Writers pour their hearts into their work, but unfortunately, that passion can make them prime targets for scams. From fake agents and vanity publishers to slick marketing schemes and social media impersonators, the tactics have only gotten more sophisticated over time. In this episode, we dig into the murky world of publishing scams and how they work and who they target. Along with why even experienced authors can get caught off guard.

Today’s guest is Victoria Strauss. Victoria is the author of nine fantasy and historical novels for adults and teens, and she’s also the co-founder of Writer Beware, a watchdog group sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. Drawing from decades of experience, Victoria shares red flags to watch out for, practical steps authors can take to protect themselves, and eye-opening stories of deception that highlight just how easy it is to get pulled in.

This conversation is about awareness and empowerment. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned author, you’ll learn how to do your due diligence, where to turn for trustworthy resources, and how to avoid becoming an easy target in a complex industry. With tools like Writer Beware, Victoria equips authors to stay vigilant, protect their creative work, and steer clear of costly traps.

Show Notes:

• [01:00] Victoria shares her background including publishing nine novels. She's a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, which is the sponsor of Writer Beware.
• [01:49] Writer Beware was formed with Victoria and a colleague when they became interested in writer scams.
• [03:36] When it first began, the most common scams for fee-charging literary agents and scam editing referrals.
• [04:25] Most current scams are digital and focus on self-publishers.
• [05:11] We learn what a vanity publisher is.
• [06:22] How self-publishers do everything a writer does and everything a publisher does.
• [10:34] One marker for a scam can be solicitation and out-of-the-blue emails.
• [12:42] A lot of people offer services like cover design when they don't really have the experience or expertise. Research anyone you're going to hire and their experience.
• [15:50] Look for what to cover in a contract, such as keeping your copyright. Watch out for scam registration services.
• [17:36] A DM scam where the scammer impersonates a writer and offers a marketing service recommendation.
• [22:21] Be aware and understand what the risks are and what to look for.
• [23:52] Evaluating opportunities. 
• [26:16] Use a credit card and report any problems. 
• [27:51] The newest scams are usually on social media.
• [28:40]  A crazy story about a literary agent who is charging upfront fees and even accepted fees for a conference and then faked her own death.
• [30:39] A cautionary tale of how a publishing marketing company from the Philippines scammed authors out of millions of dollars.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

Links and Resources:

• Podcast Web Page
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• Victoria Strauss
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• Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association
• Self-Publishing 101 - SFWA
• Authors Guild