ComplaintsforChristian Faith Publishing, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  12/21/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid Christian Faith Publishing $3,500 for my book to be published and have yet to receive payment for royalties from the book. I see on Amazon that the book has sold and a limited number of copies are available due to it being out of stock at times. They claim sales have to reach $100 first. I believe I’ve been duped by this company and want whatever payment is owed from the sales of my book.

  

  Business response

  01/04/2022

  Christian Faith Publishing has attempted several times to contact this author regarding her complaints and our attempts continue to go unanswered. If the author would be willing to call or accept our calls, we would be more than happy to clarify the author's concerns. We distribute our authors’ work through Ingram Content Network, one of the largest distributors in North America, allowing for worldwide distribution. This author’s book is available to over 30,000 retailers worldwide (Online and Physical Bookstores). We were very transparent and upfront about retail, distribution, and royalties, not only in our written agreements, but as well as the rest of the information given and discussed with the author. This author's book is in full distribution as explained and promised in the Publishing and Distribution Agreement. The quarterly sales reporting is available to the author at any time, through her author's portal. If the author would like her royalties issued to her before meeting the threshold as outlined in her agreement, we are more than willing to work with her on that. We wish her the best and sincerely hope to resolve her concerns.

• Initial Complaint

  09/05/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In August 2021 my book called ******** ******* The Woman in Revelation 12 was finished and I did receive my copies but I was just informed that my book was not going to be in the book stores and etc. However, I was never informed of this information and they have received all of their payments in full but I was never told that my book was not going to be distributed to the book stores during this process. I just assumed that my book was going to be in the stores, otherwise what's the point of writing a book, if I can't get my book sold. I can't make my money back that I paid to them and I could have shopped around for better service, had I know that they was not going to distribute my book in the book stores. I was not informed that I would have to sell my book myself and they are willing to sell me tons of copies but will not get my book in the bookstores!

  

  Business response

  09/08/2021

  .Christian Faith Publishing distributes its authors’ work through Ingram Content Network, one of the largest distributors in North America, allowing for worldwide distribution. This author’s book is available to over 30,000 retailers worldwide (Online and Physical Bookstores). As private businesses, each bookstore chooses what to stock on its shelves. When a book is not stocked, in most cases the book can be ordered when a customer requests to purchase a copy at the store.
  We were very transparent and upfront about retail, distribution, and royalties, not only in our written agreements, but as well as the rest of the information given and discussed with the author. While we are very empathic with the author’s concerns, we urge her to give it more time. The book was only fully released in August of 2021 and hasn’t even been out long enough to report the quarterly earnings. To ensure the author has a better understanding, a senior staff member will reach out, right away.

  Customer response

  09/20/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  

  I reviewed the response from Christian Faith Publishing and their response was just a notes from a previous communication that I already had with a ***** ********** therefore nothing new was provided. 

  I would like to know, why CFP does not disclose to the consumer in the beginning that their book will not be sold in bookstores on the shelf, or any other place that sell books.

  How can a new author get airwaves, if no one can see a new book? You can only order it on-line but if no one knows of the new book, how can it be get sold?

  I also understand that a person can order my book on-line but not many know of the new book, so how can they order it on-line?

  Christian Faith Publishing need to do a better job of helping new author get noticed!

  They need to establish a partnership with bookstores for new authors, so that they can get noticed!

  I paid CFP nearly $4000 to have them to just print my book but I can't make any of my money back because no one is buying my book and that's because it's not being seen. 

  I was told, it's impossible for bookstores to stock many different new books and I find that very hard to believe but they did do some type of press release. 

  Which I have people calling me to spend more money, to them for advertisement, to sell my book.

  Therefore, to me the press release do not mean anything, it's more money that I have to spend, in order to get my book sold!

  Regards,

  ***** *****

   

   

  They do not tell the consumer that they will have to sell their book themselves, by starting a Facebook page an etc. 

   

   

  ******** ***** *****

  

  Business response

  09/20/2021

  Since the time this complaint was first opened, Christian Faith Publishing has attempted multiple times to reach out to the author to help explain the distribution and sales process. Our calls and voicemails continue to go unanswered. The claims the author is making that our authors’ books not being for sale is simply false. As previously explained, the author’s book is available for sale at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the rest of Ingram Content Network’s 30,000 other retail partners. If the author would kindly return our calls and attempts to communicate, we are more than willing to send her a statistical report showing the reactions to her press release, which was only published a little over a month ago. This will help the author understand that not only is her book in worldwide distribution, but that we’ve also spread the word about her book’s release to thousands of targeted media outlets. We could also send her additional resources and tips to help with self-marketing that can work in tandem to the marketing services we provided for the author. Despite this author’s claims, we want nothing more for authors to be successful and to clear up this confusion. We hope we can work together for a more positive and productive path, moving forward. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/18/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contracted with Christian Faith Publishing to publish my book which was published 3/16/18. I paid nearly $3,500 to do so. They produced a quality book for me for which I am pleased. However, my agreement states CFP does not make any money until I recoup what I have spent. The contract also agrees to report quarterly. I lost my password in a move and no one seems to answer the phone to help. Since I haven't seen a dime from them I decided I would test their claim of no sales of my book. I ordered a bunch of books online and still no sales reported and no money. I have called many times and all I get is vm. No one has ever returned my call. It seems to me this company has stolen my book. Please help.

  

  Business response

  08/30/2021

  The author clearly states to loosing her password to her personal author portal. If you do not have the password you can not review your royalty reports. CFP did not steal her book! Automatic checks have to be over $100. The author has royalties in the amount of $35 which we will override and send her a check next issue date. We are contacting the author directly to make sure she has her password and answer any questions she may have. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/11/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Christian Faith Publishing published my book I am Who I am last year coming out in Mach 2020. According to my contract, I was supposed to get all royalties until I had recovered all of the about $3,000 I paid for publication When I have checked my portal I have found that it has less than $100;00 up to now I am personally aware that more than 400 books have been purchased. I have tried to contact the company but with no results. I previously asked about it by way of emails and they replied that I would get 70 cents for every copy. I tried to show my agreement but got nowhere. I can send you all emails that refer to my book by way of emails as soon as you provide me with a case number, I believe they have taken advantage of me because it was my first try and they were aware that I am a 79yrs old disabled Vet with several medical problems I have waited for them patiently but feel it is time for me to seek justice As I said all supporting emails will be sent as soon as I receive a can

  

  Business response

  08/16/2021

  It looks like the authors emails have been returned and answered. The royalties an author receives are a percentage of sales and they have access to their individual author portal at anytime. Our distributor (Ingram) reports sales to CFP and we have never had an instance where they have reported incorrectly. We are having a representative reach out to the author today to answer any questions they have and to go over the validity of the 400 copies the author claims to have personal knowledge of. 

  Customer response

  08/16/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  
  Regards,
  ******* ****** I will sent a copy of my agreement by email please pay attention to sections H, I and J that says I'm to receive full royalties until my payments for my book have been completed My portal shows partial payments for books sold

  Customer response

  08/18/2021

  From: Kenneth Walden <[email protected]>
  Date: Wed, Aug 18, 2021 at 6:57 AM
  Subject: Fwd: A2C Case #08830889 Correspondence
  To: BBB Info <[email protected]>
  

  
  
  

  Case #15752706

  This is the answer I. Just received from Amazon I have no way of disputing the numbers of books sold and at what price However I can prove by their own records that For what they show in my portal is not full payment My book value throughout 2020 was $19;95 subject to he terms  in my agreement signed 10/9/19 sections H, I, and J

   I have had a 4 star rating all of this time and the most recent advertisment from Amazon says They only have 5 books left that they are selling for $16;95 this to me shows that my book is selling. Also I've had more than 400 people tell me on Facebook over time that they have purchased my book most from my area of Roxbury Ma. I also purchased $200:00 worth of books last spring and had them send them to Columbus Georgia. That doesn't show in my Portal. What they are trying to say doesn't match their own records.Expecially when their records show for example a payment for 3 books $10;95 when the agreement should give me $19;95 for each book sold. I demand that they provide a honest complete record from Amazon and pay in full all sales plus return all funds that I payed for publication ( $3,000;00 ) plus. And cancel my agreement.  

  
  

  ---------- Forwarded message ---------
  From: ****** ******* ******** ******* *****************************************************>
  Date: Tue, Aug 17, 2021, 7:55 PM
  Subject: *** **** ********* **************
  To: ****************************
  

  
  
  Hello,
  
  I understand you would like to know the sales from March 2020.
  
  Due to account security reasons, we need you to contact your publisher or agent company who works with your publisher directly for assistance.
  
  When you publish a book with a third party as the publisher or publishing house, the distribution rights and the administration of your book are given to them. All actions related to the book (price, availability, formatting, or other changes in different features) will need to be submitted using the same platform where your book was uploaded.
  
  Thank you for using Amazon Author Central,
  
  ******** ******* ************************
  
  To learn more, check our Help pages: ******************************
  
  To contact us again about this question, reply directly to this email.
  For new questions, please visit: *********************************
  
  -----Previous Message-----
  
  Please fill in the following information:
  
  **** ** **** ** *** ******************
  
  ***** ** *** ***** * ** *** * **
  
  Additional Info: I would like to see my sales from March 2020

  

  Business response

  08/30/2021

  Author has had his contract and royalties thoroughly explained to him. I have attached his sales report. We discussed the entire process with the author on 8-11, 8-12 and left a message for him on 8-16. 

  Customer response

  08/31/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ******

  
  

  There response does not include the original copies of the invoices from Amazon from 3/20 until present that i am entitled to see. in this way my book sales from that period can be verified. Therefor My original demands still hold true

  

  Business response

  09/10/2021

  Christian Faith Publishing has gone above and beyond to explain the royalty process and the transparent process of which everything is reported, calculated, and paid out. We sent both digital and hardcopies of our distributor’s sales report (Ingram) to compare to Christian Faith Publishing’s sales report to the author. Since Ingram is the only source for our printed books, any copies purchased by Amazon or any other retailer, is included in that report. Since the time of this complaint, we have exchanged several emails and attempted several calls to ease this author’s concerns. Despite our best efforts to clearly explain, communicate, and illustrate this process, the author continues to send threatening and combative responses. We truly hope the reports will ease his concerns so we can move forward on a more positive and productive path.

  Customer response

  09/10/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ****** I do not agree they still haven't responded to my questions regarding my agreement . I have asked them repeatedly to answer where does it say in our agreement that I must p.  for extra printing that does not appear in my $3,495.00 agreement. I am supposed to be asked if I agree to this addition first and if I do not then I would have had the option to cancel There is nothing in our contract that gives them that right to charge me as they have  I still hold to my demands

  

  Business response

  09/28/2021

  We have gone above and beyond to address these items in our previous responses as well as with the author directly. We have nothing more to add that was not already provided to refute these claims and help the author understand. 

  Customer response

  10/01/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  *************** ****** I reject their answer. My demands still hold. They Appear to say that they sent me a video to review that explains the details of additional printing .  it doesn't show when I received it. as I have already shown in my August 23, 2019 communication with them it clearly shows that I was asked to see a video about the how their staff works and a statement that they said was written in plain English that told me all the work that they would provide in publishing my book. i am not able to send you another copy of these statement here but will send them as I have sent all others by Email. they have said a lot of nothing throughout these procedures.

• Initial Complaint

  07/26/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Christian Faith Publishing published a children’s book I wrote and illustrated about a year ago. And I’ve never seen one penny of royalty checks from them.

  

  Business response

  08/02/2021

  Every author has a personalized author portal that they have used for months through the publishing process. Any royalties will be submitted and listed in that portal. Once the royalty is above $100 a check will be sent that quarter. If it is below $100 the author just needs to inform us that they would like a check cut. All of this information has been provided to the author of course. We will have a rep contact them and walk them through the process again. 

  Customer response

  08/02/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  06/30/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went out my ways to personally tell Scott m******** and his supervisor ally and the staff that does production what my vision was... I immeasurably see errors and I’m not satisfied with Chritian faith publishing

  

  Business response

  09/09/2021

  Christian Faith Publishing went above and beyond to work with this author. We made several rounds of changes during each stage, which the author approved. We worked with her through financial concerns, health concerns, and even when she became hostile. We transferred her case to one of our top Senior Account Managers and continued to endure hostility, name-calling, and threats. After the continued hostility from the author, it was apparent that Christian Faith Publishing was not a good fit, despite our best efforts to bring her vision to life and our best efforts to please her. The author terminated the agreement. Despite all of this, we truly wish the best for her and her projects.

*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. ↩