writing scams

“My publisher is delaying publishing my book, insisting I pay even more money to them for marketing services. What can I do?”

Published on August 8, 2019 author scams, promoting your writing, promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams

Is this publisher committing extortion???

What is a Publishing Ponzi Scheme? And, How Can YOU Avoid Becoming a Victim?

Published on August 1, 2019 author scams, complaints, Complaints about specific publishers, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams

Every month, Publisher Pete is receiving a big, fat payment from his distributor for sales of his authors’ books. Now, remember, like Bernie Madoff, Publisher Pete is DESPERATE! He swears he’ll pay it all back later. But, for now, rather than sending his authors their royalties, he…

Publisher owe you money? Here’s how to REALLY get their attention!!

Published on August 1, 2019 copyrights, legal, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing career advice, writing scams

Includes a complaint template letter that will make them sweat!

“After hearing recent news about Amazon selling counterfeit books, how can I find out if I’m a victim?”

Published on July 11, 2019 copyrights, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing career advice, writing scams

Here are some ways to determine if your book has been counterfeited.

From “Free Samples” to Demanding 24/7 Availability – 5 New-Client Red Flags to That Say “GET OUT NOW!”- by Charlotte Grainger

Published on June 28, 2019 diversify your writing income, Networking, promoting your writing, writing career advice, writing scams

From demanding “free” work as a sample, to insisting the job will “only take a day,” to requiring you to respond 24/7, and, more, learn when it’s time to walk away from that potential client.

“My publisher wants me to attend a Hollywood pitch festival but I have to pay them for it. Have you heard of this?”

Published on June 21, 2019 promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, writing career advice, writing scams

I was contacted recently by an author who did attend one of these. He was initially impressed and excited because “so many” publishers had authors in attendance. But what he didn’t know was…

DEATH OR ILLNESS OF PUBLISHER? Yet Another Reason to Avoid Publishing Your Book with A Very Small or New Company

Published on May 9, 2019 complaints, Complaints about specific publishers, Print on demand, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams

I was contacted by another author last week who was in a big bind. His published book was no longer available because: 1. His first publisher got sick and closed up shop; and 2. His second publisher died…

“A radio talk show host saw my book and wants to interview me. Should I be leery?”

Published on April 18, 2019 promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, writing scams

“I googled him and he seems legit. They want me to call in, and discuss my books with them. Have you heard of anything like this being of benefit to any of your authors?”

“An anthology publisher owes me royalties! What can I do?”

Published on April 11, 2019 author scams, copyrights, writing career advice, writing scams

Anthology publisher ripping you off? Rescind the rights to your story AND then invoice them for copyright infringement!

“A publicist called me about ‘republishing’ my book. What’s up with that?!”

Published on March 28, 2019 author scams, promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, writing scams

I was called by a “publicist” about republishing my book that they saw on Amazon. (It’s not supposed to be there because my lawyer was supposed to give them a cease and desist order since it was from Tate Publishing…)”