I watched a video from author T.Styles, not too long ago about her publishing experience. I was shocked to find out what happened to her. The publishing company she was with had too much success for her to get played like that. The IRS and bounced checks are a serious problem, especially when you make a living off writing books. The video really made me realize how important it is to push myself as an independent publisher and author. You really run the risk of getting robbed if you do not watch out for these snakes in this industry. While watching the video I also thought about shady record companies. This, in my eyes is a complete parallel with her situation. Both companies take royalties from their artists. It is sad that this type of behavior goes on, especially when it is a black owned company. I write because I enjoy it and it’s my stress relief. I also want to be a bestselling author, which is one of my many goals. This old country saying “Fox in the Hen House” still holds true today. People will run game on you if you aren’t careful. An author not being compensated for their particular idea is ridiculous. It takes time, dedication, and determination to write a book. Taking something like that from a serious writer is like stealing a piece of that person’s soul.
