How Can Self-Publishing Authors Protect Themselves Against Scammers?
As much as it pains me to say that, scammers are on the loose in the publishing industry. They thrive on exploiting authors’ dreams and vulnerabilities. Just very recently, I had such a negative experience myself. Someone posing as an editor stole my original design and used it to advertise their “services” (my picture was in the design, mind you). After I contacted them, they claimed they had no idea it was my design and it was not intentional, but I still felt robbed, even though it was a simple visual and not a manuscript I had spent months or even years writing. Although it might not have been intentional deception, it made me think of the quality of services such an “editor” would provide. Legit freelance editors make a lot of effort to create their marketing materials (I speak from experience), even if design is not our strong suit.
This inspired me to collect and organize all the steps a self-publishing author can take to protect themselves against scammers in the publishing industry - from vanity presses to individuals offering editing, formatting, and designing “services.”
Research publishing services: Before engaging with any publishing service or platform, thoroughly research their reputation and track record. Look for reviews, testimonials, and experiences from other authors who have used their services. Be cautious if a service promises unrealistic results or asks for excessive fees upfront.
Read the fine print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of any publishing service or contract you consider. Pay attention to royalty rates, distribution rights, and any hidden fees or clauses that could impact your ownership or control over your work.
Protect your copyright: Copyright your work before publishing. This legal protection establishes your ownership and helps deter potential scammers. Consider registering your copyright with your local copyright office for additional safeguards.
Beware of vanity presses: Vanity presses are notorious for taking advantage of self-published authors. These companies often charge exorbitant fees to publish your book, with little to no distribution or marketing support. Research any service thoroughly and be wary of high-pressure sales tactics.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your intuition and be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially those promising guaranteed success, large sales numbers, or excessive fees.
Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with common publishing scams and warning signs. Stay informed about the industry, read articles and discussions on reputable author forums or websites, and join author communities to learn from the experiences of others. Writer Beware is a handy resource in that regard.
Seek recommendations: Reach out to fellow self-published authors or writing communities for recommendations on trustworthy service providers. Other authors’ firsthand experiences and referrals can help you make more informed decisions.
Consult with professionals: If you’re unsure about a publishing service or contract, consider consulting with a literary attorney or an author’s association. They can provide legal advice, review contracts, and help protect your rights.
Be cautious with personal information: Be mindful of sharing sensitive personal information, especially financial details. Use secure payment methods and ensure the privacy policies of any platforms or services you use are reliable and trustworthy.
Stay vigilant: Continuously monitor your book’s sales, royalties, and distribution channels. Keep an eye out for any irregularities or discrepancies that may indicate fraudulent activities.
As an editor, I feel obliged to dig deeper into the topic and focus a bit more on protecting my noble profession. When you are trying to find an editor or proofreader for your manuscript, the process requires careful vetting and verification. Although some of the steps below are mentioned in another article, How to Find the Perfect Book Editor for You, avoiding scammers constitutes a whole new level of vigilance.
Here are some steps you can take to safeguard against fake or unskilled editors:
Research the editor: Before hiring an editor, conduct a thorough background check. Look for information about their professional experience, credentials, and reputation. Search for reviews or testimonials from other authors who have worked with them.
Check for affiliations and memberships: Legitimate editors often belong to professional organizations or associations related to editing or publishing (for example, I am a member of ACES: The Society for Editing). Verify their affiliations and memberships to ensure they are credible and reputable.
Request samples or references: Ask the editor for samples of their previous work or request references from authors they have worked with. This allows you to assess the quality of their editing and gauge the satisfaction of their past clients. I would never accept a job without doing a sample edit. It’s not only a way for the author to ensure I’m the right editor for their needs; it’s how I determine if this is the right project for me, provide a realistic timeline to edit the entire manuscript, and what my rate would be based on the state of the manuscript.
Conduct an online search: Search the editor’s name or business online to see if any complaints, red flags, or warnings come up. Scammers often leave a trail of unhappy authors who have been deceived, and their experiences may be shared in forums, social media, or author communities.
Trust your instincts (again!): Pay attention to your gut feelings when communicating with an editor. If something feels off, such as unusually high or low fees, unprofessional behavior, or demands for excessive personal information, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Seek recommendations: Reach out to fellow authors or writing communities for recommendations on reputable editors. Personal referrals from trusted sources can help you find reliable professionals who have been vetted by others.
Have a clear contract: When hiring an editor, ensure you have a clear, written contract that outlines the scope of work, deadlines, fees, and payment terms. Be cautious of editors who demand full payment upfront or refuse to provide a written agreement. A contract is a must for all of my clients, and I have simple payment conditions: 30% to book a slot, 50% before the work begins, and 20% upon completion.
Start with a small project: If you’re uncertain about an editor’s capabilities, consider starting with a smaller editing project to assess their skills and professionalism. This allows you to minimize potential risks before committing to a larger project.
Be cautious with personal information: When sharing your manuscript or personal details, exercise caution. Only provide sensitive information to trusted professionals, and be wary of those who ask for excessive personal information beyond what is necessary for the editing process.
Trustworthy payment methods: Use secure payment methods and be cautious if an editor insists on unconventional payment methods or requests direct access to your financial accounts.
By being diligent, informed, and cautious, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to scams and protect yourself as a self-publishing author. I hope this article helps. Feel free to share it with your writing community and help your fellow writers get the quality services their books deserve.
