Author Deb Larson caught my last post about contests at blogs. She had a terrible experience – but one that continues to plague authors. Here's her story:
Hi Angela!
Your last blog reminded me that I too have a few issues with sites that
promote contests/etc. but don't come through when the contest is over.
Last January (`08) on New Year's Day, the Brighid's Fire Books
Contest winners were announced. My unpubbed book, Promises My Love, won second place and since it was a $ prize contest, I was entitled to $250. I have yet to receive any money. I posted a note to
them via e-mail and received a comment that they didn't have the funds
at that time to pay me, but they would get it to me ASAP. I have since
sent them a few more reminders that they have ignored. So I encourage
you to pass on to others to "BEWARE" when a writer sends $$ and their
manuscript in good faith to a competition. Not everyone is honest!
And that is a sad truth, but needs to be addressed.
Thanks!
Deb Larson
Your last blog reminded me that I too have a few issues with sites that
promote contests/etc. but don't come through when the contest is over.
Last January (`08) on New Year's Day, the Brighid's Fire Books
Contest winners were announced. My unpubbed book, Promises My Love, won second place and since it was a $ prize contest, I was entitled to $250. I have yet to receive any money. I posted a note to
them via e-mail and received a comment that they didn't have the funds
at that time to pay me, but they would get it to me ASAP. I have since
sent them a few more reminders that they have ignored. So I encourage
you to pass on to others to "BEWARE" when a writer sends $$ and their
manuscript in good faith to a competition. Not everyone is honest!
And that is a sad truth, but needs to be addressed.
Thanks!
Deb Larson
Deb -
Recently, winners of a poetry slam sued the slam's organizer for not paying. The case was featured on Judge Judy (my guilty little pleasure). None of the winners had been paid. They were awarded a summary judgment. Saying a company doesn't have money just doesn't cut it. Any legitimate company with contests will pony up winnings to keep their reputation.
I e-mailed Brighid's to get some answers. There was no answer as of post time.
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