YN
Yolandi N
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2025
05 May 2026, 13:34
Paid R20,000 for “In-Depth Editing” – Received Surface-Level Edits Only
Title: Paid R20,000 for “In-Depth Editing” – Received Surface-Level Edits Only
I contracted Reach Publishers for a self-publishing package costing approximately R20,000. The package explicitly included “In-depth Editing,” cover design, and full publishing support.
Unfortunately, the editing delivered was limited to surface-level corrections and brief comments (e.g., noting repetition or missing citations), without any meaningful structural or developmental editing. I was required to substantially rewrite and refine the m****cript myself to bring it to a publishable standard.
I acknowledge that my m****cript required work—that is precisely why I selected a package that advertised “in-depth editing.” What was delivered did not meet a reasonable expectation of that service.
The cover design provided was also not usable for my project, and I had to create my own independently.
After raising these concerns, I was informed that no refund would be applicable, despite the clear gap between what was advertised and what was delivered.
Since raising this issue, I have become aware of similar complaints from other authors regarding the discrepancy between “in-depth editing” as advertised and the level of editing actually delivered.
I am requesting a full refund based on misrepresentation of services and the fact that the service provided was not fit for purpose.
I would prefer to resolve this matter amicably and remain open to engagement from Reach Publishers to find a fair resolution.
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Replies (2)
Reach Publishers's replyOfficial
15 May 2026, 09:10Dear Yolandi,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
I would like to clarify the points you raised regarding your publishing package with Reach Publishers:
The m****cript was still in the first round of editing when you chose to withdraw it for further adjustments. This stage is intended for authors to provide feedback before editors proceed with subsequent revisions. Our editing service focuses on spelling, grammar, flow, consistency, and overall refinement rather than developmental or structural editing. M****cripts submitted to our editing department are expected to be close to publication-ready, and we do not provide extensive rewriting or content creation.
Multiple cover options were provided for your project. We note that you chose to experiment with AI-generated images, which are flattened and non-editable; this limited the designer’s ability to make adjustments. Fully custom covers created manually allow for editable layers and text, which differs from AI-generated options.
During the course of the project, your m****cript underwent substantial revisions, including significant word count increases, title changes, and multiple cover revisions. Our quotations are based on word count, and continuing extensive editing of a substantially expanded m****cript would require additional fees.
You withdrew the process mid-way, without allowing us to provide all remaining services included in your package. Reach Publishers is not in breach of the publishing service and remains in contact to assist with the remaining steps. It is important to note that the m****cript more than doubled in size, and our packages are quoted per word count—providing additional rounds of editing on this expanded m****cript would result in a financial loss. The Terms of Service were included in your invoice prior to payment and clearly state: “By proceeding to use Reach Publishers to assist with the publishing of your book you agree to our Terms of Service.”
It appears there may have been some misunderstanding regarding the scope of services provided. We aim to support authors through the publishing process while adhering to the defined service scope and package terms.
We are committed to transparency and professionalism and hope this clarifies the points you raised. Should you wish to discuss next steps regarding your m****cript, we remain available to assist.
Reach Publishers's reply15 May 2026, 09:10
Official
Dear Yolandi,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
I would like to clarify the points you raised regarding your publishing package with Reach Publishers:
The m****cript was still in the first round of editing when you chose to withdraw it for further adjustments. This stage is intended for authors to provide feedback before editors proceed with subsequent revisions. Our editing service focuses on spelling, grammar, flow, consistency, and overall refinement rather than developmental or structural editing. M****cripts submitted to our editing department are expected to be close to publication-ready, and we do not provide extensive rewriting or content creation.
Multiple cover options were provided for your project. We note that you chose to experiment with AI-generated images, which are flattened and non-editable; this limited the designer’s ability to make adjustments. Fully custom covers created manually allow for editable layers and text, which differs from AI-generated options.
During the course of the project, your m****cript underwent substantial revisions, including significant word count increases, title changes, and multiple cover revisions. Our quotations are based on word count, and continuing extensive editing of a substantially expanded m****cript would require additional fees.
You withdrew the process mid-way, without allowing us to provide all remaining services included in your package. Reach Publishers is not in breach of the publishing service and remains in contact to assist with the remaining steps. It is important to note that the m****cript more than doubled in size, and our packages are quoted per word count—providing additional rounds of editing on this expanded m****cript would result in a financial loss. The Terms of Service were included in your invoice prior to payment and clearly state: “By proceeding to use Reach Publishers to assist with the publishing of your book you agree to our Terms of Service.”
It appears there may have been some misunderstanding regarding the scope of services provided. We aim to support authors through the publishing process while adhering to the defined service scope and package terms.
We are committed to transparency and professionalism and hope this clarifies the points you raised. Should you wish to discuss next steps regarding your m****cript, we remain available to assist.
YN
Yolandi N's updateReviewer Update
15 May 2026, 12:30Good day,
Thank you for the response.
At this stage, the issue is not simply whether the process technically remained “open,” but whether the services delivered justified the approximately R20,000 paid for the package.
I fully acknowledge that the m****cript evolved during the process, including title changes and expansion. However, the core reason for that evolution was my dissatisfaction with the level of editing and overall creative direction provided during the early stages.
I selected a package specifically advertising “in-depth editing” because I expected meaningful editorial guidance and refinement. In my experience, what I received was largely surface-level correction work, which ultimately required me to substantially rewrite and refine the m****cript independently.
What is particularly concerning is that the description now being provided of the editing service directly contradicts the expectation created by the term “in-depth editing” itself. In your response, you state that m****cripts are expected to be close to publication-ready before reaching your editing department, and that the service focuses primarily on grammar, spelling, flow, consistency, and refinement. That is not how “in-depth editing” is commonly understood within the publishing industry, nor how it is reasonably interpreted by authors investing in a premium publishing package.
This is precisely where my concern regarding misrepresentation arises. The package descriptions and advertising create the impression of comprehensive editorial and publishing support, while the fine-print limitations significantly narrow the actual scope of the services being provided.
The same concern applies to other package components, including the “Marketing Assistance Package,” which sounds extensive in the promotional material, but in the Terms largely consists of contact lists, general information, and guidance rather than active marketing support.
Regarding the cover process, it is misleading to suggest the issue was simply “AI-generated images.” While AI-assisted elements were explored, I also independently edited and refined the work myself. In addition, Reach Publishers themselves worked on and revised some of the provided concepts during the design process, which clearly demonstrates that adjustments were in fact possible.
The larger issue is trust and confidence.
At this point, I no longer have confidence in proceeding with Reach Publishers for the remaining stages of the project. Since raising my concerns, I have also become aware of multiple similar complaints from other authors regarding editing expectations and service delivery concerns. Whether others agree or disagree is their own matter, but it has significantly impacted my confidence in entrusting my book to the company moving forward.
I also do not believe the remaining services justify the amount already paid. The cover was ultimately redone independently, the m****cript required substantial independent refinement, and the remaining stages largely consist of layout and distribution-related services that I can now complete independently or through alternative providers at a significantly lower cost.
While I acknowledge that the Terms of Service were technically referenced on the invoice, I do not believe the implications of those terms were meaningfully brought to my attention prior to payment. The focus of the transaction was naturally on the advertised package and the represented service offering, not on a small hyperlink reference contained within the invoice documentation.
While Reach Publishers maintains that the process could have continued, I maintain that the breakdown occurred because the quality, scope, and direction of the services delivered did not meet the expectations reasonably created by the package descriptions and communications surrounding “in-depth editing” and the overall publishing support offered.
For that reason, I remain of the view that a refund is justified and that the matter warrants formal review through the appropriate consumer protection channels.
I also believe it is important for other aspiring authors to fully understand the distinction between the promotional language used in these packages and the more limited scope outlined in the Terms of Service, so that they can make informed decisions before committing financially.
YN
Yolandi N's update15 May 2026, 12:30
Reviewer Update
Good day,
Thank you for the response.
At this stage, the issue is not simply whether the process technically remained “open,” but whether the services delivered justified the approximately R20,000 paid for the package.
I fully acknowledge that the m****cript evolved during the process, including title changes and expansion. However, the core reason for that evolution was my dissatisfaction with the level of editing and overall creative direction provided during the early stages.
I selected a package specifically advertising “in-depth editing” because I expected meaningful editorial guidance and refinement. In my experience, what I received was largely surface-level correction work, which ultimately required me to substantially rewrite and refine the m****cript independently.
What is particularly concerning is that the description now being provided of the editing service directly contradicts the expectation created by the term “in-depth editing” itself. In your response, you state that m****cripts are expected to be close to publication-ready before reaching your editing department, and that the service focuses primarily on grammar, spelling, flow, consistency, and refinement. That is not how “in-depth editing” is commonly understood within the publishing industry, nor how it is reasonably interpreted by authors investing in a premium publishing package.
This is precisely where my concern regarding misrepresentation arises. The package descriptions and advertising create the impression of comprehensive editorial and publishing support, while the fine-print limitations significantly narrow the actual scope of the services being provided.
The same concern applies to other package components, including the “Marketing Assistance Package,” which sounds extensive in the promotional material, but in the Terms largely consists of contact lists, general information, and guidance rather than active marketing support.
Regarding the cover process, it is misleading to suggest the issue was simply “AI-generated images.” While AI-assisted elements were explored, I also independently edited and refined the work myself. In addition, Reach Publishers themselves worked on and revised some of the provided concepts during the design process, which clearly demonstrates that adjustments were in fact possible.
The larger issue is trust and confidence.
At this point, I no longer have confidence in proceeding with Reach Publishers for the remaining stages of the project. Since raising my concerns, I have also become aware of multiple similar complaints from other authors regarding editing expectations and service delivery concerns. Whether others agree or disagree is their own matter, but it has significantly impacted my confidence in entrusting my book to the company moving forward.
I also do not believe the remaining services justify the amount already paid. The cover was ultimately redone independently, the m****cript required substantial independent refinement, and the remaining stages largely consist of layout and distribution-related services that I can now complete independently or through alternative providers at a significantly lower cost.
While I acknowledge that the Terms of Service were technically referenced on the invoice, I do not believe the implications of those terms were meaningfully brought to my attention prior to payment. The focus of the transaction was naturally on the advertised package and the represented service offering, not on a small hyperlink reference contained within the invoice documentation.
While Reach Publishers maintains that the process could have continued, I maintain that the breakdown occurred because the quality, scope, and direction of the services delivered did not meet the expectations reasonably created by the package descriptions and communications surrounding “in-depth editing” and the overall publishing support offered.
For that reason, I remain of the view that a refund is justified and that the matter warrants formal review through the appropriate consumer protection channels.
I also believe it is important for other aspiring authors to fully understand the distinction between the promotional language used in these packages and the more limited scope outlined in the Terms of Service, so that they can make informed decisions before committing financially.