Series: Scams on Authors

Are Scams on Authors Unique?

Yes. On research for this series, it turns out each market tends to have its own distinct brand of scam artists. There are likely some overlaps, but there are definitely unique things to be aware of.




Types of Author Scams
Combining information from this NY Times article, Authors Guild, and Scottish Book Trust:

• Fake Publishing Opportunities: Scammers send unsolicited emails claiming to have found your work on Amazon or elsewhere, offering "traditional publishing" deals that require upfront fees. Dan Barry notes in his February 2026  NY Times article "Scam artists overseas, using artificial intelligence, are impersonating publishing figures on illegitimate websites and in flattering emails, to hoodwink both fledgling and established authors into paying fees for services never to be rendered. The literary chorus sounding the alarm includes the novelists George Saunders, Rebecca Makkai and Colson Whitehead; the Authors Guild and Bomb magazine; numerous book agents and publishing houses; and, quite recently, the National Book Foundation."
• Bogus Literary Marketers: Scammers promise to raise an author's profile, generate fake positive reviews, or book them for non-existent high-profile interviews, often for a high fee. Dan Berry urges caution in falling for a "book-fair scam" sharing many promises, requiring many fees, only to have a single copy of your book in a display with dozens of others. 
• Repurposing Scams: Scammers, often operating internationally, target self-published often first-time authors, draining resources with bogus "re-licensing" fees, or fake book return insurance. 
• Impersonation: Imposters pose as known agents, publishers, or even established authors, using fake email domains or slightly misspelled, legitimate-looking ones. While an author may receive emails assuring you they're from a legitimate source, including popular authors, sending a message to the popular author often reveals you are one of many approached "by" them. Authors have also had their name outright stolen and used by others trying to sell books created by AI with titles very similar to existing work of the author--Jane Friedman is an excellent example of this.

How to Avoid Scams

• Never Pay Upfront: There will be no fees from traditional publishers and agents to review your manuscript.
• Verify Everything: Check your sources. Look for the company listed in your communication. See if that person is on LinkedIn or somewhere to confirm they're real. Stop a minute if Stephen King or Danielle Steel (as examples) is sending you a "personal" invitation.
• Check Email Addresses: Look for subtle misspellings—zeroes for o's as an example.
• Unexpected Attachments: Be very careful opening items that may contain viruses or malware to attack your files.
• Seem to Know You Very Well: Be wary of a lot of personal information about you. Scammers are making great use of AI to scrape the internet for information.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Contact: Be suspicious of amazing opportunities coming out of the blue including "from" publishing houses, offers to be on podcasts, and even movie deals per this Author's Guild article. 
• Review Contracts Carefully: Legitimate publishers and agents offer contracts without hidden fees or immediate demands for payment. 
• Check Your Spam Filters: Update passwords periodically. Check your business website and social media security.

Resource for Authors
Keep Writer Beware of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) bookmarked for reference! The link is to the SFWA website but Writer Beware has its own mission, website, blog, and socials to keep authors and the publishing industry informed about the latest scams to help recognize and avoid them. 

Your Turn
Have you been scammed or stopped short of getting caught by one? Love to hear your tale and how you handled it so we can all learn together to keep each other safe!

​Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!

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