That Flattering Email About Your Book Might Be a Scam
That Flattering Email About Your Book Might Be a Scam
Publishing a book makes you more visible. That is usually a good thing. Readers can find you, journalists can contact you, and new opportunities can come your way.
Unfortunately, scammers can find you too.
On 11 October 2026, The Times reported on authors who had lost substantial sums after being approached by people offering book marketing, distribution and other publishing services. These approaches did not necessarily begin with an obvious demand for money. They began with interest, praise and apparent knowledge of the author’s work.
That is what makes this new generation of publishing scam particularly dangerous.
AI has made fake praise more convincing
A poorly written message from someone who cannot name your book is relatively easy to dismiss. A personalised email discussing your subject, characters, reviews or professional background feels different.
It breaks down barriers. It can feel as though the sender has taken the time to read your work.
The Society of Authors and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain have warned that scammers can use AI to collect material from book descriptions, reviews, author biographies and online directories. That publicly available information can then be turned into a convincing message designed specifically for one author.
AI can also help fraudsters produce professional-looking websites, staff profiles, testimonials and marketing documents. Correct spelling, polished language and an attractive website are no longer proof that a business is legitimate.
How the approach can develop
The first message may contain no request for payment at all. It may simply congratulate you on your book and suggest that it deserves a wider audience.
Once a conversation begins, the sender might offer:
Amazon marketing or increased book visibility
Guaranteed sales or bestseller status
Bookstore placement
Entry into awards or literary events
Additional distribution
Copyright registration
Representation by an agent
Interest from a publisher
Film or television opportunities
A modest initial payment may then be followed by recommendations for additional services. The author is told that the campaign is working but needs one more element, one more payment or one more urgent decision.
By that point, the scammer has built a relationship and the author has already invested money. Walking away becomes psychologically harder.
Why authors are particularly vulnerable
Publishing a book is personal. Authors have often spent years creating something that matters deeply to them, and most would understandably like it to reach more readers.
A message that says, in effect, “I can see how good your book is, and I can help other people see it too,” goes directly to that hope.
Newly published authors are especially vulnerable because unsolicited approaches often arrive at a believable moment. The book has just appeared on Amazon, publicity is beginning, and the author expects new people to discover it.
Experienced authors are not immune. According to the Society of Authors, even vigilant writers are being caught by increasingly sophisticated impersonation and sales tactics.
Warning signs to look for
One warning sign does not automatically prove that an approach is fraudulent. Several appearing together should make you stop.
Be particularly cautious if:
The message arrives unexpectedly and contains extravagant praise.
The sender creates a sense of urgency or says the opportunity will disappear quickly.
You are promised guaranteed sales, reviews, bestseller status or bookstore placement.
You are asked to pay for access to an agent, publisher, film producer or influential contact.
A supposed agent or publisher wants rights to a book that was never submitted to them.
The sender recommends another company or “trusted colleague” who requires payment.
The requested fee keeps increasing as new services become “necessary”.
The email address is slightly different from the organisation’s official domain.
You are discouraged from seeking independent advice.
The contract is vague about deliverables, costs, rights or refunds.
Payment is requested through an unusual or difficult-to-recover method.
Do not assume that someone is genuine simply because they know the title of your book, understand its subject or mention one of your reviews. All of that information may be publicly available.
What to do before paying anyone
Pause before replying, clicking a link, signing anything or making a payment.
Search for the person and company independently. Do not rely solely on links, telephone numbers or testimonials contained in the message. Find the organisation’s official website yourself and make contact through the details published there.
If the sender claims to represent a recognised publisher, literary agency, award, festival or other organisation, contact that organisation directly and ask whether the approach is genuine.
Request a written proposal explaining:
Exactly what will be delivered
When it will be delivered
The full cost
Whether further payments may be requested
Which rights, if any, are involved
What happens if the promised service is not provided
Read the contract before paying. If the proposal concerns your copyright, publishing rights, translation rights, audiobook rights or screen rights, obtain appropriate professional advice.
JoWP authors can also send an unfamiliar approach to us before responding. We would much rather check something that turns out to be legitimate than see an author lose money or control of their work.
If you receive a suspicious message
Do not click links or download attachments if you are unsure whether the message is genuine.
Suspicious emails can be forwarded to the UK National Cyber Security Centre at:
If you have lost money, disclosed banking information or believe an account has been compromised, contact your bank immediately. In England and Wales, fraud can be reported through the UK’s Report Fraud service. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland.
You should also tell the genuine person or organisation if their name is being used by a scammer. This can help them warn other authors and take steps to protect their reputation.
Opportunity should withstand scrutiny
Legitimate publishing and marketing services should be able to explain what they do, what it costs and what they can realistically promise. They should not object when an author asks questions, checks their credentials or takes time to review an agreement.
A book can create valuable opportunities, but not every flattering message is the beginning of one.
Take a moment. Enjoy the praise. Then take another moment to check the person giving it.
Sources and further guidance
The Times, 11 October 2026
“Scammers use AI and flattery to trick authors out of thousands”
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/technology-uk/article/scammers-ai-flattery-trick-authors-thousands-zhjgm8955
Society of Authors and Writers’ Guild of Great Britain
“How to protect against scammers – a new guide for authors”
https://societyofauthors.org/2026/05/18/explosion-in-ai-driven-scams-targeting-authors-spurs-new-guidance/
National Cyber Security Centre
“Phishing scams: how to spot and report them”
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-email
GOV.UK
“Avoid and report internet scams and phishing”
https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing/report-internet-scams-and-phishing
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