Coercive Publishers: When to Walk Away

Most publishers are both honest and willing to compromise, at least on some things. Yes, they try to pay writers a little and get a lot—but that’s the same thing you hope for when you shop at Target or the farmers’ market. And most publishers won’t be deceptive or exploitive or weird.

But perhaps 10% of publishers are actively exploitive. They don’t just want a good deal; they want to take everything they can from you and, if possible, give you nothing. Your needs and concerns—as well as any ethical issues—don’t even appear on their radar screens. These organizations act much like people with narcissistic or antisocial personality disorders.

Such publishers typically offer contracts full of unreasonable terms. When writers attempt to negotiate better terms, these publishers either break off all contact or try to get their way through abuse and intimidation. (“That’s the most unprofessional and ignorant request I’ve gotten in over three decades of publishing.”)

When faced with such coercive tactics, the right thing to do is walk away and not look back. Any attempt to work with this organization will only bring you more of the same abuse.

When have you come up against an exploitive publisher, had the presence of mind to walk away, and been glad you did? Would you share your story of integrity and survival here?