I published a book through Dog Ear Publishing in October 2018 and was promised the release of my book on Amazon PLUS Royalties. A few months later I was informed that they were not sending to the Big Box stores (Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million etc) because I had not paid for it! I promptly paid $500.00 to have them do this. A year down the road, I have received NOT ONE CENT from Dog Ear Publishing! BUYER BEWARE!!! This company is on the verge of going bankrupt and you WILL NOT get a cent out of them! My contract is now NULL AND VOID! read more

I published a book with Dog Ear Publishing Company back in Dec 2014. I've been ripped off. I stopped receiving royalty checks. Most of my book is available for free online without my permission. I can't even order my own book anymore. I can't retrieve my own content. They don't respond to emails or phone calls. In the past when I tried to resolve my issues with them I was told to F off. I spent years of my life on this book. I spent a lot of money, only to get nothing in return. I've been completely ripped off! I can even get my property back. I can't even order my own book. If anyone knows how I can join in on a class-action lawsuit, please message me. read more

I wanted to provide an update on the actions I have taken to compel Dog Ear Publishing to make timely royalty payments. As stated in my prior review, I filed a complaint with both The Central Indiana Better Business Bureau and the Indiana Attorney General. As you may be aware, Dog Ear lost its accreditation with the BBB in March and to my knowledge, they did not respond to the inquiry from the AG. Given their lack of response, I decided to sue Dog Ear Publishing in Marion County Washington Township Small Claims Court for unpaid royalties. I attended the initial hearing in Indianapolis on April 30 and neither Ray Robinson (Dog Ear CEO and Registered Agent) nor any other Dog Ear representative showed up at the hearing. Given their lack or attendance, a judgment was entered in my favor for the amount of my claim. I hand delivered a copy of the judgment to the Regus office suite in which Ray Robinson/Dog Ear maintains a single office. This field trip made it clear why no one answers the phone at Dog Ear. I have yet to receive any response from Ray Robinson regarding the judgment. I have filed a Motion for a Supplemental Proceeding, the goal of which is to obtain an order from the Court to direct Dog Ear's bank to satisfy the judgment. That hearing will be scheduled shortly. I should note that I terminated my author contract in January and have republished my book with Amazon. I strongly urge you to do the same. As I told Ray Robinson in a recent email, I am ashamed to have been affiliated with Dog Ear Publishing and am embarrassed for him given his tenure in the publishing industry and claims to care about his authors under contract. I will provide an update after the next hearing. read more

What a nightmare experience publishing a book through this company has been! From the delayed production and multiple mistakes in the layout, bleeding margins into the center fold of the page, to the non-answering of my calls and messages, and extremely delayed response to my emails. I cannot even order books from them. They simply do not respond. I have a book signing coming up that I might have to cancel because my books will not be ordered on time. I have been in communication with Amber for over six weeks regarding this and a mistake that they were supposed to fix last year which I paid for and they never corrected. They say the printer is overwhelmed with the size of the files of my book! That is laughable! I asked them to change one word on one page, and I provided the corrected page, all they have to do is send it to the printer and have it replaced. How hard can that be?! I have also received almost no royalties since 2016, even though I have sold many copies of my book worldwide. I have had friends and family contact me saying that they paid for their copy and they never received it. One star is too good for this company. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. What was supposed to be an exciting and wonderful time for me turned into a complete nightmare. After learning Dog Ear is a fraudulent scammer that does not pay out royalties and had several lawsuits against them and had been withdrawn from the BBB shortly after paying to have my book published with them, I asked not to move forward with marketing services (had not been started yet) and requested a refund. Ray (owner and total crook) promised to pay up and never did. Months went by and he blocked me emails, calls, etc. Fortunately for me, I was able to recover my lost funds by getting the police/bank involved but the process was a nightmare and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I don't know how this place isn't shut down. Total scam. Please read the BBB, Indianapolis Star article, and countless lawsuits online and DON'T publish with them. You'll be sorry if you do. They aren't on Google Reviews anymore because the reviews were so bad they deleted their account. Don't do it please or you'll have major regrets read more

I published a children's book about a year ago, the process was difficult, and when I did reach out to resolve issues, I was reassured that there were indeed problems, but that changes were happening in the company. Matt, (who no longer works there now), assured me that he would take care of my project. Everything seemed so much better, once Matt was my contact person. I even wrote a great rating, because I felt he was being honest with me. Things were happening and my book was published. I was happy with the finished results. In April, my credit card was charged for my website, email, etc, but my website no longer exist. I called, emailed numerous times without a response. Finally, Amber, who still works there, answered my email. She told me that they were working on the issue, and changing servers. She made it seem legit. I also asked Amber about royalty payments that I have never received, and she assured me they were working on this issue as well. She then said she contacted the accounting department on my behalf. I have not heard back from anyone as of today, and my emails and calls are ignored. In the beginning, Ray, the owner, called me back immediately, to sell me their publishing services, now he doesn't call or email. I am embarrassed that I have been SCAMMED. It is heartbreaking and frustrating. They have taken dreams and made it a nightmare. I now have NO website, NO email, NO royalty checks. Shame on them! read more

Used them once last year. Don't do it, first time indie writer! These jokers are the worst of the worst in the industry. Run by college interns and part-time moms who could give a damn about the book you poured your heart and soul (and $$$) into. Extremely amateur in every way, but they charge you like they know what they're doing. Good luck trying to reach someone on the phone or by email when your manuscript isn't sent back to you when they said it would be. You'll watch deadline after deadline pass by, and you'll never get a warning or apology. Take note of the other reviews--most are by "people" that only have few other reviews. Employees of Dog Ear maybe? read more

I'd give them negative stars if I could. I am an Author that can't sell any books, or order any books, basically because this company is shut down or going through some issues. Never returned phone calls email etc. Getting Lawyers involved!!! read more

Please read the attached article: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/investigations/2019/08/07/dog-ear-publishing-accused-owing-thousands-self-published-authors/1860676001/ read more

Was in the process of ordering more books but discovered Dog Ear publishing is experiencing problems that don't allow for conducting business as usual. The result is I have attempted to contact the company via both email and phone calls to request my property by contract be returned to me as soon as possible, sadly, no response. Having book commitments now compels me to seek relief through other means. My past experience with the staff has been exceptional and helpful. Now I need to find another publishing firm and soon. My warmest good wishes go to all the hard working folk who made my project such a joy. read more

I can't get a hold of ANYONE at Dog Ear, so frustrating. Has anyone had a problem getting their book off of Amazon because it now shows "unavailable" since Dog Ear isn't printing anything off. I found a new publisher and the book is back up for sale on Amazon, but the old book still shows up as "unavailable" and makes me look stupid. read more

I had my children's book published in Sept. 2017. I like the end result and even won an award from Dog Ear, but communication has been a challenge during the entire process. I received my first royalty payment for 2017 sales in June 2018. I received it only after many emails and complaints to Matt, who claimed accounting was behind. I recently exchanged emails with Ray, who I believe is one of the owners. I have yet to receive a single royalty payment for any 2018 sales. Ray offered no explanation and promised that my royalty check would arrive for all 2018 sales by Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019... I still have no check. Ray also told me to find another publisher as I was too difficult to work with. If asking for money that is legally mine makes me difficult, then I am guilty as charged. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. I will take legal steps very soon if I do not receive my check... read more

I wanted to simply provide an update that, after going through the lengthy small claims court process and garnishment of Dog Ear's bank, I finally received a check in the amount of my unpaid royalties! read more

This is an update to an earlier review. My last order for books was in February 2020. Unbeknown to me it was NOT Dog Ear that published my book but Book Plate. Fine. As long as I get my order I'm OK with that. I'm all out my books now and want to re-order. However, yessterday, when I checked both Dog Ear and Book Plate's websites BOTH order pages were disabled. Thank god I have saved all of my files and pics. I'm now writing a 2nd edition of Banana Girl and I'm going with my other publisher Kindle. read more

Don't sign up! Check their awful ratings, BBB complaints and articles on the internet! This company does not pay any royalties to the authors for a while, does not answer calls or emails. They refuse to settle the multitude of complaints with BBB. read more

As a first time author, I had a great experience working with Dog Ear. Now, as an older, tried and tested author, I still think they're great! read more

I hired Dog Ear in June to publish a book. It was ready. Thoroughly edited. They said the project would take six weeks. It is now October 19th and I still don't have a book. They have apologized profusely but done NOTHING! I call them and they so "we are so sorry, we are working on it" This is absolutely absurd. Do not waste your time. read more

No stars! These guys started out great! So helpful and informative, until my book was printed. Then they forgot all about me, charged me $35 to ship my five "free" copies that I got for signing with them (the book is a very slim paperback that the post office told me should have cost no more than $12 to ship). When I asked my representative about it she got very snippy with me. Two years after publication they have yet to create the webpage I paid them $500 for. And they have charged me $20 a year to carry my title. This fee was never mentioned in my contract. When I asked Mr. Robinson about it via email, he told me the fee was optional. He referred me to a webpage describing what authors get in turn for paying the fee. It stated that they will no longer print the book if authors refuse the fee. I emailed Mr. Robinson back asking how that could be considered an optional fee. I also asked him about royalty payments they owe me and the webpage dedicated to my book. He, of course, has never responded. I am considering my legal options at this point, however, have no idea where to go from here. read more

Well, here's what I'm going to say: If it's important to you to support small businesses that don't outsource overseas, and if it's important to you to be able to talk to human beings when you have a question, instead of being directed to a call center in another country, Dog Ear might be a good option for you. Advice: be on the ball with your questions. Bring as much of your own design elements into play as possible rather than relying entirely on their team. Don't expect it to move super fast. read more

Run away from Dog Ear Publishing. They still have not paid me for the 600+ books I sold on Amazon Nov/Dec 2017. It is March 25, 2019! First they told me that checks go out in July, several months later they told me the checks go out on Friday, and they they said I will see that you get paid and get this, they sent me a 1099 when they never paid me a penny. I contacted the BBB and they have refused to answer any correspondence from them. read more

(Please, important REVIEWER - on these pages: GRANT L. -- read to the end ...) As an author who has had two books published by Dog Ear Publishing, my latest experience prompts me to vigorously (sincerely) echo the various negative (understatement) comments regarding, or reflecting, Dog Ear's horrendous decline, its elimination of any past professionalism: its despicably irresponsible behavior towards its writers -who placed their trust in Dog Ear (a "trust" which, ironically, Dog Ear had pledged to fulfill). While I was very pleased with my 1st Dog Ear published book (2015) and was more than satisfied with the ongoing help, expertise, guidance and respect I received from Matt, I had the OPPOSITE experience in so many ways with my second Dog Ear book 2017. I, like apparently countless others (numerous POSTED HERE), was not paid royalties for a couple of years and was ignored by Ray Robinson (my emails & calls.) ** For GRANT L. -- and all other DOG EAR VICTIMS INTERESTED HERE: From one monumentally disappointed Dog Ear author to another (I am a freelance writer whose byline has appeared in the Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer etc.), I read, and most appreciate, your online POST "HERE" with its instructional info. re shameful Ray Robinson; I was so pleased to learn that a "judgement was entered in (your) favor for the amount of (your) claim. I would be most appreciative if you could 1) enlighten me & OTHERS HERE how one specifically terminates -- as you did -- his/her author contract w/ Dog Ear and 2) clarify for me the following re your republication -- BRAVO! -- with Amazon, which you kindly suggested "WE" do, too!! Did you & Amazon start from scratch or did they use your Dog Ear book as a springboard of some type? (Please educate me.) Since my book is a children's non-fiction narrative with illustrations -- provided in part by Dog Ear-recruited, independent illustrators (not on their staff, per se), though some illustrations were provided by me, using online vectors -- not sure if your publication and mine would be approached the same way by Amazon -- unless the criteria for each would be starting from scratch. Good luck to you and thanks so much, again, for your postS "HERE", for reading this and for responding. ~ Ilene Munetz Pachman, suburban Phila., PA (Thanks so much for publishing my review). read more

I can't speak to the process of working with Dog Ear; I can only comment as a reader of something they've published. The book I read was very weak as a "finished product." The story concept had potential, and the author was clearly passionate about his subject, however I was so distracted by the grammatical issues, misspelled words, bizarre adjective use and the "first draft nature" of the text, that I cannot recommend the book or the publishing company. read more

Authors beware! Read the many complaints on the BBB website from authors saying Dog Ear is not sending them their due royalty checks. 3-4 years ago, I would have given them a 4-5 star review as I had been quite satisfied with their services including their payments of royalties. Around 3 years ago, my checks started getting very far behind and every time I would contact them it was a different excuse - including telling me they were out of stamps! They are now more than 10 months behind, admitted that they owe me more than $2,000, but that was nearly 2 months ago and they won't respond to my emails. Keeping the book sales money paid to them from distributors and not turning that over to the authors who put their heart and soul into their writing (and marketing) is about as low as it gets. read more

I met with Miles before I signed the contract. I drove two hours to do so and knew if I had any problems that I could drive two hours to sit in front of Dog Ear if needed. Here's the beauty of this whole publishing process. I did not have to drive over to see them! Dog Ear's hardworking, highly skilled staff worked very hard to produce a gorgeous, professional quality book. My book looks like it came from one of the big name traditional publishing houses. And don't take my word for it. My book, Blind Influence, won an Honorable Mention at the 2015 Paris (France) Book Festival, just 14 days after its official launch. Dog Ear Publishing puts out a great product. If you are an author who wants to spend you time writing and want a team to take care of the rest, then I recommend teaming up with the folks at Dog Ear Publishing. read more

Very poor service from this group. I paid for my product using paypal about 10 years ago, ever since they have insisted on sending my royalties in the form of paper cheques. Many of these cost me more to cash than the value of the cheque so I have over two years of cheques sitting here of no value to me as they are foreign currency in Australia. I have asked repeatedly that they pay me direct to my paypal account yet I never get a reply. Yet when I had to renew my credit card details it was amazing they could email and reply to me within days!!! What kind of modern business still uses paper cheques...you can find better publishers. read more

I would not recommend Dog Ear Publishing to anyone after having personally purchased one of their packages. They cannot publish in a timely manner. They cannot distribute in a cost-effective, timely or easy manner. They are over-priced for a publishing company that is only suitable for authors who want to only purchase a few books for close friends or family members. This is not a choice at all for a author who wants to sell their product commercially. They are unprofessional in the agreements they make due to not having proper organization, therefore much miscommunication. The quality of their designs are not in current marketing standards. I regret doing business with this company. read more

They were overpriced for the services they advertised. I felt they lacked any enthusiasm for anything related to my book besides collecting their fees. Even though I paid for expedited service, they took their time. I didn't feel they did much promotion, and they refused to tell me where and how they marketed the book. If I had to do it over again, I'd get the rock-bottom price, because that's the service you'll get anyway. I was not at all impressed with their service and pricing. If I self-publish again, it will NOT be with this company. read more