Based on looking at the website, Harvardbookpublishers.com presents itself as a comprehensive solution for aspiring authors, offering services from ghostwriting and editing to publishing and marketing.
However, a closer inspection reveals several red flags that warrant caution.
While the site promises a “dream book in your hands” and “best-selling writer” status, a lack of transparency regarding physical address, team credentials, and concrete success metrics raises significant concerns for potential authors.
The extremely aggressive “70% off” discount, prominently displayed, is also a common tactic used by less reputable services to pressure quick decisions.
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- Transparency: Lacks a clear physical address, detailed “About Us” section, or verifiable team information.
- Pricing: Extremely high discount 70% off without clear base pricing or service tiers, which can be misleading.
- Customer Support: Offers “Request A Callback” and “Chat Now” but doesn’t provide direct phone numbers or email addresses for immediate contact.
- Domain Information: The domain name “Harvardbookpublishers.com” attempts to leverage the reputation of Harvard University, a well-known academic institution, without any apparent affiliation, which is a deceptive practice.
- Promises: Makes bold claims of becoming a “best-selling writer” and “globally recognized Amazon Book Publishing Services” without presenting verifiable success stories or detailed case studies beyond generic testimonials.
- Ethical Considerations: The use of “Harvard” in the domain name without a legitimate affiliation is a deceptive marketing practice that aims to mislead consumers into believing they are dealing with a highly reputable, university-backed entity. This lack of transparency and potential misrepresentation is a significant ethical concern.
The allure of becoming a published author can be strong, but it’s crucial to approach services like Harvardbookpublishers.com with extreme skepticism.
The lack of fundamental transparency and the aggressive marketing tactics are significant indicators that this platform might not be the ethical and trustworthy partner an author needs.
True success in publishing comes from diligent work, clear contracts, and reputable partners who operate with integrity.
Here are some ethical and reliable alternatives for authors seeking publishing and marketing support:
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- Key Features: Connects authors with professional editors, designers, marketers, and publicists. Offers a curated marketplace of vetted freelance professionals. Provides free writing resources, courses, and tools.
- Average Price: Varies significantly based on the service and professional hired e.g., editing can range from $0.01-$0.04 per word. cover design from $500-$1,500.
- Pros: High-quality, vetted professionals. transparent pricing. direct communication with freelancers. wide range of services.
- Cons: Requires active management from the author. services can be expensive if you hire multiple professionals.
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- Key Features: Amazon’s self-publishing platform for ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. Global distribution to Amazon’s vast readership. Offers royalty rates up to 70% for ebooks.
- Price: Free to publish. authors earn royalties on sales.
- Pros: Widest reach for self-published authors. easy to use. quick publishing process. full control over content and pricing.
- Cons: Requires authors to handle all editing, design, and marketing. competitive marketplace. no direct human support for creative aspects.
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- Key Features: Global print and ebook distribution to over 40,000 retailers and libraries. Offers print-on-demand services. Provides tools for cover design and interior formatting.
- Price: $49 setup fee for print and ebook. $25 for print only. $25 for ebook only. Rerun fees apply for revisions.
- Pros: Extensive global distribution beyond Amazon. high-quality print production. suitable for authors targeting bookstores and libraries.
- Cons: Higher initial setup fees than KDP. more complex interface for beginners. additional fees for revisions.
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- Key Features: Offers comprehensive self-publishing packages including editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing. Guarantees 100% net royalties for authors.
- Average Price: Packages start from around $999 for basic ebook and print distribution, escalating for more comprehensive services e.g., editing, marketing.
- Pros: One-stop shop for many publishing needs. good customer support. clear pricing for packages. 100% royalty payout.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than doing it yourself through KDP/IngramSpark. less control over individual service providers compared to Reedsy.
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- Key Features: Specializes in ebook distribution to major retailers beyond Amazon Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.. Offers a free ebook formatting guide.
- Price: Free to publish. authors earn 60-80% net royalties depending on the retailer.
- Pros: Excellent for wide ebook distribution. easy-to-use platform. no upfront costs.
- Cons: Primarily focused on ebooks. no print services. authors must handle all editing and design.
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- Key Features: Print-on-demand services for books, comics, and photo books. Offers global distribution. Provides free tools for formatting and cover design.
- Price: Free to publish. authors earn royalties based on print cost and retail price.
- Pros: User-friendly interface. good for niche publications and small print runs. no upfront costs.
- Cons: Distribution is not as extensive as IngramSpark. limited marketing support. quality can vary based on author’s preparation.
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- Key Features: A comprehensive database of publishers, literary agents, and freelance opportunities. Provides industry insights, submission guidelines, and articles.
- Price: Subscription-based e.g., $5.99/month or $29.99/year.
- Pros: Excellent resource for finding legitimate publishing opportunities and agents. valuable for traditional publishing paths. regularly updated.
- Cons: Not a service provider itself. requires authors to do their own outreach and pitching. primarily for traditional publishing.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Harvardbookpublishers.com Review & First Look
When evaluating any online service, particularly one claiming to be a “book publisher,” the first step is always a rigorous scrutiny of their public-facing information.
Harvardbookpublishers.com immediately raises several red flags that demand caution.
The primary concern revolves around the strategic use of “Harvard” in its domain name.
This is a common tactic by entities seeking to imbue themselves with credibility and prestige they haven’t earned.
Harvard University is a globally recognized institution synonymous with academic excellence and rigorous standards. Cdrtd.com Review
For a commercial entity to adopt such a name without any stated affiliation or endorsement is highly misleading.
This is a significant ethical lapse, as it intentionally creates an illusion of legitimacy and authority that doesn’t exist.
Beyond the deceptive naming, the website itself offers a rather generic experience.
While it outlines a range of services—ghostwriting, editing, formatting, publishing, marketing, and audiobook production—it lacks the granular detail and transparency one would expect from a reputable publishing house.
There’s no clear “About Us” page detailing the company’s history, its founders, or the professional credentials of its team members. Medigold-health.com Review
This anonymity makes it impossible for prospective authors to verify the expertise of those who would be handling their creative work.
Reputable publishers pride themselves on their heritage, their editorial teams, and their successful authors.
The absence of this foundational information is a major red flag, suggesting a lack of accountability and a transient operational model.
Deceptive Naming Practices
Lack of Transparency in Company Information
A cornerstone of any trustworthy business is transparency.
Reputable companies proudly display their physical addresses, contact numbers, and information about their leadership team. Seranking.com Review
On Harvardbookpublishers.com, such details are conspicuously absent.
There is no clear street address, no registered company number, and no profiles of key personnel—editors, designers, or marketing specialists.
This anonymity makes it virtually impossible for an author to trace the company, file a complaint, or understand who they are entrusting their manuscript to.
This lack of transparency is often characteristic of operations that prioritize quick transactions over long-term client relationships and accountability.
Without knowing who you’re dealing with, you are essentially entering a blind agreement, which carries significant risks, particularly with creative intellectual property. My-greenheart.com Review
Harvardbookpublishers.com Cons
While the website attempts to project an image of comprehensive publishing support, several critical drawbacks emerge upon closer inspection.
These cons are not minor inconveniences but fundamental issues that should give any aspiring author pause.
They point to a potential lack of professional standards, transparency, and genuine commitment to author success, all of which are paramount in the publishing industry.
Overly Aggressive Discount Offers
The most striking “deal” on Harvardbookpublishers.com is the prominent “70% off on our Services” banner, repeatedly highlighted with urgency “Avail it today before it’s too late”. While discounts can be legitimate marketing tools, a blanket 70% reduction across all services, without any clear standard pricing provided, is highly suspicious.
Reputable service providers, especially in the publishing industry, have well-defined service packages and transparent pricing structures. Jamgolf.com Review
Steep, perpetual discounts often signify that the initial prices were inflated to begin with, or that the quality of service might be severely compromised.
It’s a classic sales tactic designed to create a sense of urgency and pressure potential clients into making a quick decision without thoroughly researching the offering or comparing it with market standards.
Generic Testimonials and Lack of Verifiable Success
The “Our Reader’s Reviews” section, while present, falls short of providing compelling evidence of real success.
The testimonials, such as “So pleased and satisfied!” or “One word: Amazing!!”, are generic and lack specific details that would make them credible.
There are no full names provided only first names and last initials for some, no links to published books, or any means to verify the existence of these authors or their works. Trotec.com Review
For a company claiming to turn authors into “best-sellers,” the absence of tangible evidence—like ISBNs, Amazon bestseller ranks even for a short period, or links to author websites—is a critical omission.
Genuine testimonials from successful authors often highlight specific, measurable achievements and are usually accompanied by identifiable author information or links to their published works.
Missing Essential Information for Authors
Beyond the lack of company transparency, the website also fails to provide crucial information that authors need to make informed decisions.
There’s no detailed breakdown of the publishing process beyond a vague “6-Step Process” diagram. Authors typically want to know about: Remwaste.com Review
- Royalties: What percentage do authors earn from sales? Is it gross or net?
- Rights: Does the author retain full copyright and intellectual property rights? Are there any exclusive agreements?
- Distribution Channels: Beyond “globally recognized Amazon Book Publishing Services,” which other retailers or libraries will the book be distributed to?
- Contract Terms: Is there a sample contract available for review? What are the termination clauses?
- Refund Policy: What happens if an author is dissatisfied with the services?
- Turnaround Times: Specific timelines for editing, design, and publishing.
The absence of these fundamental details forces authors into a position of blind trust, which is highly risky in an industry prone to predatory practices.
Limited Contact Options and Support Transparency
While “Request A Callback” and “Chat Now” options are available, the website lacks readily available direct contact methods such as a specific email address or a published phone number.
This can be a significant barrier for authors seeking immediate answers or preferring to communicate directly.
The reliance on chat and callback features, while convenient for initial inquiries, can sometimes mask a lack of dedicated support personnel or a slow response time once a contract is signed.
For such a critical service involving intellectual property, clear, multi-channel communication is essential. Lythamstannesskiphireltd.com Review
The absence of a dedicated support section or FAQ that addresses common author queries further suggests a generalized, rather than tailored, approach to client service.
Harvardbookpublishers.com Alternatives
Given the significant ethical and transparency concerns surrounding Harvardbookpublishers.com, it is imperative for authors to seek out legitimate and reputable alternatives.
The world of publishing offers a wide array of options, from traditional publishing houses to robust self-publishing platforms and professional service providers.
The key is to partner with entities that are transparent, ethical, and demonstrably committed to an author’s success, rather than preying on their aspirations.
Here are some established and ethical alternatives, categorized by their primary service model: Barkridges.com Review
Reputable Self-Publishing Platforms
These platforms provide the infrastructure for authors to publish their books themselves, retaining full control and a high percentage of royalties.
They are transparent about their processes, costs, and distribution reach.
- KDP Kindle Direct Publishing: As Amazon’s self-publishing arm, KDP offers unparalleled reach to millions of readers globally. Authors can publish ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks for free, earning up to 70% royalties. It’s user-friendly, provides detailed sales reports, and integrates seamlessly with Amazon’s ecosystem. While KDP handles the distribution, authors are responsible for editing, cover design, and marketing.
- IngramSpark: This platform is crucial for authors looking for wider distribution beyond Amazon, particularly to bookstores, libraries, and other online retailers worldwide. IngramSpark offers print-on-demand and ebook distribution services, allowing authors to reach over 40,000 retailers and libraries. While it has a nominal setup fee, its global reach and professional quality make it a staple for serious self-publishers.
- Draft2Digital: Known for its user-friendliness and excellent customer service, Draft2Digital simplifies ebook and print distribution to a wide array of retailers, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and many more. It offers free formatting tools and a simple interface, taking a percentage of royalties rather than upfront fees. It’s an excellent choice for authors who want wide distribution without the complexities of managing multiple platforms.
Professional Freelance Marketplaces
These platforms connect authors directly with vetted, professional freelancers for specific services like editing, cover design, and marketing.
This model offers flexibility and transparency, as authors choose and pay individual experts. Ilunahaesthetics.com Review
- Reedsy: Reedsy is a premier marketplace for finding highly skilled publishing professionals. Authors can submit a project, receive bids from vetted editors, designers, marketers, and publicists, and choose the expert that best fits their needs and budget. Reedsy’s professionals are known for their quality, and the platform provides a secure environment for communication and payment. Pricing is transparent, based on the scope of work.
- Fiverr Pro: While Fiverr itself can be a mixed bag, Fiverr Pro offers a curated selection of top-tier freelancers who have been vetted for their quality and professionalism. Authors can find experts in editing, cover design, book marketing, and even ghostwriting. While generally more expensive than regular Fiverr gigs, the “Pro” designation offers a greater assurance of quality and expertise.
- Upwork Top-Rated Freelancers: Similar to Fiverr, Upwork is a vast freelance platform. For authors, focusing on “Top-Rated” or “Top-Rated Plus” freelancers is key. These professionals have a proven track record, high client satisfaction, and significant experience in their fields. You can find editors, designers, publicists, and virtual assistants to help with various aspects of your publishing journey.
Author Education and Resources
For authors who prefer to learn and manage their publishing journey themselves, these resources provide invaluable guidance and training.
- Alliance of Independent Authors ALLi: ALLi is a non-profit professional association for self-publishing authors. It provides advice, advocacy, and a supportive community. Members get access to vetted service provider directories, educational resources, and events, helping them navigate the complexities of indie publishing ethically and effectively.
- Jane Friedman’s Blog: Jane Friedman is a highly respected publishing industry expert. Her website and blog are a treasure trove of information on traditional publishing, self-publishing, literary agents, marketing, and the business of being an author. She provides unbiased, in-depth analysis and guidance, making her an invaluable resource for any aspiring or established writer.
- The Creative Penn Joanna Penn: Joanna Penn is a successful author, entrepreneur, and podcaster who shares extensive knowledge on writing, publishing, and book marketing. Her website offers free resources, courses, and a popular podcast that covers everything from novel writing to AI in publishing and international rights. She champions ethical self-publishing and provides practical, actionable advice.
These alternatives represent a spectrum of reliable, transparent, and ethical choices for authors.
Instead of falling for deceptive marketing, investing time in understanding these legitimate platforms and resources will provide a much stronger foundation for a successful and fulfilling publishing journey.
How to Avoid Publishing Scams
The publishing industry, unfortunately, has its share of unscrupulous operators eager to capitalize on authors’ dreams.
Harvardbookpublishers.com, with its deceptive naming and vague offers, exemplifies many of the red flags associated with publishing scams or predatory vanity presses. Wearegoodinbread.com Review
Protecting your intellectual property and financial investment means being proactive and applying a critical lens to every offer that seems too good to be true.
Research and Due Diligence
The single most important step in avoiding publishing scams is thorough research.
Never commit to a service or sign a contract without exhaustively investigating the company.
- Search for Reviews Beyond Their Website: Look for independent reviews on reputable platforms like the Better Business Bureau BBB, industry forums e.g., Absolute Write Water Cooler, Kindle Boards, and author communities. Pay attention to consistent complaints, especially regarding unmet promises, hidden fees, or poor communication.
- Verify Affiliations: If a company claims association with a well-known institution like Harvardbookpublishers.com does with “Harvard”, directly verify that claim with the institution itself. Most legitimate affiliations will be clearly stated and verifiable.
- Check Domain Age and Registration: Tools like WHOIS lookup can reveal how long a domain has been registered. Scammers often use recently registered domains. While not a definitive indicator, a very young domain for an established-sounding company is a red flag.
- Look for Physical Address and Contact Information: Legitimate businesses provide clear, verifiable contact details. If only a P.O. box or a generic contact form is available, be wary.
- Scrutinize Social Media Presence: A legitimate company should have an active and professional social media presence. Look for genuine engagement, not just promotional posts or bot-like comments.
Understanding Industry Standards and Pricing
Scams often operate by offering prices that are either suspiciously low like 70% off without a clear base price or exorbitantly high for services that can be obtained cheaper elsewhere.
- Know Typical Service Costs: Research the average rates for professional editing e.g., $0.01-$0.04 per word for copyediting, cover design $300-$1500+, and marketing services. If an offer deviates wildly without clear justification, it’s a warning sign.
- Beware of “Guarantees” of Success: No legitimate publisher or service provider can guarantee bestseller status, a certain number of sales, or media coverage. The publishing market is highly competitive and unpredictable. Promises of instant fame or riches are almost always deceptive.
- Understand Royalty Structures: Traditional publishers pay royalties usually 10-15% of net proceeds for print, 25% for ebooks, often after an advance. Self-publishing platforms like KDP or IngramSpark allow authors to retain 60-80% of royalties directly. Be suspicious if a service demands a significant percentage of your royalties while also charging high upfront fees, especially if they are not providing substantial distribution or marketing.
Read the Contract Meticulously
Always, always, always read any contract fully before signing. Caramotorhomes.ie Review
If possible, have an intellectual property lawyer review it.
- Retain Your Rights: A major red flag is any clause that asks you to sign away your copyright or intellectual property rights. As an author, you should always retain your copyright.
- Hidden Fees and Upsells: Scammers often start with a low bait price and then constantly pressure authors into purchasing expensive “add-on” services that are unnecessary or overpriced. Look for clauses about “additional fees” or “marketing packages.”
- Cancellation and Refund Policies: Understand the terms under which you can terminate the agreement and what, if any, refund you would be entitled to. Vague or non-existent refund policies are a significant concern.
- Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Agreements: Understand if the agreement ties you exclusively to their services, preventing you from working with other providers or self-publishing simultaneously.
Trust Your Gut and Seek Expert Advice
If something feels off, it probably is.
The emotional investment in a book can make authors vulnerable, so a detached, critical perspective is vital.
- Don’t Rush Decisions: High-pressure sales tactics “limited time offer,” “act now” are designed to prevent careful consideration. Take your time, do your research, and compare offers.
- Consult Author Communities: Join online forums and groups for authors. Experienced writers are often quick to identify and warn others about known scams or questionable services.
- Seek Professional Opinions: Consider consulting with a literary agent or an intellectual property attorney before signing any major publishing contract. While there might be a cost, it’s a small investment compared to the potential loss of your rights or significant financial outlay on a scam.
By adhering to these principles of due diligence, critical evaluation, and seeking informed advice, authors can significantly reduce their risk of falling prey to publishing scams and instead focus on building a successful and ethical publishing career.
Harvardbookpublishers.com Pricing
One of the most immediate and glaring issues with Harvardbookpublishers.com, from a consumer perspective, is the complete lack of transparent pricing. Glamourgroomingandboarding.com Review
While the website aggressively promotes a “70% off” sale, there is no discernible base price or service menu against which this discount can be measured.
This opacity is highly problematic and deviates significantly from standard industry practices.
The Illusion of a “Biggest Sale”
The phrase “Biggest Sale Avail it today before it’s too late.
70% off on our Services” is a classic marketing gimmick often employed by less reputable entities. Here’s why it’s a red flag:
- No Original Price Reference: For a 70% discount to be meaningful, you need to know the original price. The website provides no list of standard prices for its ghostwriting, editing, publishing, or marketing services. This means the 70% figure is essentially meaningless. it could be 70% off an arbitrarily inflated price, making the “discount” irrelevant.
- Pressure Tactic: The “limited offer” and “before it’s too late” messaging is a high-pressure sales tactic designed to bypass critical thinking. It encourages impulsive decisions by implying scarcity and an exceptional deal that will soon vanish. Legitimate services offer clear pricing and allow customers ample time to evaluate their options.
- Lack of Service Tiering: Reputable publishing service providers typically offer different packages or tiers of service e.g., basic editing, copyediting, substantive editing. different marketing levels with clear pricing for each. Harvardbookpublishers.com bundles all services under a single, vague discount, making it impossible to understand the scope of what you’re paying for or to customize your needs.
What Transparent Pricing Looks Like
In contrast, ethical and transparent service providers in the publishing industry adhere to clear pricing models: Woodburyhouseart.com Review
- Per-Word/Per-Hour Rates: For services like editing and ghostwriting, pricing is often based on word count e.g., $0.01 to $0.04 per word for editing or hourly rates. This allows authors to estimate costs based on their manuscript length.
- Package Deals with Clear Inclusions: Many offer fixed-price packages for services like cover design, formatting, or even full self-publishing bundles. Crucially, these packages clearly list every service included, leaving no room for ambiguity.
- Quotation Systems: For more complex projects, providers will offer a detailed quote after reviewing the manuscript and understanding the author’s specific needs. This quote will break down costs for each service.
- No Hidden Fees: Reputable providers are upfront about all potential costs, including revision fees, distribution fees, or any other charges. There are no surprise charges that emerge only after a contract is signed.
The absence of any concrete pricing information on Harvardbookpublishers.com, coupled with the aggressive and unsupported discount claims, indicates a strong likelihood of opaque pricing practices.
Authors should anticipate being quoted a price only after a “callback” or “chat,” where high-pressure sales tactics can be employed to push a package that is ultimately overpriced and lacks clear value for money.
This opacity makes it impossible for authors to compare services effectively or ensure they are getting a fair deal.
Harvardbookpublishers.com Features Or Lack Thereof
While Harvardbookpublishers.com claims to offer a “one-stop solution to all your book writing needs,” a closer look at their stated features reveals a superficial overview rather than a detailed explanation of their processes and expertise.
For authors, understanding the specifics of each service is crucial, and here, the website falls short. Urpad.property Review
Generic Service Descriptions
The website lists several services, but the descriptions are remarkably generic and lack the depth expected from professional providers.
- Ghostwriting: “Professional Ghostwriting services that will make your dreams come true. With our Professional ghostwriters’ excellence, you can bring life to your story…” This offers no insight into their ghostwriting process, how authors collaborate with writers, the experience level of their ghostwriters, or the typical turnaround time for a manuscript.
- Editing/Proofreading: “We bring you the most authentic storytelling experience with our globally recognised Amazon Book Publishing Services. Make your mark in the hearts and minds of readers worldwide with unprecedented ease.” This description confusingly merges editing with Amazon publishing and doesn’t detail the types of editing offered e.g., developmental, copyediting, proofreading, the credentials of their editors, or their editorial standards.
- Formatting & Book Cover Design: “A writer has assets of words to convey a narrative. A cover should be able to convey that the tale narrated by the writer is delivering the accurate intended meaning.” Again, this is a philosophical statement rather than a service description. It doesn’t mention file types, revisions, design software, or the portfolio of their designers beyond a general “Our Portfolio” section that lacks specific examples tied to these services.
- Publishing: “Our publishing team promises to provide you with top-notch quality books at the most affordable prices.” This is vague. What does “top-notch quality” mean in practical terms? What publishing channels do they use? Do they handle ISBN registration, copyright, and library of Congress cataloging? These details are critical for authors.
- Marketing: “We provide you with outstanding book marketing services for the authors to make your book stand out from the rest.” What kind of marketing? PR? Social media campaigns? Amazon ads? Email list building? The website mentions teaching authors “the basics of marketing,” but a professional service should outline specific strategies and expected outcomes.
- Audiobook: “Introducing your own audiobook is an excellent way to share your stories with a global audience. Harvard Book Publishers team provides you with the best-quality recordings and competitive rates. We have the best narrators to make your book come alive.” This offers no information on recording quality, studio standards, narrator selection process e.g., voice samples, genre specialization, or pricing models for audiobook production.
Vague “6-Step Process”
The “Our Simple 6-Step Process” diagram is another example of superficiality.
- Please make your purchase: This is a call to action, not a step in the writing process.
- Acceptance of the first chapter: Implies a ghostwriting service, but doesn’t detail how the outline is created or the collaboration process.
- Revisions and feedback: Generic, without explaining the number of revision rounds or specific feedback mechanisms.
- Proofreading and editing: Lumps two distinct services together, again without detail on scope or quality control.
- Final creative touches: Vague, covers cover design and formatting without specifics.
- Publication and Promotion: Offers no timeline or specifics on “powerful marketing techniques.”
This “process” is too generalized to provide any meaningful assurance of quality or a clear roadmap for an author’s project.
It reads more like a sales funnel than a professional workflow.
Missing Portfolio Depth
While there’s a heading “Our Portfolio” and a general statement, “Believe Us and Achieve Your Goals with Our Expertise,” the website doesn’t actually display a portfolio of published books with ISBNs, links to retailer pages, or design examples. This absence is a major red flag.
Reputable publishers and design agencies showcase their work extensively to demonstrate their capabilities and quality.
Without a tangible portfolio, it’s impossible to assess the actual quality of their editing, design, or the success of their publishing/marketing efforts.
The testimonials are text-based and lack external verification, further highlighting this deficit.
In essence, the features listed on Harvardbookpublishers.com are mere bullet points of services, devoid of the detail, transparency, and verifiable examples that would instill confidence in a discerning author.
This superficiality suggests that the company may not have robust, standardized processes or a truly experienced team behind these offerings.
How to Cancel Harvardbookpublishers.com Subscription/Service
Given the lack of transparent information on Harvardbookpublishers.com regarding pricing, contracts, or even a clear “terms of service” page, directly addressing how to cancel a subscription or service with them is challenging.
This very ambiguity is a significant concern for any potential client.
Legitimate businesses clearly outline their cancellation policies, refund procedures, and the steps required to terminate a service agreement.
The absence of this information on Harvardbookpublishers.com is another strong indicator of its questionable operational practices.
The Inherent Difficulty of Cancellation
Based on the information available on their homepage, which heavily relies on “Request A Callback” and “Chat Now” buttons, it’s highly probable that:
- Cancellation terms are not publicly accessible: You likely won’t find a clear “Cancellation Policy” or “Terms & Conditions” link on their website detailing how to terminate services or what penalties might apply. This means you’d only learn these terms after engaging with their sales team and potentially signing a contract.
- Reliance on direct communication: Any cancellation process would almost certainly require direct interaction with their customer service or sales team, either via phone call after requesting a callback or through their chat feature. This can be problematic as such channels can be used to delay or dissuade cancellations.
- Potential for disputes: Without a clear, documented cancellation policy, authors might face significant difficulties if they wish to terminate services prematurely, especially if a large sum has already been paid. Disputes over refunds, intellectual property if ghostwriting or extensive editing was involved, or undelivered services could easily arise.
Recommended Steps if You’ve Engaged with Harvardbookpublishers.com
If an author has already signed up or paid for services with Harvardbookpublishers.com and wishes to cancel, the following general steps are advisable, though success is not guaranteed due to the platform’s lack of transparency:
- Review Any Signed Contract/Agreement: If you’ve received or signed any document from Harvardbookpublishers.com, scrutinize it for any clauses related to cancellation, termination, or refunds. This is your primary legal reference.
- Document All Communications: Keep a detailed record of all interactions—dates, times, names of representatives, and summaries of conversations chat logs, email exchanges. If communicating by phone, follow up with an email summarizing the call.
- Initiate Contact via Available Channels:
- “Chat Now” / “Live Chat”: Start by using their online chat. Clearly state your intention to cancel and request information on their cancellation process and any applicable refunds. Save the entire chat transcript.
- “Request A Callback”: If the chat is unhelpful, request a callback. When they call, clearly state your intent to cancel and ask for the procedure.
- Send Written Notice If Possible: If you can find any email address or mailing address, send a formal written notice of cancellation. Even if it’s just a general contact email, this creates a paper trail. Use certified mail if sending a physical letter.
- Dispute Charges If Applicable and Necessary: If you paid by credit card and are unable to resolve the issue directly with the company, you may be able to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company. This typically needs to be done within a specific timeframe e.g., 60-90 days from the transaction. Provide all documented evidence of your attempts to cancel and the company’s lack of cooperation or failure to deliver services.
- Seek Legal Counsel: For significant financial investments or intellectual property disputes, consulting an attorney specializing in consumer law or intellectual property rights would be advisable.
Crucially, prevention is the best approach. The red flags discussed in this review—deceptive naming, lack of transparency, aggressive discounting, and vague service descriptions—should serve as a strong deterrent. Before engaging with any publishing service that lacks clear terms and conditions, always err on the side of caution.
FAQ
What is Harvardbookpublishers.com?
Harvardbookpublishers.com presents itself as a comprehensive book publishing and marketing company offering services like ghostwriting, editing, formatting, publishing, marketing, and audiobook production for aspiring authors.
Is Harvardbookpublishers.com affiliated with Harvard University?
No, based on the website’s content, there is no apparent affiliation with Harvard University.
The use of “Harvard” in the domain name appears to be a deceptive marketing tactic to leverage the university’s reputation.
What services does Harvardbookpublishers.com claim to offer?
The website claims to offer ghostwriting, editing/proofreading, formatting & book cover design, publishing, marketing, and audiobook production services.
Is Harvardbookpublishers.com transparent about its pricing?
No, Harvardbookpublishers.com is not transparent about its pricing.
It prominently displays a “70% off” discount without providing any base prices or detailed service package costs.
Are there any red flags on Harvardbookpublishers.com?
Yes, significant red flags include deceptive naming using “Harvard” without affiliation, lack of transparency regarding company information no physical address, team details, overly aggressive and vague discount offers, and generic testimonials without verifiable success stories.
Does Harvardbookpublishers.com provide a physical address or clear contact information?
No, the website lacks a clear physical address, direct phone number, or specific email addresses.
It only offers “Request A Callback” and “Chat Now” options.
How can I verify the legitimacy of Harvardbookpublishers.com’s claims?
It is difficult to verify their claims as the website provides generic testimonials, no verifiable portfolio of published books, and no identifiable information about their team or company registration.
Independent research on third-party review sites is recommended.
What kind of “reviews” does Harvardbookpublishers.com display?
The website displays generic text-based “Reader’s Reviews” with partial names, lacking specific details, links to published works, or any means of independent verification.
Does Harvardbookpublishers.com offer any guarantee of bestseller status?
While the website uses phrases like “fulfil your dream of becoming the best-selling writer,” no legitimate publisher or service can guarantee bestseller status, and such claims should be viewed with skepticism.
What should I do if I’m considering using Harvardbookpublishers.com?
It is strongly recommended to exercise extreme caution.
Thoroughly research independent reviews, compare their vague offerings against reputable alternatives, and avoid making rushed decisions due to aggressive discounts.
Are the “70% off” discounts on Harvardbookpublishers.com credible?
Such a high, blanket discount without transparent original pricing is generally not credible and is often a marketing tactic to pressure quick decisions.
What are some ethical alternatives to Harvardbookpublishers.com for publishing?
Ethical alternatives include established self-publishing platforms like KDP Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark, professional freelance marketplaces like Reedsy, and educational resources like Jane Friedman’s Blog.
How can I avoid publishing scams?
To avoid publishing scams, conduct thorough research, verify company affiliations, understand typical industry costs, read contracts meticulously, retain your intellectual property rights, and be wary of “guarantees” of success or high-pressure sales tactics.
Does Harvardbookpublishers.com explain its “6-Step Process” in detail?
No, the “6-Step Process” outlined on their website is very general and lacks specific details on collaboration, revision rounds, quality control, or timelines for each stage.
Is there a clear refund policy on Harvardbookpublishers.com?
No, the website does not publicly display any clear information regarding its refund policy or terms of service.
This lack of transparency is a significant concern.
Does Harvardbookpublishers.com provide examples of book covers or published works in its portfolio?
While the website mentions an “Our Portfolio” section, it does not display actual examples of book covers, interior formatting, or links to published books with ISBNs, which is a major red flag for a design and publishing service.
What should I look for in a legitimate publishing service?
Look for clear pricing, transparent terms and conditions, verifiable company information physical address, team bios, specific and detailed service descriptions, a strong portfolio of past work, and genuine, verifiable testimonials.
Can I get my book published for free?
Yes, platforms like KDP Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords allow authors to publish ebooks and print-on-demand books for free, with authors earning royalties on sales.
However, authors are typically responsible for their own editing and design.
What is the risk of using a service like Harvardbookpublishers.com?
The risks include overpaying for low-quality services, losing control over your intellectual property, experiencing significant delays, receiving inadequate or non-existent marketing, and ultimately failing to achieve your publishing goals due to a lack of professional and ethical support.
How do reputable publishers and service providers operate?
Reputable entities typically operate with clear contracts, detailed communication, transparent pricing, and a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights.
They focus on delivering quality services and fostering long-term relationships rather than aggressive, vague sales tactics.
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