Publishing Scams

“A Stranger is Offering Me a Loan to Finance My Book Promotion Expenses. Is This a Scam?”

Published on October 23, 2026 author scams, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, writing scams

You pay a processing fee, they steal your identity, and you never get that “loan!”

The Scammer Who Tugged at My Heartstrings… – by Debbie Roppolo and Angela Hoy

Published on October 15, 2026 author scams, complaints, Print on demand, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, self-publishing, writing career advice, writing scams

When scammers use issues you are passionate about to try to guilt you into sending them money…

I Am a Victim of the FAKE “The Last Bookstore” 1,000-copy Book Purchase Scam – by Anonymous

Published on October 15, 2026 author scams, complaints, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, writing scams

I had to pay $9K to their printer, but they promised to send me $15K later!

SCAMMERS AND SARCASM! I Made a Promise…and Ended Up SEETHING with Unexpressed Mockery! – by Marsh Rose, Our Favorite FUNNY Psychotherapist!

Published on September 24, 2026 author scams, Publishing Scams, social media, storytelling, writing scams

The temptation to be sarcastic was grueling… Sweat coated my brow!

Episode 53: The Psychology of Scam Victims with Psychotherapist Marsh Rose – DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

Published on August 27, 2026 author scams, ghostwriting, legal, Print on demand, promoting your writing, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, self-publishing, social media, WritersWeekly Podcast, writing career advice, writing scams

In this episode, our favorite (and hilarious!) psychotherapist, Marsh Rose, teaches us what makes scam victims tick, and how the situation can become toxic, lethal, and out of control!

SCAM ALERT! “Best Seller Book Writing / bestsellerbookwriting.com promised to get my book into Barnes and Noble!”

Published on August 27, 2026 author scams, book marketing, complaints, Complaints about specific publishers, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, writing scams

That is NOT how the industry works, folks!!!

A Scammer Wants Us DEAD! AGAIN!! We Posted the Entire Email! – by Brian Whiddon, Managing Editor

Published on August 27, 2026 author scams, complaints, Complaints about specific publishers, legal, Networking, Publishing Scams, social media, writing scams

This as a sure sign that scammers are losing a LOT of money from our advocacy work! And, we’re not stopping!!!

IMPERSONATION ALERT: No, Harper Collins is NOT Offering to Publish Your Book if You Spend $5K on Copies!

Published on August 19, 2026 author scams, legal, Print on demand, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, social media, traditional publishing, writing scams

You would not BELIEVE how many authors are falling for this scam!

Do NOT Work With Companies That Have Lovable.app in Their Website Addresses!

Published on August 11, 2026 author, author scams, complaints, Complaints about specific publishers, promoting your writing, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, writing scams

Lovable.app is a HOTBED for scammers!!!

DON’T FALL FOR IT, FOLKS! The “Boxall Reading Challenge” Impersonation Scam – by Angela Hoy, Publisher

Published on August 11, 2026 author scams, Print on demand, promoting your writing, promotional pitfalls, Publishing Scams, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams

Do you homework (or contact me!) before you send money to a stranger!