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Just like to warn folk about this lot (Leaf Books). I'd seen them around for a few years and get the newsletter (when they send one out). Last year, I entered two competitions, Memoir and Blogging. These, I think had end of Sept and Oct closing dates. As I speak, there have been no winners announced yet they are advertising new competitions.
If you check their Facebook page, there are beginning to be a few complaints coming in. Basically, looks like Leaf are taking the money and running. I had a similar situation with Fiction Garden. Ghost Story Competiton was Oct 2011 and there has been nothing announced as to winners, since. The site hasn't ben updated for a year.
Nick
Comments
Who is it who organises it? I mean, I know it's under the name of Leaf Books, but what person do you all send your entries to? And where?
The company hasn't folded, but they have no assets and, in theory, no way to clear the creditors. They had assets, but disposed of them (little more than office equipment from the value).
Nothing more to say - other than I wouldn't pay a penny to them.
*crosses Leaf Books off Christmas card list*
I've always regarded them with a degree of suspicion because the entry fee for their competitions was relatively high compared to the single prize for the winner. Also it was never clear who was judging the competitions and what their credentials were.
http://erewashwriterscompetition.weebly.com/
also on Twitter @EWGCompetition
also on a blog http://www.writingworkshopsandcompetitions.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks.
They appear to be based in Wales - looks like they've moved a couple of times. Their website is a bit of a mess and it's not clear how up to date the information is - but has anyone actually asked them what's going on with their competitions?
http://www.deadstarpublishing.co.uk/news/
I had a look at that link and they haven't addressed these issues. I think it's pretty shocking. Isn't there some sort of body that the people who have paid to enter their competitions can make a complaint to? How does anyone 'report' a web-based company for what is beginning to look horribly like fraud?
"LEAF BOOKS NEWSLETTER APRIL 2013
What has happened to Leaf? Thats the question that seems to be on everyones lips. Where have they gone, and what are they doing? The answer is complicated and a little lengthy but I hope to keep things as concise as possible."
And then of course the answers which I haven't read yet. If anyone wants to read it (and it isn't available on their website) I'll c&p it in a whisper or can forward in an email.
[quote=Jediya]The answer is complicated and a little lengthy but I hope to keep things as concise as possible."[/quote]
His answer was extremely lengthy! The upshot seemed to be saying that the future of Leaf lies with the writers and their response. :rolleyes:
"I'm sorry to say this, but I would actually advise people to think carefully about entering their outstanding comps. There are too many unresolved issues."
I had to read it in stages cause the first time I tried I just went .... urgh *close*
[quote= polar bear]I did too. Got bored reading it. [/quote]
Indeed. Tbh, it felt a bit excuse-y and repetitive at times.
I was match/general secretary for my old football team during debt and various issues and I understand all the pressures and trials that come from inheriting something but in the long run, sometimes if it doesn't get resolved or looks like you can't find ways to do so, it ends up feeling like flogging a dead horse. Although, my old team folded mainly because everyone just gave up because we weren't getting paid and it was affecting our own lives - even though IMO we just needed a year out of competing/fully running to get back on our feet. But hey-ho, I've wandered and prattled off point.
I feel sorry for him in one sense, but also it's hard to be too sympathetic when somebody over-stretches themselves so much. Although I don't doubt they never intended to mislead anybody, there is something very unappealing about a competition that only needs 17 entries to cover the entire prize fund (£6 for a chance of winning £100).
And I agree about the comp prize vs entry fee. They also publish runners-up with no prize, which is a pet hate of mine.