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I always shy away from any messages that say "your book". I figure anyone serious about "my book" will at least know which of my nine published books they want to feature.I'm also wary of anyone using a gmail address. Anyone that wants to feature/promote my work. I also look for my name in the address part (not my email address).
I get these all the time, different names, most of them start with "Dear (Last Name) and then go into a pitch about how they can help my books' visibility, reader engagement, etc.I am wary of any services that I didn't solicit.
Run away as fast as you can. I receive six or seven of these every day. When I tell them I'm not interested or say no, thank you, I get "Why?" or "I need to know your reasons." No, you don't. I said no. They don't read my auto-reply that I'm not interested.
Yes, these are scams that don't work but just take your money. I agree with RB if they are not addressed to my by name and my book is not identified, I look no further. And you can often tell when the message has been AI generated. The synopsis they give, pretending they have read the book, often leaves out some key part of the story.
According to Writer Beware, a sender with a gmail address is a big red flag.
Lately I've been receiving similar emails almost every day. A column in the NY Times Metro section focused on this and letters from readers confirmed it's become an epidemic. The people sending these use AI so it can seem that they read your book -- they crib it from reviews by real readers and blurbs. Apparently, when the writer sends money, that's the last they hear from the promoter. Some of these scammers offer a low price to start their process, fifty dollars or so, and since it's a low amount, people think it's not a scam because it wouldn't be worth it. But if they get hundreds of writers to send fifty dollars each.....
I received 2 phone calls in the past two weeks from something called "Writers Branding" pitching promotional services for my book(s). They have a fairly good looking web site that offers the usual fee-for-service - editing, formatting, ISBN and copyright registration, etc. The packages they offer on their web site are priced between $1699 and $2699.
Do you know how they got your number ? This looks suspicious to me. There are much less costly packages for the same services with Redsy. I also recommend taking a look at the "service ratings" page on ALLi website. selfpublishingadvice.org/best-self-pu...
Taking a look at Kindlepreneur is also a must. Dave replies to inquiries if you email him.
Good luck!
https://c-dancourt.kit.com/
J. wrote: "I received 2 phone calls in the past two weeks from something called "Writers Branding" pitching promotional services for my book(s). They have a fairly good looking web site that offers the usual ..."Do not trust. Reputable book business people do not call you. Anyone can create a website.
debrakellychoiceawardadvocate@gmail.com
Purporting to be from a Goodreads group.
“Connect today and start your book’s journey toward the Goodreads Choice Award”
My question is as stated. Is this genuine?
Founder & Lead Organizer – Goodreads Book Club | Choice Award Advocate
I help authors gain visibility, connect with passionate readers, and strategically position their books for the prestigious Goodreads Choice Award. Through our active community, your book receives honest reviews, detailed discussions, thoughtful ratings, and organic engagement everything needed to attract attention, build credibility, and create momentum on Goodreads and beyond.
By featuring your book with our club, you can boost shelf adds, spark reader conversations, increase your chances of award recognition, and amplify your author brand. Every review and discussion contributes to your book’s growth, visibility, and recognition in the competitive publishing landscape.