Debra Eckerling 🎤 The Book Proposal Expert

The ABCs of Traditional Publishing: S is for Scams

Receiving a message from a literary agent or publisher who’s interested in your book can feel amazing. But before you get too excited, make sure the offer is legitimate.

Check the email address. If someone claims to represent a publishing house or literary agency but uses a gmail or other generic email account instead of a company domain, that’s a huge red flag. Check the company’s website, too. Many targeted agencies and publishers post warnings when scammers impersonate them.

Pay attention to the wording, too. Does the email sound generic, use the same bot-like language you’ve seen elsewhere, or promise a guaranteed book deal or bestseller status? Do your homework. A little research can help you protect yourself from illegitimate opportunities.

Have you ever received a suspicious publishing-related email?

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