Welcome to Pay What It Costs Publishing
Specializing in books designed to further justice
Our Mission
We publish books that confront truth and give voice to stories that matter. Our goal is to create works that empower readers and spark meaningful conversation.
Independent Publishing
Pay What It Costs is a small but mighty independent publishing house focused on impactful storytelling and purpose-driven literature.
Reader First
We encourage readers to support local bookstores or request our titles through their local libraries whenever possible.
Publications
Sex Crimes: Then and Now by Alice Vachss
By AMAZON REVIEWDid you ever read a verdict headline and wonder how justice went so far off the rails? Especially when the crimes involved sex? Alice Vachss JD used to lead the Special Victims Bureau in Queens, NY. This book shows how the machine worked — when it didn’t, why — and how creative she had to be to fight for victims. Especially when most of the justice system seems to care more about their careers than about justice. Everyone should read this book. Even if you have never been the victim of interpersonal violence, or a crime involving sex, you need this glimpse into how the system works. You will never skim over the judge-and-attorney section of your ballot again. If you are cheerfully naive, this book will help you grow up. If you are checked out or indifferent, this book will make you show up. And if you ever feel hopeless, as if there is no good in the world, no one willing to fight for the grievously wounded, no one able to make a difference…this book will inspire you. When I read these books, I had a solid, empty career. These books were part of what connected me to my values, leading me to become a social worker later in life. I grew up learning how to be safe; these books helped me to be brave. There is a world of ugly evil, and you will see it in these books — but you will also see a model of how to fight it, how to win, how to keep on fighting when you lose.
Read the reviewSex Crimes: Then and Now by Alice Vachss
By THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEWA stark, passionate closing argument in Vachss’ broader case against the criminal justice system.
Read the reviewSex Crimes: Then and Now by Alice Vachss
By ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLYAn impassioned account of rape victims, the criminals who terrorize them, and the legal system that too often neglects them.
Read the reviewSex Crimes: Then and Now by Alice Vachss
By EDNA BUCHANAN, THE WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLDNobody knows rapists better than Alice Vachss. With this book she has scored a knockout.
Read the review
Truth is all that matters. I’ll pay what it costs to get the truth. I’ll pay what it costs to get it out.
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