Writers Beware! Scammers in the book world.
Sadly, like every other industry, they're out there.
We were contacted a couple of weeks ago by a newbie writer about helping them get their book done. Unfortunately, we cannot work with them because they've already signed up with an organisation that has:-
1. Taken a big chunk of money upfront, (over £1500) with more to pay once the book is done.
2. Got them to sign a contract - signing away their IP in the process.
3. Given them nothing in return for over 12 months.
4. Left the customer with the prospect of having to pay for legal advice to fight and get out of the contract.
5. Left them feeling bullied, angry, stressed and a lot poorer.
6. Worst of all - they are stuck - no book on the horizon.
Can you imagine?
Now it would be easy to criticise them for having signed the contract without understanding the ramifications. But, when you are excited at the prospect of seeing your book done when you've never published a book before, and when promises are made from a glossy, professional-looking website that you don't know won't deliver, whilst you wait patiently, it's easy to be hoodwinked. ......AND surely if they're charging that much, they must be ok, right?
WRONG....
It's so important to do your research, check testimonials, ask existing and past clients what the service was like and read the small print in any contract put in front of you. Take legal advice if you have to - pay once now or pay lots more after the contract is signed.
So - Writer Beware!
Be careful, take your time, do your research and avoid the angst. You've spent time and care on your book - take time out once you're done writing it and give the same time and care in choosing who you work with. It's your book baby, treat it like one.
Writer Beware® is a website that you may find useful - it warns about literary schemes and scams. It's definitely worth a look.
I'll add the link in the comments.
(Photo by Julien L on Unsplash)