Scams Targeting Writers – Tips to avoid

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Scams targeting writers are, unfortunately, all too common. This is why it’s essential to do research before purchasing a self-publishing package of services. Increasingly, self-publishing writers are going the indie route: they are the creative director and manage everything but hire skilled professionals for specific tasks. This takes more time at the beginning, but pays off in the long run.

However, if you decide to instead use a full-service self-publishing company or hybrid publishing company, you can’t be too careful. You want to avoid author services that overcharge for substandard services. The following resources will help you avoid scams targeting writers.

When Self-publishing goes wrong

The following are examples of complaints from angry authors who purchased a costly 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
  • There was 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 too many review copies now sold 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 I had to pay to correct the mistakes
  • They keep emailing me to buy more copies of my book

Many new writers have been burned and are left with a dismal view of the all these companies that target naive authors: “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. Suddenly, you are being courted by eager sales people. WritersWeekly.com warns that any unsolicited contact (through social media, email, by mail, or on the phone) by someone offering author services is almost certainly a scammer. That is the first red flag. Here are more:

  • 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…)

Also, 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 to avoid self-publishing scams
  • Check the company’s online reputation. Look for reviews, mentions in author discussion threads, and if it is on the WritersWeekly red flag list.
  • Second: Search the company’s name plus key words such as ‘scam’, ‘rip-off’, ‘complaint’, or ‘warning’, etc.
  • Third: Check the company’s 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.
  • Finally, assess the company’s advertising. Are they too spammy? Do they pressure people to send them manuscripts? Do they vastly over-promise?
Secondary research to avoid self-publishing scams

After your initial research, check the quality of the company’s services. Review the quality of their editing, cover design, and interior design. How and where do they sell their books, and in what formats? If you plan to sell to the public, ensure they create ebooks (as this is the best way to make sales.) Are they familiar with your genre of writing? 

Questions to ask Before you sign a self-publishing 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. (ALLi provides helpful resources to their members.) In addition, find out the procedure if you end up Here are other important points to clarify:

  • What is the procedure for services that are substandard or not delivered on time?
  • Will you have to pay to fix mistakes that the publisher makes?
  • Can you provide your own ISBN? (This is important.)
  • 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?
  • 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”? Or Non-Compete clauses?
  • Do you keep full copyright?
  • Do you own and get a copy of the source file for future revisions?
  • Is there a small print rights grab? Or do you keep audio, TV, movie, board game, and merchandising rights?
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 and this page has no affiliate links.

Updated July 2025 by 3PennyPublishing – Victoria, BC, Canada; researching and sharing self-publishing resources with writers since 2010.