It was nice of Austin Macauley to publish my book and they have been very helpful on the way through. However marketing it in Australia has had its problems. Retail outlets seem to have trouble purcha... See more
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Review summary
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Austin Macauley printed my book, Cornelius and Cedric's Woodland Adventure', in 2025. Stayed in regular contact. Answered the many questions I had quickly. Gave me an estimated print date but came in... See more
Company replied
I wrote a previous review with 5 stars, at this point I was going through the publishing process however I am so disappointed. AC were great through the original process and the published book was gr... See more
As a writer, I really met a team of dedicated professionals. They know what they are doing and they do it right in every little, and yet, important detail. They know how to listen, they can help. At e... See more
Company details
Written by the company
Austin Macauley Publishers is an independent publishing house with offices in the UK, USA and UAE. Since 2006, we have published authors in over 40 countries, with award-winning titles in fiction, non-fiction and children's. Our highly successful partnership publishing model provides underrepresented writers in the community with a bridge into the publishing world, combining the professionalism and reach of traditional publishing with the ease of access and flexibility of self-publishing. Committed to the accessibility of titles, we have long worked in all publishing formats (print, digital and audio), while our international distribution networks establish a connection to readers worldwide.
Contact info
1 Canada Square, E14 5AA, London, United Kingdom
- +44 (0) 207 038 8212
- mail@austinmacauley.com
- austinmacauley.com
3.6
Average
643 reviews
No history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 6% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 2 weeks
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For brand New and ,ahem, older writers... Apex Publishing!
I have been published by 4 other publishers for my Gothic Poetry, and had moderate success. Austin Macauley Publishers are now going to publish my first book based on my life as a Schizophrenic, with some information and a lot of humour and Hope. Friendly, efficient, professional staff that guide you without pushing; and publish without prejudice. A kinder publisher that's with you through the whole publishing interest.
11 October 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. We wish you every success with your book and hope it attains the desired success.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
Publish and not be damned
When dealing online as opposed to face-to-face, it is extremely important that communication is clear & timely. It has been with Austin Macauley (AM)
1 October 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're glad to learn about your experience. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
My first novel in English
They are publishing my first ever novel in English. I sent the manuscript last November, they accepted it with enthusiasm and we started a shared journey towards publication. They have been professional and supportive at all different stages.
11 October 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're glad to learn about your review. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
I was promised the world and received nothing!
I was promised the world and received nothing! They did not even proof read my book, I had to do all of the editing myself. Throughout the whole process I did not have one specific person to assist me. They did not respond to the messages that I left regarding questions I had. The marketing and publicity department is non-existent. This was a major mistake signing with them. Don't make the same mistake!
8 October 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi Bill,
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
We regret to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We take the feedback from our authors seriously and are committed to improving our processes. All of our teams including Production & Marketing are available to respond to any questions you may have. Please let us know which emails were not responded to so we can look in to this. Your comments have been forwarded to the relevant department, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly to discuss this further.
Kind regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
I had high expectations.
As an author, I had high hopes for the launch and promotion of my work, but I must admit that I feel disappointed by the overall effort put forth by the team. It appears that the book was not given a genuine push to ensure its success, leading me to feel that there was a lack of belief in the potential of my work.
One of my key expectations, as outlined in our contract, was to have media interviews and promotional events that would showcase "Notice Me" to a wider audience. Unfortunately, these opportunities have not materialised. There has been no mention of media engagements, book launches, or signings, which has left me feeling neglected and frustrated. After investing both financially and emotionally into this project, I anticipated more than just the publication of my book.
The absence of communication or updates regarding its progress further exacerbates my concerns. It appears to me that Austin Macauley has, in fact, turned out to be more of a vanity publisher, which I regret falling for.
30 September 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi Raymond,
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
We understand your disappointment and appreciate your feedback. However, please note that at Austin Macauley Publishers, we develop tailored marketing plans for each title, collaborating closely with distributors, trade press, media, and influencers to enhance visibility and success. Much of this work is on a business-to-business level and may not always be directly visible to our authors. Whilst our contract stipulates that our Marketing department outreach to various contacts, as you can appreciate, we cannot guarantee they will secure coverage of your book as this is down to each specific retailer or journalist.
We apologize if our communication did not meet your expectations. Your feedback is crucial for us to improve our services. We have forwarded your concerns to the relevant department, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly to discuss the marketing of your book.
Kind regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
They made my dream come true - publish a book
Working with the Austin Macauley publishing house was a great experience.
They read my story and liked it, patiently and professionally helping me realize my dream of publishing a book.
I am very grateful to them for that.
30 July 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. We wish you every success with your book and hope it attains the desired success.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
Throw your cash down the toilet
You might as well throw your hard earned cash down the toilet. I paid £5k to publish one book, assuming that this company would be promoting the book - how wrong I was! As far as I can see, AM simply put it on Amazon - no promotions, no adverts, nothing! After a year of waiting for sales figures I was finally told that there weren't any apart from my friends and family.
AM is simply a Vanity Publisher and do not get involved in promoting your books so you would be better off self-publishing - in fact you might even do it cheaper.
My advice? Avoid Austin Macauley and go to a real publisher.
18 September 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your feedback, and we're sorry to hear about your experience.
At Austin Macauley Publishers, we strive to support our authors throughout the publishing process, from manuscript submission to post-publication marketing. We understand the importance of visibility and actively work with a network of distributors, trade press, media, and influencers to give our books the best chance of success.
We are not a vanity publisher; we are a hybrid publishing company that offers a variety of publishing models to suit different author needs and investment levels. Our marketing efforts are extensive, and since much of this work is on a business-to-business level, it may not be immediately apparent but is vital in the competitive book market.
We would like the opportunity to address your concerns directly and review the marketing activities related to your book. Please provide us with your pen name or the title of your book so that we can investigate further and update you on the marketing efforts done for your book thus far.
Kind regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
It has been a privilige!
All of the team at AM Publishers have been really supportive and they are always on hand if you have any queries or concerns. It has been a pleasure so far to work with them and I would recommend AM Publishers to any writer seeking to actualize their dream.
17 September 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your encouraging feedback.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. We've had an equally pleasing experience working with you. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
The instructions was clear
The instructions was clear, the communication was professional and friendly, the feedback did not take too long,
17 September 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. Wishing you much luck in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
SCAM!
SCAM!! Got my 6 month royalty check and it was for £50!!!! They said I only sold a handful of books!!! And I know this is not the case, because my friends bought over 100 books. Please stay away from them!!!
13 September 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
At Austin Macauley Publishers, we take the accuracy of our reporting and financial dealings very seriously. As royalties are reported in specific periods, this may have fallen in the next cycle of royalties.
To help resolve this issue promptly and look in to this matter, please provide us with your pen name or the title of your book, so we can review the sales records, alternatively please reach out to our teams with your concerns so we can look in to this. Our team is dedicated to transparency and will work diligently to verify the sales figures and adjust any discrepancies in your royalties.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to resolving this matter to your satisfaction.
Kind regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
I am happy with my book but given…
I am happy with my book but given instructions was hard work and not fully followed. Especially on the illustration stage. Overall I am happy with their service.
1 September 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're glad to learn about your experience. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
I have just received my 6 month royalties letter
I have just received my 6 month royalties letter and yet again they have sold NONE. Please be warned, from my experience, they are a total waste of time and money.
2 September 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi Beverley,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns.
We are sorry to hear that your sales have not met expectations. At Austin Macauley Publishers, we strive to support our authors with marketing efforts that include distributing books to a variety of retailers and promoting them through different channels. However, the ultimate sales are influenced by reader interest and market trends, which can vary greatly and are beyond our direct control.
We understand the frustration that comes with this aspect of publishing and are continuously working on enhancing our marketing strategies to better support our authors. Please know that your feedback is important to us, and although your book is no longer published with us, we are here to answer any follow up questions you may have.
Warm regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
I am a new writer and Austin Macauley…
I am a new writer and Austin Macauley decided my book was good enough for them to print. The process was easy and the help I got was second to none. Now I am to be published, the care and attention I have received again has been brilliant. A great team of professionals. Thanks.
29 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. Wishing you much luck in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
Austin Macauley
Austin Macauley, out of the blue, contacted me about publishing my book. They sounded professional but when they demanded $2900 up front, I really looked into them. The initial thing that popped up was SCAM. They were rated as Number 1. I read things like "once an author has signed with them and paid $ the service was horrible." BUYER BEWARE!!!!!
16 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We want to clarify the process involved with submissions and contracts at Austin Macauley Publishers. As a partnership publisher, once we receive a manuscript, our editorial team carefully reviews it to determine the most suitable publishing route or kindly decline the offer to publish. Based on this evaluation, a tailored contract is proposed, which details all associated costs transparently.
We understand that every author has different expectations when it comes to publishing and our model may not be what you were looking for.
May we take this opportunity to wish you all the very best on your future publishing ventures.
I've had a mixed experience so far
I've had a mixed experience so far.
Pros -
* Accepted manuscript when regular publishing houses may not have
* Allowed total payment to be split into 10 equal payments
* Allowed manuscript to be edited after initial submission which vastly improved the final product
Cons -
* The ask for payment was a surprise - wish they would have been up-front about that - I was naive and did not know about vanity publishing - now I know - best for new authors to go in with eyes open
* Not much editing support - basic mistakes were overlooked even in the last stages - I had to spend hours and hours to edit in detail
* Basic instructions for cover illustration not followed in spite of repeated requests - finally, had to resort to AI image generation to provide detailed guidance (pretty much asked them to copy what AI did, quite brilliantly too I must say) - even then some aspects were missed - finally gave up and went with a 85% meeting of the vision
* Even at last stages such as creating a blurb for the back pages, a basic typo that was staring in the face was made - I caught that and rewrote the blurb
It took a lot of effort on my part to keep this project on track. I suppose I expected more support from the editing and cover illustration teams, andthis should not be the expectation for anyone engaging with such a vendor.
I'm still waiting to see how the rest of the process goes and will update if the end justifies the means!
Either way, I'm excited that this passion project is getting to fruition!
14 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi Shubho,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and feedback with us. We're glad to hear about the positive aspects of your journey with Austin Macauley Publishers, such as the flexibility in payment and the improvement of your manuscript through our editing process.
We strive to maintain clear communication with our authors from the outset. We always aim to improve our processes and appreciate your candid feedback, which is crucial for us.
If there are ongoing aspects of the publication process that you're waiting on, please contact us directly with your pen name and book title so we can ensure everything is progressing to your satisfaction. We are committed to making sure your project meets your expectations and that your overall experience with us justifies your passion and hard work.
Best regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
Austin Macauley, good time management
Austin Macauley has managed the timeline of my publication superbly. The production team has made suggestions for improvements and has listened to my requests for change. Their responses to my questions have generally been prompt and accommodating.
I am very pleased with the results and especially the book cover, which required several iterations.
14 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're glad to learn about your review. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
Hybrid publishing with Austin Macauley
I am in a hybrid publishing contract with Austin Macauley for my children’s book. That meant I paid £2,500 which apparently was one third of the total cost. I would just advise potential authors to be as informed as possible of royalty amounts. You may not realise that 25% of the net sales price roughly equates to £1 per book (with a retail book price of £8.99)
Also their policy is not to pay authors royalties under the sum of £50. Royalty statements are issued 6 monthly. I only had a small amount due to me and wasn’t happy to have to wait until it reached £50. If it doesn’t reach £50 then you have to wait until the book is discontinued before you receive it. I did contact the Chief Exec and they did then pay my royalty amount which I was grateful for.
30 April 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We aim to be transparent about our royalty structure and payment thresholds, and we understand that the nuances of these agreements can sometimes be surprising.
We are pleased to hear that you were satisfied with the resolution once your royalties reached the threshold, and we are grateful for your patience with the process. We continually strive to improve our communication and support for our authors, ensuring that all aspects of our agreements are clear and comprehensively understood from the outset.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our team.
Kind regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
Publishing with Austin Macauley
Communication and collaboration has been very good from the time of my agreement to accept publication with Austin Macauley. I had certain expectations when it came to quality of response and progress towards a publication date, and these have certainly been met. My publication date is now just one month away and I look forward to the marketing process going forward.
My supply of books arrived shortly after publication date and I was very impressed with the quality of production. The difficult part is waiting a full nine months before actual sales stats are available but I understand the issues in that regard. The time is being used to produce another book - just in case it's required!
13 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. We wish you every success with your book and hope it attains the desired success.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
Austin Macauley Publishers are one hundred percent perfect!!!
Austin Macauley Publishers are absolutely brilliant.
If you are looking for a Publishing Company then do not go any further than The Austin Macauley London Publishing Company.
They have brought my manuscript to life and created an incredibly beautiful book - my book: The Adventures of Rupert and The Red Spectacles. It is delightfully colourful which shows you that everyone at the company follows instructions to detail. So, do not hesitate for one minute, send your manuscript to Austin Macauley, today! By Kerry Dinté
12 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback and recommendation.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. We wish you every success with your book and hope it attains the desired success.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
As a first time author I had no clue…
As a first time author I had no clue where to begin. Austin mc Cauley took me through the process with ease. They did the edits , the cover , the marketing and kept me in the loop at all times. I had complete autonomy.
There are payment plans to suit every budget and I’m so pleased with the final result.
9 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
We're delighted to learn about your experience. Wishing you much luck in your future endeavours.
Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers
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