Writing Scams – Publishers to Avoid
How Freelance Writers Become Victims of Money-Making Schemes
Mar 10, 2009
Offers of editorial advice; the chance to be represented by an agent; competitions with prizes which promise publication; manuscript submission services: all of these may seem like a way to get a foot in the door and start a writing career, but in fact they might be nothing more than an easy way for scammers and fraudsters to part writers from their hard earned cash.
Scams involving some of the above might be easy to spot; but for some writers, the offer of publication is too tempting to resist. Many would-be writers fall for the offer from a publisher to publish their books, without seeing that it will do nothing more than leave them out of pocket.
Publishing Scams
Publishing scams normally take the form of vanity publishers masquerading as regular publishers. Vanity publishers ensure that authors cover all the costs of printing, promoting and distribution of books. In addition, they make sure that there is a healthy profit included for themselves – and all at the expense of the author.
POD (Print or Publish on Demand) technology has made it easier than ever for new “publishers” to appear everywhere, offering to get authors into print. The hopeful writer is so thrilled by the idea of finally seeing their name on a book cover that they are willing to part with cash in order to see their dreams come true.
Demands for Payment
The easiest way to spot a fake offer from a publisher, is if the publisher asks for money. In the real world of publishing, all production costs are borne by the publisher. In fact, real publishers pay writers for the right to publish their books, normally in the form of an advance against future sales.
Writers should never pay a publisher to publish their books.
Advertisements Calling for Authors and Books
Authors should not be tempted by publishers who are inviting writers to contact them, or who are specifically targeting “new writers”. Legitimate publishers have enormous “slush piles” of unsolicited manuscripts waiting to be read and considered, and never have to search for “new talent”.
Potential to Make a Profit
If writers feel that it's a small price to pay to get their book in print, because having them available for sale online, means that they could potentially sell as many copies as J.K. Rowling, or Stephen King, they are going to be disappointed.
The truth is they are unlikely to make back the money they have laid out.
It is possible that the authors will receive books with their name printed on the cover, however, the end result is likely to be a shoddy, badly designed article, which will end up costing much more than if the author had simply self-published it in the first place.
Self Publishing
If first-time authors really want to see their names in print, and don’t mind paying for the privilege, then they would be better advised to self publish. Using POD technology and selling through online outlets such as Amazon, their dreams of having their books in print and available can come true. In addition, self-publishing means they will be in control of the quality at every stage, and that no unnecessary costs will be incurred.
They might even find that one day they will break even!
Find Out More About Scams Aimed at Writers:
Writing Scams – Agents and Editors to Avoid: Freelance Writers Can Be Easy Target for Fraudsters
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