I called the finance department, and they said there was nothing they could do. I explained what I had been told, and they suggested I talk to the person that had set up this agreement. She was conveniently not in that day. I called back the next day, and the extension they gave me no longer worked. I talked to an operator, who sent me back to finance again. The persons extension did not work because she 'no longer worked there'. Half an hour later, they decided they could send it to someone else who could maybe authorize a change of payment date. Which they thankfully granted me. If I end up with another book, I will find a different company to use. I should not have to feel bullied into buying what I can't afford.

This company is a live and learn kinda experience.. their staff are VERY skilled at selling their product to you and often say things to convince you and give empty promises on the phone but do not follow through and eventually lie about it and make it seem like that was never said. The communication was a bit off between me and my check-in coordinator—what an awful experience. Everything felt so rushed and she barely responded to emails or phone calls. I had to call in and get that rectified. This was my first book and for my future books, I’ll strongly consider using another company. My book went live this week and now awaiting official copies so I’m keeping my little bit of faith for that part.

If you want to just publish and get listed, no need for them. They do have some knowledgeable people but an abundance of not helpful nor communicative staff, as well. they are a sales machine to sell their services and not aimed at selling your book

I found evaluation process long and stressful. They had put my book in wrong category! And know every marketing trick in the business is used to make me spend more on promotion.

Two things: First, I have been a published author with Iuniverse now since 2012, and this is the second time their printing press has made multiple mistakes in my novels. Granted, they fixed the problem, but it is very annoying when you're so ready to put your work out to the public and this happens Number two: In the future, when I or someone else wants to order copies of my books, I would really like the experience to be less stressful. I hate having to speak with several different people in order to purchase one book. I should be able to go to the website or call up and be done within minutes.

I've had six check-in coordinators, and they all have a different tory about my manuscript. I am most disappointed with your services, I will not recommend your services to anyone. I 've published two books through your company and have another one ready, but I am having second thoughts about using your services again behind the negative experiences from your agents. Somehow or another try to make it up to me.

iniverse did an excellent job of priningt my book, but your promotions Dep't stinks. The scammed me oui... ... of over $4.',00.00 and I got no results except an overdrawn credit card. I will never trust you with my credit card again. BoB Greenwood

I will continue to rate low until my inquiry has been addressed rather than passed on to someone who has been unresponsive. Voicemail says on vacation, but then are there no contingenecies. Error occurred that was not ours and we halted distribution of the book bt now it has been two weeks and we are making no revenue nor enjoying the fruits of our rewards (not being able to share with family and friends even). Let's hears from you iuniverse!