writing scams

“Should I pay my publisher almost $3,000 to make my book returnable?”

Published on June 18, 2021 author scams, pod complaints, Print on demand, promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams

Being told you have to buy insurance to close a book distribution deal? Sounds fishy because it is.

Why “Free” Publishing Services Can Quickly Go Belly Up, and How They Can Keep Screwing Authors Years Later

Published on June 18, 2021 author scams, complaints, Complaints about specific publishers, pod complaints, Print on demand, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams

Offering something for nothing is a really dumb business model. While working with a “free” company may seem tempting to some authors, these firms typically go belly-up pretty quickly. And, some end up ripping their former authors off for years after the firm’s demise…while holding those authors’ books hostage.

If You Receive a Copyright Infringement Notice by Email, Do NOT Click on the Link!!

Published on June 11, 2021 author scams, copyrights, legal, writing scams

We received the following FAKE copyright infringement accusation this week via email…

When Market Listings Don’t Match Writer’s Guidelines And Other Tricks Of The Bottom-Feeder Publishing Trade…By Angela Hoy

Published on June 7, 2021 writing career advice, writing scams

Here are some tricks publishers use to lure good writers to bad publications.

“What are the benefits of going with a hybrid publisher?”

Published on May 13, 2021 author, author scams, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing career advice, writing scams

Ah, “hybrid.” Such a cool sounding word, right? But…

Is Your Client Feigning Ignorance? Don’t Be a Dummy!!

Published on May 5, 2021 Networking, writing career advice, writing scams

Something that really gets my goat is when people pretend to be stupid in order to take advantage of me in some way. After being in business for 23 years, I’ve seen my share of Faux Ignoramuses…

Are Authors REALLY This Desperate for Eyeballs?!

Published on April 7, 2021 author scams, promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, writing scams

Sadly, some authors will fall for this type of scam.

“A literary agency wants to represent my 12-year-old self-published book. Legit or not?”

Published on March 25, 2021 author scams, promoting your writing, writing scams

“Because I hear so many horror stories about companies like this agency scamming authors (and yes, they approached me first!), I’m…”

Promote Your OWN Website, Not Your Publisher’s

Published on March 7, 2021 author, author scams, book marketing, pod complaints, Print on demand, self-publishing, writing career advice, writing scams

Author Andy was so excited! His new book was finished and he’d just approved his print galley. It was time to start selling books! His publishing company put his book up for sale on their website and sent him the URL where he could send people who wanted to purchase his book.
Andy didn’t have his own website or blog, but he didn’t think that would be a problem. Unfortunately, it was, on several fronts. And, while Andy and the other authors below are fictitious, the scenarios are based on real complaints we’ve received from authors over the years. In every case, had the author had their own website or blog, he or she would have lost few, if any, sales.

A publisher wants $4,000 to market my book to OTHER publishers?!

Published on February 19, 2021 author scams, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams

They are simply luring in authors, and then upselling them on worthless services.