My Lived Story Deserved Better: Publishing Failures and Poor Quality Control

I am deeply disappointed by my experience with Bono Lashu Group Publishing regarding the publishing and printing of my memoir.

Before signing and making payment, I clearly communicated that my memoir was intentionally written in a hybrid style including poetry, isiXhosa words, letters, and emotional storytelling. I specifically requested that my writing voice and structure not be changed. However, throughout the editing process, I repeatedly felt unheard and pressured to change my work into a style I did not agree with.

I was also deeply hurt when concerns were raised suggesting that my memoir appeared AI-generated, despite the book being based on my lived experiences, trauma, grief, healing, and personal family history.

Communication throughout the process became extremely difficult. Deadlines were repeatedly missed, and I often went for over a week without updates despite requesting feedback. The final delivery date was moved multiple times, including delays caused by printing issues that were only communicated after I followed up myself.

Most concerning is the quality of the final printed books I received. The books contain multiple serious errors that should have been identified during proofreading and quality control, including:

* spelling and formatting errors, * duplicated Chapter 14 sections with different content, * incorrectly merged personal letters, * formatting issues affecting important dedications, * and other layout mistakes.

While I acknowledge that one numbering error may have originated from my side as the author, I paid for professional editing, proofreading, formatting, and publishing services specifically to ensure these mistakes would be corrected before printing.

I have upcoming radio interviews, existing customer orders, and international shipping arrangements already paid for, which has made this situation incredibly stressful and damaging professionally.

I have attempted to resolve these concerns privately, but communication has now become very limited.

At this stage, I am formally requesting:

* A corrected reprint of my books at no additional cost to me; * A clear timeline for corrections and delivery; * Proper accountability regarding the missed deadlines, communication failures, and publishing errors.

This memoir is deeply personal to me and my family. I simply wanted my story handled with professionalism, care, and respect.

Mbali Xhobiso