Beware! Top Writing Scams Every Author Must Know to Protect Their Work

Writers Beware: Protect Your Work, Wallet, and Mental Health

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Unfortunately, as writers, we’re all somewhat vulnerable to scams that exploit our dreams, finances, and emotional well-being. Who doesn’t dream of fame and fortune? It’s every writer’s wish.

Along with those dreams come many shady characters who want to take your money. Here’s what you need to know about common scams targeting authors, real-life examples, preventive tips, and reliable resources.

I previously wrote about Facebook scams here:

1. Vanity Publishing Scams

How Vanity Publishers Exploit Writers

Vanity presses promise guaranteed publication but charge a steep upfront fee (often $10K or more). They target new or vulnerable authors who are excited by finally seeing their work in print.

Example of Vanity Publishing

You're offered a "special deal" to publish your book for thousands of dollars, resulting in poor quality and no genuine marketing or distribution.

How to Avoid Vanity Publishing Scams

• Always verify publishers through Writer Beware.

• Legitimate publishers never charge upfront fees (unless the publisher is a hybrid, which is a legitimate business model). See IBPA here.

2. Literary Agency Scams

Recognizing Fake Literary Agents

Scammers pose as literary agents, charging upfront reading fees or unnecessary editing costs before pitching your work. Fantastic list here from the Authors Guild of scams and specific agencies to look out for.

Example of a Fake Literary Agent

An agent demands a "reading fee" or insists you pay for manuscript edits before representing your book. Read this article to see what is standard and customary.*

*Note: It’s not unusual for an agent or consultant to charge a “full manuscript” reading fee. Most will read the first two or three chapters free of charge, but your mileage may vary.

(For example, when people hire me to read their book for marketing and strategy, I charge a $300 full MS reading fee, which covers my time and a document of quotes that work for marketing, any minor typos, and my overall thoughts and recommendations. That’s a good four hours of my time, which isn’t a bad deal.)

Avoiding Literary Agent Scams

• Verify agents via QueryTracker or AALA.

• Legitimate agents only earn commission from actual sales.

3. Fake Writing Contests

How Fake Contests Fool Writers

Fake contests charge high entry fees but offer vague, unverifiable prizes or benefits.

Example of a Writing Contest Scam

You pay a hefty entry fee but never hear back, and the winners announced seem suspicious or unverifiable. Read more here from Anne Allen.

Protect Yourself from Fake Contests

• Use credible resources like Poets & Writers or Reedsy Writing Competitions.

• I also really like BookAwardPro (and it’s free!)

• Avoid contests that lack transparency or charge exorbitant entry fees.

Read more about book award contests here ⬇️

4. Social Media and Influencer Scams

False Promises of Social Media Growth

Scammers promise overnight follower growth, book sales, or engagement boosts, often through fake followers who, guess what? Don’t buy books.

Besides, follower growth is more of a ‘vanity’ metric. I’d rather know the reach, engagement, and views.

Fake followers don’t buy books.

Examples of Social Media Scams

Paying for thousands of social media followers who turn out to be inactive bots harms your long-term credibility, and you’ll most likely lose them anyway, as social media companies frequently do ‘bot sweeps’ of fake accounts.

Many ‘influencers’ often DM you privately with an opener like, “Hey, your book looks amazing! Can we talk further?”

IGNORE. Those are classic scam tactics.

Example from my BadRedhead Media Facebook Page inbox:

Delete, block, report for spam. But don’t respond.

Avoid Social Media Scams

• You can opt for organic social media growth strategies or create and manage your own ads (or hire a professional).

• Work only with reputable social media consultants or use platforms like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later that can connect to your approved ad account.

• Also look out for ‘guaranteed sales.’ No legit vendor of any type can guarantee book sales. Why?
  
  Well, social media is just one part of your author platform, and the main goal with socials is to increase visibility and connect with readers, not necessarily sales.

• Have realistic expectations. It’s quite rare that ONE ‘influencer’ will make or break your book sales.

Another example of a threatening scam from the same FB inbox:

This is never legit. One more - which gave me a chuckle more than anything, as I only write about book marketing topics:

5. Editing and Ghostwriting Scams

Identifying Fraudulent Editors or Ghostwriters

Unqualified "experts" charge high fees for poorly executed or plagiarized editing and ghostwriting services.

Example of an Editing Scam

You pay heavily upfront, only to receive incomplete, low-quality, or plagiarized work. A writer just shared an agency proposal that charges $9K for the developmental edit. According to several editors I’ve worked closely with, that's pretty high.

Want to see what’s usual and customary? Reedsy has a vetted, updated list.

Avoiding Editing and Ghostwriting Fraud

• Request verified testimonials or samples. This should be no charge.

• Choose editors from trusted platforms like the Editorial Freelancers Association or Reedsy Marketplace.

6. Copyright and Trademark Scams

Misleading Copyright and Trademark Claims

Scammers send urgent, fake notices claiming you must renew or secure copyright and trademark registrations immediately. See more here.

Example of Copyright Scams

An official-looking email claims your copyright needs urgent renewal—for a steep fee. I’ve also received urgent messages that I need to copyright my book.

“Copyright protection for your book begins the moment you write it down, typed, or otherwise recorded. You don't need to register the copyright to have protection…”

(Legal Zoom)

How to Protect Your Intellectual Property

• Understand copyrights don't need immediate renewal (lifetime plus 70 years).

• Verify through the official U.S. Copyright Office.

Practical Resources to Avoid Writing Scams

• Writer Beware: Industry watchdog exposing fraud.

• ALLi Watchdog: Independent publishing service vetting.

• QueryTracker: Literary agent verification database.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check business credibility.

• Reedsy: They have a tremendous free database of approved vendors.

Real-Life Example: A Close Call With a Vanity Scam

One of my clients almost lost $10,000 to a vanity publisher promising unrealistic sales, zero marketing, and questionable early reader review tactics. Quick research through Writer Beware uncovered multiple warnings against the publisher.

She invested instead in trustworthy publishing and marketing tools, achieving steady, realistic success.

Protect Your Mental Health from Writing Scams

Falling victim to scams affects your emotional and psychological well-being, not just your finances. You might experience shame, anxiety, or depression, which are natural responses to getting scammed. You’re not alone!

• Connect with supportive writing communities. Join my free Facebook group.

• Openly discuss scam experiences to reduce stigma and help others.

• Seek professional mental health support if you struggle emotionally.

Your creativity, dreams, and mental health deserve protection. Stay vigilant, informed, and connected. Got questions? Ask me here or email me at badredheadmedia@gmail.com for a personalized consultation.

Concerned About AI?

I’ll be doing a deep dive on AI for authors, but for now, you want to find out:

Are your books being used without your permission to train AIs? Read my last newsletter ⬇️

Check this free Atlantic article about LibGen and how it’s being used. I’ve found several of my books and client books in this database. Now what? Advice from the Writers Guild here.

Events

In case you missed it - RECORDED: #BookMarketingChat on Twitter/X spaces (audio only). Click here now to listen. Topic: Can writers use AI ethically? Let’s discuss.

📌Next audiospace: How do we effectively market on a budget? Find out! Click here now to set a reminder/add to your calendar. Recorded if you miss it.

On Wednesday, May 7, at 2 pm PT/5 pm ET.

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Happy writing!