RWA Alert: Rebel Press

We are in receipt of questions from members who are being contacted by sales representatives of a company doing business as Rebel Press and formerly known as New Century Publishing. Without more information, we are unfortunately unable to provide the answers members seek.

As a reminder, RWA affirms the freedom of every writer to negotiate in his or her own best interests, and RWA’s policy is to comply fully and strictly with federal and state antitrust laws. Members are strongly encouraged to evaluate each and every publisher and publishing contract to determine if they are a good match for the author.

Since the company has not applied as a Qualifying Market, the information staff is able to access is that which is available on the company’s website.

Members should know RWA’s standards for “predatory publishing.” Those standards are listed below.

“Predatory Publishing” means a business model based on selling products or services to authors rather than selling books to readers. Services or publishing packages offered by the entity are usually priced higher than similar services found in the open marketplace. Promises of mass-distribution, marketing services, or expertise in editorial, design and delivery of quality works made by Predatory Publishing companies are rarely fulfilled and often result in unsuccessful distribution or sales. This definition includes, but is not limited to, publishing programs that withhold or seek full or partial payment or reimbursement of publication or distribution costs before paying royalties.

It is not our intent to imply that Rebel Press engages in predatory practices, but to give authors a basis on which to make that decision on their own, based on their individual circumstances.