Publishing Bros Busted: FTC Demands Fair Play in Book Biz
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Publishing.com, LLC and the Mikkelsen brothers are facing charges for unfair or misleading business practices. They’ve agreed to stop these actions under a new deal, and the public has until May 18, 2026, to share their thoughts. This means changes are coming to how they operate, with no direct money penalties mentioned yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
$1.5M Set Aside for Consumer Relief
The proposed order requires Publishing.com and the two named individuals to pay $1.5 million in monetary relief. The company must also give the Commission enough customer information so the Commission can efficiently administer redress, if possible.
Stronger Refund and Cancellation Protections
The proposed order prohibits the respondents from misrepresenting or failing to disclose material terms of any cancellation or refund policy and requires them to promptly honor a consumer's cancellation or refund request in compliance with company policies in effect at the time of purchase. The complaint specifically alleges a misrepresentation that a refund policy was a simple 12-month money-back guarantee.
Permanent Ban on Unjustified Earnings Claims
The proposed order permanently bars the respondents from making earnings claims or helping others make earnings claims unless the claims are non-misleading and the respondents have a reasonable basis for them. This enjoins future marketing that promises or implies specific earnings without substantiation.
Rules on Testimonials and Paid Reviews
The proposed order forbids certain misrepresentations about testimonials and endorsements and requires the respondents to disclose any unexpected material connections with endorsers or reviewers and any payments or incentives for posting reviews. This aims to ensure reviews reflect genuine, disclosed experiences and incentives.
Customer Data Shared to Administer Redress
The proposed order requires the respondents to provide the Commission with sufficient information about their customers so the Commission can efficiently administer redress, if possible. The requirement is tied to delivering the monetary relief described in the order.
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