The publishing industry has become a target for sophisticated fraud. Authors, often eager for recognition, are being targeted by scammers who range from low-level "formatting services" to complex impersonation schemes.
This guide helps you identify the warning signs of a publishing scam and explains the steps you should take to verify any company before you commit your money or your manuscript.
Scam vs poor-value service
It is useful to distinguish between a "scam" (fraudulent activity where no service is intended) and a "poor-value service" (a vanity press that delivers a low-quality product for a high price). Both should be avoided, but scams often involve criminal impersonation or theft of identity.
Unsolicited contact and pressure
Legitimate literary agents and traditional publishers almost never cold-call or cold-email authors they haven’t already been in contact with. If you receive an out-of-the-blue message claiming they "discovered your book on Amazon" and want to offer you a deal, be extremely sceptical.
Scammers use pressure to stop you from doing research. They might say an offer "expires in 24 hours" or that they have a "limited slot" in their catalogue. Genuine publishing decisions take weeks or months, not hours.
Impersonation of agents and brands
A common scam involves an email that looks like it is from a major house (e.g., Penguin Random House or HarperCollins) or a well-known agency. Check the sender’s email address carefully. Scammers often use domains like "agent-name@gmail.com" or slightly misspelled domains like "@harper-collins-uk.com" instead of the official "@harpercollins.co.uk".
Guaranteed results and "Hollywood" options
Scammers love to promise things they cannot control. Common bait includes: "Guaranteed entry to the New York Times Bestseller list," "A guaranteed meeting with Netflix producers," or "Guaranteed 5-star reviews." Publishing is a subjective business; no one can guarantee these outcomes.
How to verify a publishing entity
Verification Steps
- Search for the company name + "scam" or "vanity" on Google.
- Check the "Writer Beware" website (hosted by SFWA) for alerts.
- Verify the company on Companies House to see how long they have existed and who the directors are.
- Check the physical address on Google Maps—is it a real office or a virtual mailbox?
- Ask for the names of five books they have published in the last 12 months and look them up on Amazon.
Contractual and rights red flags
If the contract is only one page long, or if it is 50 pages of dense legalese that they refuse to explain, do not sign. Specifically look for "Life of Copyright" clauses that might take your rights away forever without a clear way to get them back. In a scam, the "contract" is often just a prop to make the transaction look professional.
Where to get help
If you think you have been scammed, contact Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud). If you have paid by credit card, contact your bank immediately to see if a chargeback is possible. You can also report the incident to the Society of Authors or the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain if you are a member.
Common mistakes
- Paying via wire transfer. Never send money via Western Union, wire transfer, or gift cards; these are untraceable and favoured by scammers.
- Trusting a "congratulations" email. Flattery is a tool for manipulation. Professional feedback is usually specific and objective, not purely glowing.
- Not checking the URL. Always hover over links to see the real destination and check the sender’s domain name for subtle misspellings.
Frequently asked questions
Can a scammer use a real publisher’s name?
Yes. This is called "spoofing." They use the logo, name, and even the names of real employees to trick you. Always verify via an independent channel.
Why would a scammer want my manuscript?
They usually don’t care about the manuscript; they care about the "fees" for editing, marketing, or representation that they will extract from you.
Are there any "safe" lists of publishers?
The Society of Authors and organisations like the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) are good places to start, but you should still perform due diligence on every individual company.