Scammers are now approaching authors using the identify of real publishers and agents. They spend weeks building up trust and confidence: they are going to represent you, they want to publish your book, and they don’t ask for money up front. Then, when an author feels comfortable and committed, they swoop.

I have been the target of such a scam, and am not signing with Helm Literary Agency as I said in my previous post. You, too, may become a target, but make sure you don’t become a victim. Please take a few minutes to read this article from the Society of Authors, who are the UK’s trade union for professional writers, illustrators, and literary translators.

Stay safe out there.