Some Comments From Publishers,
Attorneys and Fellow Authors

"What can I say? You are brilliant! I won't get into all the evidence I have for that right now, but I'm convinced. And your book is a great service to self-publishing writers."

Audrey Owen
www.writershelper.com

"The Fine Print, a highly useful resource for authors, describes in detail the primary legal terms used in epublisher/POD contracts. Such critical information could save you big time when evaluating which publisher to choose to publish your manuscript and avoid any potential problems or regrets.

In Section Two, Levine rips apart an extensive list of epublisher and POD contracts. If I were an epublisher on the list, I would listen to his advice and reconsider any unreasonable contract terms such 'all rights whatsoever'. Once low rated epublishers see their rating in the book, they may be motivated to change their contracts for the better.

I can't say enough about how useful this book is and I would highly recommend it to authors looking to publish with an epublisher or through POD. The Fine Print is definitely going on my Top 5 Recommended List for Writers and is destined to remain there for quite some time."

Eva Almeida, Publisher
Ebook Reviews Weekly
http://www.ebook-reviews.net

"One of the perks of working with so many writers is that I'm often privy to interesting, new information in the field of writing/publishing.

For example, a few weeks ago a delightful author contacted me asking if I'd like to read his latest book. After he described the project briefly (along with providing a link to his incredible website) I replied, "Sure!"

What began as quiet afternoon soon turned into one of the most interesting reads I've had in a very long time.

This book (as near as I can figure) will soon become one of the premier resources for any writer who's intrigued by the recent POD (Print on Demand) phenomena.

The book?

Why, it's Mark Levine's "The Fine Print"... a 300+ jam-packed full of information that any potential author considering the POD option absolutely needs to have before he/she contacts any POD firm.

"The Fine Print" examines 48 POD publishers, ranking each according to various criteria such as contracts, fees, and such. It also provides not only an overview of each company, but it also provides in-depth info on each company as well.

"The Fine Print" is a font of information that any prospective POD author needs to examine before they plunge into this new field of publishing. You can find more information on "The Fine Print" at this web site: http://www.book-publishers-compared.com.

It's a great book."

Beth Erickson
www.filbertpublishing.com

"As writers, we want to see our work published-online and in print, in magazines and books. Maybe the ultimate test, as a writer, is to write and publish our own books. With today's publishing possibilities, writers have a wide variety of choices to publish their work but they need to be careful what publishing houses they choose, especially when it comes to print-on-demand and electronic publishing.

There are too many "predators" out there, ready to take our money and then wait for us to do their work. When it comes to publishing, knowing how to read and understand a contract can help us choose just the right publisher, which, in turn, can make it easier for us to promote and sell our books. When it comes to publishing-related resources and clear, honest and in-depth information and advice, Mark Levine's "The Fine Print" is a must-have reference book for anybody who thinks of trying out print-on-demand or electronic publishing. "The Fine Print" teaches us how not to fall into the traps of so many publishing contracts and to choose the publisher that is perfect for us and for our book.

"The Fine Print" is every writer's manual to today's self-publishing world. Reading it and, even more, studying it carefully, while trying to understand and learn from it, can be the defining factor in our becoming successful authors. "The Fine Print" is an eye-opening book for aspiring writers who want to publish their first book and "test" the markets as much as for those who want to steer away from the traditional publishing industry.

Putting his skills--as a lawyer and self-published author--to work, Mark Levine, J.D. presents us with a priceless collection of print-on-demand and electronic publishing resources while explaining, for each of the examples he uses, the pros and cons, his own honest opinion and advice. Even more, through "The Fine Print" the author becomes our personal advisor in legal matters regarding book contracts and... the fine print (the stuff so many of us don't usually read. With the author's help, we learn to read and understand the legal language and terms, especially when he explains them in plain English.

After reading "The Fine Print" we look at POD and electronic publishing with brand new eyes. We learn how to understand contracts and how to choose just the right publisher for our book... and make it a successful book."

Alex Shapiro
http://www.writerscrossing.com/book_reviews/01182005-fine-print.html

"We appreciate the fact that Mark Levine did his homework. His thorough research prompted us to make an adjustment in our contract making it even more "author friendly" heading into 2006."

Peter Honsberger, CEO
http://www.coldtreepress.com

"Mark, thanks for pointing out some important changes to our contract. We're glad to be more author-friendly!"

Thomas Freiling, CEO
http://www.xulonpress.com

Recently, I wrote an article entitled "Wolves in Sheep's Clothing" which revealed the number of folks in the industry out to get over on unsuspecting authors. Though I didn't focus on print on demand (POD) companies, I probably should have, since there are a lot of them out to profit from what authors have worked hard to produce -- their manuscripts. Fortunately, I don't have to get back on my soapbox, because I can refer authors to THE FINE PRINT OF SELF-PUBLISHING: The Contracts & Services of 48 Major Self-Publishing Companies -- Analyzed, Ranked & Exposed.

Self-Published author and attorney Mark Levine has created a wonderful resource for those who are considering publishing their book through POD. I would suggest a writer do extensive research and consider establishing their own publishing company; however, if they are determined to go with a POD, I'd definitely recommend this book. Levine breaks down the pros and cons of many of the POD companies, as well as offers various tidbits on each, such as fees and issues with contracts and other terms affecting the writer's bottom line. This type of in-depth information can prove helpful in guiding you away from a publisher who is definitely NOT focused on the best interest of the author.

Levine even goes one step further and categorizes each of the 48 companies in one of four categories: Outstanding Self-Publishing Companies, Some Pretty Good Self-Publishing Companies, Publishers Who Are Just Okay, and PUBLISHERS TO AVOID. What makes the book even more valuable is the terminology. Levine has written it so anyone can easily understand the often confusing terminology found in legal contracts. Though there were a few editorial issues, it is my hope that THE FINE PRINT OF SELF-PUBLISHING will be updated annually (or more often) to provide revisions and additional information regarding the various POD companies.

Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The Fine Print is a consumer-friendly guide to choosing your best self -publishing deal. Mark explains the industry's tricky contract language in such clear terms, that any non-lawyer can understand and follow.

Perry Binder
Associate Professor of Legal Studies, Georgia State University

"All I can say is WOW! This handy guide is more than I ever expected .. I have only read the first 20 pages and have gained more insight into self-publishing than all of what I was able to garner from studying the on-line sites of numerous PODs and other 'writers sites'. Your book is a Blessing to those of us who are new to publishing .. thanks again for such a great product."

Alfred James Phillips
Author of "Roses on the Mountain"

"Excellent book. It's one that is needed. Writers considering self-publishing or e-publishing should read this thoroughly before submitting to any publisher. This book is recommended by Preditors & Editors."

Dave Kuzminski, Editor
Preditors & Editors

"I regularly hear from people who have spent tens of thousands of dollars publishing their book, when it could have cost them a fraction of the cost had they know what's in this book. Mark Levine has done all authors a great service in providing this information. Armed with this book, any aspiring author can confidently self-publish and actually profit from doing so. In fact, I think that any author who self-publishes according to these guidelines will end up choosing the best possible publishing route."

Diane Eble, book publishing coach/consultant
www.yourbookpublishingcoach.com

Before you choose a publisher for your work, order the Fine Print right now, and invest in yourself.