Where to Find Out About Writing Scams
Writing is a highly emotional process, and publishing perhaps even more so. Whether writers are looking to self-publish or sell to a press, it’s not surprising we get taken in by scammers promising to help us achieve our dreams. Scammers may try to sell marketing or other services that supposedly get an author noticed by big names in the business, or just impersonate a real press or agent.
But we can fight back by educating ourselves. Here are a few places to check before logging into your Paypal.
Writer Beware
The best authority on writing scams. From their website: Writer Beware’s® resources include the Writer Beware® website, which provides warnings about literary schemes and scams, along with information on how writers can recognize and avoid them; the Writer Beware® blog, which covers schemes and scams in real time, as well as publishing industry news and other items of writerly interest; the Writer Beware® Facebook page, which links to writing-related articles, blog posts, and news items, and provides a forum for discussion; and the X (formerly Twitter) feed of Writer Beware® co-founder Victoria Strauss.
Writers Weekly
A List of Publishers That ALL Authors Should AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Good advice and a constantly updated list by Angela Hoy. Recommended by Writer Beware.
Alliance of Independent Authors
Self-Publishing Services Rated A searchable list with ratings and concerns noted. Recommended by Writer Beware.
Authors Guild
Publishing Scam Alerts Another well-updated list.
r/writers You can check for posts on scams or ask a question of your own.
Scammers are very good at what they do. As writers, we owe it to ourselves and our work to be suspicious (especially of unsolicited emails) and to do our research before sending anyone money for anything.
Sign up for my free monthly newsletter and never miss a writing article! Or subscribe by RSS