You’ve finally completed writing—and editing—your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to get it published. And while you’ve got plenty of options, you’ll want to avoid common author scams during your search. Here are some tips to help you navigate the publishing maze and avoid falling victim to author scams.
Research
Before connecting with any publishing service or individual, you gotta research them. Look for reviews, testimonials, and feedback from other authors who have worked with them. Check reputable sources such as Writer Beware for warnings about known scams and shady practices in the publishing industry. Yes, there are many unscrupulous actors out there, but also many publishers and agents who are reputable and forthright.
Regarding author scams tied to literary agents, some individuals pose as literary agents and exploit the dreams many of us have by charging reading fees, upfront costs, or fees for editorial services. This is all under the guise of making your book more competitive. They may even promise publication in exchange for payment or make unrealistic guarantees about projected book sales. This isn’t how legit literary agents work. And while it’s frustrating to keep querying legitimate agents without a positive response, at least with them, you know you aren’t being scammed. I’d say research at least twice as long as you query. Preparedness is everything in this game.
Understand Your Publishing Options and How They Work
Authors have plenty of publishing options today: traditional publishing or self-publishing aren’t the only ones. Newer on the block is hybrid publishing, which combines some of the independence of self-publishing with the structure and support of editors and others. But don’t confuse hybrid publishing with vanity publishers. Vanity presses lure authors in with promises of publication but require hefty upfront fees for services like editing, formatting, and distribution. Be wary of any publisher that asks you to pay for these services, especially if they guarantee publication or make unrealistic promises about sales and success. Even if all you want is to see your book in print and you’re not worried about massive sales, you should still avoid vanity publishers, because many of their services may be overpriced.
Fake Publishing Contracts
You may also come across author scams in the form of publishing contracts. These contracts may include clauses that grant the publisher exclusive rights to the author’s work indefinitely, demand excessive fees for basic services, or lock authors into unfair royalty agreements. They may also guarantee massive sales, which is clearly unrealistic. Always review contracts carefully and seek legal advice before signing to ensure you understand the terms and protect their rights.
Literary Contests and Awards Scams
Bogus literary contests and awards prey on our desire for recognition and acclaim. Some may charge sizable entry fees and promise prestigious prizes or publication opportunities to winners. Many of them, however, are poorly organized, lack reputable judges or sponsors, and provide little or no exposure or benefit to the winners. Authors should research contests thoroughly before entering and be wary of those that seem too good to be true. One great source for contests—many of them free—is Poets and Writers magazine.
False Promises of Marketing and Promotion
I’ve often said that I want people to “buy my books, read my book and like my books.” It’s well-known now that publishers aren’t providing the amount of book promotion and marketing that they used to. Instead, they push authors to raise the visibility of their works through social media and other avenues with their support and guidance. So when companies promise authors extensive marketing and promotion services in exchange for payments, that’s often an author scam. These companies may use deceptive tactics to convince authors to purchase expensive marketing packages or participate in promotional campaigns that yield minimal results. Research these companies carefully and get references from other authors before dumping a lot of money into a marketing company.
Trust Your Gut
Above all, trust your instincts and intuition when dealing with publishing opportunities. If something seems too good to be true or raises suspicions, take a pass. Take your time to make informed decisions, and don’t feel pressured to rush into agreements or commitments. Author scams are proliferating like crazy, and you don’t want to take a wrong step with your work: it’s just too important for that.
