I received all of these in the past two days (and many more!). Authors are being FLOODED by offerings for these fake services!
Click on the COMMENTS link at the end and tell us what you noticed! Let us know what else jumped out from these as red flags, too! đ
——– Forwarded Message ——–
Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:14:17 +0100
From: Janet <janetadebayo208@gmail.com>
To: angela
Hello Author,
Iâm currently reviewing select books with strong cinematic potential, and your work stood out.
I collaborate with a scouting group curating a shortlist of titles for 2026 film and TV producers, and Iâd like to explore whether your story fits what producers are actively seeking.
Would you be open to a brief conversation this week?
Best,
Janet
——– Forwarded Message ——–
Subject: Big News.
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:23:23 +0100
From: Shalom Sydney <joyfaithmercy012@gmail.com>
To: angela
As a literary agent, I help authors submit their books for film adaptation.
If your title is selected, it may receive an Official Certificate of Selection and be introduced to trusted producers, along with proposals outlining potential agreements and earnings. If youâre interested, I can start connecting you with the right producers.
Best regards,
Shalom
——– Forwarded Message ——–
Subject: Quick Question Regarding Your Book
Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:35:39 +0100
From: Henry <henry07049725322@gmail.com>
To: angela
Hello,
I have been exploring your work and would value your recommendation on which of your books would be the best place to begin. If convenient, I would also appreciate a link to the title you suggest.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
Charlotte
——– Forwarded Message ——–
Subject: Quick Question About Your Book…
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:21 +0100
From: Akorede Abass <akoredeabass144@gmail.com>
To: angela
Hello,
Readers donât find books randomly.
I help authors align with how discovery really works.
Open to learning more?
——– Forwarded Message ——–
Subject: Quick notice about your book
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:44:15 +0100
From: James Cristina <abdullazeezm374@gmail.com>
To: angela
Hi Angela,
Iâm reaching out because your book has the visual identity of a category leader, yet it is currently operating with a “Passive Metadata” structure.
While the listing is “good,” my audit shows it hasn’t been fully optimized for the Amazon Crawl Bots. This means your description isn’t indexed for maximum ranking velocity.
Furthermore, there is a significant “Trust Gap” in your Editorial Reviews section. Leading titles in your category use this “above-the-fold” space to stack social proof, while yours is currently a missed opportunity for conversion.
I specialize in Authority Overhauls that solve two critical problems:
The Algorithm Barrier: I re-code your description to ensure the crawl bots index your book for the highest possible visibility.
The Human Barrier: I manually format an “Editorial Stack” that injects 5-star authority into your listing, forcing a sale in less than 3 seconds.
Would you like to see a “Visibility Blueprint” Iâve mapped out for your book? It shows exactly how to flip your listing from “Passive” to “High-Conversion
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None of them refer to any titles. None refer to the author contacting them prior to the email, as if legit agents go looking for random authors. They also make improbable claims for their services. I don’t understand the time stamps very well, but wouldn’t they indicate that the sender is far away in another continent? That would also be a red flag.
Right off the bat: I am currently reviewing. Just like we are currently not available. Etc. What is wrong with you are reviewing. You are not available. “Are” means right this minute. Now. So what do we need currently for? Puff. Puff. Pant. This drives me nertz. Are they currently illiterate. Or are they illiterate.
“Maximum ranting velocity.” What is velocity for? Is it currently in the wrong place?
And “I am currently reading.”
And those only at a single glance. Every.
Single. One.
I leave muttering in four languages..
Oh look here is this one,
I have gotten rid of these scammers with these simple sentences. All offers must be reviewed by my attorney. Submit all offers to him.
A scammer has attacked my website. How do I get his material removed from it?
Hi Elaine,
Email me: angela@writersweekly.com
Let me know what he did to the website. Also, let me know if he has the login info. for it. Scammers are increasingly taking authors’ websites hostage. It also happened to this author: https://writersweekly.com/angela-desk/extreme-warning-authors-hike-authorshike-com-is-now-blackmailing-an-author
Author should never hire a so-called “publisher” to create their own website, NOR give those companies access to their accounts on any website.
Angela
Angela
For one, they all use gmail. A legitimate place will have a business-like email address. Overwhelmingly, scams come from gmail.
DING DING DING!! You’re right! While some scammers sending those pathetic, lazy emails do use other domains, the vast majority use gmail. And, that’s a HUGE red flag.
Angela
Angela, are you spending way too much time spotting scams each day? Sign up for my new scamBAM bot and … (just kidding).
Hardy har har!!! đ
Angela
It’s true. Every day, I receive at least 5 emails, as you mentioned. They don’t even have one of my books. They haven’t done their homework. They know nothing about my work. Yes, some of them have taken the time to mention my work, but always, always want money. The money is to flow toward authors and not against them.
Wow! This article gave me a headache and eye strain. They need to learn the basics of English writing, like the ABCs. I had a couple of these, and I deleted them immediately!