Book Leaf Publishing — Signed up for a poetry challenge in April 2021, have not received product

Address:	Libresco Feeds Pvt Ltd. - Srinagar, J&K, India, 190005
Website:	www.bookleafpub.com

I came across their April 2021 “Write Your Heart Out Challenge” on Instagram, and was intrigued and excited to participate. I signed up and paid for extras including cover design, illustration, and editing.

At the time, I didn’t realise they are based in India which may explain complications for myself in Australia.

The process was coming along fine, although there were several back and forth with miscommunication. I suggested a phone call but that never eventuated.

Around August, I no longer received correspondence from them and had to frequently chase them up. This further prolonged the process and when I approved the illustrations, I heard nothing back about when my collection would be published. I emailed all the people on the team and resorted to leaving comments on Instagram where their page is active in promoting more writing challenges but neglects past writers. Eventually, they acknowledged my ‘ticket’ raised on their website but the version they sent me for approval had errors despite me paying for editing services. I responded back with corrections and have not heard anything back.

I had hoped this would be a Christmas present for my friends and family but as it’s already 2022, that is impossible.

I have also tried to contact the CEO and Director of BookLeaf Publishing via Instagram, and they either have not seen my messages or have left me on read.

I am so disappointed and would not recommend this service to anyone. I regret not looking researching into them before proceeding with their service as now my collection is tied with them. I feel this company overpromises on what they can deliver and what is stated on their website are lies. They claim not to leave ‘any email unanswered’ yet that is what they have done to me, and clearly cannot publish my poetry collection within their timeframe.

At this stage, I’d want a refund and regain my publishing rights so I can use publish the poems without another company. There is no clarity as to whether I own the illustrations I’ve paid for to be used in another book.

I have attached screenshots showing all the emails I’ve sent them which have gone answered given it is hard to call them from Australia, as well as a snippet of the Publishing Agreement.