Anyone heard of International Book Publishing Center?

[starflycreations]

I've been contacted by an editor from International Book Publishing Center (IBPC) which is affiliated to Liaoning Science and Technology Publishing House (LSTPH) in China. They would like to include my cards in their greeting card publication. Is anyone familiar with them?

[Former_Member]

Some countries do not respect copyright. Beware.

Especially if there is a fee involved, run.

I have seen other solicitations from "book publishers". At best they are harmless, and worst they are a ripoff.

[starflycreations]

Thanks for the info, TheVastCity. I tend to be a little wary of things that are too good to be true, but wanted to find out for sure.
-Starla

[CarambasVintage]

Starfly,

I do not have information on the specific company that contacted you, but my recommendation would be to research them on the internet.

There is a US company that apparently worked with them on "several brand identity and illustration projects"), it is based in California and I imagine you could contact them. The Chinese publishing industry is huge, they were the "guests of honour" at the Frankfurt Book Fair (the biggest book fair in the world) this year. You could be missing a good opportunity. It is just a matter of being careful until you have enough information to trust (or not trust) them.

Copyright laws are not the same everywhere (and have been changing over the years) but I am sure a lawyer will be able to find the way to protect your rights.

Best,

María

Greetings from Uruguay,

María

[starflycreations]

Thanks Maria and TheVastCity. Both very different but valid considerations.
-Starla

[PurpleTulipBags]

I too was contacted by an editor from the same company regarding the use of my invitations in their upcoming publication. I talked to my Unlce, a photographer from Toronto, and he was strongly against it.

There are way too many questions? Are they going to at the last minute request money? How do I get paid? Do they now own the rights to my invitaitions and can mass produce them? Will I see any of that money? What if they sell my invitations for use in an ad campaign? I will see no money and possibly have my work associated with something I oppose, such as child brides.

Whenever doing this kind of business, have a lawyer draft a very specific document. You have to protect yourself!

[TheBakedClayStudio]

I was contacted by the same press publications. I did some internet research and went with my gut and passed on it. I understand they are a huge publication company, but it all seemed to vague and unprofessional for me.

[HappyDappyBits]

There was a thread posted about this in Business topics like two days ago or so, said how they have the right to profit from it after publication or some such. http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/8746611/page/1/

I was contacted by them twice and ironically a third time after I posted a comment in that thread...apparently by the editor themselves. Never responded to any of them for some of the same reasons already given by others.