July 2012 Update from Piers Anthony

"2012 update: Another complaint of refusal to end the contract on a low-paying book without a $500 termination fee, which suggests the publisher makes its money from such feel rather than sales. Authors should check contracts, and not sign when such unreasonable fees are attached. I was also sent “Reports on Whiskey Creek Press” that runs my reports and others, such as an author wanted to correct errors and being bawled out as a horrible writer with a bad attitude who should buy out the contract. That strengthens the case that the publisher wants termination money rather than doing the work of publishing quality books. Another rated WCP as F. Writer Beware says that $500 termination fee is a red flag. You bet!" 

http://www.hipiers.com/publishing.html#W1