This post is mainly for new freelance writers and ghostwriters, as experienced ones will likely know these two tips.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, and I get a lot of queries about my writing service. Doing this for many years, I’ve come across different personalities, different requests, and a couple of ‘be careful’ moments.
TIP ONE: Your information and scammers.
This was my second ‘watch it moment.’ I received a query from a woman who sounded very genuine. She had a compelling, heart-tugging reason for wanting to have a picture book written.
I went through the process and sent her information on how I work. She agreed to use my services. But when I sent her an initial invoice via PayPal to get started, she told me she had a problem paying via PayPal. She went so far as to say she’d try her mother’s account.
I emailed back that if she still had a problem, she could pay by check, using regular mail.
She replied, very upbeat, that if I’d give her my banking information, she’d transfer the money to me – it’d be super quick.
A light went off.
Why on earth would I give a stranger my banking information, with all the identity theft and scams running rampant out there?
I explained that a check would be fine. I even gave her my PO Box address.
Well, I never heard back from her.
Who knows what would have happened if I had sent her my banking information? Chances are it wouldn’t have been good.
TIP TWO and THREE: Keep your home address and phone number private.
This was my first ‘watch it moment.’ I got a query from a client who wanted me to read his manuscript and rewrite it. He didn’t have an email and asked if he could mail it to me.
At the time, I didn’t have a PO Box, so I gave him my home address and phone number.
He mailed me the manuscript, and when I read it, I quickly realized this guy was not mentally sound. On top of this, he said he was heading to prison. I politely explained that, due to my workload, I couldn’t take on his project.
He called me for a couple of months, at all times of day and night. And, he had my address.
Fortunately, circumstances intervened, and I ended up moving. I also got a different phone number. But it was a little scary for a while.
The three basic takeaways from my experiences are:
- Be very careful with the information you divulge to strangers. Unless you’re sure of a potential client’s trustworthiness, never give out your banking information.
- If you don’t already have a PO Box to use for queries and clients, get one today.
- Unless you’re sure of a potential client’s trustworthiness, don’t give out your home phone number.
If you’re located in the U.S., you can get a free Google phone number at voice.google.com. You must have a Google account and a U.S. phone number.
This article has been updated, and until about a year ago, I had added my phone number to all my blog posts. As I update them, I’m removing the number.
Remember, better safe than sorry.
The One Sentence Pitch for Your Manuscript
Aim for Writing Success
How Do You Build a Successful Writing Career? (3 Tips)
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Program
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help (A-Z) for children’s authors
(Picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
