Indiana Sues Book Publisher

By Lynn Andriani -- Publishers Weekly, 5/9/2008 12:28:00 PM

Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is suing book publisher Airleaf, formerly known as Bookman Marketing, for accepting payment from authors and not following through on its promises to provide book publishing, royalty reimbursement and promotional services. The suit is seeking restitution for more than 120 people who claim to have lost money to faudulent promises made by Airleaf.

Carter is seeking reimbursement for the affected customers and civil penalties of up to $5,500 per violation of the state's Deceptive Consumer Sales Act. Owner Carl Lau apparently promised his clients in-person participation at book fairs, presentations to movie producers and advertising.

Carter said that in addition to the 120 people named in the suit, "Hundreds more may have lost money. They paid for services. Airleaf did not deliver, and now those consumers deserve refunds." Carter said the scheme has been going on since at least early 2006 and that owner Carl Lau used company assets to cover expenses unrelated to his business.

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