So, I constantly get emails from scammers. Constantly.

They are posing as multiple different entities… 

A publicist that works with Amazon and can make my books fly off the shelf.

Someone that has read my book and sees the potential… representing a publisher

An agent that has worked with other self-published authors and turned them into    bestsellers. 

People with Podcasts or Interview Shows that for a fee will provide tons of exposure.

Self Publishing services with offers like proofreading, cover design,distribution.

I went to a book festival in Texas. Across the aisle was a publisher… There were authors at the table giving their books away for free. FOR FREE.  I went over and talked to an author. She told me that she signed with a publisher. She was a first time author and was thrilled that a publisher had chosen her. Part of her contract… She had to travel to book festivals to represent the publisher.

Here’s the scam.  She was required to buy the Books from the publisher in Hard Cover. She had to cover her expenses to travel to the festival. Then give them away for free. They actually hired an attractive young lady to bring people to the booth. There were multiple authors over the weekend working that booth.

The only one making money was the publisher.

I exchanged emails with someone that thought my work would qualify for animation (which I am investigating). All was good until I asked for a copy of a deliverable. He could redact names etc but I wanted to see what I was going to get for my money. He pointed me to a website that didn't match his email email address. And I didn’t see that service listed.  After a few exchanges, I stopped hearing from him..

The scammers are using Artificial Intelligence to comb the web for authors, create the emails, and impersonate real entities.

First time authors crave acceptance. They want people to like their work. They are eager for love … like all of us.

Think about it. You create something. And someone sends you a note telling you that they see incredible potential in your work. It’s hard to say no.

My policy… only work with people I can see and touch,

Keep Reading!!!