Indie publishing is booming, which means writers have more control over their careers than ever before. But with opportunity comes risk—and scammers are circling like sharks in a feeding frenzy.
Every year, new scams pop up, often just repackaged versions of old ones, designed to prey on authors who are still figuring out the publishing game. Because while anyone can write a book, successfully publishing and selling one is much harder. That gap—between the dream and the reality—is where the scammers strike.
Let’s talk about how to spot them, avoid them, and protect yourself.
Why Are Indie Authors Such a Prime Target?
Because you care. Scammers know that writing isn’t just a job—it’s personal. It’s your passion, your dream, maybe even your livelihood. And they exploit that, selling hope wrapped in professional-sounding lies.
Most indie authors are also navigating a steep learning curve. Between writing, publishing, marketing, and understanding the business side, there’s a lot to master. Scammers step in with “expert” advice, promising shortcuts, secret strategies, or exclusive access that—surprise—never actually pays off.
The Most Common Scams Targeting Indie Authors
There are dozens of scams out there, but these are the ones that keep resurfacing:
1. Vanity Presses Disguised as Traditional Publishers
They’ll tell you they love your book and want to publish it—just send them a few thousand dollars first. They promise editing, marketing, and bookstore placement, but what they actually deliver is a cheaply printed book with no distribution or audience. A real publisher pays you, not the other way around.
2. Fake Literary Agents
Legitimate agents make money by selling your book to publishers, earning a commission on what you make. Fake agents, on the other hand, charge upfront “reading fees,” “editing fees,” or “submission fees” before disappearing with your money.
3. Bogus Marketing Services
- “We’ll get your book on the New York Times bestseller list!” No, they won’t.
- “We have an email list of a million eager readers!” They don’t.
- “Our team will flood social media with your book!” They’ll take your money, post on dead Twitter accounts, and vanish.
4. Fake Awards and Contests
Some charge sky-high entry fees with no real judging process—everyone “wins,” and the scammer then sells you expensive award stickers and certificates. If an award doesn’t impress readers, it won’t help your sales.
5. “Amazon Bestseller” Gimmicks
Some services guarantee you a #1 Amazon Bestseller badge. What they actually do is game obscure subcategories so your book hits #1 for five minutes. It’s an empty achievement that doesn’t lead to sales or a sustainable career.
6. Ghostwriters and Book Packagers Who Plagiarize
Some “affordable” ghostwriters or book packagers deliver content stitched together from Wikipedia, public domain works, or even other indie books. If Amazon flags it, you take the hit, not them.
How to Protect Yourself
The golden rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
But beyond that, here’s how to stay safe:
Do your research. Before giving anyone money, Google their name + “scam” or “complaints.” Check Writer Beware, indie author forums, and the BBB.
Never pay to be published. If a publisher asks for money, they’re a vanity press.
Be skeptical of guarantees. No one can promise bestseller status, guaranteed reviews, or thousands of sales. Publishing doesn’t work that way.
Own your ISBNs. Some shady services register ISBNs under their name, meaning they control your book’s distribution. Buy directly from Bowker (US) or Nielsen (UK). If you live in countries other than these two, check how you register ISBNs in your country. In Canada, for instance, they’re free.
Read contracts carefully. If they demand all rights, perpetual control, or vague, non-transparent fees, walk away. Get legal advice if you’re uncertain.
Ignore artificial urgency. Scammers love “limited-time offers” and “exclusive spots.” Real business opportunities don’t rely on pressure tactics.
No Magic Keys—Just Hard Work
There is no secret handshake. No hidden club of indie author elites. No one is keeping you out of success except time, effort, and market forces.
The formula for success? It’s the same one you already know:
- Write a lot.
- Publish regularly.
- Market effectively.
- Engage with your readers.
Everything else? Tinsel.
The scammers want you to believe that success is locked behind a paywall—their paywall. But you don’t need them. You already have everything you need to build a thriving indie career. Just keep your eyes open, your wallet closed, and your focus on the work.
