What are AI scams targeting authors?

AI scams targeting authors use artificial intelligence to generate personalized emails, pitches, or promotional offers based on an author's book descriptions. Scammers may promise fake reviews, marketing services, or publishing assistance to trick authors into paying fees or sharing personal information.

Are AI scams the only scams authors should worry about?

No. Authors also face scams such as vanity presses, fake literary agents, fraudulent book order offers, and fake review or promotion services. AI scams are a newer tactic that builds on these traditional scams.

How can I identify an AI-generated scam email?

Signs include overly generic compliments, vague promises, urgent payment requests, or messages that seem personalized but lack specific insight about your work. AI-generated emails may mimic official platforms like Amazon or Goodreads, making verification critical.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious book promotion offer?

Do not respond or provide any personal or financial information. Research the company, consult trusted author communities, and keep documentation. Reporting the offer to authorities such as the FTC, BBB, or the relevant platform is recommended.

How do vanity press scams work?

Vanity presses charge authors for publishing services like editing, cover design, and marketing. They often promise guaranteed success and may take fees without delivering results. Always verify the press through trusted author organizations before paying.

What are fake literary agent scams?

Fraudulent agents pose as legitimate literary representatives, asking for reading fees or upfront payments. Red flags include lack of verifiable agency affiliation, unrealistic promises, and pressure tactics.

How can authors avoid fake review services?

Legitimate marketing does not guarantee reviews. Avoid services that promise guaranteed Amazon or Goodreads reviews for payment, and check community feedback on forums like Absolute Write, KBoards, or Reddit r/selfpublishing.

What steps should I take if a scam targets me in the US, UK, or Canada?

Document all communication, avoid payment, research the sender, report to local authorities (FTC in the US, BBB, or equivalent in Canada/UK), and consult author communities for guidance.

Can AI-generated scams be convincing?

Yes. AI can craft messages that appear highly personalized, using your book’s title, description, or genre. This makes it more important than ever to verify authenticity before engaging with any unsolicited offer.

How can authors protect their professional reputation from scams?

Authors should avoid unverified services, use trusted platforms for promotions, keep documentation of all correspondence, and consult peer communities. Sharing knowledge about scams also helps safeguard the wider writing community.

Are free webinars and masterclasses safe for authors?

Some free webinars can be legitimate, but many are used to upsell paid services or tools with unrealistic promises. Research the instructor and company, and check for community feedback before signing up.

Where can authors report scams related to publishing or book promotion?

Scams can be reported to the FTC in the US, BBB in North America, local consumer protection agencies in the UK, or platform support on Amazon, Goodreads, and other publishing sites. Sharing experiences in author communities also helps alert others.

Advice for writers

Advice
for writers

Scams Targeting Writers & How to Protect Yourself

Writers Beware: How to Recognize and Avoid Author Scams

Authors around the world are facing an alarming rise in scams designed to exploit their passion for writing. From vanity presses demanding upfront fees to fraudulent literary agents and fake review services, unscrupulous actors are constantly finding new ways to target writers. Recent waves even include AI-generated emails that mimic personalized pitches based on your book’s description, making author scams harder to spot.

Understanding these threats is essential for protecting your career, reputation, and intellectual property as a writer. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common scams targeting authors today, share real-world examples reported by trusted industry watchdogs, and provide practical strategies to help writers safeguard themselves against fraudulent offers and suspicious outreach.

Why Authors Are Targeted

Writers are prime targets for scams. Why? Because of their combination of passion, vulnerability, and limited industry knowledge.

😕 Key Reasons Scammers Focus on Authors

┈➤ Eagerness to promote work: Many writers want to reach readers and grow their audience quickly.

┈➤ Limited knowledge of publishing traps: This makes it easier for fraudsters to present misleading offers convincingly.

┈➤ Desire for validation: Compliments, “exclusive” opportunities, and promises of guaranteed reviews can cloud judgment.

🚩 Modern Tactics Are Evolving

Some scams now use AI-generated pitches tailored to your book description.

Scams often arrive in waves, adapting to new trends, technologies, and author behaviors.

Understanding why authors are targeted is the first step toward recognizing red flags and protecting both your work and professional reputation!

7 Common Author Scam Types

Authors face a wide range of scams. Recognizing the tactics early can save time, money, and professional reputation. Here are the most common author scams today:

1. Vanity Press Scams

What it is: Publishers charging authors for services like editing, cover design, and marketing.

Red flags: High upfront fees, vague service descriptions, promises of guaranteed success.

Example: Authors Book Publishing has been reported taking payments without delivering services.

2. Fake Literary Agents

What it is: Individuals posing as agents to extract reading fees or commissions.

Red flags: Requests for payment before submission, no verifiable agency affiliation, unrealistic guarantees.

Tip: Always verify agents via the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook or official guild lists.

3. Book Order Scams

What it is: Fraudsters pretending to be bookstores offering bulk purchases of your book.

Red flags: Upfront payment requests, shipping or printing fees, lack of legitimate contact info.

Example: Scammers impersonating Barnes & Noble have been reported requesting prepayment for non-existent orders.

4. Fake Review & Promotion Services

What it is: Companies promising Amazon or Goodreads reviews, or “guaranteed” exposure.

Red flags: Upfront payment, generic promises, fake testimonials.

Example: Sites like Booksybub.com and Booktreemedia are known for providing fake reviews.

Tip: Avoid services that promise more than a legitimate marketing campaign could reasonably deliver.

5. AI-Powered Personalized Pitch Scams

What it is: Scammers using AI to create emails that appear customized to your book.

Red flags: Generic compliments, unrealistic promises, urgent payment requests.

Why it’s tricky: These messages can feel highly personalized, making them harder to spot.

6. Ghostwriting & Co-Author Scams

What it is: Offers to ghostwrite or co-author your book using AI or human writers for a fee.

Red flags: Upfront payments, no contract, vague output promises.

Tip: Always request a contract and examples of prior work.

7. Webinar & Masterclass Traps

What it is: “Free” webinars or workshops that turn into high-pressure sales for services or tools.

Red flags: Excessive upselling, urgency tactics, and unverifiable instructors.

Tip: Research the instructor and see if prior attendees report credible outcomes.

Pro Tips for Spotting Author Scams Quickly

⚠️ Check legitimacy: Verify company names, email addresses, and website credibility.

⚠️ Consult author communities: Forums like KBoards and Absolute Write can help validate offers.

⚠️ Trust your instincts: If it feels “too good to be true,” it probably is.

Real Author Scams to Watch Out For

Authors should be vigilant against certain companies and scams that have been reported by industry watchdogs and author communities. Here are some to watch out for:

🚩 Authors Book Publishing / Nextzen Minds LLC

What it is: A vanity press that charges authors for publishing services.

Red flags: Upfront fees, lack of transparency, and promises of guaranteed success.

Reported by: Writer Beware and Reddit users. An author reported being charged $8,000 for services and receiving no royalties or support.

🚩 Booksybub.com / Booktreemedia

What it is: A fake book promotion site featuring fake testimonials from well-known writers.

Red flags: Offers multiple promotion packages, fake testimonials, and pressure tactics.

Reported by: Writer Beware and Reddit users. An author reported being charged $2,500 for a promotion package and receiving no results.

🚩 Amazon Book Publication LLC

What it is: A fake publishing service mimicking Amazon’s branding.

Red flags: Requests for upfront payment, lack of transparency, and promises of guaranteed success.

Reported by: Writers Weekly and Reddit users. An author reported being charged $3,000 for publishing services and receiving no royalties or support.

🚩 Great Writers Media

What it is: A company that allegedly charges authors large sums for publishing services.

Red flags: Requests for large upfront payments, lack of transparency, and promises of guaranteed success.

Reported by: The Authors Guild. An author reported being charged $140,000 for publishing services and receiving no royalties or support.

How to Handle Questionable Emails:

┈➤ Don’t respond immediately: Take time to research the company or individual.

┈➤ Verify the sender: Check the email address and look for signs of phishing or impersonation.

┈➤ Research the company: Look for reviews, testimonials, and any reports of scams.

┈➤ Consult author communities: Forums like KBoards and Absolute Write can help validate offers.

┈➤ Report suspicious activity: Contact the FTC, BBB, and platform support.

How to Identify & Avoid Author Scams

Authors can take proactive steps to avoid falling victim to scams. Recognizing red flags early can save both money and reputation!

📢 Key Strategies for Spotting Scams

Check authenticity:
Verify the sender’s email address, website, and social media presence. Legitimate companies usually have verifiable contact information and professional websites.

Research the company or agent:
Look for reviews on trusted forums like Absolute Write, KBoards, or Reddit’s r/selfpublishing. Check if the company is listed with professional organizations like the Writers’ Guild or Authors Guild.

Avoid upfront payments:
Be skeptical of offers requiring large sums before services are delivered. Legitimate publishers and agents rarely demand significant fees upfront.

Look for generic or AI-generated language:
Phrases like “Your book is perfect for our exclusive promotion” or overly flattering, impersonal messages can be a sign of mass outreach.

Trust your instincts:
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use pressure tactics to push quick decisions.

Consult author communities:
Fellow writers can provide guidance and share experiences with suspicious offers.

Keep documentation:
Save emails, receipts, and contracts. This will help if you need to report the scam to authorities such as the FTC, BBB, or platform support (Amazon, Goodreads).

Through careful research, skepticism, and community consultation, authors can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to scams while protecting both their books and professional reputation.

What to Do if You’re Targeted

Even careful authors can occasionally receive suspicious emails or offers. Acting quickly can prevent financial loss and protect your reputation.

Steps to Take Immediately:

⚠️ 1. Do not respond or pay – Avoid giving scammers personal or financial information.

⚠️ 2. Document everything – Save emails, contracts, receipts, and screenshots.

⚠️ 3. Report the scam – Contact relevant authorities:

FTC (US) – https://www.ftc.gov/

BBB (US/Canada) – https://www.bbb.org/

Platform support – Amazon, Goodreads, or other publishing platforms

⚠️ 4. Seek advice from author communities – Forums like Absolute Write, KBoards, and Reddit r/selfpublishing can provide guidance.

⚠️ 5. Alert fellow authors – Sharing experiences helps others avoid similar scams.

Staying Vigilant: Protecting Your Writing Career

Scams targeting authors are evolving, from vanity presses and fake agents to AI-generated outreach and fraudulent promotion services. The key to staying safe is vigilance, research, and community support.

By recognizing red flags, consulting trusted forums, and reporting suspicious activity, writers can safeguard both their work and professional reputation. Sharing knowledge with fellow authors not only protects you but also strengthens the entire writing community.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and keep your creative career secure!

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.

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