Tracy Oad Tammy Grimaldi

Adopt an Author FAQ:

Q: How does it work?
          A: Click on a name on the top and read about that author. If you choose to adopt that author, click on the PayPal button on their page to begin the adoption process!

Q: How much does it cost?
          A: $30.00 per month.

Q: What if I can't afford to pay but I have something else I would like to donate to the author?
          A: Contact Us to ensure that your gift will be sent to the author.

Q: How much of the $30.00 does the author receive?
          A: $25.00 goes directly to the author and the remaining will assist us in building up the Gail Gernat Northern Ontario Writer's Grant. The money will go through our office so that we can keep track of everything and will be deposited directly into the author's PayPal account minus any PayPal fees, usually around $1.00.

Q: After I've adopted the author, can I begin to pay them directly?
          A: We prefer that you don't. We don't want you or the author to be put into a sticky situation. All payment transactions should go through the Wynterblue website.

Q: What if I decide to adopt a different author each month.
          A: No problem. The process is the same.

Q: Can I make a one year payment?
          A: The PayPal buttons are set up for monthly,  bi-monthly, 6 month and yearly payments. You may choose whichever you would like to do.

Q: Does this mean I get their books for free?
          A: It means that you've adopted an author and any giving of books is up to the author. Just remember that many of these authors wouldn't be on this list if they could afford to give their books away!

Q: Will I be able to have personal contact with my author?
          A: The author will be sent your email address and if he/she wishes to contact you they certainly can - and most likely will. On the other hand, if you choose not to communicate on a personal level with the author, please add that to the special instructions when you go through the PayPal process - or just Contact Us. Internet safety is very important  to us and for that reason, all the authors must be 18 years old or older and  must agree to let our office know if there is anything happening that makes them uncomfortable - the same goes for you. All parties involved are always welcome to come to us so that we can keep everyone as safe as possible. This is not a dating site! Most of the authors on the list are married with children and extended families that simply need a little financial break once in a while!

Q: What happens if I adopt an author for 6 months but cannot afford to do it again afterward?
          A: Then just let us know and we will let the author know. This is the reason we give the option of monthly payments. In today's economy, it's tough making long term financial commitments, and we fully understand!

Q: Can I tell the author where I would like the money to go or how I would like to have it spent?
          A: Simply put: no. The authors that have agreed to be on our "Adopt an Author" list are all adults and there is no way that Wynterblue would permit that kind of humiliation. If you want the money spent a certain way, then we politely ask you to spend it yourself and save everyone embarrassment.

Q:  $25.00 really isn't very much money. How will this little bit help the author I adopt?
          A: It will help because it will be $25.00 that the author didn't have before you adopted him/her. It will help because it's $25.00 that could go a long way in a grocery store or in paying the rent or utilities.

Q: Are all the authors on the list in financial need - and if not, why should I adopt them?
          A: No, not all are in financial need. However, that said, if they couldn't put the $25.00 to good use, they wouldn't be on the list in the first place!

Q: If I'm an author, can I adopt another author?
         A: Of course you can!