Self-publishing has become an increasingly popular way for authors to get their work out to the public. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) have made it easier for authors to maintain control over their work and reach a broad audience. However, these platforms are not without their pitfalls, as our client, the author of "The Phantom CISO", discovered.
When deciding to self-publish their work, the authors of "The Phantom CISO" chose Amazon KDP for its expansive reach and ease of use. However, shortly after publishing their book and making it available for purchase, they encountered a series of account suspensions and terminations that threatened their ability to sell their book.
This case study details their journey, the challenges they faced with Amazon KDP, and how Tariq Law assisted in overcoming these challenges.
Challenge
After the book was live on Amazon KDP, the authors ran into the first issue. Their account was suspended due to the use of a virtual credit card from Privacy.com. After numerous calls and submissions to Amazon's main account team, the account was reinstated after five days. However, this was just the start of their challenges.
Shortly after resolving the suspension, their KDP account was terminated, a decision that Amazon stated was due to a generic "content violation". Despite repeated inquiries, Amazon failed to provide a specific reason for the termination and also refused to transfer any royalties earned. This left the authors without access to their book sales income and with no way to dispute the termination due to a lack of specifics.
The authors were caught in a cycle of automated responses, lack of human assistance, and an inability to appeal the termination decision. Frustrated, they sought the assistance of Tariq Law.
How Tariq Law Helped
In the face of the automated responses and lack of specifics from Amazon, Tariq Law took a multi-pronged approach to resolve the issue.
1. Legal Demand Letter: Tariq Law drafted a legal demand letter, detailing the problem and the authors' request for account reinstatement. The letter also highlighted the potential legal action against Amazon Inc. if the accounts were not reinstated.
2. Reaching Out to Amazon's Legal Team: The demand letter was sent to Amazon's legal team, who acknowledged receipt and promised to look into the matter.
Within a few days, the authors' accounts were reinstated. Amazon's legal team responded to our firm's letter, stating that the accounts were reinstated upon further investigation and offered an apology for any inconvenience caused.
The Outcome
The authors regained access to their Amazon KDP accounts and the ability to sell their book through Amazon. They also regained access to their book royalties that had previously been inaccessible due to the account termination.
Key Takeaways and How Tariq Law Can Help
Dealing with Amazon KDP or any self-publishing platform's challenges can be daunting for authors. The process can be complex, often involving various teams within the organization, and resolutions are not always straightforward. Tariq Law's experience with this case demonstrates how important it is to have experienced legal representation when navigating these challenges.
At Tariq Law, we understand the complexities involved in these situations. We will fight for your rights, leveraging our expertise and dedication to ensure your voice is heard and your case resolved. We strive to:
- Separate everything for your business including emails, tax IDs, bank accounts, and more.
- Work with you to create a redundancy plan, ensuring that even if an account is banned, your work remains accessible.
- Advise on copyright issues to avoid potential pitfalls related to cover artwork.
- Maintain professionalism and patience, persistently following through until a resolution is achieved.
If you're experiencing challenges with Amazon KDP or any other digital platform, Tariq Law is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and let us guide you through the complexities of self-publishing disputes. We look forward to assisting you on your self-publishing journey.
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