A Travis Tea

Our hats are off to reporter Scott Martelle for exposing so-called author Travis Tea and his one-book phenomenon of a career, the truly horrible “Atlanta Nights” [“Please Publish This Dud,” Feb. 5]. It is true that PublishAmerica initially accepted the manuscript based on a quick skim of the contents, and just as true that when we actually began reading the manuscript, we set it aside in horror.

No matter. Travis Tea’s cohorts caught us in the most uncomfortable position of initially accepting a book that would never be printed.

Since critics have raised our profile, the number of writers who approach us has actually increased by 40%. These writers understand that once we accept a manuscript and sign a contract, we publish their book without charging them a dime, ever. They don’t need the stigma of working with vanity presses. No writer does.

We were happy to read that Travis Tea has retired from writing. Knowing he’s out there, however, ready to rear his head in defense of writers, is comforting. Since PublishAmerica is in the business of bringing new writers to market, perhaps we have more in common with Travis than meets the eye.

Larry Clopper

Frederick, Md.

The writer is president of PublishAmerica.