Scams Targeting Writers – Tips to avoid

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Scams targeting writers are, unfortunately, all too common. Especially if you are new to self-publishing, it is essential to do research before purchasing a self-publishing package of services. Increasingly, self-publishing writers are going the indie route and hire skilled professionals for specific tasks. However, if you decide to instead use one company that specializes in self-publishing or hybrid publishing, you can’t be too careful. The following resources will help you avoid scams targeting writers.

Examples of Self-publishing gone wrong

The following is a compilation of complaints from angry authors who jumped into a self-publishing package and later regretted it:

  • They used flattery, ‘special discounts’ and deadlines to suck me in
  • I was pressured to to sign a contract
  • They said it was a joint investment
  • I didn’t find out until too late how much it was really going to cost
  • A high up-front fee and they want a share of royalties
  • The cover was terrible, the price was too high, and I had no say about it
  • I can’t find out how many books I’ve sold
  • They gave away so many review copies; now they’re for sale online very cheap
  • I’m not happy about how often they pay and the percentage they take
  • Book promotion was promised but not delivered
  • Editing was poor quality and now I have to pay to have them correct their mistakes
  • They keep spamming me to buy more copies of my book

Many writers have been burned and end up with a dismal view of the business: “Small press self publishing companies make money from the author, not from book sales. Once the author has paid them to have it published, there’s no incentive for them to do anything else. They are sharks who make money out of broken dreams.”

Self-publishing scam red flags

Maybe you have been shopping around for self-publishing services; perhaps you’ve requested a free self-publishing guide. Next thing you know, you are being courted by eager sales people. Watch out for these red flags:

  • Flattery (your book is exciting and we can make it a best seller!)
  • Special deals, promotional offers (just for you!)
  • Time sensitive deadlines (this sale ends tomorrow!)
  • Pressure to purchase (your book sales will be low without us…)

In addition, keep in mind that if you are paying for services to get your book professionally produced by one company, you should not also pay royalties to this company.

Initial research

The first thing to do when looking for a package of services from a self-publishing company is to check the company’s online reputation. Do a search of that company’s name plus key words such as ‘scam’, ‘rip-off’, ‘complaint’, or ‘warning’, etc. Also check their social media presence for anything that raises red flags. For example, if they don’t seem professional or haven’t posted anything to their blog or social media channels for a very long time. Third, you should assess their advertising. Are they too spammy? Do they push people to send them manuscripts? Do they over-promise?

Secondary research

After your initial research, next, check the quality of their services. Check if they provide good quality editing, cover, and interior design? How and where do they sell their books and in what formats? Are they familiar with your genre of writing?

Before you sign a contract

Whether you buy a self-publishing package or hire individual professionals to help you publish your book, you need to ensure you understand any contract offered. Needless to say, it is wise to get professional advice. In addition, find out the procedure if you pay for services that are either not delivered, or are substandard. Here are other important points to clarify:

  • Do you keep full copyright?
  • Do you keep audio, TV, or movie rights?
  • Will they control your book for longer than 5 years?
  • Is there small print giving the publisher copyright for the cover image, typesetting, ISBN, or “digital assets”?
  • Will you have to pay to fix mistakes that the publisher makes?
  • Do you have to pay to update your book for a new edition?
  • Who has final say over the cover and the sales price?
  • How often do they pay and how do they provide sale numbers?
Resources to avoid scams targeting writers

Next: check here for more self-publishing resources.

Note: Links and information are for research purposes and do not replace professional advice. In addition, accuracy of third-party websites cannot be verified. Links do not indicate endorsement. 

Updated October 2023 by 3PennyPublishing – Victoria, BC, Canada; researching and sharing self-publishing resources with writers since 2010.