First Book Author? Be careful!

This post is intended for new, first-time authors. The reference to “new” is because those whose books have been available for some time already know about this.

You’ve published your book, maybe done a little marketing, and so far you've had a few or even no sales. You receive an email addressed to you personally. The sender appears to be from a recognizable publisher, agent, book club, or another entity or person you believe has learned something about you and your book. They want to help you.

"Dear (your name),

I don't do this very often, but I was so taken by what I've read about you and your book that I couldn't resist reaching out. I am a (agent, publisher, book retailer, social media influencer, etc.). I enjoy helping new, unknown authors succeed. (More of the same follows.)

Warm regards,
(Name, title, and, in some cases, a recognizable company name related to books.) 

You conclude that this could be exactly what you need to make your book a success.

It's not, and the person reaching out isn't who they claim to be. Still, flattery from someone claiming to be an "agent" or "publisher" can feel like recognition for what you’ve done. 

You lower your guard.

“Maybe this person really is who they claim to be.” 

You respond; the other person replies to you via multiple emails. You become more certain that s(he) is legit… and then the pitch arrives: $1,000–$10,000 for "marketing packages," "Hollywood film representation," "hybrid publishing contracts," etc. 

At this point, they have you seriously considering retaining their services.

My first Unlived Lives book has been out for two years, the sequel for a year, and the third in the trilogy for just under a year. I get five to ten emails like this from different people every day.

No matter how impressive the company or person contacting me seems, they all use Gmail addresses. What legitimate company would have its employees use Gmail for company email?

Everything they say about me and my books is reworked from what is publicly available online. No one actually said they bought one or more of the books, let alone read them, only that they were so impressed.

To keep the connection going, many ask a question they assume I would like to answer. Something like “What is the ‘inspiration’ for your writing?” And most telling, the complimentary close is always “Warm regards” or “Warmest regards”.

Watch for these red flags. Don’t respond. 

This isn’t meant to take anything away from your ability as an author or your books. It’s just a warning not to be surprised when you hear from those who, given the chance, will take your marketing money and leave you with very little, if anything, in return.