Description

**Complaint Against The Publishing Genie** I entered into an agreement with The Publishing Genie on **March 11, 2025**, after submitting an inquiry through their website regarding my manuscript, *Conquer Your Fear: A Guide to Taking Back Your Power*. I chose their **“Best Seller” package**, priced at **\$699**, which promised full publishing services and support. Shortly after, I spoke with **Peter Berlin**, whom I understood to be the owner. I was then contacted by **Alex Turner**, who introduced himself as my assigned publishing consultant. He took the time to learn about my book and personal journey, reassuring me repeatedly that I would become a **New York Times Best Seller**. This was a promise he emphasized multiple times during our first three months of communication. I officially signed the agreement on **March 17, 2025**, and paid the full \$699 via debit card. A concerning situation followed shortly after. Alex introduced me to a supposed bookstore owner who attempted to pressure me into paying **\$10,000** in exchange for having my book stocked in his store, with a claim that I’d receive **\$65,000 in three months**. When I expressed skepticism, he lowered the request to **\$7,500**, then **\$5,000**, and dismissed my concerns by saying, *“I don’t know you like that,”* despite me being asked to trust a complete stranger with thousands of dollars. When I pointed out that this felt like a scam, I was gaslit and accused of being negative. The entire experience was emotionally distressing and manipulative. I immediately informed Alex of what happened. Instead of addressing my concerns, he asked me why I was crying and appeared more focused on calming me down than providing real solutions. He even said he would find a way to come up with the money himself — which further confirmed to me that I was being sold a dream and not receiving legitimate publishing support. After three months, **all communication from Alex ceased**. I reached out again in **early July**, and he claimed he had been out due to COVID. He then said my book would be published on **Barnes & Noble**, and I received automated emails indicating an account had been created under my name. However, my book was never actually published or listed on the Barnes & Noble website. I followed up with Alex on **July 3, 2025**, and he acted confused and requested I forward the emails — after which I have not heard from him again. I’ve submitted **two formal complaints through their website** — on **April 1st** and again on **July 8th** — with no response. I also emailed **Peter Berlin** and another colleague, **Gary Clark**, demanding either full completion of the services promised or a refund. I reviewed the original paperwork and noticed the address listed differs from the address on their website. Additionally, the agreement states they only provide services for 3 months — which contradicts the 6-month support I was promised during initial conversations. Last week, I received an unsolicited email claiming that **Montell Jordan**, a former R\&B artist, was interested in promoting my book. When I looked into it, I discovered the address given was a **coworking space**, not a legitimate office. To verify the business, I contacted **Regus**, the property management company, and spoke with a representative named John on **July 9, 2025**, who confirmed the space was shared and gave me a number to contact directly. I reviewed my bank transaction and found that the charge was from a company called: **Techtale Studios LLC** 81 Monticello Way South River, NJ 08882 Meanwhile, my agreement lists the address as: **12100 Wilshire Boulevard, 8th Floor** Los Angeles, CA 90025 I also called The Publishing Genie on **July 9, 2025**, and spoke to someone named **Ryan Mendez**, who said he was a Senior Publishing Consultant. He seemed evasive, rushed the call, and was reluctant to provide clear answers. I had to press him just to confirm if they had my file. He said someone would follow up after gathering more information but did not give me a timeframe. Given the inconsistent communication, manipulative sales tactics, and unfulfilled services, I now believe I was **scammed**. I am requesting a **full refund of \$699**. This was all the money I had — paid from my tax refund — and I was vulnerable, hopeful, and desperate to finally succeed as an author. As a **self-published writer of 10 years**, a **single mother**, and someone who has been out of work for **over 19 months**, I trusted that a publishing house would increase my chances of real success. Instead, I was exploited. Upon researching further, I found numerous **negative reviews** indicating a **pattern of unethical behavior** toward independent authors like myself. I respectfully ask the BBB to intervene so I may receive the refund I deserve. Thank you.