LifeRich Publishing Review: What You Need to Know Beforehand

LifeRich Publishing, an imprint of Reader’s Digest, might initially appear to be a trusted name for aspiring authors. However, behind this label lies Author Solutions—a company notorious in publishing circles for its questionable practices. For writers hoping to bring their dreams of book publishing to life, it’s important to understand what this connection entails. While LifeRich Publishing offers services aimed at empowering new authors, many who have walked that path share mixed, and often frustrating, experiences.

The Author Solutions Connection

Author Solutions operates as the parent company behind LifeRich Publishing, as well as other self-publishing imprints. Unfortunately, Author Solutions–a company that also operates AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Trafford, and others–has garnered a clouded reputation in the industry for aggressive sales tactics, inflated costs, and underwhelming results. This has led many to view its affiliated imprints like LifeRich Publishing with caution.

Though LifeRich attempts to leverage the recognizable Reader’s Digest imprint to appear credible, working with them means you engage directly with Author Solutions. This is something potential authors should carefully consider before investing their time and money.

LifeRich’s Ratings and Reviews

Looking at the numbers paints a clear picture. LifeRich Publishing holds a modest 3.3-star rating on Google, indicating a mixed bag of customer satisfaction. Additionally, on Trustpilot, where they have a 4.4-star rating overall, 15% of the reviews are negative, revealing some serious concerns shared by previous clients. Delving into these negative reviews brings key issues into focus.

What Authors Are Saying on Trustpilot

A detailed glance at Trustpilot unveils recurring themes—poor communication, unmet promises, and disappointing product quality. Here are some real-world experiences shared by dissatisfied LifeRich Publishing clients:

1. Thomas M. Tukesbrey:
   “I doubt highly anyone there actually read my book. All promotion was left in my lap. The price tag appears to be due to the connections with a printer and venues that will carry the title, like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, nothing more. Quality of textual content has absolutely nothing to do with the publisher’s efforts.”
2. Alex:
   “Exasperated beyond belief by my account rep who was either lazy and totally incompetent or purposely counterproductive. I lost a year and nearly my sanity before having to get others involved. I considered canceling my contract and forfeiting money to stop the misery.”
3. Sandra:
   “My author’s rep lost files. I had to submit the same photos more than five times. She never answered her phone, and her email responses were often incomplete. It was a very frustrating experience that I hope to NEVER repeat.”
4. Roxann Kranstover:
   “I received 75 soft cover books that were so poorly printed I’m ashamed to sell them. Print bleeds through the opposite pages, and the illustrations are ruined. I was told it’s ‘acceptable’—they have their money, so they don’t care.”

Authors also highlighted issues with long delays, hidden fees, and often feeling like they were ignored once the contracts were signed. These complaints reveal a worrying trend of prioritizing quick profits over quality service.

Pros and Cons of LifeRich Publishing

Like any service, LifeRich has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros:

• Recognizable Branding: The Reader’s Digest name builds trust and attracts attention.
• Full-Service Options: LifeRich offers packages that cover editing, design, and marketing under one roof.
• Ease of Access: Authors can get their books onto major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble with little technical knowledge.

Cons:

• High Costs: Packages can be exorbitantly priced for what many have described as minimal services.
• Poor Communication: Numerous authors cite unresponsive representatives and lack of clarity about the publishing process.
• Quality Concerns: From poor product materials to unpolished end results, many report disappointing outcomes.
• Missed Royalties: Several reviewers mention delays or inaccuracies in sales reporting and royalty checks.
• Aggressive Sales Tactics: Many reviews note pressure from sales reps to upgrade or purchase more services unnecessarily.

The Bottom Line

Aspiring authors must weigh the pros and cons before signing on. If you’re considering LifeRich Publishing, take a moment to explore other options as well. Investing in a publishing partner is a big decision—one that should ultimately leave you feeling proud, and not regretful, of where your creative efforts end up. Remember to research thoroughly and, when in doubt, seek advice from experienced writers or industry professionals to make the most informed choice.