Protect Yourself from Publishing Scams That Target Authors

Publishing a book, whether through a traditional publisher or on your own, is a remarkable accomplishment. It represents years of dedication, rewriting, and perseverance. But with that achievement comes visibility, and unfortunately, visibility can make you a target.

Regardless of how your book reaches the world, through a respected publishing house or self publishing platform, scammers will seek you out. They offer “too good to be true” services like book promotion, ad creation, book club features, or paid reviews that promise to boost your visibility. They sound professional, speak with confidence, and often flatter you about your work. But what they are really after is your money.

The Hidden Trap Behind “Promotion Offers”

After my novel When The Road Narrows was published by Spectrum Books in London on August 30, 2025, I began noticing more activity online from people and companies claiming they could “amplify my reach,” “get more readers,” or “increase my ratings.” Some even mentioned my publisher’s name to sound legitimate. They were not.

These scammers know authors are passionate about their books and eager to reach readers. They exploit that passion using polished websites, fake testimonials, and inflated promises. Behind the shiny marketing language are vague contracts, high fees, and little to no real results.

The Paid Review Problem

One of the most common and troubling scams involves paid book reviews. Some companies charge authors hundreds of dollars for what they call “honest reviews” or “reader evaluations.” In reality, these reviews are often fake, recycled, or posted by bots on online marketplaces.

These paid reviews not only waste your money but also risk damaging your reputation. Readers can often spot insincere or formulaic reviews, and platforms like Amazon have strict rules against incentivized ratings. Genuine feedback from readers who actually engage with your story will always carry more weight than a handful of purchased praise.

Common Red Flags to Watch For

Be on alert for these warning signs:

• Unsolicited contact. If someone reaches out to you first, be cautious. Reputable publicists and marketers rarely cold contact authors.
• Big promises, few details. “We can make your book a bestseller” or “We will flood your page with five star reviews.”
• Fake affiliations. Claims of connections with Amazon or other platforms that supposedly “guarantee visibility.”
• Upfront payment and vague deliverables. Trustworthy professionals are clear about services, costs, and measurable outcomes.
• High pressure sales tactics. “This is a limited time offer” or “We only have two slots left this week.”

What Real Promotion Looks Like

Legitimate book promotion takes time, planning, and authentic connection. It is not something that happens overnight through a cold approach. Real marketing involves:

• Engaging with readers through events, book clubs, or libraries.
• Working with your publisher’s marketing and publicity team if you are traditionally published.
• Building genuine relationships with bookstores, reviewers, and readers.
• Sharing your story and voice consistently and authentically.

The truth is, there are no shortcuts to meaningful visibility. Readers connect with sincerity, not schemes.

Protect Yourself and Others

Do your homework before hiring anyone. Look up reviews, ask for references, and check with author communities like the Authors Guild or reputable writing groups. If something feels off, it probably is.

Talk openly with other authors about your experiences. The more we share, the harder it becomes for scammers to thrive in silence.

Your book deserves real advocacy, not empty promises. Do not let anyone take advantage of the work and heart you have poured into your writing.