The Growing Threat of AI Scams Targeting Writers

In recent months, we’ve been made aware of a significant rise in scams targeting authors – many of them powered by generative AI. These include fake publicity opportunities, impersonating publishing contacts and unique distribution deals.

How AI has made this worse

Artificial intelligence has changed the nature of these scams in three critical ways:

• Professional quality communication – scam emails are polished, personalised and often indistinguishable from legitimate correspondence.
• Tailored messages to each author and book – by plugging the details of a book into an AI software, scammers are able to target authors individually with tailored messages referencing book titles or recent activity.
• Fewer obvious red flags such as bad grammar and vague language – traditional warning signs that are less obvious in the case of AI-generated content.

Common scams targeting authors

Scams our authors have been targeted with recently (that we’re aware of):

• Multiple enquiries requesting large reprint orders and the shipment of hundreds of copies overseas – offering a wide access to market on receipt.
• Invitations to feature in an online ‘book club’, where a participation fee is only disclosed after initial email exchanges.
• Unsolicited messages from so-called ‘Book Marketing Specialists’ or ‘Amazon Strategists’ who claim to have identified books through online listings.
• Flattering outreach using AI-generated praise messages to build trust before introducing a paid opportunity – this often comes hand in hand with the sender impersonating a famous author or publishing contact.

How to protect yourself

We strongly encourage all authors to take the following precautions:

1. Verify every opportunity
   If you receive an unexpected offer, confirm the sender’s identity. Do not rely on links or contact details in the message.
2. Be cautious with upfront or urgent fees
   Legitimate publishing partners are transparent about costs and will never pressure you into urgent payments. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to prevent careful decision-making.
3. Cross check communication
   If something appears to come from a known company or platform, contact them directly through official channels.
4. Ask us
   If you’re ever unsure, reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you assess opportunities and avoid unnecessary risk.

We are actively monitoring developments in AI-driven scams and will continue to provide guidance and support to our authors. The opportunities in self-publishing have never been greater – but unfortunately, that comes with a larger need for vigilance.

Further Reading

The Guardian, ‘Self-publish and be scammed’ 

Write Beware, ‘Not Simon & Schuster: Deconstructing an Impersonation Scam’ 

The Bookseller, ‘Authors hit with 'deluge' of scam emails from fake marketers offering paid promotion’