Published on September 14, 2011
writing scams
As freelancers, we all appreciate how valuable our time is. The less time we spend chasing work, the more time we can actually spend writing.
Like most freelancers, I peruse the Internet in search of projects on a regular basis. Over the years I’ve secured a variety of assignments for a number of different publications through this means…
Published on January 12, 2011
amazon, writing scams
![Author Admits Manipulating Amazon’s Ranking/Review System Author Admits Manipulating Amazon’s Ranking/Review System](https://writersweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cheat_1534720158.png)
It never ceases to amaze me how excited or infuriated authors get about their Amazon ranking…
Published on May 26, 2010
copyrights, legal, writing scams
![The Malicious Reaction of a Resentful Copyright Infringer By Ruth Barringham The Malicious Reaction of a Resentful Copyright Infringer By Ruth Barringham](https://writersweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CRAZY_1535239670.jpg)
I recently had a bizarre run-in with a copyright-infringing web site owner who went crazy when I found that they’d illegally published one of my articles. But their extreme response taught me a valuable lesson that I now want to share with you. It’s a lesson about making sure you keep your private information private – always.
Published on January 27, 2010
writing scams
![Why Writers Should Avoid Third-Party Article Brokers Why Writers Should Avoid Third-Party Article Brokers](https://writersweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/crime_1445454730.jpg)
There’s an entire industry of people online now who making a living out of subcontracting writing work out to other writers – often for far less than they’re being paid by their client. I have nothing against hiring ghostwriters, nor against ghostwriting. However, I do have a problem with someone taking a “job” for $500, and paying another writer $5 to do it.
Published on March 8, 2006
writing scams
![Writer Receives $500 for Unauthorized Use of Her Work By Angela Hoy Writer Receives $500 for Unauthorized Use of Her Work By Angela Hoy](https://writersweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Money_1445454163.jpg)
We were recently notified by a travel writer that some of her work had been posted to a website without her permission. The site’s owner immediately responded to the writer and apologized, then she surprised us all by writing this:
“I would hope this wouldn’t be necessary but understand if you want to proceed and will respond through my attorney. I am actually shocked by your attitude. My material and articles have been published without my agreement all over the internet. I take that as a compliment and am willing to share my thoughts and experiences. I am actually very saddened by your email.”
Published on December 7, 2005
writing scams, writing tips
![That All-Too-Common “Life Threatening Illness” Excuse from a Deadbeat Publisher or Editor! That All-Too-Common “Life Threatening Illness” Excuse from a Deadbeat Publisher or Editor!](https://writersweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dead_1548882338-e1548882979841.jpg)
I sent a magazine a story a couple years ago now, and after repeated follow-ups (I’m a pretty patient person still working toward my first print fiction clip), I got word this summer that they had accepted my story for publication in their next issue. The e-mail said that their publisher had been in a life-threatening accident and was recovering, but they thought the next issue would be out soon. That was in July. I sent them an e-mail again in November to request an update as to when that issue would be coming out, but I haven’t received a response yet. In the past, I always got a response within a couple days. I can’t find any info about them when I do a web search, but they are listed in the 2006 Novel and Short Story Writer’s Market.
Published on January 7, 2004
writing career advice, writing scams
![Two Different Rates For The Same Words Two Different Rates For The Same Words](https://writersweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/liar_1534905754.jpg)
I have written for a national publication and was told by the senior editor that the pay per article was $50. I received that amount for my first article for them. I have two more deadlines to write for this magazine –two articles that I pitched.
This magazine had a listing on another website and I contacted that person, who is the deputy editor, to inquire on what they were looking for and what they paid. She emailed me back saying they pay a flat rate of $350 for the same amount of words I am supposed to write for the next two articles.
Published on May 29, 2002
author scams, writing scams
![A BOOK REVIEW SCAM…AND HOW TO AVOID IT – by Beth Ann Erickson A BOOK REVIEW SCAM…AND HOW TO AVOID IT – by Beth Ann Erickson](https://writersweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/scam_1549412675.jpg)
The old bait ‘n switch book review scam!