"It was a very special honor."

“The international expansion and increased violence of transnational criminal networks pose a significant threat to the United States."

Blogging like it's 1999 might make sense for a lot of people.

Wend magazine continues to bring together intriguing stories about human powered adventures from around the world. In the current issue, they inform us that in 2010 officials in Isfahan,

Also spotted at the recent edition of the Feria Puro Diseno, Buenos Aires biggest design show, this simple yet interesting wooden home accessory goes in line with some of our favorite concepts: multi-purpose objects and small

Microsoft decided that a good way to advertise its cloud-based Office 365 software would be to actually put a T-Mobile wifi router with 15 days of free wifi inside a magazine advert.

Matt Ridley might be right about the world not ending on December 21 this year. But the rest of the article is delusional.

Is the oil industry starting to be worried about electric vehicles?

We've scratched the surface of Sierra magazine's Cool Schools list on Treehugger before, but this time I've decided to dig into one of the schools so we can learn more about what

The upfront carbon emissions from replacing existing buildings now are as big as operating emissions. We have to stop this now.

YES! Magazine’s 2nd Annual Celebration of People Power with Alice Walker, Frances Moore Lappé, and Makana.

Posted by Victoria Strauss for Writer Beware®


On this blog and elsewhere, I spend a lot of time warning about junk book marketing services: so-called marketing and promotional services that are cheap to provide, but can be sold at a big markup, and for the most part are of little worth for book promotion or can more effectively be done by the author him/herself. Some examples: press releases, email blasts, book trailers, book fair display, social media setup, and social media advertising.

All these and more are hawked to writers at exorbitant prices by assisted self-publishing companies like the various Author Solutions imprints--and also, increasingly, by their scam imitators. Either way, they're a ripoff...but the scammers demand even bigger fees, tell even bigger lies, and deliver even more shoddy results. And that's when they're not just taking your money and running.

A few weeks ago, I focused on pay-to-play radio interviews--another junk marketing service--and why they're not worth the huge fees charged by providers. This week, I'm going to talk about pay-to-play magazines. (You'll note that all the companies discussed below are on my Big List of Publishing and Marketing Scams.)

Have you ever received a solicitation like this one?

Or this one?

Or this one?

Of course the books haven't undergone "extensive evaluation", or been "carefully chosen", or showed to "a team" that "really like[s] your vision". Such solicitations are just spam, blasted out to addresses scraped from the internet or stolen from self-publishing company customer lists.

Nor are these real magazines, in the sense of publications that are widely available to the public. Instead, they're collections of ads, interviews, and "feature articles" sold to writers at huge prices, sometimes interspersed with general interest pieces (often really badly written) or, in the case of New Reader Magazine, with fiction, poetry, and art. These "publications" are never circulated in any meaningful sense; they may be posted online, but their primary mode of distribution is from tables in company booths at book fairs...where many of the authors buying ad or interview space have already paid a premium for display.


The prices the faux magazines charge for placement can be enormous. For instance, here's the  "Executive Full-Spread Ad" from Paperclips Magazine, which is owned by (not "partnered with" as claimed in its solicitation email) publishing and marketing scammer Legaia Books:


A "Showcase" full-page ad costs $3,698 ($2,218.80 on sale), and a "Premier" half-page ad clocks in at $2,599 ($1,299.50 on sale). Paperclips' parent company, Legaia Books, also sells publishing and marketing services at high prices, using deceptive sales tactics to target small press- and self-published authors.

Here's one writer's not very satisfactory experience with Paperclips. I've gotten emails from many others.

New Reader Magazine--which looks quite legit if you don't know better--is owned by New Reader Media. Though the magazine actually appears to provide small payments for content acquired via general submission, it charges anywhere from $5,000 and up for the magazine feature and "partnership" mentioned in its solicitation email. Like Legaia, New Reader Media also sells publishing and marketing services at gigantic prices, as well as book-to-screen services (always a scam).

New Reader has accumulated some online complaints due to its aggressive solicitation and poor performance. It has also been caught making false claims, such as that it was responsible for Christopher Paolini's bestselling novel Eragon being made into a movie.

The Christmas magazine that's the subject of EC Publishing's solicitation can be seen here (if you're brave, you can also check out the Las Vegas Edition, produced for the Las Vegas Book Festival). Like most of the pay-to-play magazines, it's a compilation of author-purchased ads and features, laughably badly-written general interest articles, and a smattering of actual advertising. Prices for inclusion range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how much space is purchased.

Thanks to its aggressive soliciting, EC Publishing is the subject of a warning from the Australian Society of Authors.

Authors Press's Authorial magazine has its own website (note the "notice of non-affiliation and disclaimer" that pops up if you linger on the home page: the scammers read Writer Beware). Writers can buy a spot in the magazine, starting at fees of a few hundred dollars; ad space or "features" are also included in some of the more expensive promotional packages Authors Press offers.

Authorial's BEA 2019 issue consists of more than 75 pages of author ads, interviews, and excerpts. Just imagine the thousands of dollars in revenue generated by all those pages, some of which include ten or more ads. Also have a peek at Authorial's gallery page, which features photos of  the dozens of books displayed in Authors Press's BEA booth. In 2019, writers were being charged anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 for presence in the booth, depending on what level of activity they chose. Now multiply all of this by the seven book fairs Authors Press attended in 2019. It's not chump change.

From URLink Print and Media comes Harbinger Post. Like the others, it's nearly all paid content, interspersed here and there with staff-written features. Here's an example of the caliber of that writing:


Other scammy publishing and marketing companies that sell space in proprietary magazines (I've received multiple complaints about all these companies):

Global Summit House: Global Summit House
Litfire Publishing: WayFairer
AuthorCentrix: AuthorCentrix Magazine
Stonewall Press (defunct): GoldCrest Magazine

Print advertising is expensive, and how useful it is for book marketing is an open question. But if it is to be effective at all, it must offer the possibility of being seen by a large audience of potentially interested readers and buyers.

That means circulation, subscriptions, and quality content beyond mere advertising--not ad-stuffed, error-ridden, proprietary publications whose only exposure to the public is a "free, take one" stack on a side table in a book fair booth. Even if the ad slots weren't insanely expensive--and even if writers didn't have to pay for what real magazines never charge for, such as interviews--buying space in these fake publications would be a waste of money.

Writer beware.

UPDATE 1/29/20: It's not just scammers that run this kind of racket. Via its PW Select - BookLife feature (which I discuss here and  here), industry magazine Publishers Weekly has begun to sell a "very special" service:


These prices rival the scammers'. And the promise of print exposure is not quite what it seems. Per PW's Q&A explainer, the interviews appear not in the body of the magazine, but in "PW’s BookLife supplement, which is published the last week of each month bound into that week’s issue of Publishers Weekly". In other words, easy for readers to ignore or skip over.

PW actually has the wide circulation and industry audience the scammers only pretend to. But given the huge fees and the segregation of the interviews in a separate supplement--not to mention the open question of how useful any kind of print advertising is for book marketing--there's more than a whiff of the same kind of exploitation here.

As part of the activities surrounding the Draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup, each of the four host cities had displays promoting their cities and stadiums. For the Draw’s hosts, Kazan, these activities included a tour of the Kazan Arena by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and a number of other dignitaries.

Staged in Kazan, one of the tournament’s four host cities, the FCC Draw attracted some familiar faces, including a number of coaches who will lead their charges at next summer’s competition.

Coming up in this edition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Magazine, we’re at the Confederations Cup Draw...We remember the 2003 Final with former referee, Valentin Ivanov...And we take the trophy on tour with Brazil’s ‘Beast’, Júlio Baptista.

One of Russia’s most experienced referees, Valentin Ivanov, was given the task of taking charge of the Final between Cameroon and France three days after Marc Vivien Foé’s death. Held at the Stade de France, the match was an emotionally charged occasion with players on both teams touched by the tragedy.

Jacqueline Fernandez’s latest cover for a leading magazine was flawless as ever but these inside images tell us, how we must reconnect with nature. What better inspiration than the actress, herself!

In the first one, we see Jacqueline playing a guitar and playing with a little goat. Jacqueline is seen wearing a beautiful dark ocean blue blazer with a bralette and a skirt. The magazine on their social media says, "Amidst news of the lockdown extension, we asked Jacqueline Fernandez to create images that would celebrate just some of the things that are bringing us joy right now—beautiful imagery, nature, and the hope of a better future. The actor is quarantined out on a Panvel farmhouse and is also currently promoting her new Netflix movie Mrs Serial Killer. She styled and did her own hair and makeup for this dreamy digital cover story. Watch this space to see more images created exclusively for Bazaar."

The second one is the one where we're searching for sunnier times. Jacqueline looks stunning in the beige skirt and a white single shouldered top with soft summery glowy dewy makeup. The magazine shares on their social media and says, "Dreaming of sunnier times and the great outdoors with cover star Jacqueline Fernandez".

 

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A post shared by Harper's Bazaar, India (@bazaarindia) on May 4, 2020 at 6:59am PDT

 

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A post shared by Harper's Bazaar, India (@bazaarindia) on May 4, 2020 at 7:08am PDT

 

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A post shared by Harper's Bazaar, India (@bazaarindia) on May 4, 2020 at 8:01am PDT

The last look of Jacqueline with wavy hair and the blazer with sunshine on her hair enhancing the looks. The last one is a perfect picture for how we are all feeling during the quarantine, the magazine writes, "Our April/May 2020 digital issue cover star Jacqueline Fernandez shared a glimpse of what life looks like for her right now in quarantine. The actor is grateful to be quarantined out on a Panvel farmhouse where she is, “reconnecting with nature”. She says she is, "doing everything that I can to help those in need from here and praying for strength and health to each one in this world during these tough times."

It’s amazing to see how we can totally relate to these images and mood as we are feeling it totally. Everyone is searching for hope, sunnier and happier times. Everyone is reconnecting with nature in their own way. Jacqueline is also one of those actress who wins hearts not just on magazine covers but also on-screen each time. Her recently released Mrs. Serial Killer has won hearts and the perfect portrayal of a dark character has just proved her versatility as an actress one more time.

Also Read: VIDEO: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Iulia Vantur send out bags of ration to the needy

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has worked with Rishi Kapoor in Agneepath and has experienced his charm first hand. She even visited him in New York when he was there for his treatment with his wife, Neetu Kapoor. Rishi Kapoor’s demise has been a great loss to the industry and Priyanka Chopra Jonas has written a beautiful piece remembering him and his great work for Time magazine.

In the piece, she said, “From his first leading role in 1973’s Bobby, he was the keeper of our hearts, ushering in a new era of romance in Hindi movies. His charisma was in his extraordinary smile, one that made his fans go weak in the knees. And when he danced, he made us all want to jump up and join him.”

“I had the privilege of working with him in Agneepath, in which he played a fierce, no-holds-barred character, someone to hate rather than love”.

Concluding her piece of work, she wrote, “To your beautiful family, Neetu Ma’am, Riddhima and Ranbir: the world grieves with you... I’m so grateful for having had the opportunity of knowing you personally as well—your candour, your laughter, your zest for life. That’s how I’ll always remember you.”

Also Read: After Rishi Kapoor’s demise, Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor have got Neetu Kapoor’s back

 

The energy embedded in wastewater, meanwhile, could provide electricity to 158 million households – roughly the number of households in the USA and Mexico combined.

The International Water Management Institute is promoting the Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) initiative to expand the use of solar irrigation systems throughout Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

The International Water Management Institute is promoting the Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) initiative to expand the use of solar irrigation systems throughout Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Here’s a nice thing. It’s not revolutionary or life-changing, but it’s nice. And right now we can all use a little bit of nice. Earlier this month, Samsung announced an addition to its line of “eco-packing” that will turn TV boxes in a wide variety of different “furniture.” I use furniture in quotes here because […]

Based in a 19th century country house dubbed as Norfolk's Downton Abbey, the new business will run various courses for those wanting to serve the rich and famous. (Bylaugh Hall, pictured)

The tennis champion launched her own clothing line called Serena. And Serena Williams spoke out about her love of fashion and what she wants for her new label in her new cover story for Essence.

He won a legion of fans at the London 2012 Olympic games not to mention during his triumphant turn on the dance floor on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, and Louis Smith is bound to win a few more devotees with his latest magazine shoot.

Taryn Manning appeared nothing like her felonious character on the glamorous cover of LaPalme Magazine's new women's issue.

The stunning Game of Thrones star wowed in a tiny black mini dress for the star-studded party held at The Standard. 

The CW's hit superhero series Batwoman made history in Sunday night's new episode, which revealed Ruby Rose's title character as the first openly gay superhero.

The singer, 23, was a sight to behold in one snap where she donned a dark green dress with a layered detail and a black embroidered design.

Directed by Hype Williams the short clip finds Stella, 26, in fine form while showcasing her stunning figure in a striking gold one-piece.

A source told People magazine that the Duchess of Cambridge, 38, was 'exposing herself' as she opened up about motherhood on Giovanna Fletcher's podcast released last week.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly taken legal action against French magazine Le Point which branded him 'The Eradicator'.

CRAIG BROWN: How times change! I've just discovered an article from the April 1972 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.

CRAIG BROWN: How times change! I've just discovered an article from the April 1972 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.

The former One Direction star, 26, and model, 19, attended the Tings Magazine dinner presented by Topman at Laylow Members Club in London on Thursday.

The celebrity offspring, 23, made a bleary-eyed departure from LOVE magazine's London Fashion Week party, held at The Standard in the English capital on Monday evening.

V Magazine kicked off a new year - and new decade - with a racy calendar featuring the likes of Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and more. Gigi, who is also the calendar cover girl.

She's already a singer, fashion designer, and makeup mogul. And now Rihanna can add magazine editor to her list of expertise, after collaborating with i-D magazine.

People.com mislabeled a photo from a SAG afterparty, misidentifying several actors. It was originally mislabeled by the photo agency.

Peter Facinelli stepped out on Saturday evening to co-host the magazine's Pre-SAG Awards launch party alongside Riverdale's, Mädchen Amick, at the Choo Choo Club in West Hollywood.

Delta Goodrem's struggling love life is about to receive a Royal intervention courtesy of the Duchess of Sussex, it has been reported.

The pair looked in good spirits as they attended the private dinner, held at the private residence of the CEO of Absolut Elyx Jonas Tahlin, on Tuesday.

She's no stranger to showing off her phenomenal figure.  And Rita teased at her sensational physique in a stunning cover shoot for LOVE magazine's upcoming edition.

Rita Ora has admitted that fans only see the 'workaholic and thick-skinned' side of her as she stuns for a new photoshoot for LOVE Magazine.

Kate, 27, covers Health magazine in a pair of denim shorts and a button-down shirt that she wore open and tied around her waist to expose her stomach.

Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have exchanged at least a few hand-written notes, according to a Monday report.

The 22-year-old actress talked about how being in the spotlight has affected her as she sat down with WSJ Magazine for their Young Hollywood Portfolio, a feature on rising talents.