Author invitation scams: How writers can spot fake offers

Scammers are targeting authors with fake invitations to appear at well-known book festivals, conferences, podcasts and radio programs.

They impersonate real organizations and employees, praise the author’s work and, eventually, demand payment for an appearance, promotion or special placement.

Key takeaways

• Scammers are impersonating real book festivals, employees, interviewers and literary organizations
• The initial invitation may contain personalized praise gathered from online reviews, summaries and author websites
• The scams usually lead to a request for a fee for participation, promotion, placement, production or another supposed benefit
• Authors should verify invitations through the organization’s official website and contact details before responding, paying or sharing files

Real book festivals are being impersonated

Earlier this year, the Edinburgh International Book Festival has warned authors about fraudulent emails inviting them to its August festival.

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