Hello friends. Allow me to interrupt your hopefully pleasant life with a short rant:
Lately, authors (such as yours truly) are being inundated with invitations to festivals, fan letters from supposed influencers, and offers from reviewers and book bookstagrammers for promotion.
Wonderful, right?
Nah.
They’re all fake.
Scams.
And they play off of an author’s fragile ego and dreams of success.
Most artists (musicians, authors, visual artists) produce work from the depths of their souls, baring their thoughts and feelings for all to hear/read/see. One harsh criticism can send them into a tailspin. One kind review lifts them into the clouds. Unfortunately, scammers know that flattery will get them everywhere.
For example, here’s an excerpt from an email I received just this morning, supposedly from the Director of the Edinburg International Book Festival (a real thing), complete with the director’s signature and photo:
…I recently came across More Than a Thief and was particularly drawn to its rich portrayal of 19th-century life intertwined with a compelling coming-of-age mystery. The way you weave historical detail with the tension of the Lizzie Borden case, alongside Victoria’s deeply personal struggle with identity, morality, and self-discovery, makes the novel both engaging and thought-provoking. Its blend of historical fiction, suspense, and emotional depth offers a distinctive reading experience that is sure to resonate with a wide audience…
So complimentary! So nice!
So fake.
I googled and found out that while this is a real (very impressive) festival, the invitation I received was not.
Here’s another:
Hi Beverly,
I really enjoyed reading More Than A Thief—Victoria Robbins’ clever detective work and the historical intrigue make it a captivating mystery for middle-grade and YA readers. Even engaging historical mysteries like this can face challenges standing out in a crowded market and reaching librarians, reviewers, and readers who love authentic, suspenseful stories.
At XXXXXXX, I help authors increase visibility through retail copy refinement, targeted outreach, and stronger platform presence. I’m also launching a middle-grade and YA historical mystery promotion campaign and would love to feature More Than A Thief. Reply if you’d like the details.
Really? You read my book? Why do I not believe that? And let me guess, there will be a modest fee for your services…?
This one is a DM from Instagram:
Hey Beverly,
I hope you’re well!
I’ve just discovered your book and am excited to share my thoughts and ratings on social media. Would you be open to me reviewing it? Please let me know if we can proceed.
This would, I’m sure, include me sending her a free copy and then paying for an AI-generated review, to be posted on her socials, all of which she will claim have over a million followers.
Yeah, no.
The sad truth is that the majority of authors make very little money – which is fine! I don’t write for the money. But I equate these sharks (“entrepreneurs??”) to the same ilk who impersonate grandchildren to unsuspecting grandparents, telling them they are in trouble and need $5G and please don’t tell Mom and Dad. Maybe not quite as bad, but close.
Fortunately, I know what these folks don’t: that word-of-mouth is still the best form of advertising.
So, if you read a good book – any book, it doesn’t have to be mine – tell your friends.
Suggest it to your book club. (If you don’t have a book club, consider starting one!)
Post your favorite titles on your socials.
Lend them to a friend or donate them to your neighborhood Little Free Library, so others get a chance to read and love them as much as you do.
You have the power to make a difference.
Pass it on!