Rabid Reader, Wrabid Writer

If you follow the link to Robert Swartwood’s blog, he offers a brief rant on Leisure Books and Dorchester Publishing, concerning the whole controversy surrounding the treatment of authors who are owed either monies or their rights back on previously published titles. Brian Keene, a former Leisure Books authors, also offers a hearty tirade on the subject.

As a result, I answered the call to arms and sent a letter to Dorchester expressing my distaste. Read below:

Hello, Allison et al at Dorchester.

Perhaps this is merely an echo of sentiments already expressed towards Dorchester (and more specifically Leisure Books), but as a voracious reader who has purchased Leisure Books titles in the past, including those by Briane Keene, Ray Garton, Richard Laymon, and Jack Ketchum, the unsettling controversy between Dorchester and disgruntled authors provokes me to send this e-mail.

I have had opportunity to read and review multiple titles that have been released under the Leisure Books banner, but I can not in good conscience offer any further support—whether it be through purchasing books or reviewing them—if the issues expressed by Brian Keene and many others are not diligently addressed and resolved. If authors have been told that they would receive their rights back and/or paid what is owed them, yet actions by Dorchester speak to the contrary, something is seriously wrong and paints a very damaging light on a once heralded and well-respected publisher.

I find it disheartening that a publisher which, in the past, provided me a wellspring of great novels has become what essentially appears to be a blight on the writing world.

I certainly hope for a happy ending to this otherwise sad situation.

Sincerely,

Gef Fox