Description

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a fraudulent publishing company operating under the name KDP Publishing, which falsely claimed affiliation with Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. I was led to believe this was a legitimate publishing service and unfortunately became a victim of what I now believe is a multi-state publishing scam. On March 20th, 2025, I was contacted by Jack Hudson, who identified himself as a Project Manager for KDP Publishing. He provided a phone number (929-404-1640) and email address ([email protected]). Mr. Hudson presented me with a publishing agreement, stating that my book could be published and distributed on major platforms, including Amazon KDP and Barnes & Noble, by Easter 2025. The contract I received was marked as legally binding and included a digital signature. An additional contact, Jacob Harrison, who identified himself as the Editing Manager, also communicated with me via phone (844-654-5010). The services offered included: • $1,000 for book publication and distribution on five platforms. • $5,500 for trademarking my author name. • $1,500 for marketing and promotional services. Mr. Hudson instructed me to create an IngramSpark account and provide him with the username and password so that he could upload my manuscript for eBook distribution. Despite multiple revisions and long periods of editing, I never saw my book published on any platform as promised. After initial contact, the company gradually stopped answering calls and emails. On May 30th, 2025, I received a printed copy of my book ISBN#*****************, which had clearly been processed through Lulu.com, not Amazon or IngramSpark. The package came from a company calling itself Book Marketers, with a listed phone number of 347-434-6677, but the number was non-functional. No one at Lulu.com could provide a return contact, and there was no available customer service phone number. I contacted USPS to gather information about the sender using tracking number **************************, and I filed a mail fraud complaint in the hopes of tracing the origin of the shipment. I also contacted my bank to dispute the $1,000 payment, which had been processed under the name "Book Services" with a bank listing address of 5900 Balcones Drive, Austin, TX. A Google search showed that the business at that location is a company called ONKlinical Research LLC, which has no associated website or contact information. I suspect this is a shell company used to mask fraudulent activity. I now believe I was defrauded by individuals or entities using the false name “KDP Publishing,” leveraging Amazon’s brand to gain credibility. The individuals involved used disconnected phone numbers, fake email addresses, and redirected funds through suspicious means. It is important to me that this complaint be reviewed and investigated thoroughly so that other aspiring authors are not targeted by this same scam. I am providing this information in full transparency and would appreciate any further guidance or assistance your office can provide to pursue restitution or action against these perpetrators. Thank you for your time and consideration. Here is a copy of the contract: AUTHOR PUBLISHING AGREEMENT This Agreement is made and entered into on this 20th day of March, 2025, by and between KDPPublishers (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher”) and ***** ****** (hereinafter referred to as the "Author") WHEREAS, the Author wishes to publish a book using the services provided by the Publisher; and WHEREAS, the Publisher agrees to provide the Author with publishing, editorial, and distribution services as outlined in this Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained, the parties agree as follows: 1. SERVICES PROVIDED The Publisher agrees to provide the following services: 1. Manuscript Editorial Assessment – A professional evaluation of the manuscript’s strengths and areas for improvement. 2. Typesetting – Arranging the text to ensure a professional look and readability. 3. Formatting – Proper formatting for both eBook and print versions. 4. Line-by-Line Proofreading/Error Checks – Ensuring grammatical accuracy and consistency. 5. Custom Book Cover Design & Interior Layout – Unique and professional design tailored to the book. 6. Formats Included: o E-Book o Paperback 7. ISBN & Barcode Assignment – Official ISBN registration and barcode generation. 8. Publishing Platforms: o Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) o Barnes & Noble o IngramSpark o Google Books o Apple Books 9. Print-on-Demand Set-up – Configuring the book for print-on-demand distribution. 10. Unlimited Rounds of Revision – Ensuring full satisfaction with the final product. 11. Dedicated Project Manager Support – Ongoing communication and project tracking. 12. Comprehensive Quality Assurance Check – Reviewing the final product for accuracy and consistency. 13. Complete Authorization of Source Files – Author receives all source files. 14. 100% Ownership – The Author retains full rights to the book and content. 15. Copyright Registration – Assistance with securing copyright protection. 16. Name Trademark – Assistance with trademarking the Author’s name (if applicable). 2. AUTHOR RIGHTS & OWNERSHIP • The Author retains all rights, ownership, and control over their book. • The Publisher shall not claim any copyright or royalties from the book’s sales. • The Author has the right to make any modifications or request additional services at any time, subject to additional costs if beyond the scope of this Agreement. 3. PAYMENT TERMS • The total cost of services under this Agreement is $1000. • Payment shall be made in upfront, as agreed upon between the parties. • No additional fees shall be charged unless the Author requests services beyond those listed in this Agreement. 4. DISTRIBUTION & ROYALTIES • The Publisher shall publish and distribute the book to the platforms specified in Section 1.8. • Any revenue generated from book sales will be directly transferred to the Author’s designated bank account. • The Publisher is not entitled to any percentage of the book’s earnings. 5. REVISIONS & APPROVAL PROCESS • The Author is entitled to unlimited revisions before the final publishing. • The Publisher will not proceed with publishing without the Author’s final written approval. 6. CONFIDENTIALITY • Both parties agree to keep all book content, financial transactions, and discussions strictly confidential. 7. TERMINATION • Either party may terminate this Agreement with a 30-day written notice. • If terminated by the Author, payments already made shall be non-refundable for services already rendered. • If terminated by the Publisher, the Author shall receive a full refund for any unfinished services. • Refunds are not applicable for change of mind. 8. ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes any prior agreements, whether written or verbal. Any amendments must be made in writing and signed by both parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above. Author’s Signature: _______________________ Date: _______________________ Publisher’s Signature: _______Jack Hudson________________ Date: __________20 - March - 2025_____________