Avoiding Publishing Scams...

Avoiding publishing scams is crucial, especially with the rise of predatory companies targeting new and self-publishing authors. Here are key tips to protect yourself:

🛡️ Do Your Research

1. Google the publisher’s name + “scam” or “complaint.”

2. Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and reviews on sites like Trustpilot or Writer Beware (run by SFWA).

3. Ask other authors (on Reddit, Facebook groups, or forums like Absolute Write) if they’ve had experience with the company.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

1. They ask for money upfront.

   • Legitimate traditional publishers pay you, not the other way around.

2. Unclear or no royalties/payment details.

   • Avoid vague contracts or those that don’t specify royalty rates, rights, and terms.

3. Hard sell tactics.

   • Scammers pressure you to sign quickly, often with limited-time offers.

4. Promising bestseller status or huge exposure.

   • No one can guarantee book sales or bestseller status.

5. Add-on services with high fees.

   • Overpriced editing, marketing, or cover design packages are a common trap.

🧾 Understand the Types of Publishing

1. Traditional Publishing – Publisher pays you; highly selective; royalties from sales.

2. Self-Publishing – You control everything; hire freelancers or use platforms like Amazon KDP.

3. Vanity Press – You pay to be published; often predatory and not respected in the industry.

4. Hybrid Publishing – Mix of both, but be cautious—many hybrids are just vanity presses in disguise.

🔍 Scrutinize the Contract

• Look for:

  • Duration of rights (preferably not “in perpetuity”)

  • Reversion clauses (can you get your rights back?)

  • Royalty rate and payment schedule

  • Termination conditions

Get a second opinion:

• Use services like the Authors Guild or Writer Beware for contract reviews.

✅ Work with Reputable Platforms

• For self-publishing: Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital.