Official Website of Author Jamie McGuire.
After I heard about this on Michelle Proulx’s blog, I had to read it again. And again. This couldn’t be right.
It seems that Jamie McGuire’s book, Beautiful Disaster , sold so many copies that Atria Books decided it was worth their while to pick it up. Every self-published author’s dream, right?
Well… there’s more to the story, and if having your work recognized by a traditional publisher is your goal, I think you should check it out.
It’s a beautiful disaster.
Sorry Jamie. I couldn’t resist.
T. W. Dittmer 
I saw this story, too. It’s enough to strike fear in every writer, especially since self-publishing has seemed like such a blessing on the increasingly scarce traditional publishing landscape.
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I can’t figure out why Amazon would do it.
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What ails Amazon?
It is good marketing for Amazon when a traditional publisher takes picks up an author because other writers will be encouraged to put their work on Amazon too.
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I know. To break their own policy and encourage returns… I don’t get it.
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I loved the title of this post, made me grin.
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It seems there may be a logical explanation, that there are issues involving a Stones song in the self-published version.
I should be more careful about referencing the Great Zon. They’ve, no doubt, started monitoring my keyboard. Oh well, I’ll put on my foil hat.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. 😉
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I keep waiting to hear more about this story. I can’t help but think that it’s a mix up of some kind.
I mean, no on that I know has ever heard of this happening and it’s clearly freaked out a bunch of self-published authors, and for good reason.
For now, I’m staying in the “very skeptical” camp, and eagerly awaiting learning more about what really is going on.
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Probably a wise move, Stan. It doesn’t make sense for Amazon to do that.
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I read somewhere this morning that there might be a copyright issue with song lyrics she included in the book that she didn’t have permission from the artist to print. No idea if this is a rumour or true.
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It looks like that may be the case.
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The only other information I’ve read is that it might have something to do with the self-published version including *all* of the lyrics to a Rolling Stones song. The new publisher took them out with the exception of one line. The Stones aren’t ones to ignore copyright infringement, and there is speculation Amazon is trying to get out from under a lawsuit. Until the whole story is told, I don’t know where the truth is, so I’m adopting a wait and see attitude.
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Something like that might explain Amazon’s move. Usually I just sit back and watch before I say anything about this kind of stuff, if I ever do say anything. Must have drank too much coffee. 😉
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I’d heard about this, too and was appropriately shocked. I liked reading the comments here–makes me feel like there is more going on than meets the eye, which would make sense. Will be interesting to see how it all turns out. How frustrating for the poor author. I really feel for her.
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It sure shocked me. I’ll be happy if it does turn out that Amazon was thinking about those song lyrics, just trying to avoid litigation. That’s a pretty normal business reaction.
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I heard about the song lyrics as well and if this is the case, it makes a lot of sense (because I’ve never heard of Amazon doing this before). I really feel for Jamie and hope it all works out for the best for her…
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Taping up my mouth now (actually my fingers). Oh well, another lesson for me. 🙂
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While the particular action Amazon took was sparked by copyright infringement, it does not change the fact that they pulled a huge reversal on Jamie McGuire. How scary is it to suddenly be on the hook for refunds in excess of the revenue originally made? How can she possibly fight back against them?
Be aware of the power Amazon has if you get into bed with them. Weigh your risks and rewards before you decide.
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A good point, Tracy. If she sold books for… say ten dollars… she didn’t make that entire ten dollars. Amazon took part of it. When customers return a book, does she have to pay the entire ten dollars out of her own pocket?
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