Marketing Scams Every Author Should Know

Every author wants their book to reach readers—but in the world of publishing, that dream can make writers vulnerable to marketing scams. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the shady side of book promotion and show you how to spot red flags before they cost you time, money, and trust.

SHOW NOTES:

How to spot a scam

Questions to ask

How to vet a scam

Rules of thumb

Samples

How to spot a scam:

Pay-for-publicity traps promising media coverage, bestseller status, or celebrity endorsementsBogus “book promotion” packages that claim to market your book but deliver little to no resultsFake PR or “Hollywood pitch” offers that say your book is being considered for film or TV (for a fee)Phony social media “influencer” services that inflate follower counts with bots or empty engagementPredatory email campaigns that use flattery and urgency to pressure authors into spending big

Questions to ask:

Are their promises over-the-top?

Are readers their customers?

Do they represent books in your genre?

Can they provide references?

How to vet a scam:

If someone guarantees sales or bestseller status, it’s a scam. Marketing can increase visibility—not results.Ask for proof of past campaigns. Reputable marketers will show case studies or client testimonials.Research before you buy. Use scamchecking websites. Check for complaints on author forums. Google the name or company for reviews.Be cautious of unsolicited emails. Scammers often target authors who’ve recently self-published.Trust professionals who are transparent. Real marketers explain pricing, deliverables, and expectations clearly.

Rules of thumb:

If they reach out to you, it probably isn’t legitimate

If they ask you to pay, be leary

Ask for references & check them (scrupulously) 

Ask for data (return on investment)

SAMPLES:

“I am writing to formally invite you to have your novel All That Is Sacred selected as one of our New Year Spotlight Reads, a featured position within our upcoming program designed to highlight exceptional works at the start of the year. We believe your novel would be a truly distinguished and heartfelt addition to this initiative.”

“I’ve been reviewing how readers discover women’s fiction centered on generational choices, motherhood, and identity, and Of Lies and Honey stood out for its interwoven narratives and emotional depth. While looking at the book from a reader-discovery perspective, I noticed one small visibility detail where readers actively searching for this kind of character-driven, award-winning women’s fiction may be missing it. It’s a focused discovery observation rather than a marketing pitch.”

“Your novel is profoundly moving, an exploration of love, loss, and female friendship that lingers long after the final page. Lynn’s perspective from between worlds is both tender and heartbreaking, offering readers an intimate view of grief not only as an ending, but as a continuation of connection. The way she witnesses the pain of those she loves, while gently influencing their healing, brings a quiet grace and spiritual depth to the story.”

“Featured placement in our Christmas & New Year Literary & Women’s Fiction Showcase

 Visibility through our newsletter, community channels, and curated bookshop

 Engagement with readers who cherish stories of friendship, healing, and hope

 Optional author conversation exploring grief, love beyond loss, and letting go

 Extended discoverability into the new year”

SOURCES & LINKS:

ScamVoid: Checks fake websites

Writer Beware: Blog that identifies scams and provides advice

ALLi Watchdog: Alliance of Independent Authors, protects from predatory practices and misinformation

Writers Weekly: Online magazine with a host of articles (including those aimed at protecting indie authors from being scammed

Author’s Guild: Author organization that offers online forums and legal services

DO NOW: Peruse the links we attached to know where you can turn if you suspect being scammed.

Next Episode:  An Interview with Linda Rosen, author of Abandoning the Script

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey  https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you