Xlibris Reopens Online Bookstore for Business

On May 24, Xlibris sent an email out to all its customers and authors warning of a scam involving the Xlibris name. They also posted this warning on their website, where it remains. Scammers had set up a phony web domain that used the Xlibris name and had sent out emails to its customers and authors in an attempt to steal their identities and credit card information. Xlibris acted fast. Along with the warning written by Xlibris' CEO, they also shut down the online bookstore on their website to protect their customers and authors from further harassment and danger while the matter could be investigated.

In the month interval that has ensued, Xlibris has been busy. They rebuilt and redesigned their website completely. It is now easier on the eyes and very user friendly. They have also installed greater security for logged-in authors and especially for any who visit the now reopened bookstore area of the site. They have changed several policies, including how they handle the financial information of customers and return customers and their email policies.

They also have launched several new publishing packages. These include brand new specialty packages for those looking to publish in the poetry and christian genres. They continue to offer their monthly sales on various publishing, marketing, and editorial services as well. Xlibris is also one of the print-on-demand (POD) services that managed to ride through the recent storm created by Amazon.com's recent change of position toward print-on-demand books. They remain unaffected by the large-scale shut-off of the "buy" buttons on books printed by POD services who refused (mostly on principle, to be fair) to conform to Amazon's new policies toward them.

Another feature you'll find that has been added to the Xlibris website as a result of this unfortunate scare is the contact information for several organizations that specialize in handling identity fraud.

When news first broke of the email scam that postured under the Xlibris name, the company's CEO said that the bookstore would not be reopened until investigations were complete and they could be certain of the safety of those who use the store. He also stated that protecting Xlibris' authors, whose books are those listed for sale through the bookstore, was a top priority. It might be safe to say, then, that investigations are finished and the website is as safe as can be reasonably expected for all who might surf there.

This is a relief for the authors who use Xlibris for sure. Now they can get their marketing strategies back on track and their creative juices flowing again. Most importantly, they can again feel safe and comfortable in directing would-be readers to the site.

Resources:

http://www.xlibris.com