scammers

Writer Beware

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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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.

Watch Out!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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What a time it is for writers!!!

Although advances in technology have made our lives easier, it has also made us vulnerable to the deceptive practices of scammers. There isn’t a day that goes by that don’t I hear of some new way they have devised to take advantage of us. 

Many times, they represent themselves as as marketers, publishers, or agents when, in fact they are not. 

As much as we may want to hear that we have been “discovered” and are destined for stardom, we need to be careful to research many different sources in order to verify whether or not individuals are trustworthy.

I recently heard about a woman who was duped by someone impersonating a Hollywood producer. Even though she should have been skeptical, she signed a “contract” with him. She found out later that his “act” was a scam. Fortunately, not too much money had changed hands.

Do your homework and pass along warnings to your friends. We need to watch out for each other.

Scammers, Opportunists, or Angels of Mercy?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

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I get emails every day from companies who promise to help with the publishing, marketing, and promotion of my books. Whether you are self-published or traditionally published, I am sure that you are on their radar, also.

I admit that a few months ago, I fell prey to one of these companies. Once they had my money, I never got updated or any kind of personal acknowledgment to any of my questions.

I still get their daily emails, though, with more offers to perform all kinds of tasks that I can do for myself. The problem is, however, these all take time—precious minutes away from doing what we love—writing!

I have promised myself that I WILL learn to play the marketing game. Doing so is always at the back of my mind, like a flesh-eating bacteria.

Admittedly, just the thought of performing marketing tasks tends to steal my creative joy.

I’ve tried rewarding myself for spending a couple of hours each day on marketing. I gained ten pounds this year with such “rewards.”

I’ve also tried setting aside one day per week to work on book promotion.

Now, I have an aversion to Thursdays.

Ah, what to do.

My suggestion? Create whatever schedule works best for you and stick to it as best you can. Definitely, don’t give up on marketing altogether because it is just as ESSENTIAL as any other aspect of writing.

Yes, we have to take the bad along with the good. So, beware of so-called “easy fixes” and those who would prey upon your lack of time, sleep, or expertise in promoting your book(s).

On the other hand, many are helpful and fulfill a vital role in the never-ending saga of book promotion.

Do what aspects of marketing you understand, enjoy, or have time for.

Learn something new each week.

Lean on advice from trusted author friends.

Next week, I will publish a list of helpful websites related to this topic. Be sure you have ink in your printer.