BronxWench

That’s pretty shitty. Hope you’re at least able to get your rights back.

If it’s become a scam, maybe there are state agencies that can help?

Man, that sucks. They’re probably comfortable continuing to scam people, knowing that no one can afford to sue them for the amounts they have lost.

So sorry you’re in this mess.

Exactly, which is why the original owners sold the press. They were writers, and there was no real venue for their work, so they started a small press. But they wanted to write full time, and once they’d reached a certain point, where royalties would allow for it, that’s what they did. They’re lovely people, and they’re doing their best to help us all out, but there’s no way they can fix Torquere at this point. It’s dead, and just needs to release our rights and close the doors.
 

Oh, my dear, it’s a big job.
Honestly, I would need to do a bit of research, but at the very least, you need at least two editors who are professionals, a good proofreader for the technical stuff, someone who can do cover art, and you’d need to set up a relationship with the various distribution venues as well as create a website, set up a secure payment system (Paypal and credit cards), do some basic advertising and marketing, create contracts and other legal niceties, and so on.
I’d think you’d need a serious cushion of money to carry you over until you start seeing a steady revenue stream since author royalties are payable no matter what else happens. That’s why a reputable small press does what the original owners of Torquere did. You set aside 50% of all revenue in an escrow account to pay author royalties. The rest pays overhead: editors, proofreaders, cover artists, website hosting fees, advertising, taxes, and finally, owner salaries.

Hugs are always appropriate.
We’re all working on getting our rights back, and I can promise you, once I do, I intend to tidy up a few bits and send the books right back out to a new publisher, or six. In my case, I got the letter, signed it, and am waiting for a countersignature from the publisher, Once I have that, I’m able to ask for my books to be taken off all third party distribution, so I can resubmit everything elsewhere.
There are many terrific publishers out there, and Torquere used to be one of them. It’s unfortunate, since the original owners are also writers, and are owed money as well. They’re heartbroken to see the imprint they built wind up like this.

Make those foreign bees pay for the net!

Aw, so not a part time gig … and it’d certain eat away at writing time

What would it take to start a publishing company of our own?

Really sorry to hear this – how awful!
I hope you’ll meet with some success getting your rights back soon.
I’m finding hugs are entirely inappropriate here – what a despicable way for a publisher to act. I am stunned.

I’d like to have a normal, 40 hour week.  At least once a month.  hehehehe

I’m crossing everything for you!

Oh, my goodness, I know… it’s heartbreaking, how many we’ve lost this year.  

I really hope it works out for you, DG. You work way too hard, and have done for ages.. years, even..
 

Oh, my goodness, I know… it’s heartbreaking, how many we’ve lost this year.  

It really, really sucks to work 25 hours in a 48 hour time period

Woohoo!

Yep, yet another sad loss.

This year needs a do over.  Or something.

Congratulations, CL!

Awesome!  Congrats!!!
 

I adore you, do you know that?

I’m contemplating a turkey’s ass. Much the same here…
 

DG, that sucks…