How Can Writers Avoid Being Scammed?

Are Men & Women Writers Being Tre... The Internet Could Be In Bad Trouble

How Can Writers Avoid Being Scammed?

A writer sheds blood, over many months or years, to finish a creative work.

They strive, for many more months or years, to attract a traditional publisher.

They finally grow weary and anxious and fall into a publishing scam…

I feel lucky I avoided the years of attracting a traditional publisher by taking the non-traditional path sooner than many.

I was also lucky in finding a "publishing-aid company", FastPencil, that's reputable.

I like to think my Muse guided me to FastPencil since there are so many seemingly attractive "options" open to aspiring writers these days.

I discovered an article recently on the Accredited Online Colleges site called, 10 Common Self-Publishing Scams You Should Be Aware Of.

I'll give you their list but be aware that each topic-heading in the article is hot-linked to another article on that particlular subject:

Excessively flattering offers

Promises that are too good to be true

Copyrighting tricks

Crazy contracts

Suspect marketing

Vanity publishing

Guaranteeing success

Promises to make your book "available"

Editor services and referrals

Offering discounts to authors for resale

I'll also direct you toward a site run by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and sponsored by the Mystery Writers of America, WRITER BEWARE.

This site has been around quite awhile and is of help to aspiring authors even if they never go near the indicated genres :-)

And, to stay on the bleeding-edge of nefarious activity, they also have the Writer Beware Blog.

If you've heard about or been involved in any publishing scams, please share with us in the Comments…

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