Authors who paid hundreds of dollars to Patrick White Publishing have reported dissatisfaction with the company's service quality and alleged misleading practices. Despite some positive online reviews, these authors claim to have received inadequate editing and pressure to remove negative feedback. They also allege that the company has used an Australian Business Number belonging to an unrelated entity.

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Kerry Stewart, an author from Mudgee, New South Wales, expressed regret after signing with Patrick White Publishing. Initially hesitant due to negative reviews, she was persuaded by a company representative to proceed. Stewart described the editing as primarily focused on grammar with no substantive improvements, stating they even inserted mistakes. After paying $500, she sought a refund citing a money-back guarantee but was told refunds were only issued for those who “changed their mind.”

Stewart posted a warning in a writers' group on Facebook, leading to a request from the company to remove her post in exchange for a potential refund, which she refused. An email obtained by ABC shows Patrick White Publishing also pressured another author to retract a negative review in exchange for continuing work on their book.

Melbourne author Tulin Salis encountered similar issues. After being quoted $400 for publishing her children’s book, she discovered additional fees for supposed ghostwriting and illustrations after her manuscript was submitted. Despite her attempts to seek a refund, she had yet to receive it.

The company was also found to have used AI-generated images for its storefront listings on Google Maps, misleadingly portraying a physical location. Correspondence indicated that authors were often required to use these AI-generated illustrations despite their own resources.

Sheena Avison, another author, claimed she was told by a company representative that Amazon would not accept her AI-generated images, despite Patrick White Publishing utilizing similar technology.

While several authors have voiced their concerns, others like Pauline Gill reported positive experiences, having paid $17,000 for marketing and publishing services, and noted satisfactory results despite the use of AI in illustrations.

Corporate records reveal that the company operates under an ABN linked to a different business, raising legal concerns. The unrelated company’s office holder expressed worry over potential financial harm to clients and reported Patrick White Publishing to authorities.

The estate of author Patrick White, Australia's only Nobel Prize winner in Literature, has condemned the use of his name by the publishing company. Jane Novak, the literary executor for the estate, suggested the company leverages Patrick White's reputation to appear legitimate, emphasizing the exploitation of vulnerable aspiring authors.

Patrick White Publishing did not respond to requests for comment from ABC.