Here’s a new twist on an all too-familiar scam.

For months now, authors have been receiving emails from scammers pretending to be people interested in helping a “select group” of up and coming authors. They claim to have read their latest book and are puzzled at why the author hasn’t sold more books. Their writing is “that good.”

They offer to help—for a fee.

Now, there’s a new twist to the scam. I know because it happened to me.

The writer of the email claimed to be a literary agent—one with ties to a great PR marketer. She asked if I’d like her to introduce me to this person. Maybe she could help me sell more books.

The so-called agent would monitor things and if everything went well with the marketer, the agent would be interested in talking with me about representation.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

I googled the literary agent and the company she represents. There is a real agent by that name. Also, a real company.

However . . .

Come to find out, the scammer is impersonating the real agent and company. 

A new twist on an old theme.

Writer beware.