1 of 18

Write now Article Tools

It's those six words authors hunger for the most - "We want to publish your book!" - that puts money into the pockets of publishing scammers. You can find their victims at local fairs, writing workshops, anyplace where there's a place for authors to display their books. Some of the books you find there are lovely, but others bear amateurish covers, poor layouts, and cheap binding, all marks of a vanity press. Even if the books contain the most skilled prose, the presentation looks amateurish. Distributors that place books in bricks-and-mortar bookstores, where a large majority of books are still sold, won't touch books that bear the ISBN number of the vanity presses. Authors peddling these books look tired, their smiles wearing thing as they realize too late that the world isn't flocking to buy their books.

Vanity presses and scam publishers prey on authors who have no knowledge of the business of publishing. They promise high royalties and hint at untold riches and fame to be earned if the author will only favor them by using their humble services. Not long ago, all the authors got in return for their money was a box of books with no place to sell them. Now, in the days of POD (publish on demand) technology, the authors don't even get that much for their money. All they're left with is a hole in their bank account and shattered dreams.

With a little education, though, hopeful authors can learn to spot the scams. Here are six glaring red flags to look for:

1) "AUTHORS WANTED! GET PUBLISHED NOW FOR ONLY $600!"

No major publisher needs to advertise for authors. Publishers already have slush piles filled with more manuscripts than they'll ever be able to publish. Nor will major publishers charge you any money. Publishers pay authors for the rights to print and sell their work.

In the traditional world of publishing, editors sift through their slush piles to carefully select those manuscripts that they think they can sell. Bear that in mind: while good writing is critical, publishers look for books they can sell. If your beautifully-written paranormal Western mystery with hidden Maori symbolism isn't selling, it may be because there's no market for such a book. If that's the case, trying to publish it through a vanity press isn't going to help.

To get your book published, you need to write the best book that you can. If you're writing fiction, you may need to find an agent to get your manuscript in front of editors. If your book sells, the publisher will pay you an advance

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for spotting publishing scams?
We want to hear your view. Write now!