Having been in the publishing space for nearly forty years, I’m still amazed at the endless stream of scams aimed at self-published authors. Hardly a week goes by without some new variation—whether by email or phone.
The names and approaches may change, but the tactics share common threads that should immediately raise red flags.
At the heart of these “offers” is a strategy that appeals to our pride and feeds our ego. They tell us a literary scout “discovered” our story, and their team is “smitten.”
They hint that our book is destined for the big screen, poised to sell thousands of copies, or guaranteed to succeed if only we’ll take some quick step-like making the book returnable, investing in marketing, or paying for “exposure.”
The underlying message is always the same: your publisher didn’t do enough, your marketing fell short, but this new door will finally open the way to success.
Here’s the latest scheme that crossed my inbox—a little more polished than some others I’ve seen:
The Pitch
(all quotes below are exactly as sent)
1st email
I run the London Silent Book Club, a community of 5,000+ readers who meet in cafés and online to read quietly together and then share the books we love. We’ve even been featured on the BBC as an introvert-friendly, no-pressure way to spread books by word ofA mouth.
When I came across God is Faithful, it struck me as a perfect fit for our members, the kind of story that sparks lively conversations and thoughtful reviews.
There’s no event or prep needed on your end, just us sharing your book with our community and encouraging them to pick it up.
I’d be thrilled to introduce God is Faithful to our readers. Would you be happy for us to feature it in an upcoming spotlight?
I responded with a simple: “tell me more!”
Their reply:
I’m so glad you’re open to being featured, thank you!
Here’s how the spotlight works: we introduce God is Faithful to our 5,000+ members, both at our London gatherings and in our online sessions. The feature includes your book cover, a short description, and a direct link for readers to pick up a copy.
The nice part is that it often leads to members recommending the book to friends, sharing on social media, and leaving reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. It’s a simple, no-prep way to get your book in front of new readers who love to spread the word.
Would you like me to send over the spotlight details so you can see how it all comes together?
Naturally, I asked, “is there a cost to this?”
Their reply:
Thank you for asking, yes, there is a cost involved, though I’ve kept it very affordable because my goal is to help authors connect with readers rather than put barriers in the way. The spotlight is simple, author-friendly, and effective in giving your book lasting visibility.
Would you like me to share the pricing details with you?
I said, “sure!”
Their reply:
Thank you so much for your openness, I’d be thrilled to feature God is Faithful with our community!
Here are the spotlight options we offer authors:
- Single Spotlight — $95
One-time feature shared with our 5,000+ members (both at our London gatherings and online). Includes your book cover, description, and a direct link so members can easily pick up a copy. - Extended Reach — $190
Everything in the single spotlight, plus extra posts across our online groups over the following weeks. This keeps God is Faithful visible for longer and increases the chances of word-of-mouth and reader engagement. - Full Visibility Package — $290
Repeated exposure both online and at in-person meetups. Designed to maximize visibility and momentum, often leading to more social media shares and reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
All three options are designed to connect your book with engaged readers who love sharing and recommending what they discover.
Which package would you like me to prepare for God is Faithful?
At this point, I asked for case studies or references from other authors who had invested in these programs and what kind of results they saw.
Their final reply:
Thank you for your response. I’ll reach out to a few of our past clients to see if they’re comfortable with me sharing their details so you can hear directly from them about their experience. I’ll get back to you shortly with their contact information.
Looking forward to getting this finalized and moving forward with your book’s feature!
And then—silence. Every earlier email was answered almost immediately, but once I asked for proof, it’s been two days of … crickets.
The Lesson
This is how these schemes work. They hope we’ll make an emotional decision, driven by the desire to be seen, heard, and validated. They’re counting on us being just desperate enough to skip critical thinking and bypass due diligence.
Don’t let that be you. Protect both your story and your investment by watching for these five red flags:
5 Red Flags of Predatory Publishing Pitches
- Unsolicited Praise with Vague Details
If someone claims to have “discovered” your book but can’t provide specific details-quotes, themes, or even an accurate description-it’s likely a mass pitch sent to thousands of authors. - Pressure to Act Quickly
Scammers often create false urgency: “This offer expires today,” or “We need your answer within 48 hours. ”Legitimate professionals give you space to make informed decisions and even encourage due diligence. - Exaggerated Promises
Watch out for phrases like:
“We’ll get your book into bookstores worldwide.”
“Hollywood producers are already interested.”
“You’ll become a bestseller.”
No reputable publishing partner can make such guarantees. - Upfront Fees Without Transparency
Be cautious if large sums are requested for vague marketing packages or events. If the details can’t be verified (names, dates, locations, or distribution partners), it’s a clear red flag. Terms like “global exposure” or “premium placement” are often smoke and mirrors. - Poor Communication and Shady Credentials
Look for warning signs such as:
Emails with sloppy grammar or inconsistent branding.
Company names designed to mimic well-known publishers.
Evasive answers when you ask for references or proof of results.
Final Word
Your message matters far too much to fall prey to schemes that take advantage of your hope. Do your research, ask the hard questions, and never let urgency or flattery take the place of wisdom.
