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Discovered Authors survives 'black hole'

28.02.08

Discovered Authors, the publisher for new writers that mainly deals in e-books, says it has sorted out an "accounting black hole" after the collapse of its competition sponsor.

Founded in 2005 by former Random House director Graham Miller, the company had been the subject of complaints to the Society of Authors by concerned writers. The problems stemmed from Austrian firm Dialog Group—which funded its sister competition Undiscovered Authors and provided Discovered Authors with accounting systems—going bankrupt in spring 2007.

Miller said: "It's been horrible. We were left £100,000 short. But more importantly, we had an accounting system that we couldn't access. This, and a problem with some staff, led to a good part of our publishing programme being unactioned and unrecorded."

The company says it is catching up with a backlog of old contracts. It will release about 200 titles in 2008 as it returns to a full -programme.

Authors Discovered Authors

Comments on this article

By Ex-employee

The "problem with some staff" is that we are owed large sums of money for work done in good faith. Mr Miller should look closer to home rather than blaming a 3rd party for the shortcomings of his company

28 Feb 08 11:12

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By No name

It appears Mr Miller's son is responsible for a large majority of the publishing programme that has been 'unactioned and unrecorded'. We have learnt there are also unsettled County Court Judgements against this company.

03 Mar 08 11:26

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By Author

If Mr Miller has sorted out his accounting black hole, it might be an idea for him to inform Companies House of this fact. I think they would be very heartened. He might also consider paying the royalties he owes on several titles published in 2007.

20 Mar 08 11:16

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By By Author

Discovered Authors have a website displaying the company as being based in Mayfair. They are not based in Mayfair. The staff names displayed on the website is also an inaccuracy as most of the staff have disappeared. The phones are answered as "Bookforce." Advice if any tread with care.

20 Mar 08 16:33

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By Anon

This company has a lot of disgruntled writers and staff who have lost lots of money by providing a shoddy service. Discovered Authors? If anyone is fortunate enough to discover where they are? Let us know. For your own sake, Discovered Author, BookForce, AVOID AT ALL COST£££

20 Mar 08 19:48

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By Helen Hollick satisfied D.A. author

I am an author of Discovered Authors. Apart from some members of previous staff who I found to be somewhat lacking at times, I am delighted with the books D.A. have published for me. Yes they have had problems - see the article above, but my royalties were paid, my books are available etc. The new website is under construction - the Mayfair address is out of date as they have moved premises, a number to contact them is on the "holding" website.
Comment edited, 8th May

16 Apr 08 19:13

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By (anon)

This has to be kept anonymous because of fear of backlash. This is not hate mail but based on fact, employees have been sacked and blamed for the company's failing. Most are not around to defend themselves. Money from customers has been taken by this company and they have not delivered. Their associated companies have been struck off see companies house. This is a genuine plea to any writer to be careful of vanity publishers. Thoroughly research. If you do your research properly you will find many of the comments to be factual. Be weary and cautious this company needs to be held accountable.
Comment edited, 8th May

24 Apr 08 09:02

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