By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

Today, one of my former author clients told me she was contacted by a publishing firm and was offered $90K for the rights to her book.

She wanted me to look at the contract and see what I thought. This is the second time something like this happened in the past few weeks, so something is up. I told her to STOP and do not engage and here’s why.

In the world of publishing, aspiring authors often dream of landing a lucrative book deal. Unfortunately, this dream can sometimes turn into a nightmare when they fall prey to fraudulent publishing offers. These scams are designed to exploit authors’ hopes and ambitions, leading them to part with their hard-earned money in exchange for empty promises.

The Scam Unveiled

One common tactic used by these scammers is to offer a seemingly attractive publishing contract with a substantial advance, many times the once common $10K advance for a book. This one in particular was for almost $100K! Who wouldn’t be able to use $100K? However, there’s a catch: the author is required to pay a ‘finder’s fee’ upfront, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This fee is supposedly for arranging the deal and securing the advance.

Scammers may even negotiate the fee, reducing it from an initial 15% to 8% of the total deal, to make it seem more legitimate and enticing. Desperate to see their work published and believing they will soon receive a significant advance; some authors may willingly pay this fee.

The Reality

Once the fee is paid, the scammers disappear, leaving the author with nothing but regret and financial loss. The promised advance never materializes, and the author is left with a worthless contract. This fraudulent scheme preys on the vulnerability and aspirations of authors, making it essential to recognize the warning signs and protect oneself.

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Upfront Fees: Legitimate publishers do not ask for upfront fees. If a contract requires you to pay a fee before receiving any advance or royalties, it’s a major red flag.
2. Too Good to Be True: If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unusually high advances or overly generous terms.
3. Lack of Transparency: Scammers often provide vague or incomplete information about their company and the contract terms. Always research the publisher thoroughly. Legitimate publishers have a website.
4. Pressure Tactics: Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to rush you into signing the contract and paying the fee. Take your time to review and seek legal advice if needed.
5. Foreign Accent and Background Noise: Be cautious if the person contacting you has a foreign accent, there are other people talking in the background (indicating a boiler room operation), or they use an American-sounding name like ‘Bill Johnson’.

Tips for Identifying Legitimate Publishers

1. Reputation and Track Record: Research the publisher’s history and reputation. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any awards or recognitions they may have received. Established publishers often have a strong online presence and a portfolio of successfully published books.
2. Clear Contract Terms: Legitimate publishers provide clear and detailed contract terms. They outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including royalty rates, publication timelines, and marketing efforts.
3. No Upfront Fees: Reputable publishers do not ask for upfront fees. They invest in the author’s work and recoup their costs through book sales. If a publisher asks for money upfront, it’s not legitimate.
4. Professional Communication: Legitimate publishers communicate professionally and transparently. They are willing to answer your questions and provide detailed information about their publishing process.
5. Industry Affiliations: Check if the publisher is a member of recognized industry organizations, such as the Association of American Publishers (AAP) or the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Membership in these organizations often indicates a commitment to industry standards and ethics.

Protecting Yourself

To avoid falling victim to these scams, follow these steps:

• Research: Investigate the publisher’s reputation and track record. Visit their website. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any red flags.
• Seek Legal Advice: Have a lawyer review the contract before signing anything. They can help identify any suspicious clauses or terms.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. It’s better to walk away from a questionable deal than to risk losing money.

Additional Resources for Authors

For more tips and guidance on navigating the publishing world, please visit my blog www.Book-Publicist.com. Here, you’ll find dozens of articles for authors on topics such as:

• Finding Literary Agents: Learn how to identify and approach reputable literary agents who can help you secure a legitimate publishing deal. I’ve written about this on my blog.
• Crafting a Winning Query Letter: Get tips on writing a compelling query letter that grabs the attention of agents and publishers.
• Understanding Publishing Contracts: Gain insights into the key elements of publishing contracts and what to watch out for.
• Marketing Your Book: Discover effective strategies for promoting your book and reaching a wider audience.

The Bottom Line

If it sounds too good to be true, it is! Fake publishing offers are a serious threat to authors, but by staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from these scams.

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net