Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Xulon Press's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 24 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 9 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/24/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I need to discuss my options with a book contract due to falling sales and other personal reasons. I have repeatedly called my project **** and 4 other individuals on " My Team". There has been no response to any of these call or emails over the last three weeks. I have been satisfied with Xulon during the time my book was published, but this lack of response is frustrating. I really only have 3 qquestions and they should not take more than a few minutes.Customer Answer
Date: 03/11/2025
About 2 weeks ago I filled a complaint about Xulon publishing and failure to answer or return calls and emails. I have sense resolved the issue with Xulon through the parent company Salem Publishing. I would like to have mu complaint marked as resolved. Do I need to do anything else?
Sent from ***** ******* (*********************************************************************************************************)
Initial Complaint
Date:01/08/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I purchased a publishing package and a bulk order of my book. The books were printed and delivered. However, over the years I was unable to pay late fees. Once I was able to pay these fees, my sales rep ******** ******* blocked my email and my author login was deactivated. Thus: I still have no account of -and- no longer receive any information on royalties and the late fees serve no purpose. They took my money and discontinued business with me without explanation and the only royalties reported were approximately $10 seven years ago. Where is the disclosure of book sales? Why am I unable to login?Business Response
Date: 01/09/2025
Good day,
We did indeed create, publish and distribute our customer's finished books in 2016. In January 2017, we were notified by the author that there was a change in contact information. Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach the author since then. Renewal fees are due annually, however, the author did not make any of these payments until 1/1/2025, finally bringing these fees up to date. Although the publishing contract the author signed in 2016 stated that a non-payment of the annual renewal fees would lead to a discontinuation of services, we did not cancel the account - only putting it on hold.
The author has been contacted by their account *** (on 12/4/24) and was provided information on how to view their account information is in the process of terminating distribution. We will be happy to assist with any further information needed and will reach out to the author again.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/01/2024
Type:Order IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Xulon has been selling my book since 2020 and has not given me any royalties. I made an agreement with Xulon that my royalties could go towards the balance for publishing fees. The problem is that was years ago and I still have never been paid royalties, they are still selling the book, theres been numerous agents that my case has been given too and none of them seem to tell the truth. Its difficult to contact them. I have seen that the retail sales price of the book has increased, and the book is being sold for more money. The company did not furfilled their end with media engagement. I was told I would do book signings and radio interviews which never happened i was given two unprofessional ******** videos for book marketing. I never met nor spoke with the marketing team that I was told would be working with **** chose this company because they were Christian based but I found out they are frauds and one big scam!Business Response
Date: 12/11/2024
On 10/18/2019 we entered into a publishing agreement with this author to produce, market and distribute a book for $2,998.00. A payment plan was created to assist while we started the work. During the production process, a payment was declined once. We continued to provide services as the author's finances were readjusted, and in Jan. 2020 the first copies were printed and sent to the author. In February, another payment was declined. This was corrected by the author, and we immediately released her online marketing campaign. From June - Dec. 2020 every payment request was denied. On January 14, 2021, the author emailed acknowledgement of the failure to pay the contract as agreed and promised to make payments "at a later date."
In October 2021 we have record that the author called inquiring about how to terminate the contract and was told the existing payment plan would need to be paid in full first. No payments were made toward this outstanding debt. On February 22, 2022, our customer service *** agreed to the **********************'s request to use proceeds from the sale of the book to pay off the payment plan. However, only 2 books have been sold since that date and the royalty balance is currently $10. In addition, the signed agreement states :
* If author's royalties do not exceed $25 in any royalty period, Xulon Press reserves the right to hold such royalties until a minimum $25 royalty payment has been reached.
* If the author has an open payment plan for the publishing package, Xulon Press will hold royalties earned until the package is paid for in full.
* Xulon Press reserves the right to deduct unpaid renewal fees or any other unpaid past due balance from author's royalty account.With regard to the additional complaints about marketing, I can only presume there are the result of misunderstandings about what we provide. We are not a marketing or public relations agency, but we do provide various tools to market a finished book. The author may have been told they should pursue book signings and radio interviews (as should all self-published authors), but we do not offer those services. We also have no record of any complaint or request for editing of the online advertisement videos that were created for this book project, otherwise, adjustments would have been made to the author's satisfaction.
As of today, the outstanding balance due on this finished project is $1,860.00, yet we were faithful to produce and then provide distribution this book for 5 years. I have attached the signed payment plan agreement to this form.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/11/2024
This business is not telling the truth. I did make several payments to them. After losing my job I contacted them and explained I was having hardship and ask if they could use the money I received for royalties as my payments. I was told yes. I never contacted them about termination of the contract in ******************* 2024 and told them I no longer wanted to work with them and did not want them to distribute my book anymore because I was working with a new publisher who would re-publish my book.Customer Answer
Date: 12/11/2024
Complaint: 22623086
I am rejecting this response because: Xulon is not telling the truth. I made several payments before falling on hard times and I contacted them explaining I lost my job and asked if the royalties could be used as my payments and I was told yes in 2022 I only asked if the renewal fee could be paid with royalties. Because my payment plan for royalties to be used were already in place in 2021. I was told on the phone by one of the many publishing agents over the phone that I would have a marketing team working with me to do radio interviews, book signings and none of that happened. There was never a you tube video made like I was told, and whenever I asked about book sales and distribution it was unclear because the agent didnt seem to know anything. The book retail sale price was $12.49 since then the book price has increased. So if the book is not selling why has the price increased? Also I know there has been book sales because I have friends and family that have purchased the book I also know some book stores that purchase copies of the book.I made a payment for renewal fees for 2022 and 2023. In 2024 i responded by email that I no longer wanted to have my book distributed nor work with Xulon because I had found another publisher to re-publish my book I wrote this to Xulon in my email.
Sincerely,
Shunga WrightBusiness Response
Date: 12/23/2024
As requested by the customer ("In 2024 i responded by email that I no longer wanted to have my book distributed nor work with Xulon because I had found another publisher to re-publish my book I wrote this to Xulon in my email"), this account has been terminated in our system. The outstanding balance of $1,860 remains due on the account, and we would welcome a call to our accounting department to make suitable payment arrangements.Initial Complaint
Date:11/18/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Xulon is failing to respond to advertised specials. Also has double - billed me for storage fees on both books. I am in need of ordering these books and they do not respond to phone calls, emails, or other attempts to contact them. There are only automated responses being generated by emails.Customer Answer
Date: 11/18/2024
I have been contacted by Xulon Press and they appear to be trying to comply with my complaint.Customer Answer
Date: 11/19/2024
you may close it. Thanks.Initial Complaint
Date:08/30/2024
Type:Customer Service IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I can never get ahold of anyone and ive left messages and have called numerous times to update my contact information for The Butterfly Cycles Of Faith by ***********************.Business Response
Date: 09/05/2024
Please accept my apologies for the difficulties you have encountered with reaching your After Press Representative. It seems your account has changed hands to a new **** who was not made aware of your account. This is not a normal occurence, but it does happen from time to time, inadvertently leaving an author unattended. I know this must be frustrating.
I have notified your new *** to reach out to you before the end of this week and expect you will receive much better attention from here. In the meantime, you can update your contact information at any time on your Author Center! This is the same place you go to find your sales and distribution activity for your book. If you do not have accurate login access to your Author Center account, please let your After Press Representative know when you speak.
I trust this will get things moving in the right directions for you. If you encounter further concerns and need management intervention, feel free to to call our direct number and ask for the **************** Manager. I will be happy to help.
~ ************** Team at Xulon Press & Salem Author ServicesInitial Complaint
Date:08/10/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I used Xulon press to publish my book. I have paid them over $4,000 for the publishing, editing and then different packages that they offer. One package I was told I really need in order to get book stores to even look at my book. That was a package to make my book returnable. The most recent package that I purchased was to expose my book to ****** people. I paid almost $400 for this package and was told that my campaign ran throughout the month of May. I got zero sales from my book supposedly being exposed to $****** people. Their response was that they cannot can control how many people buy my book ,which of course they can't, but is it is extremely suspicious that my book was exposed to ****** people and not one person bought it. Xulon Press is always offering different packages and they word it to make you think that if you just buy this package then your book will take off. But it's constant. They always have new packages that you need to buy for your book to take off, but nothing ever happens. They prey on writers who want to get their story out and published. In my frustration I did some ****** searching and found that I was not the only one that paid for this service and got zero sales and had some real concerns about it. I am asking for my money back in reading the reviews and seeing all the complaints reported about them on the better Business bureau, Xulon Press is a scam. I want all of my money back. All $4,000 plus dollars. I am going to hire a company who has morals and does not play around with my money or my story. If I need to provide additional information I will.Business Response
Date: 08/19/2024
I am so sorry to hear you have had such a poor experience releasing your book through us. I assure you we are taking a deep look into the concerns you have shared and will be in touch with you direction work through it. Our goal is for our authors to finish the publishing process with both, a book they are please with and an experience that was enriching (learning how books are created, about the publishing world, about how to make a business out of book publishing, etc.). Anything less than that is not meeting our goal. However, we recognize our authors each have goals, as well. Many times those goals are tied to the number of books sold and profits earned. With that in mind, reaching our goal of "an enriching experience" also includes providing authors with the tools to reach their goals. My preliminary research shows we have been diligent and honest in our communications with you about the how-tos of marketing, distribution and royalties. We will be calling you soon to clarify and correct anyplace we have been remiss, but we also welcome you to reach out to us at your convenience. Please call our offices and request the Author Experience Supervisor, who is now handling your account. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We look forward to finding a resolution. ~ The Xulon Press Management TeamInitial Complaint
Date:07/30/2024
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
It looks like Xulon Press are not willing to pay my refund of $418 and my royalties. I cancelled the line plus edit service and requested for a refund of my $418. Xulon Press accepted and promised to refund but they keep promising and not fulfilling. I was further disappointed when they said that they had already sent out my check but it took 2 months before reaching me and I had to suggest another option of wire transfer. You would think that the I transfer would be faster but they have deliberately made the process too slow by taking 3-4 weeks to reply one email. My book was published in April but I have not received any transfer of my royalties. I am very disappointed with Xulon Press. I thought that a Christian publisher would do things with a more excellent touch. I spent more than half of &****** to publish my book, but it is disheartening to find myself pleading with Xulon Press to refund the excess of my money and to pay me my royalties.Business Response
Date: 07/31/2024
Thank you for reaching out to us. We have been in consistent communication with our international customer regarding the distribution of his royalties and have provided services to assist with marketing and sales of his book. Some delays have been due to international banking processes, however, it seems his refund check was indeed lost in transit causing the process to be restarted. As of 24 hours ago, we updated our customer with a request for his banking information, and we expect to move expeditiously once we receive it. We understand how frustrating this can be and truly appreciate your patience as we move forward to a favorable resolution. ~ ************** Team at Xulon Press/Salem Author ServicesCustomer Answer
Date: 08/08/2024
Complaint: 22065390
I am rejecting this response because:It looks like Xulon Press will not pay me and I have to involve law enforcement to look into this. I am amazed that Xulon Press keeps asking me for more information - which they evidently already have. Today I received an email from them saying that they don't have my contact (probably phone contact) and that's what's hindering them from refunding my money. I've provided my phone contact from the beginning of my relationship with them and it's even in the advert they printed for my book. My phone contact is everywhere on my file but they claim that they don't have it and that that's what is delaying the process of paying my refund.
I am very disappointed in Xulon Press and I think I should let the world know about this.
Sincerely,
*******************Business Response
Date: 08/19/2024
As of 8/12/24, this customer had received his refund, by wire transfer as promised.Customer Answer
Date: 08/19/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
*******************Initial Complaint
Date:07/09/2024
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I paid ******** between January 13th 2023 and February 27th 2024 They promised that thousands of people would see my book and coverage over multiple platforms. And (after waiting over a year) it is now July of 2024 and I did not get even 1 single sale. It has been over 1 year and The only sales I received was from my elderly father who bought 4 books for himself. And that was from my own advertising(obviously). So I did a better job of advertising than they did. With not even 1 single sale, I am requesting a refund from them and have waited over a week for a reply. I have had to email them multiple times. I have called and left messages. Getting in touch with them has been difficult and frustrating with no response until last night when I spammed their email over and over and over again, after writing a ridiculous amount of emails, all of a sudden they decide to get back with me. This company stole the money from me and might possibly be criminal, I am not sure if they are actually a legitimate business or not because of how ridiculous and un professional they have acted.Business Response
Date: 07/11/2024
I am very sorry to hear of your difficulty reaching us. As I researched this complaint, it appears your request reached our office at the onset of a holiday. Then your representative responded within the alotted ***** hours afterward with an open schedule to assist you. Delays of any kind are frustrating, especially when you need answers, so I do apologize for that.
Our goal is to help you understand not only how to create and publish a book (production), but also the industry in which you are now a member. Writing the book is only the beginning.
I do understand your disappointment about the sales of your self-published book. It is very challenging to navigate marketing, timing, distribution, etc. At this stage (after-press), we are here to guide and direct, but the purchase of a book is always up to the "book buyer" (3rd party retailer, independent bookstore, individual reader). The marketing services you may purchase through us (or others) is intended to shine a light on your book and bring it before the eyes of potential readers. Your Xulon Press Account Representative will share what marketing services you have on your account and the results of those campaigns. But the ultimate effort to make sales is through the salesman: The self-publishing author.
Many authors are surprised by this responsibility, but no one knows your story better than you. Who better to tell it and sell it to the world? We are here to help you do that. I am confident you will see we have done our part, and we will be here to continue assisting you if you will allow us. I look forward to hearing how your meeting goes.
~ Your Salem Author Services Management Team
Initial Complaint
Date:06/22/2024
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
In 2002 I self published with xulon press. I've had some communication over the years. Recently I was at a garage sale and saw one of the books I wrote through this company. The wonan stated she got the book at a bible study. I have had previous contact with the company as to how many books have been sold. I have never received a response over the years. So this recent communication as in previous communication has gone unanswered. My concern is if they are selling my books. Where's my royalties.Business Response
Date: 06/25/2024
Books self-published and distributed for over 20 years are often sold, then resold, then gifted, then resold again (in garage sales). This is not only not unusual, but to be expected. However, the initial printing and subsequent sale would have been documented by the distributer, and the author would be paid a royalty for that sale.
We keep record of each book at its initial printing (from our distribution), but do not have anyway of knowing where that book is resold (whether by a 3rd party distributor or individual). And those 3rd party sales do NOT generate a royalty for the author, because the author has already been paid for that printed book.
As one of our authors, you have an online Author Center that you can access at anytime to show you the sales and distribution of your book. I do apologize that you were unable to reach your Author Services Representative when you called recently. However, from my research, we have not had any other communication from you for many years. Now that we have been made aware of your concerns, he will be in touch with you soon to discuss your account and answer any questions you have. I am sure this will be helpful.
Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.
Salem Author Services Management Team
Initial Complaint
Date:04/24/2024
Type:Product IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Salem Author Services, Xulon Press, has not upheld the guaranteed services as part of my contract; Project ID ******. My phone calls and emails have not been returned. I am requesting a refund for the renewal fees ($357.00) that were not discussed with me, prior to signing the contract. See attached letter.Business Response
Date: 05/03/2024
We were just made aware that our customer was disatisfied on 5/2/24 by email. On 5/3/24, the process of refunding his money was begun by his Account Representative. However, this complaint is requesting a different resolution than originally stated, so we will be reaching out to the customer again on Monday to clarify his desires. We will happily resolve with the customer as soon as the directions are clear.Customer Answer
Date: 05/09/2024
Thank you for handling my complaint and reaching out to Xulon Press. Through the assistance of BBB, I was able to get acceptable results. My Xulun Press Account Representative, Kim S***** contacted me. Kim assured me that my concerns would be handled and was willing to go the extra mile to compensate me for issues I experienced in the past. Kim also instructed me to contact her directly if I have any future problems. Thank you again, BBB.Customer Answer
Date: 05/09/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
***** *****
Xulon Press is BBB Accredited.
This business has committed to upholding the BBB Standards for Trust.
Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.