Writers are dreamers — and unfortunately, scammers know it.

In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I’m breaking down 5 scams targeting writers right now, especially indie authors, self-published authors, and creative entrepreneurs trying to build a real career around their work.

From fake awards and vanity publishers to bogus film deals, fake agents, and “guaranteed bestseller” packages, these scams all have one thing in common: they prey on your desire to be discovered.

The good news? You can protect yourself with a little skepticism, a few common-sense checks, and one simple rule: if someone approaches you out of nowhere, flatters your book heavily, creates urgency, and asks for money up front — stop and verify first.

If you’re a writer trying to build a publishing career without getting taken advantage of, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career.

⏱️ Timecodes

00:00 – Why writers are targeted by scammers

00:46 – Common scam warning signs

02:50 – Scam #5: Fake awards and contest scams

05:44 – Scam #4: Predatory review and bestseller packages

09:07 – Scam #3: Vanity publishers in disguise

13:21 – Scam #2: Fake film, TV, and foreign rights deals

18:35 – Scam #1: Impersonation scams

22:16 – How to verify agents, publishers, and big-name offers

24:03 – The simple rule every author should remember

24:52 – Why scams aimed at writers make me angry

25:16 – Courses, gurus, and bad publishing advice

29:07 – Avoiding the trap of the “quick win”

34:14 – Final thoughts and how to join the conversation

Links mentioned and recommended:

Wordslinger Podcast home page:

https://wordslingerpodcast.com

ProWritingAid:

https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Draft2Digital:

https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

AuthorAnchor:

https://authoranchor.com

Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Question for you: Have you ever been approached by a suspicious “publisher,” “agent,” contest, or media company? Drop a comment and share the red flags you spotted — it might help another writer avoid the same trap.

#WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AuthorTube #WritingAdvice #PublishingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #WordslingerPodcast

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