5 Scams Targeting Writers Right Now

Writers are dreamers — and unfortunately, scammers know it. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I’m breaking down 5 scams targeting writers right now, especially indie authors, self-published authors, and creative entrepreneurs trying to build a real career around their work. From fake awards and vanity publishers to bogus film deals, fake agents, and “guaranteed bestseller” packages, these scams all have one thing in common: they prey on your desire to be discovered. The good news? You can protect yourself with a little skepticism, a few common-sense checks, and one simple rule: if someone approaches you out of nowhere, flatters your book heavily, creates urgency, and asks for money up front — stop and verify first. If you’re a writer trying to build a publishing career without getting taken advantage of, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – Why writers are targeted by scammers 00:46 – Common scam warning signs 02:50 – Scam #5: Fake awards and contest scams 05:44 – Scam #4: Predatory review and bestseller packages 09:07 – Scam #3: Vanity publishers in disguise 13:21 – Scam #2: Fake film, TV, and foreign rights deals 18:35 – Scam #1: Impersonation scams 22:16 – How to verify agents, publishers, and big-name offers 24:03 – The simple rule every author should remember 24:52 – Why scams aimed at writers make me angry 25:16 – Courses, gurus, and bad publishing advice 29:07 – Avoiding the trap of the “quick win” 34:14 – Final thoughts and how to join the conversation   Links mentioned and recommended: Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Question for you: Have you ever been approached by a suspicious “publisher,” “agent,” contest, or media company? Drop a comment and share the red flags you spotted — it might help another writer avoid the same trap. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AuthorTube #WritingAdvice #PublishingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.