Indie Authors, Be on the Lookout!

You know, there are times when sinister scammers scam the hell out of you. These folks work methodically and diligently to take advantage of your vulnerabilities and then profit from it.

As a writer, we are no doubt proud of the work we tirelessly produce and we must admit that we do get a sense of satisfaction from our dedicated readers, our good reviews, pleasant comments, and the revenue our publications deliver. Yet, there is a growing target on authors, especially Indie authors, to flatter us, and draw us into their marketing webs and publicity scams that’s costing writers, poets and authors more than mere money.

Beware of the phone call solicitations, texts, emails or social media contacts from people saying that your book was highly recommended to them (even using the name of your publisher to push their agenda) and how they can make your book a bestselling, marketing success. Don’t be so quick to run out of the gate and buy into their illegitimate and wicked schemes that could ruin you financially and professionally.

The wolves are always out there and they are multiplying more than we realize to devour your mind, money, body, and soul. Their scams look legit but are far from it. So many people have been duped and while we can’t prevent what we don’t know, we can take precautions to that which we do.

The Upside and Downside of Writing Contests

When writers begin to collect clips for their resume, we explore various mediums on where to submit our work for publication. Of course, I must continuously emphasize, that preparation, education and research are crucial elements in this highly competitive field. Although you may do your homework and submit your work earnestly, unfortunately there are many people out there who are dishonest about their practices and will steal your work and all of your “rights” or simply not pay you for their personal gain.

I have been victimized in a couple of situations, not realizing that I was a victim. However, continuous reading and research on the perils of dishonest sponsors and publishers could leave a horrible after taste in your mouth. Let me assure you that although these con-artists have done an injustice to many unsuspecting honest writers, they will not continue to do what they do without eventually being caught and penalized for their unprofessional and unethical behavior.

Before you enter those “sounds too good to be true” writing contests, be sure to do some investigative work first. Here are a few sites that I find helpful when searching for reported warnings of immoral conduct these operators practice. Although these sites do not contain all of the unreported injustices people have experienced, it is certainly a starting point in beginning your investigations so that you will not be a victim.

Writers Weekly http://www.writersweekly.com/whispers_and_warnings.php

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/contests/

eBook Crossroads  http://www.ebookcrossroads.com/warning-signs.html

Here is a site that offers some good points about writing tips, entering contests and industry cautions.

Writers-Editors http://www.writers-editors.com/Writers/Contests/Contest_Tip_Sheet/contest_tip_sheet.htm

There are several writing contests out there requiring a fee and some that do not. Just because you may pay a fee, does not mean that you are any closer to winning that grand prize, especially if your work is not the best product in front of the judges. Do your research about who is sponsoring the writing contest you want to enter and check to see if they have any red flag complaints with the BBB or other consumer reporting agencies. The sites listed above are a good starting point for your investigative work.

All the best with your writing!

www.kymgmoore.com