An Unveiling of Dorrance Publishing (REVIEW): Services, Origins, and Reputation

Dorrance Publishing stands out in the self-publishing industry, boasting a century-long legacy. For prospective authors, understanding the nuances of this company is essential. This review delves into Dorrance’s origins, array of services, and its mixed reputation, highlighting both praises and criticisms from the literary community.

The Genesis and Evolution of Dorrance Publishing

Founded in 1920 by Gordon Dorrance, the company’s initial mission was to offer a platform for aspiring authors overlooked by traditional publishers. Over the past 100 years, Dorrance Publishing has undergone significant evolution. While initially a pioneer in providing opportunities for underrepresented writers, it has transitioned into a modern self-publishing enterprise. Today, the company’s primary focus is still on aiding authors, but with an emphasis on self-publishing, which requires authors to bear the publication costs.

Comprehensive Services

Dorrance Publishing offers a broad spectrum of services designed to support authors throughout the publishing journey. Here’s a closer look at what they provide:

1. Manuscript Review and Editing: Dorrance offers professional editorial services, including developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading, ensuring manuscripts are polished and ready for publication.
2. Design and Production: From cover design to interior layout and formatting, Dorrance provides services that enhance the book’s visual appeal and meet industry standards.
3. Publishing and Distribution: The company manages the entire publishing process, assigning ISBNs, printing books, and distributing them to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
4. Marketing and Promotion: To help authors reach their target audience, Dorrance offers marketing services such as press releases, book signings, and social media promotion.

Praise from Authors

Many authors have lauded Dorrance Publishing for its comprehensive support and quality services. Positive testimonials frequently highlight the company’s dedication to helping authors realize their dreams. For first-time authors, the guidance and assistance provided by Dorrance can be invaluable in navigating the often complex world of publishing.

Criticisms and Concerns

Despite the positive feedback, Dorrance Publishing has not been free from criticism. On Google, over 20 negative reviews have been posted, and the company has garnered 73 complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site. Although accredited by the BBB, Dorrance holds an A- rating rather than an A+.

Common Issues Raised:

1. Transparency in Pricing: One of the most frequently cited complaints is the lack of transparent pricing information on Dorrance’s website. Potential authors often find themselves surprised by the fees involved, leading to feelings of mistrust. Upfront clarity about costs could significantly improve author trust and satisfaction.
2. Misunderstanding of Publishing Model: Some authors mistakenly believe Dorrance operates as a traditional publisher. In reality, Dorrance is a self-publishing firm where authors contribute financially to the publication of their works. Some complaints suggest that Dorrance may not adequately clarify this distinction, causing confusion and disappointment.
3. Quality of Marketing Services: While some authors have had success with Dorrance’s marketing efforts, others report limited effectiveness. Dissatisfaction with the results of promotional campaigns is a recurring theme in negative reviews.
4. Contractual Clarity: Several authors have raised concerns about the terms and conditions detailed in Dorrance’s contracts. Thoroughly understanding these agreements before committing is crucial.

Overall Reputation and BBB Insights

Dorrance Publishing maintains a mixed but generally favorable reputation within the self-publishing sphere with a 4.4 star overall rating on Google. The company’s extensive history and commitment to helping authors publish their works are commendable. However, issues related to transparency (resulting in a class action lawsuit), complaints and negative reviews, and the distinction between traditional and self-publishing models remain significant.

BBB Rating

Dorrance’s accreditation by the BBB adds a layer of credibility, but its A- rating and 73 complaints highlights room for improvement in customer service practices. The BBB profiles provide insight into how the company addresses customer complaints and feedback, offering potential clients a valuable resource for evaluating Dorrance’s customer service.

Class Action Lawsuit

In 2022, a Dorrance Publishing author filed a class action lawsuit. The filing states: “An author alleges in a class action that Dorrance Publishing Company has hidden from her and other writers the true sales numbers of their work and unjustly retained commissions.”

There doesn’t appear to be any sort of ruling on this lawsuit as of yet, so it may still be ongoing. It’s important to note that lawsuits can allege anything, so Dorrance is innocent until proven guilty.

Conclusion

Dorrance Publishing presents a viable option for authors looking to self-publish their works, providing a wide range of services from manuscript review to marketing. However, potential clients should be well-informed about the costs and the nature of self-publishing versus traditional publishing.

Greater transparency in pricing and clearer communication about their self-publishing model could mitigate many of the mistrust issues. As with any significant decision, prospective authors should conduct thorough research and fully understand contractual obligations before proceeding. Lawsuits, negative reviews, and complaints tied to Dorrance are causes of concern.

In summary, while Dorrance Publishing has successfully aided many authors in bringing their stories to life, it remains crucial for potential clients to approach with a clear understanding of the business model and financial commitments involved. With its long-standing history and diverse services, Dorrance continues to be a noteworthy – although controversial- option for writers seeking to publish independently.