Should I send it?

[Kevin]

Has anyone here ever gotten a message offering to review their book, with an email address to send it to, but then the Goodreads profile isn't found? The message also says to only respond to the email, as they don't check their messages on Goodreads.

It sure seems like a textbook scam, but I can't imagine what they get out of it. They get a copy of my book for free? I'm already actively trying to give it away for free, lol. That's why I'm in this group. They're going to pirate it and give it away? Be my guest! They're going to plagiarize it? I'd be flattered. Heck, if someone else has better luck getting this story published, more power to them.

I don't know what to do. Would you all send it to them?

[Andy]

Hello, I've gotten those messages too, Kevin. I think it might be an attempt to pirate it in some way in a different market... but hard to say.

For myself, I have yet to send them anything, unless they have a verifiable link to a Goodreads or blog, or something. Always best just to ignore those requests, just to be safe.

Cheers!

[Douglas]

Kevin,
No, that kind of message appears in my inbox about once a month. I think the sender is only after another email address to add to a list. When the list gets long enough, the shyster will sell it.

[Kevin]

That makes sense. I knew it was fishy, I just couldn't think of what they get out of it. Thanks, guys!

[Jane]

I am so glad other people have been getting these. I have replied to question to say they aren't going to get anything by cold spamming people, especially without anyone being able to check their reviews etc. Will ignore from now on. Just wish I didn't get 10 of the things at the same time...

[Alina]

I think I got a couple of those. I also get messages offering me paid reviews on Amazon from different emails, but they always include words in caps like SERIOUS authors, or GUARANTEED reviews. So annoying.

[Jane]

Yeah, I got emailed those too. Love to know where they got my email. Never responded to those.

[Charley]

I've been getting these too, but also direct via email since I put a book up for review a week ago. Should I only respond to direct offers to review through the review requests forum? Thanks.

[Magdalena]

Yeah I recently got one and was confused, it helps to see that I'm not the only one. There are too many weirdos and scammers out here, be careful y'all.

[Ken]

Kevin wrote: "Has anyone here ever gotten a message offering to review their book, with an email address to send it to, but then the Goodreads profile isn't found? The message also says to only respond to the em..."

I wouldn't send it. It sounds like a scam!