Writers Are Being Targeted: Don’t Fall for These New Scams

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin, editing, advertising, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into the world of scams targeting authors, artists, and creatives. From predatory legal firms to shady “publishers” with AI-generated websites and offers too good to be true, Kevin shares personal stories, red flags to watch for, and practical strategies to keep your money—and your work—safe. Whether you’re a new writer hoping to be discovered or a seasoned pro, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the publishing and creative landscape as scams become more sophisticated and pervasive.Show links:* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) — Virtual assistant service for authors* Draft2Digital (draft2digital.com) — Ebook distribution platform* PublishDrive (publishdrive.com) — Ebook publishing & distribution* Reedsy (reedsy.com) — Find trusted editors, designers, and book professionals* 99designs (99designs.com) — Professional cover design and more* LegalShield (legalshield.com) — Affordable legal services for contracts/review* LegalZoom (legalzoom.com) — Legal support and contract review online* Writer’s Digest (writersdigest.com) — Publishing news, Writer’s Market guides and agent info* Wordslinger Podcast (wordslingerpodcast.com) — More episodes, contact, and resourcesWatch on YouTubeImportant Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:05] – Welcome & episode overview[00:00:25] – Why scams are a growing threat[00:01:14] – Fake publishers & scam tactics[00:01:59] – Kevin’s personal experience falling for a book scam[00:03:33] – IRS debt scam: emotional manipulation explained[00:06:04] – How scammers exploit dreams and fears[00:08:56] – AI-powered scams: cloned voices, fake Zoom calls, and impersonations[00:10:23] – How legitimate publishing works vs. scam warning signs[00:13:16] – Everyday scam attempts targeting authors[00:16:03] – Fake websites, hijacked business names, and AI-generated “staff”[00:18:46] – Myth of “being discovered”—real path to success[00:19:59] – Why contracts and legal reviews matter[00:21:09] – Solar panel scam and red flags to look for[00:22:19] – Actionable advice: Avoid scams, invest in trusted guides & services[00:23:59] – Resource recommendations: where your money should go[00:24:44] – Protecting your creative work and passion from predators[00:25:27] – How to reach out to Kevin for scam advice[00:26:15] – Legitimate service recommendations (Reedsy, 99designs, etc.)[00:27:48] – Closing thoughts, support, and a call to subscribeLooking for more creative protection and publishing wisdom? Like, share, and subscribe here on YouTube, and hit the notification bell to stay informed on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.