scruffyherbert Loc: St Ives, UK

Firstly I apologise if this is a common occurrence on UH.

What's happened is that I received a very nice invite form someone connected with World Wide Art Books in Santa Barbara. A girl said she'd seen my photos on a photo sharing website I upload too and that she really liked them. I was asked if I would like them submitted to her editor to see if there were any that he would like to include in the upcoming publication of "International Masters of Photography". Since then I have been accepted for submission.

Now it was stressed that there would be an inclusion fee which varied from $800 up to £3000-$4000 depending on what spread I had in the book and how many pages etc. This seemed a bit odd (but not scamming odd) as I thought if somebody really thought a photographers work was worthy it would be included for less or for free. This could just be me being completely naive though.

Being a keen amateur I was obviously very flattered to be invited, but there's just a little nagging doubt. The cynic in me took over from the flattered!

If I was to be included I can't see how it would benefit me apart from vanity. I'm still very much teaching myself photography and feel I'm improving but what would I get from the book?

I'd really appreciate any comments of similar experiences or from anyone who has indeed invested in this sort of opportunity to see how you got on.

I hate being cynical all the time, but unfortunately the world we live in..........

I must point out that there has been no pressure whatsoever and any payments have been mentioned to me upfront. The emails have been very friendly. There is a website and the it looks completely genuine. I just don't know what I would get from the investment if I was to stump up some cash (which I don't have spare anyway so it would be a gamble).

Thanks in advance for any comments, advice, help :thumbup:

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

YOU have to pay THEM is that right hahaha

I have to ask that again as I can not believe I have read it right

YOU HAVE TO PAY THEM FOR USING YOUR PHOTOGRAPH

If this is right I mean NO disrespect at all "there is one born........"

Tina

Listen to your gut feelings unless proven otherwise.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Its a scam. Everyone is excepted. I see these all the time..."we would really like to publish your work...it will only cost you...."

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Before you go jumping on the bandwagon there, I suggest you check out My publication which is entitled A fool and his money are soon parted, LOL

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

For a GREAT website set one up yourself and sell your photos

$250 a year MAX

al davis Loc: chesterfield virginia

please do not do it!!!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aldavisphotography/

scruffyherbert Loc: St Ives, UK

Yeah I know JR1. As I say, once the flattery was overcome the cynacism started.

I don't personally know anyone who has had their work published so photography wise I'm completely clueless to the protocol with the process.

I can't see that a photographer will never have some money to fork out at some point, but this did seem excessive especially as it was my work they "wanted" apparently.

I have a feeling how the replies are going to go.

scruffyherbert Loc: St Ives, UK

Very true Tina and what I normally do. That's why I was curious to see if it had worked for anyone else but I reckon I know hat the answer(s) will be :)

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Listen, I have had photos published, I have a website as you can see, MY advice is do what I do.

If you photograph a surfer send it to the surfing magazines by email ALL mags have an editorial, if landscape send it to outdoor mags, if cars send it to Car magazines.

NO charge, you may get paid BUT you will get printed if ok AND have you name added

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Is there not a "trading standards" in the US as there is here where they can be reported

scruffyherbert Loc: St Ives, UK

Only if it breaks the bank to buy a copy :mrgreen:

thebirder Loc: UK South Coast

All the above advice is spot on!!!!!!

I always get paid when my photos and paintings are published unless for charity!

I wouldn't even open the email delete it and then delete it from your waste bin.

scruffyherbert Loc: St Ives, UK

Great advice, thanks.

Saying that I did take a shot at a National Trust property and got in touch with them to see if they wanted to use it. I had to fill in the blurb claiming ownership etc and they did use it and credit me to it so maybe I'll stick to that and online comps.

Thanks for all the info. Is it literally just a case of emailing an editor and seeing if they want to use your shot?

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

These so-called business's operate out of a strip mall with a suite number for a address and receive mail at some mail drop off box service ( not connected to the US Postal service) so reporting them is just like peeing in a blue suede suit, it gives you a nice warm feeling but nobody takes notice of it .
They pack up and go like gypsy's at a small town carnival .
1 may get busted but 100 just move on to the next town.
Yes it's called the Better Business Burea