If there were a zero-star option
If there were a zero-star option
If there were a zero-star option, that is what I would give Anderson Publishers.
My experience with this company was extremely disappointing and costly. It involved repeated delays, unauthorized or unapproved changes, poor formatting, pricing mistakes, weak communication, and a lack of accountability when problems were raised.
I hired Anderson Publishers expecting professional support with publishing, formatting, cover design, copyright filing, and promotional materials. Instead, I spent months correcting issues that should not have happened in the first place.
One of my first major concerns was the cover design. I was promised a unique 3D cover, but the final result did not match that expectation. In my experience, it felt much closer to a lightly modified version of a concept image I had shared rather than a truly original design. I was also frustrated by changes that appeared to move forward without the level of clear approval I expected.
The formatting process created additional problems. Errors were introduced into my manuscript, and I had to spend a significant amount of time catching and correcting issues myself. Some formatting choices were not professional and reduced my confidence in the quality of the final product.
I also had serious concerns about the copyright service. I paid approximately $1,200 for copyright-related work, which felt excessive given the actual filing cost. I was also concerned that the copyright filing may have been submitted before the manuscript was fully finalized, because the word count associated with the filing did not appear to match the final length of my book. Despite repeated requests, I did not receive the level of documentation and clarity I was expecting regarding that process.
There were also pricing issues that directly affected me financially. My book was listed at a price I had not expected, which reduced or eliminated royalties I should have received. I also was not properly prepared for how color images would impact printing costs, especially for the hardcover edition. As a result, the final retail price was much higher than I had intended.
I also paid $300 for a one-minute cinematic promotional video, and I was very unhappy with what I received. It included content and visual choices that did not accurately reflect my book. I rejected the video and requested a refund, but that was not resolved to my satisfaction.
On top of all that, the project experienced repeated delays. I was given multiple expected timeframes, and those dates kept moving. That loss of time mattered. It affected not only my release plans, but also time in my personal life that I cannot get back.
What made this experience especially frustrating was the pattern: when problems came up, I often felt like I had to do the heavy lifting to identify, explain, and push for corrections rather than receiving proactive professional support.
To be fair, the company has clear areas where it could improve:
1. Better quality control before files are sent to authors
2. Clear written approval before any design, formatting, or pricing changes are finalized
3. Greater transparency around copyright, ISBN, and promotional service charges
4. More accurate communication about production timelines
5. Better follow-through when refunds, corrections, or proof of services are requested
I am sharing this review based on my own experience as a warning to other authors. I would strongly encourage anyone considering this company to ask detailed questions in writing, request proof of every paid service, and carefully review every stage before approving anything.
