Here's yet another publisher that has found a non-traditional way to interact with authors. Let's see how this breaks down (hint: there's money involved).
The publisher, a representative of Influence Publishing, is coming to the UK to have a symposium for 8 authors who will be awarded publishing contracts (if they write an acceptable proposal during the four-day event). This event will cost each author £397 (about $650). Plus the authors, if their book is published, have to agree to pay £30 ($50) a month to cover "website representation and facilitation of monthly author circle meetings by phone with the publisher."
Looking at the website, accepted authors have to take part in an InspireABook Program--$397 for a weekend (this presumably wouldn't apply to the people who are joining the symposium). It's also recommended that they have Author Services coaching--I couldn't find a price for this but generally coaching is not cheap. Their website says: "To make the most of our time and yours, we suggest you consider the InspireABook™ program and Author Service coaching to ensure your book gets the best chance of success. We also recommend that you join our Publishing Academy which gives you numerous tools and resources to help you be a more informed author. An informed author is a successful author."
I'm not suggesting these are scam artists--the books they have published look good and I don't think they accept all submissions (they say they accept only 3%), but it's another case of authors being charged for some things that traditionally have been paid for by publishers, and publishing services being muddled with others. They do give royalties of 20-40% which could offset the investment--if you sell enough books.
My opinion: proceed with caution.If I were considering this, I'd definitely contact a number of their authors to find out what they thought of the services--and whether they've been worth it in terms of sales.
