The landscape of literature is ever-evolving, and now authors not only have to deal with the challenges of creativity but also the treacherous waters of theft by deception.
Reports of another sophisticated scam targeting authors surface every year, possibly several times a year if not more. These scammers prey on writers’ aspirations, vulnerabilities, and fears.
I’ve written about self-publishing and book marketing scams, but I’ve just come across one I haven’t heard of yet: anti-scam protection for authors.
The information is from Writer Beware, and leave it to Victoria Strauss to be on top of things.
It’s mind-boggling how brazen, devious, and unscrupulous scammers are, and they’re getting worse every year. They have no qualms about impersonating legitimate influencers and making outrageous promises. And they work hard to pitch their scams and make their sites look like they want to help writers.
Check out the article at Writer Beware for yourself. I’ll be surprised if you don’t gasp: “Book Guard Anti-Scam Protection That’s Anything But.”
Here is a list of other scams writers and authors must be aware of.
1. Book-to-Film Adaptation Scams
Who doesn’t feel the allure of Hollywood? Imagine receiving an unsolicited email from a company like "Motionflick Studios" or "Snow Day Film," expressing interest in adapting your novel into a blockbuster movie. The excitement is intense; after all, isn't this every author's dream?
However, as highlighted by The Authors Guild, these enticing offers often come from fraudsters weaving intricate tales of Hollywood fame. They dangle the carrot of a lucrative film deal only to request upfront fees for ‘processing’ or ‘legal’ expenses. Once paid, these so-called studios vanish, leaving authors not only out of pocket but also disheartened.
2. Impersonation at Its Finest: The New York Times and Barnes & Noble Scams
Prestige is a powerful motivator. Scammers, aware of this, have begun impersonating esteemed institutions like The New York Times and Barnes & Noble. As reported by Writer Beware, these con artists offer authors desired spots in reputed publications or prime bookstore shelf space—for a fee… always for a fee.
They craft convincing contracts and correspondence, often mimicking official logos and language, making it challenging to discern the scam. Authors, hoping for recognition, may find themselves paying substantial sums for services that never materialize.
3. The Rise of Fake Literary Agencies
The path to traditional publishing is often difficult, and many authors face rejection. Scammers exploit this by posing as literary agents, as discussed in the thread, A New Scam to Avoid, on the KDP Community forum.
They approach authors with promises of representation and lucrative deals but with a catch: upfront fees for editing, marketing, or submission services. Legitimate agents typically earn through commissions from sales, not by charging authors directly. Falling for these scams can lead to financial loss, shattered dreams, and embarrassment.
4. Online Fraud and AI Manipulation
In our interconnected world, online fraud has become increasingly sophisticated. In an article for the Financial Times, Nick Stapleton sheds light on how scammers now employ advanced techniques, including AI-generated deepfake videos and realistic websites, to deceive victims.
These tools allow swindlers to create convincing personas and scenarios, making it harder for individuals to identify scams. The anonymity of the internet further complicates efforts to track and apprehend these criminals.
So, How Do You Protect Yourself?
In this risky environment, how can authors safeguard themselves?
It’s about vigilance and verification.
1. Scrutinize Communications: Always verify the sender's email address. Scammers often use addresses that closely mimic legitimate ones, hoping the slight difference goes unnoticed. (1)
The change may be something as unnoticeable as the font used.
2. Research the Offer: Before engaging, research the company or individual. Look for reviews, check official websites, and consult trusted industry resources.
3. Beware of Upfront Fees: Legitimate agents and publishers typically don’t charge authors fees for representation or publication. Requests for such payments should raise red flags.
4. Consult Reputable Sources: Utilize resources like Writer Beware, which maintains updated lists of known scams and questionable entities targeting authors. (2)
Summing It Up
While the literary world offers lots and lots of opportunities, it's also full of pitfalls, and these pitfalls are getting more and more cleverly disguised.
It’s up to authors to stay informed and take every precaution possible to protect their work, their finances, and their dreams from scammers scheming to exploit them.
Question everything. Much of what you see online isn’t real anymore.
Take the time to read the articles linked in this article.
And be aware that these are just some of the scams targeting writers.
Sources:
(1) https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2025/01/publishing-scams-are-rampant-how-to-be-vigilant
(2) https://writerbeware.blog/scam-archive/
Book Marketing Scams – How to Avoid Them
Self-Publishing: Scams, Scams, and More Scams
6 Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, 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.
PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
