How New Authors Can Avoid Costly Scams

Because you shouldn’t have to get ripped off to get published.

At ReaderVerified, we believe that education is your best defense against bad actors. And we’re not just talking theory — we’ve seen the invoices, read the fine print, and collected the real stories from authors who’ve been there.

Here’s how to spot a scam before it drains your wallet or damages your credibility.

The Most Common Author Scams

  1. Paid Review Packages
    “$299 for 10 verified Amazon reviews!”
    Against Amazon’s policies. Risky. Possibly fake.
    Instead, use ethical, Amazon-compliant platforms like ReaderVerified — peer-to-peer, fully transparent.

  2. Vanity Publishers Disguised as Traditional Publishers
    They’ll offer you a “book deal” — then charge you thousands for editing, printing, and marketing.
    You will rarely earn back the difference: ALLi’s Safe Self-Publishing Guide

  3. High-Priced Press Release Services
    “Reach millions!” — but most go to empty email lists or obscure outlets.
    Use real media pitching guides or free outlets like Medium or targeted blogs in your niche.

  4. Fake Editing or Cover Design Agencies
    Some slap together AI-edited content or template covers and charge pro rates.
    Vet freelancers through Reedsy, Upwork, or EFA

Real Stories from the ReaderVerified Community

  • A first-time author was charged $1,200 by a “publishing consultant” who did nothing but create a free KDP account for her.

  • Another paid $500 for “100 social media promos” — which turned out to be fake Twitter accounts and zero actual reach.

  • One was banned from Amazon after unknowingly using a fake review service.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. That’s why our members share their stories, anonymously or openly, to help others steer clear.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Vague deliverables (“exposure,” “visibility,” “promotion”)

  • No real portfolio or client reviews

  • Pressure to “act now” for limited-time deals

  • Claims to “work directly with Amazon”

  • Zero mention of Amazon’s review policy or compliance

How ReaderVerified Protects You

We vet every partner we recommend, promote only ethical book review services, and maintain a Bad Apple Watchlist for sketchy user behavior. Our forums include a “Scam Alerts” section so you can ask questions before pulling out your card.

ReaderVerified is here to help you publish smart, stay safe, and never feel embarrassed about a business decision again.