New Authors Beware Of Scam Agents And Publishing Sharks

Scam Agents and Publishing Sharks

Beware of scam agents who prey on new authors.

Publishing a book today is easy with free online self-publishing services. Or if not free, they are very cheap.

However, this low-cost simplicity has made it a goldmine for shady agents and predatory publishers to deceive new authors trying to publish their books.

If you want to publish a book, be careful about your choices.

Beware of the scam agents and sharks in self-publishing

I receive an unsolicited email from a long-time publishing scammer almost every week.

It reminds me that the publishing seas are still plagued with these untrustworthy sharks.

In general terms, these scammers prey on a new author’s dream of becoming published.

Perhaps an author may not know how to self-publish.

They could also have given up on traditional publishing but still yearn to be published.

It is easy to fall prey to these dubious publishing experts and land in their expensive traps.

Authors beware.

Don’t allow scam publishers to fool you.

It can often be an expensive mistake.

Here are some warning signals for new authors.

 

Unsolicited invitations to submit your manuscript

Reputable publishers and literary agents all have huge slush piles.

None of them would be asking you to make their pile even higher.

If you are asked to submit your manuscript by someone you don’t know, especially by unsolicited email, DO NOT reply.

Your red flags should be flying because it’s 99.9999% sure to be a publishing scam.

Be careful if you are approached out of the blue by a publisher you don’t know who wants to publish your book.

It is a common ploy of scam agents and a clear telltale sign of vanity publishing companies to avoid.

 

Offers to help you publish

Social media is full of helpful people.

However, many charge a lot of money for their helpfulness.

But they may forget to tell you about this upfront.

The new term that there are editors and predators is now a common expression in self-publishing industry circles.

Watch out for unsolicited offers to give you feedback on your manuscript for a small reading fee.

The fee may not be that small.

Self-publishing is basically free, so DO NOT pay for what you can do or quickly learn to do yourself.

 

Marketeers and racketeers

Advertising and marketing a book is time-consuming.

There are costs involved for reputable services such as Facebook advertising, Google Adwords, paid blog posts, or an advertorial in a local newspaper.

These are all normal expenses, and most are relatively inexpensive and beneficial.

Offers to market a book for a package price by someone you do not know and who guarantees success is a sure sign of a scam.

DO NOT pay for book promotion and marketing services packages.

Arrange and pay advertisers for your book advertising directly with reputable and well-known advertising service providers.

 

I’m a publisher

There are many legitimate publishers, hybrid publishers, and small press, especially in niche markets.

But you should always check the reputation of a book publisher before committing yourself to a contract.

You can check a comprehensive list of publishers and service providers that have been vetted by ALLi (The Alliance of Independent Authors).

DO NOT enter immediately into an agreement with a publisher.

Before you rush in, make sure you check its background, history, reputation, and ethics first.

You can also ask for references from authors who used the publisher’s services.

 

I can do everything

Writer, reader, editor, copy editor, proofreader, publisher, cover designer, book marketer, and self-publishing consultant.

No one person can supply all these services in the publishing process.

Beware of failed writers trying to make a buck on the side by offering services that they are not qualified to provide.

DO NOT pay for amateurs in the publishing world.

If you have to pay for a service, pay for professional services offered by reputable providers.

 

Make informed choices

After you write a book, there are no easy ways to become a published author and be successful in book publishing.

The best way to avoid scammers and the possibility of being ripped off is to understand that publishing a book will be a tough job.

For those authors and writers who are trying to publish for the first time, there are safe avenues to publish a book.

 

Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing is the old-fashioned business model of publishing a book.

You need to approach literary agents with the hope of signing a contract. After that, then have your book published and promoted by one of the large publishing houses.

It is the most difficult and time-consuming method. It will involve sending submissions to a lot of agents and then waiting and hoping.

The rejection rate is so high these days that a new author will need a lot of luck. It is not impossible, of course. But for new writers, it is not very easy at all.

Pros: No publishing costs to an author, and sometimes pay an advance.

Cons: Difficult to get published, and royalties can be quite low. An author also must sign away the rights to a book.

 

Self-Publishing

As the name implies, self-publishing means that an author will have to do everything necessary to publish a book.

Then you need to market it and hopefully sell enough copies online to get a return on your time invested in writing and self-publishing a book.

For authors who are new to electronic self-publishing, it will be a learning curve.

You will need to have a good knowledge of basic word processing, computer, and Internet skills.

The basic skills include uploading files, formatting Word styles, and converting to mobi and epub files.

You also need to do image resizing, as well as have a good understanding of file management.

Self-publishing is generally free. But there will be some costs in preparing a book for publication.

These could include expenses for a book cover, editing, and proofreading.

If you think self-publishing technology is beyond your ability, you could consider an assisted self-publishing service.

But always make sure you retain all the rights to your book. Also, check that the online book retailers pay royalties to you directly.

Pros: Quick to publish in ebook or paperback. Free or at least very cheap, depending on preparation costs. Authors own all their book rights. If your book sells, you receive a high royalty rate of usually 60-70% per copy.

Cons: Some computer skills to learn. All facets of publishing, marketing, and selling are the responsibility of the author.

 

What to expect to pay for reputable services

Pre-made ebook cover. US$30-60

Custom-made book cover. US$250-500

Proofreading and correction – basic. US$ 200-400 for approx 80,000 words.

Assisted self-publishing services. Preparation of manuscript files and publishing for you on Kindle Direct Publishing for ebook and paperback, and Smashwords or Draft2digital for ebook distribution. US$200-250.

 

Vanity Publishing

Vanity publishing has been frowned upon for a long time.

But there are still quite a few large vanity publishing houses around.

Some traditional publishers used the services of one vanity publisher.

It was a means to offer expensive self-publishing packages to new authors. But it was only vanity publishing in a new form.

Thankfully, most have closed down these expensive pseudo-self-publishing services now.

Unfortunately, some vanity publishers have re-branded and re-named their services as self-publishing, which it definitely is not.

 

Never confuse self-publishing with vanity publishing

It doesn’t matter how well-known or established vanity publishing is or if it goes by a new name.

New authors need to be aware that it will be a very, very expensive way to publish a book.

Most of their websites make no mention of the prices they will charge, which should be a warning.

You can read my take on Newman Springs Publishing as an example of what to look for when you are deciding on a book publisher.

Vanity publishing means that the author pays for everything, and it can often amount to thousands of dollars.

This cost does not typically include marketing a book other than that it will possibly be available on the vanity publisher’s website.

There is rarely a mention of what book sales you can expect to get.

Vanity publishing is easy.

But it is an awfully expensive way to fill your basement with 5,000 copies of a book, which you may or probably, may not ever sell.

What’s the key warning sign that you are dealing with a vanity press?

It is when the publisher finally asks you to pay a considerable amount of money up front to publish your book.

It is the moment when the words scam agents and publishing sharks should spring to your mind very quickly.

Update: Dog Ear Publishing, which had a very bad reputation, has reopened as Bookplate Press, so beware. You can read more about it in this watchdog advisory article on ALLi.

 

Vanity publishers are not interested in selling your book

Vanity publishers only want to sell books to you, the author.

There have also been many complaints about the high-pressure business practices of certain vanity publishers.

Be careful. Search the Internet for customer feedback on any company you might be considering.

Do it before you commit yourself to a publishing contract and hand over your money.

Samita Sarkar wrote an excellent article about how to spot publishing scams for the Huffington Post.

Her warning signals in the piece are very good advice. These four are classic for high-pressure selling vanity publishers and scam agents.

“The publisher’s website contains little to no information to attract readers, and is almost entirely devoted to selling to authors.”

“The website contains slogans about helping authors, “tell their story” by “letting the experts guide them,” etc.”

“In exchange for your name, email address, and phone number, you can download a free publishing guide.”

“Expect a call later on that same day, before even opening the guide.”

I can personally attest to this last point. I was once pestered with almost daily phone calls for over two months by one of the most well-known vanity publishers.

Pros: Trade publishing quality books with paid editing and cover design services.

Cons: Annoying high-pressure selling by some vanity publishers. Usually extremely expensive with no effective marketing support. 

 

Conclusion

As a new author, if you receive an offer that is too good to be true, it surely will be.

When you publish a book in any form, there is no guarantee of success. No amount of money thrown at a publisher will make it any easier to succeed.

In my opinion, a new author has two sensible choices when it comes to publishing a book.

The first is to take the traditional publishing route. Try to find and work with a literary agent or a reputable small press publishing house.

The second option is to self-publish and enjoy the learning curve and the journey.

Both are tough. But that’s the reality of book publishing today. There is no easy way.

 

Helpful links for new authors

Publishing Services Rated By ALLi (The Alliance of Independent Authors)

List of Literary Agents UK & US

Kindle Direct Publishing

Smashwords

Draft2Digital

Lulu

 

Related reading: Book Publishers To Avoid And Nasty Author Scams

169 thoughts on “New Authors Beware Of Scam Agents And Publishing Sharks”

  1. I know most of the comments on this blog are old. But everyone do not trust new reader magazine/new reader media. I have personally worked with them and it was a complete disaster. Not to mention the sad mind games they play making you think your book will be made into a film. I have a book published Sally The Crab. They said there was companies already interested in making my book into a film but they needed a script or treatment. I agreed to do the treatment and was supposed to have a film deal in the fall of 2020. I was told a treatment was all I needed to do before I got my film deal. But kept being told things were on delay. I paid them $5,000. They made me a website but I could have just made that myself. I agreed to this if course for film deal. They gave me one little spot at the bottom of their magazine I didn’t even get a full page. Which is pretty stupid if a book is going to be made into a film I should have a whole page. Duh! If I didn’t get my film deal I was supposed to get a refund after 2 years. So after 2 years when I asked for the refund they ignore me and then I contact the BBB. And then magically the Netflix in the UK wanted to make my book into a film supposedly. I get the Netflix contract and they were asking me for an additional $3,000 for a film license and were wanting me to send the money to someone in Canada for faster processing. I had a couple entertainment lawyers that I discussed the contract with both of them said it was a scam and fake. As well as an actual writer that works for Netflix and universal. The same name and email on my contract was found on another’s scam alert website from someone else that got scammed. The email they use the path that it was from was not that of Netflix and led to nowhere. Somebody did come out on Reddit and say that one of their friends used to work for new reader magazine and they are a lie with no ties to film companies. Yes they sound very professional on the phone and have a legit looking website but their work leads to nowhere. They use the refund tactic to make you pay but others are coming out claiming to not have gotten refunded. They also seem to target alot of older people. They charge you thousands of dollars they only get a couple likes on their Facebook post and Instagram pages. You can make a website for yourself very cheaply. Somebody else that came out recently and complained on the BBB said they gave this company 80,000 and no work was completed. Basically don’t do business with them unless you have a lawyer look at it and any legit company wanting to make your book into a film will not make you pay up front. They were also caught impersonating Christopher paolini saying they helped get his books made into a movie. I actually talked to him personally on fb and he said to contact the FBI cause he did too.

  2. I have published my book with LR Price Publications, Thesiger’s Mashuf (novel) this year and I can say it is the worst experience I had. #LR_Price promised to publish it as eBook and paper, dozens of marketing ideas, award participation and international distribution, to name a few. They delayed the project for 6 months and it turned out they hardly did anything for editing the book as it was well written and edited by ‘Writersservice.com’. Then their MP Russell Spencer is a very moody person, and he looks down to others and when he knew I got to know they are non-existent and are not a true publisher, he created quarrels and decided not to respond to my email totally, having got his money. He published it only paperback on demand on Amazon. When I write about my experience with them, they immediately take out my comment or respond without any comment on my points to disapprove my input. I have the contract to share with anyone misled by this publisher who has some people to write positive comments about them.

    1. Black Rose Writing published two of my true crime novels. I got no money from one book. The other book, Reagan Roth sent me a $ 2.00 and then a $ 3.00 check. That is all the money I received and both books had 3 year contracts.
      He would not send me any documents indicating how many books sold.
      This is the second maybe the third publishing company that ripped me off.
      JoAnne Myers

  3. CREATORS BEWARE: Silent Spark Press earns its money by “accepting” works for publication which then require the creator who has submitted to pay for the publication in order to view the submitted work.

    1. It is a published work of yours, and will add to your portfolio as an author. Every profession takes investment to get going. Why expect to get the product free simply because you’re published in it. If it were your own book that you wrote, you’d have to pay for copies of it.

      1. Not sure about book publications, but with poetry single poem submissions the rule is you submit for free and they publish it for free and you receive a free copy of the magazine, newsletter or newspaper. Some magazines pay you for you’re submissions and you still submit for free, that is called freelance articles. If you have to pay a magazine or newspaper to publish you’re work that is called a Vanity Publication and it’s meaningless. I hope that helps. Brian Mino Author/Poet

        1. Avatar for Raymond Fenech Gonzi
          Raymond Fenech Gonzi

          Adding on to What Brian said, I would strongly recommend to all aspiring authors to learn how to walk before they enter a race. Before even thinking of publishing a book, best if you have what we call a “publication credit list”. This is something you can create by doing what Brian said. List every poem, article, essay, or story you publish, whether in a magazine, newspaper, journal, anthology or paper.

          If one day you decide to submit to the big publications, or even to a traditional publisher, the first thing they will ask you is for your credentials. Degrees or other qualifications count very little. Many PhD students just do not have the gift for writing and publishers know this. Many famous writers like Hemminway for example had no formal education. He started out as a war correspondent and most probably there are so few people who would undertake such a job, that qualifications really do not count for such a risky profession. He was a naturally gifted writer.

          Writing is like singing. You could go to a music school to learn how to sing but if your voice hasn’t got the necessary talent, you will sing only in a choir.

          Start from the beginning because there is no shortcut to becoming a published writer. It took me years to get acceptance slips, rather than rejections. But every time, your name appears in any publication, today, unlike my time, you start becoming popular and familiar.

          Consider this, the first lesson in creative writing I remember my lecturer telling us that if we were in his classroom with the wrong impression, we were going to become rich quickly, then we were in the wrong class and should leave! Of course, I understood what he meant because I had won my first poetry prize at age 16 and was a trainee freelance parliamentary reporter for three major newspapers at 17. In fact, I was doing my practical exams in journalism whilst I was still in my first year in college.

          Rushing won’t get you anywhere, on the contrary, you might publish a book and might not be prepared for all the criticism that will follow. Trust me, you will get a lot of flack from readers that will not only embarrass you but probably put you off writing for the rest of your life.

          Read a lot of good books, possibly the classics, learn to be meticulous in your choice of words, editing and if you start off as a journalist many rules you use in poetry and prose will prove extremely helpful. Use adjectives sparingly and be concise. Short sentences are better when you wish to achieve climax. Keep the reader on his toes waiting for it! Whatever it is that makes him keep turning the pages.

          Journalism is the best foundation for any type of writing, including poetry.

          Good luck to all and God bless

    2. I was accepted to be in their exemplary poetry vol. 2 book recently.. I don’t mind not being paid, but not receiving a free book seems a bit fishy to me. although, as long as my work isn’t being stolen, I’ll take this win.

    3. Nanette I, submitted a poem to Silent Spark Press and they published it and I, was able to access it for free online as well. The title of the poem is It All Ends Here by Brian Keith Mino. Cheers!

  4. I was approached by Stellar Literary Press and Media in San Pedro, California. A senior Literary agent is interested in a book I published almost two years ago. Have you heard of this agency?

    1. Avatar for Raymond Fenech Gonzi
      Raymond Fenech Gonzi

      It’s a scam. Same happened to me three years ago. I had just published two books. Both were published through a traditional publisher. I received an email saying that a film company wanted one of my stories. Today it’s easy to check once you have the name of whoever sent you the email. Look them up and simply google the name and “is this a scam?” The answers will come trust me.

      Finding a literary agent when you are looking for one is like playing the national lottery and hoping to win it! I’ve written to numerous literary agents who were supposed to be open for writers to request their services. How many do you think answered my query? None! I had been nominated twice for The Pushcart Prize, won other accolades in writing over 38 years and was even published by Penguin Books and other top literary magazines.

      If you write back, one thing will lead to another and their very clever salesmen will manage to convince you to pay thousands of dollars to have your book turned into a film series. Don’t fall for these scams. The internet is full of them. Research every name even before submitting your work.

      good luck

  5. Great advice. I’m very sensitive to these scammers. I keep getting unsolicited requests to submit my manuscript. I Googled one company that wrote to me, only to find many bad reviews and dissatisfied customers. One of the companies even sent me the same, poorly-written (verbatim) form letter they sent to a friend of mine, a fellow writer. After I declined, the sender became very snarky in response to it. Very poor customer service certainly won’t get them new business. Your description of “predatory” is precisely what they are. I steer clear of them. Thank you!

    Cheers!

  6. Hello, thank you for your advice. I have been approached again, by another parasite/shark called Bestseller Status. Have you heard of them? The email has only the authors name and Bestseller Status, and no address, phone number etc.

    I am guessing this is another scam.

    Where can I find a list of these scam parasite publishers please?

    Thank you.

    1. No, I have never heard of them, Sonia. But if you want to check the trustworthiness of publishers, refer to the link at the end of this article to Publishing services rated by ALLi. It’s the best resource to find problematic publishers.

    2. Avatar for Raymond Fenech Gonzi
      Raymond Fenech Gonzi

      For sure Sonia. No address, telephone or website are usually the first signs of a scam.

      No decent publisher will ever write to you to publish your work unless he is a vanity publisher or a bogus company.

      Today, most publishers put up notices saying they have such a backlog of MSS, that they will be closed for say a whole year. Look elsewhere and consult literary organizations who will recommend honest and prestigious publishers.

      Good luck

  7. Thanks for the great article. I have had a shady experience with “Pearl Press” who go on Twitter under the name ‘https://twitter.com/pearlpress1’. He also posts on the self-publishing subreddit under the name ‘https://www.reddit.com/user/PearlPress1/’
    They are non-transparent and I blame my own naivete for contacting this guy “Fred” without doing proper due diligence, but I would warn others about this so-called Press. He knows lots of helpful tips about the industry but seems a phishing scammer to get info on people’s projects.

    1. This is good info. I was ripped of from 2 publishing company. Author House, Xlibris, and Booktrails Agency. I’m still tryna get my money back after 1 and a half yrs..

  8. There is a book out called “Become Traditionally Published,” by L Horne. Nothing out there beats being traditionally published, no matter who tries to convince one otherwise. Yeah, you have those one in a million true blue success stories, such as Amanda Hockings, for example. The overwhelming average rank and file barely even sells a book. As BTP clearly explains in vivid details, one can still have great publishing success, and may well bank some money in the process, however.

  9. Beacon Books has $1700 of my money and I have nothing! Todd Adams was my agent also. I am to fool for trusting.

    1. I also got a call from one of Beacon Books. Wanted to market my book and so decided to give it a go. I’m not sure how they did it but I started receiving calls from bookstores to display my book

  10. Thanks for the post. I sense that you mean well but I also feel like your analysis is a bit simplistic.

    What is the vanity in “vanity publishing”? It refers to the author, the author who is not looking at publishing as a profit driven business (which it is) but as some kind of vehicle for their personal dreams of recognition.

    There are plenty of sharks for sure but I would be careful using the word scam.

    One of the fastest growing publishing companies is Callisto Media who approach writers and commission books on various subjects. They pay the author a set amount to write the book and the writer is credited as author, but that’s it…The writer gets no further money when their book becomes a bestseller, as many of Callistos books do.

    Is paying a writer 3K for a book that goes on to make the publisher 100k+ a scam? It’s certainly good business.

    If you want to just get your book published you can,
    1.Hire a book cover designer
    2.Hire a book formatter
    3. Hire a proofreader (optional)
    4. Login to KDP or IngramSpark and publish your book

    That’s it, job done.

    If you want to make money from your work you need to become a professional (self) publisher and take on ALL the work and effort to make that happen.

    There is no universe in which you write something and someone comes along and says “Your work here is done. Relax now while I go off and turn your book into a bestseller and blockbuster movie and give you all the money.”

  11. Avatar for Bobbie Suzanne Fitz
    Bobbie Suzanne Fitz

    Hi! Please let me know if you have been contacted by Rabiya Matthews of Silver Ink Literacy Agency. I am considering the opportunity to be reviewed by the Trifecta Review. It promises endorsement of the book to HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster. Just curious of any others have heard this.

    1. Silver Ink is another scammer! They promised me my book would be taken up by a well known publishing house once it was found to be ‘editorally sound’. It was to go before a board for final approval. This book had already be reviwed, reprinted, and had a five star Amazon rating.The scam? Well they wanted mevto pay $2000 for ‘corrections with no guarantee it would be accepted.!!

  12. amazon KDP will terminate an account over a book KDP blocks and when a book is blocked by KDP, they send you an email that you can change title or cover image and upload it again. However, sometimes it triggers a “book blocked” and just like myself and others a few days later. bam! account is terminated! I had nearly 1K titles. KDP, first of all, needs a better system… and if the user apologizes for a mistake and their account is in good standing (mine was!) that shouldn’t be grounds to automatically terminate. Also,Jeff Bezos needs to run KDP division better. (most KDP people are not in America…)

    1. ” Also,Jeff Bezos needs to run KDP division better. (most KDP people are not in America…)”

      Are you suggesting that KDP would be run better if it was only open to US citizens!?

  13. I call on any author who has made investments in the services provided by New Reader Media, New Reader Magazine, and New Reader International Consultancy. Services like animated trailers, screenplays, with promises that your books will make it to Hollywood. I know for a fact it’s a big fat no. Absolutely nothing will happen after you spend thousands of dollars that is a dead end. Show myself proof and everyone in the industry if there is any proof otherwise, thank you.

    1. Wow. I actually received a call this afternoon from Kelly Smith at New Reader Magazine. She told me she wanted to represent my book THE CONFESSIONAL and would send it to film makers for the tidy sum of $13,000 or they would write a treatment for $4,000+. Fortunately, I am aware that such scams are out there since I get scam calls and emails. Glad I know better than to commit.

  14. Does anyone know anything about Book Trail Agency? I just got a message that the radio talk show “Rebuilding Your Life Radio” with Susan Sherayko have invited me to a radio interview for a book that I had published. Does anyone know anything about Book Trail Agency or the Radio show? I have been contacted by so many marketers I have come to not trust any of them.

    1. Avatar for Jonathan D Biviano
      Jonathan D Biviano

      Scammer. For me they told me Kate Delaney wanted me on her radio show. They are phishing

  15. Wow, just received a call from Kevin Wilson with New Reader. I’m glad I googled him first, He left a voice message saying my book was chosen to be featured in their magazine. I called him back and he wanted to send me an email with a plan to market my book. No Thank you.

  16. ATTENTION: if New Reader Magazine, New Reader Media, New Reader International Consultancy, tries to contact you call the FBI immediately. NRM will try their best to offer services like Book Promotions, Animated Trailers, Screenplays, that go nowhere. They do not have any relationships with Hollywood, if you decide to do business with them I promise you will regret it.

    1. New Reader Media offers marketing services for writers and other creatives; visual artists, musicians, etc. Our clients are and will never be forced to sign a contract.

      In fact, when they’re unhappy with the service/s provided, we proactively offer a refund without hesitation.

      To solve your concern, we would like you to send an email to finance(at)newreadermagazine.com and/or to legal(at)newreadersinternational.com. We will take action immediately once we receive an email.”

      1. Oh yeah then where’s my refund. And why was I given a fake Netflix contract! All lies from this company they will not refund you.

  17. Often times I find myself wondering what Robert Roark, or Hemmingway would have done with their lives, had they came up during the past forty or fifty years. Would they have been the great literary success stories they were back in their day? RR got a job as a news paper reporter right out of high school. That in and of itself, boarders on being impossible in our present day. Two years later he was fired for being drunk on the job. He leaves this local paper, then lands a job on another paper in Maryland, where two years later he is fired again due to the same situation. There again, virtually impossible to do in our own time. Now he leaves this paper in Maryland, and lands a job at the Washington Tribune, for crying out loud here! I will say it again, in and of itself, a near impossibility!
    Hemmingway had a relative who landed him a job at the Kansas Star as a reporter. That, for all practical purposes, would be highly unlikely in our own time. I think he wrote movie scripts for Hollywood. There again, landing such a job is unheard of today, for the rank and file, although Hemmingway’s parents were wealthy doctors who more than likely had solid connections.
    On top of all these considerations, there is the publishing world of today. A number of Hemmingway’s books were not very successful until much later on. He would have never received any advance. More than likely he would have never been able to get them published, outside of doing it himself. So we go back to my first question; would these people have been the same great literary success stories in this present day? I seriously doubt it. So what would they have done instead? If they tried to live a literary lifestyle, would they have lived the life of Edgar Allen Poe instead?
    My personal answer to these questions is yes. The system we of our present day live under disregards natural talent, and my personal belief is that many persons with the ability of Raurk, Hemmingway, Fitzgerald, and many others, never even gets a second glance, which is very sad, and doesn’t speak well of the age we live in.

  18. I have been working with New Reader Magazine for close to 2 years. At first they were good, gave me a web site and displays in some stores, but then I started to see communication taper of bit by bit. They were working with my first publication but not my second. Now it has reached a point where the services I have been promised have not been fulfilled, I am following what avenues I have and considering legal action to see if this will have positive results. I have doubts this will prove successful. I did dig, but not deep enough. Beware the names Christian Smith, Kelly Smith, and Trixie Jean. They will tell you things, but remember the old saying, “Beware the one in the fine suit. Sweetest tongue, sharpest tooth.” Do not work with New Reader Magazine if you plan on being a successful writer.

    1. So. Reese Elton. Yup. Got that call today. I thought I had heard of New Reader Magazine and wondered why. ALLi has a whole slew of people just ripping them apart. I found more here. Great. I was so excited for the possibility of being represented to have my independently published book put in front of Hollywood people only to then read all this and more about them. Well, they suck! I’m not paying anyone to “release” work that’s already out there. Seriously? Are they out of their minds?

  19. I have been offered international movie marketability by Pearson Media Agency of Anaheim, California, with submission to Hollywood through further assessments. They promise a great deal, but ask for $3,200 towards costs of screen script etc. etc. etc.
    Since I am not tremendously well off, I wonder at the risk of this offer if I send them a check. My published book, which they praise and say passed a test of their editors, is Newsboy – Adventures from a Life in Journalism, From my start at age eight as a newsboy in Scotland in 1944, I have completed 75 years and still going in the newspaper business. At age 84, I am Editor Emeritus of the Riverview Park Review in Ottawa.

  20. I have received an unsolicited email from Deran Cody, Supposedly Production Manager of Pearson Media Group, Anaheim CA. He has indicated that my novel has been through a strict evaluation by their editors and he has offered to turn my novel into a film. Attachments to the emails were very professionaI in respect of portraying Pearson Media Group. I might add that many critics and readers have commented that the book would be well suited to become a film. My dilemma is that I don’t know whether this offer is legitimate or a scam. Were I to go ahead, I have been asked to contribute $5499 towards the Project Cost of $34299. It seems unusual to me that I would need to contribute when it is my book and copyright they want to access. Has anyone any comment.

    1. If a film company or agent like a work and wants to turn it into a movie, they will PAY YOU for the rights. They will not ask you for your money! These vanity companies scam people every day, they will take your money and do nothing or very little to actually promote your work. BEWARE!

    2. Hi.

      They contacted me also, and want $3,800.

      Who can I trust, and I don’t know their success rates.

      1. It’s so risky. I once asked someone about their success rate. The guy gave me some mumbo jumbo and never answered the question. I asked for some testimonials, but he couldn’t provide any. A reputable company surely will have testimonials. But for shady companies like these, I probably wouldn’t trust the testimonials. They might be paid for their testimonials.

  21. Ran into an elegant three-way fraud between Biblio Avenue LTD, Author Media Express and a guy representing himself as Kevin Burns of Prometheus Entertainment (Curse if Oak island).

    The original pitch was for a book review and a treatment for a three-book series for potential video clients from Biblio Avenue and “David Blake” (Filipino accent).. Money paid to “Sonny Bernus” who is Filipino.
    Before the dust settled, I got an unsolicited email from “Burnskevin209(at)yahoo.com saying he was that Kevin Burns and expressing interest, urging me to get register for BEA in NYC in May and to set up an interview with Ric Bratton. The bill for BEA was from Bernus and the one from Author Media Express for the interview initially said “BEA ” altho I had not mentioned that.
    When I asked for an email from the Prometheus showing that “Burnskevin” was authentic, he disappeared. When I demanded and authentic contract from Edz Rellermo monsales (the Audio Media Express contact), I was chided for being so naive and then he disappeared along with the David Blake.
    It was all a fraud. Paypal got my money back for the first enstallment

  22. Have you heard about the Al Cole CBS Radio interview? I got an email and phone call wanting me to do an interview.

    1. I was contacted by Todd Adams, he has a Philippine accent and says he grew up in Mexico but does not speak Spanish.

      1. Hi Anette. Yes. I submitted my unpublished manuscript back early last year. paid four thousand grand. It’s quite slow but they did found 2 deals for me but I declined. I found the offer too low. One was for $50k and the other was just $65k. I think Todd is upset with my decision of not accepting the deal. They earn once a deal is closed. The hunt still continues. lol.

        1. I have been with Beacon Books Agency for 8 months now. I used to have 8 books with another publisher but decided to have them republished with Beacon Books. I spoke to marketing director Todd twice and to his book agents several times. The republishing process wasn’t that smooth like I expected it to be, but their strength is in marketing and book selling. After 6 months, I signed up a deal with a literary agent to represent one of my works. So far, my book sales almost hit the figure they guaranteed, but it’s a far improvement from my previous publisher. I also paid to market the other 7 books, but now it’s still a wait-and-see.

          1. I don’t really have high expectations from companies assisting self-published authors, but Beacon Books has been amazing at what they do. I have been with them for 2 years now. The others promise you the moon and the stars, but Beacon Books promises less but delivers more.

  23. TCK Publishing is a scum-scam company run by scam artist Tom Corson-knowles that should be at the top of every writer’s “BEWARE” list. TCK Publishing takes your books then just publishes them for you through Amazon KDP–something any writer can already do for free on their own–then leaves everything else up to you while they sit back and take a huge cut of all your book’s profits. They used to charge their authors publishing fees as well as charge them “hidden” fees if their books didn’t sell well and also charged their writers to gain their books’ rights back, but they have recently stop this foul practice because of so much bad feedback and talk about them on internet forums from those they scammed. TCK Publishing preys on ignorant authors. BEWARE TCK PUBLISHING!!!

  24. New Reader Magazine reached out to me about my self-published book. She gave her name and contact number (which was a ‘917’ area code), but did not say the name of the company she worked for. When I pressed for the information, she told me, but seemed reluctant to do so. I sensed a language barrier between us, and when I asked where she was located, she said Hong Kong. I requested to speak to someone on shore in The States, but she said she was not able to transfer me, because they are a 3rd party vendor. I said I don’t like dealing with outsourced call centers and wanted to speak to someone from their office in New York, but she had no way to transfer me. Throughout our conversation, she kept telling me about their desire to have a partnership with me, which would be an investment on my part. But each time I asked for specifics (costs, fees, etc.) she would repeat those same talking points. I was getting increasingly annoyed, and I pressed further for details regarding upfront costs and fees. She hung up on me twice, and both times when I called back, I got her voicemail. Finally, I called the toll-free number listed on Google (their own website does not contain any contact info) and got another person in Hong Kong! Do NOT do business with these people. They are a scam!

    1. Thank you i just received call today from these people saying they wanted to adapt my book into either movie or a tv series she gave her name as Reese Elton but i couldn’t find Reese Elton that work for new reader magazine and she told me i she would call again tomorrow to discuss more details and i would have to pay 5000 to get started even though they want my book

  25. Legitimate agents don’t ask for payment up front. They get paid by the publisher when the publisher accepts your book.

    1. My mother found BookLeaf Publishing. Asked me to look into it. Im having doubts about the company, I’ve only read an agreement form. Anyone have any information ?

  26. I recently was contacted by Dream Books Distribution for a screen play based on my recently published book. They ask for a fee to register my book with Hollywood Data base & other marketing services. Please let me know if you have had any experience with them. Much appreciated.

  27. I was also contacted by the New Reader Magazine. They said they are a New York LLC but NY department of taxes told me no such LLC existed. I decided NOT to go with them. If any consolation, they asked me for $10,000.

  28. Do anyone know something at all about Urlink book Publishing from Wyoming
    is they a scam?

  29. Avatar for Alithea Robinson
    Alithea Robinson

    i have been scammed by new readers and I want the world to know! I hope this reach everyone who is wondering are they a scam. I let Jerry Bilson talk me out of $3000 for a book campaign that never happened. After waiting for a over a month for the project to be delivered I cancelled and ask for a refund and they never got back to me. They wont return my call or email. I even found out the address they use is not the real location. They are not at 100 church st.. I am currently working with the FTC for internet frauds, as well as filing a compliant with the Attorney generals office and the bbb.
    They take hopeful artist and sell them a dream as though we are not working hard enough for a break.
    It is so easy for them to scam because the “staff” are so professional, the website is flawless and they have impeccable customer service but they are a whole entire fraud!

    1. Avatar for New Reader Media
      New Reader Media

      Hi Alithea,

      Thank you very much for sharing this information.

      We apologize about this experience you had. We know how you feel and if we were in your shoes, we would probably do the same thing. We’d like to point out that New Reader Media has always been doing it’s best in providing a good experience for every client we work with which is why we’d like to explain our side in this matter.

      The program we offered is good for a 6-month preparation in production before we launching it.

      You signed the contract last 13th of March. We gave you time to submit your requirements and time for us to complete the necessary partnership, platforms ans etc. We even continued to prepare even though the shared portfolio you submitted was incomplete.

      Alithea,we are still willing to work with you but in any case you feel unhappy about the service, the refund policy is open for executing.

      We will be waiting for your reply or we will have our finance team reach out to you asap.

      Thank you.

      1. Avatar for Eileen Declemente
        Eileen Declemente

        My wife who at a certain time I will devoulge her name , we were just taken advantage of as well for $3000 . The initial cost was $6000 to giving false hope . The promise to make a trailer for an investor & ultimately a movie . It’s so easy for these so called publishing companies to sound good to people that aren’t strong in the book business. Actually there was a representative who was the driving force was a really sincere tone & promising to put here best effort moving forward. The last two emails from her were apologetic which shows that the effort fell empty once they used the $ for their lame effort to give my wife who has Alztimers. She wanted so much to help one person who was in their addiction. Getting to the point of my story New readers has really talk the talk but can’t walk the walk !!! Shame on them , this isn’t a slam to New readers magazine, just another disgruntled human being, disappointed & getting more frustrated on who do you trust anymore. There has been calls & emails that promise results with 3 easy payments, after this last loss to new readers , only good faith could make me think the owner might have a conconcious , we will see , ALIVE has been a true story about love , lies & addiction. Eileen

        1. Hi Eileen,

          Thank you very much for sharing this information.

          We apologize about what has happened. As always, we’d like to point out that New Reader Media will continue providing a good experience for every client we work with. So receiving these kind of feedback is a great deal for us.

          Your screenplay service and teaser is ready for submission with our agent. If you still wish to terminate the project we will follow our refund policy protocol.

          We will wait for your response.

          Thank you.

      2. Avatar for Robert Fischbach
        Robert Fischbach

        I had the same experience. Has anybody had a good outcome from New Reader Magazine?

        1. Avatar for Johnson M Wachira
          Johnson M Wachira

          I was confronted by Dorrance publishers and paid $ 6,800 to publish my bk ” The Gospel of Truth for REPENTANCE for the church of God called SAINTS ” after accepting it and said it is to be their Title and never received a dime.
          I see the bk is still on market with Amazon

      3. Yeah they make these responses on the internet so that others reading this will see it as them working and still have somewhat of a good reputation. If this was a reputable company why would they ignore this person in the first place why would they wait for this person to complain on the internet before responding? If they needed more stuff from her they would have asked her or answered her phone calls when she called in the first place.

  30. I just realized that I had been taken by cindyhill@bookthoughtspublishing. She played a convincing part in pretending to manage marketing for my book with ALA and ACLR events in 2019. She even provided a contract and provided for a payment plan in which she took my money. She promised to keep me apprised of the markeing status and provide proof of my book listing in these events, but then she never followed up. I found out later that my book was never presented at the events as she claimed, and I had been taken for a fool. As I tried to trace her down, the websites and youtube sites for bookthoughtspublishing were abandoned and then taken down. As I imagine she is reworking her scam under another name, I would avoid any publishing company with “thoughts” in their name, just to be safe.

  31. OK, I was just approached by New Reader International. They found a book of mine already out there, (self published) and I am in London and they called me from New York. I was running out the door so could not really speak to the guy who said “we scout talent and we think you have it, we would like to invest in your writing and offer you a book deal with a literary agent, etc.” and since I could not talk, was already late for an appointment they said they would call me back that evening…did not call back. Is this a SCAM? As usual, if it is too good to be true it usually is, eh? He left a message on my cell phone with all the numbers to get back to him, The original call I took was on my home phone. I cant imagine how he got both of these phone numbers! Anyone got any advice or same experience here? Thanks!

    1. I’ve just had a message from the same company, my publisher said he’s never heard of them and to be cautious.
      They offered a movie deal ( sounds a bit out there) but I thought of ringing back and if they start asking for money just tell them I’m skint and hang up. Anyone know how much an international call to New York is?

      1. I was just contacted by New Reader. I have a book published and they said an “editor read it and gave it an A+” I couldn’t talk at the time, so decided to look up the company. I’m glad I did.

    2. I was contacted by “Viktoria Price” on my cell phone, who later called on my home phone, just like you. She said she worked for New Reader Magazine, but that the magazine was just one part of an international marketing and PR firm. They were interested in one of my books (I have 16, with two publishers, 90% ebook sales) and wanted to get it into bookstores. I asked about money. Viktoria said, “Well yes, it is a partnership, there would be an investment on your part…” I said, “Thanks, goodbye.”

      Avoid.

    3. Hey Shawn….I received a call from New Reader Magazine today. Since I never answer calls from unknown numbers, I let the person leave a voicemail. The woman caller identified herself as Reese Elton and said, quote: “We are interested to invest and partner with you on your book. Let me discuss the details. Please call me back.” She didn’t divulge the name of the company she was calling from. A few minutes later I received a text message with the same information. I texted back and said my book was self-published in January 2018 and that it was currently being sold through the printer’s online bookstore, Amazon and eBay. I also stated that I would need the name of the company before considering “partnering” with anyone. She then gave me the name of the company – New Reader Magazine – and told me to look at their website and download their latest issue of the magazine. I thanked her and said I would do further research and speak with my financial advisor prior to making any decisions. I then looked at their website and then did an internet serach for reviews of the company and up popped the “Just Publishing Advice” page with all of these comments. I figured New Reader Magazine was a scam and didn’t plan to contact them back, but it’s always wise for anyone receiving an unsolicited call to do their research before getting involved with a place like that, no matter how “professional” they sound!

  32. Hi, just wondering if anyone had heard of a new independent publishing house called “Cranthorpe Millner”? Was approached by them on LinkedIn. They have published the autobiography of The Chase judge Dark Destroyer. However, when I checked out their website they seem to offer this side business of ‘Appraisal’ where authors can submit the first 10,000 words for some honest even brutal review of their work according to the lead editor. Seems suspicious, like a paid reading fee of some kind like dodgy literary agents offer? Any help / info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

    1. Hey I’m currently being published by Cranthorpe Millner. So far I have to pay $3000 to get published but I’d pay half that for self publishing anyway and this way I have a team behind me. I’m not yet convinced it’s the right route but I’ll let you know how the process goes once I’ve been through it.

    2. Avatar for Valerie Thompson
      Valerie Thompson

      I was approached by a firm in America
      who found a book of mine wanted permission to put it into The Book Excellence Awards said it had potential
      Phoned over a few nights cost was 549 dollars
      I went through with it promises of possible film and tv and interviews asked for more money later
      I previously cancelled payment then got email protesting he was a legitimate co so I went ahead with it
      But all promises and money given was
      never came to fruition paid out for the extra that was free competition was only charge
      Have written several times asking for a refund no return
      Has anyone had dealings with Matchstick Literary Atlanta if not don’t
      Definite Scam
      Valerie

  33. I promised to inform everyone of my conversation with Mr. Givens at Global Summit House. After I repeated pretty much what I said in my email, I waited to hear what he had to say. He did say that he understands my concern and that he’d be happy to read my book if I sent him a copy. Well that’s not going to happen. If he can’t afford to spend a couple bucks on me, then why should I spend hundreds with his company? In the end, he didn’t respond to any of my questions or concerns. He quickly finished the conversation by saying, “let’s not waste anymore of each other’s time”. And then hung up. That was my experience but I put a little presser on Global Summit House. I’d be willing to bet that I will continue to receive calls from Global Summit House in the future.

  34. FYI, throughout May and April I’ve received 13 calls from Global Summit House. A Frank Givens somehow also got my email address and told me about a book fair coming up at the end of May in New York City. Instead of ignoring him, I decided to reply to his email. In short I told him that I get at least one or two calls a month from publishing companies he’s wanting to either publish or republish my book. I also told him that I doubt that anybody at his company has even read my book. I did not say anything derogatory, only that they offer the same services at every other company does and I have to pay for it. I went on to tell him that at Book Fairs, my book will be sitting under a tent, just like dozens, maybe hundreds of other publishers promoting their clients books. I am not interested in this type of publicity. I looked at their website and it was only registered in May of 2018, yet they claim to be a well-known company. I also noticed that they have literary agents. In short I told him that these were true literary agents they would not charge me any fee because I believe in my book, and only take a percentage of my book sales. To my surprise I got a callback today from Mr Givens. All he said is he got my email and responded to it and then went on to say that they are very interested in representing me it’s a Book Expo in New York. I plan on calling Mr. Givens back just to hear what he has to say. If they can offer me promotion without me giving up my book rights, then maybe we can work out something. But I doubt that will be the case. To all my fellow authors out there, don’t let your ego get in your way when it comes to your book. These days there are dozens of companies playing off of people’s desire to be a well-known author, while at the same time taking their money. In the end you may sell a few extra books but that’s it. Eventually, you could wind up spending thousands and thousands of dollars and only sell a few books. Don’t make that mistake. Anything these companies offer, with a little research you can do them yourself. You can hire editors, design graphics people for your cover, and even Ghost writers. After I talk to Mr. Givens, if he had anything useful to share I will post it here. Good luck to everyone.

  35. Attention everyone, my name is Manny Pelaez and I promise I will tell everyone the results of New Reader Magazine. I’m waiting for the production team to finish storyboard and 4 minute animated trailer for the movie agent to begin negotiations. This project is at it’s end in June it’s going on one full year. I will announce the results, furthermore, I have another project that the screenwriters are doing the screenplay, storyboard, and the animators work. I ask for work being done before giving out any payments, I would like to add that in June I’m going to be featured as a contributor on their magazine. I decided to take the full ride with them, I am also watching carefully everything they do, if success comes out I will announce to everyone the results, I will also give how much financially was involved. If anyone knows of any other company that does this type of work tell everyone don’t stay silent, authors, and the literary world to share valuable information for guidance to others, thank you.

    1. I have been contacted by Blair Mason of New Reader Magazine. I am ready to sign a contract but want to know the results of your experience with them. Thank you.
      Joanne Reiner

    1. Hi, no. But i have decided against NRM. I think they are scammers and Manny prob works for them. The guy who contacted me got a ‘casting director’ to call me after 6 days of emails back and forth. And he still didnt answer one of my questions fully.
      He spoke exactly the same as the guy from NRM and asked me when i’d make a decision on the investment. I didnt get his name to check him out funnily enough. Why would a ‘casting director’ do that?
      I’m steering clear.

  36. New Reader Magazine is currently working on two fully digital animated trailers each are from different projects. The first one will be 4 minutes with characters, sound etc. The storyboard is being done also, the script is also done, at any moment it will be done, negotiations begin with a movie agent representative to all the production companies that are interested, I will give everyone the results, In June I’m being featured as a contributor on the magazine full articles. The other project is a 40 minute fully digital animated trailer, the screenwriters are doing the script and storyboard also. This project will take time but I will also give the results, in detail financially also. I would like to add, give people information of companies that are good, myself I believe that giving other authors valuable information this world can become better and the companies that are bad tell everyone and report them to the authorities.

  37. I have two projects ongoing with New Reader Magazine and I will give the results once available, and this will shut up everyone that has any doubts, I stopped dealing with book publishing companies especially XLibris, because that’s a scam, they charge you a fortune for marketing and the royalties are a joke, at least in the Hollywood industry there’s way more money, everyone be patient that I will give the results soon, thank you Manny Pelaez.

    1. Hello Manny, have you got any results yet? I am intrigued as i have recently been approached by NRM and i am,not sure if they are genuine.

  38. Xlibris îs part of Author Solutions and has been flagged on AlLi’s list of publishers to avoid for a very long time. Author Solutions has a long history of problems and legal issues.

  39. Anyone know of an HONEST and RELIABLE Publishing house that is not out to take advantage of new and dumb authors who don’t know when they are being skinned alive? Xliberis sold me a package that they told me would include placement on Amazon Barnes and Noble etc. Yesterday they sold me another item for “Books a million” for $200 more. I am getting concerned that they are ripping me off.

    1. Xlibris will probably keep asking you for more money so don’t give them anymore! Tell them that if they want more money you’ll have to see at least enough royalties to cover you costs so far, otherwise they’ll keep asking for more money!

  40. In October, 2018, I was approached by Brian Mandoza who was with Carter Press. I had a children’s book and decided to publish it with them. I paid a deposit on October 26, 2018. Soon after, the company changed to BookVine. Soon after that, the phone number and email to Brian no longer worked. In December, I received contact from someone else and was told this man no longer worked there and now the company was Bookwhip. I sent an email and cancelled the contract and they gave me my money back in full. Today is April 4, 2019 and they are still advertising my book on their website, plus it’s at Amazon.com, Books-A-Million.com and many others. I know there have been sales on the book but I have not received any royalties over these past few months. I have called them and the manager has yet to return my call. DON’T USE THESE PEOPLE for your publisher!!!

  41. I have just started to work with Xliberis and so far I am starting to get worried that they are just looking for $$$$ . It seems that all or part of conversations that I have had with anyone there sound like “Indians” the kind from India. When it comes to money they always show a number and the a 50 % discount. They talk about getting my work on Amazon etc. I have committed to pay them $2,000.00 for publishing nd MARKETING. Then yesterday they hit me up for another $200.00I am staring to feel like I am being led on. I am a SENIOR Citizen who like to write stories that are on the sexy, exotic side. They told me that they would be able to publish as long as the characters were of age of consent. Should I continue with XLiberis or cut my losses and run for the hills??

    1. They do only request money. You can self-publish on your own and have your work added on Amazon and any other book markets.

  42. I had my book, my life experience as a Canadian Aboriginal published by Xlibris in 2011 and they did an excellent job of editing I, doing the cover and left everything up to me for my written approval. I’m a Canadian Aboriginal, formerly called Indians and if my book was published in Canada the story would have been distorted to the point that there would have been very little, if any truth to the story! Then I spent phenomenal money advertising and promoting my book and copies went very fast at book fairs when I was autographing them and giving them away.

    Unfortunately that’s as far as it went! I got next to nothing in royalties and in 2016 Xlibris asked me for $15,500.00 for a publicist and I would have ABSOLUTELY no way of knowing if the were just going to take my money and say they got a publicist then just give me a little bit of money! Then in 2017 asked me for $1,500.00 to try and get Indigo, Canada’s largest book store chain to market my book. An author shouldn’t have to pay a publishing company to try and market their book in a large book store chain, the publisher should be doing that to increase sales. There used to be a website titled pissedconsumer.com/xlibris/rt-f,html with many complaints about Xlibris.

  43. I have been contacted by Newman Springs and when I tried to contact them by Email it was rejected. I tried two different Email addresses to the same person and both were rejected. I think I will keep walking. Any feed back about Xliberis Publishing in Indiana?

  44. Avatar for Kathleen A. Lawler
    Kathleen A. Lawler

    All I can say is DO NOT USE FIVERR!! Every single “freelancer” I contacted, probably 10-12, were all,
    a) in Nigeria, which should have sent off bells, b) submitted totally unprofessional work that they obviously did not know how to do, and c) will try very hard to convince you to up the price, prophesize. to you about Jesus, and d) try to get you to send them money for something: trip to USA, bills, overhead to continue to be a freelancer, some medical issue, and the list goes on. Asking then where they were REALLY located, all admitted Nigeria.

    I am sure there are honest Nigerians doing this work, I just never found any. I deleted the app.

  45. It was interesting to read what all the authors had to say about New Readers. I too got the same information but my quoted price was $17,500 to promote my book. They pay $10,000, I pay $7,500. This is a 50 page young readers book. The deal included what was covered by other people it would be in 3 bookstores of my choice and all the internet promo. Looks like the price is more expensive for little books! Oh, they also were going to be printing it themselves only in hard copy. It was also $24,ooo to get a screenplay written to be sent to the powers that be, to make it into a film. I would pay $14,000 of that. I understand another person did some research and contacted these libraries and there is no banner and magic shelf in their libraries. The guy I talked to seemed nervous at times, some of my basic questions he could not answer. He would have to go to management. The contract was full of typos, misspelled words. You know what they say, “Just say no!” THE END

  46. I too have been contacted by New Reader, with talk of a screen play and a film deal.
    They sound very convincing but has anyone experienced a successful contract with them?

  47. This entire situation with New Reader Magazine can only go two ways: either do exactly what they promise they can do, meaning landing film contracts, nothing else because promoting books is a waste of time. The other is failing to do what they promise and being exposed for everyone to know, which will cause them to go bankrupt and start up FBI investigations everywhere, it won’t end well for them. They ask me for more money with a animated children’s book that is very special, my other project they didn’t ask for more money, please, keep in mind that investing in something that is a billion dollar Industry is a no brainer, the financial benefits are remarkable, that said, only with legitimate and respectable companies that have credibility. To end this, New Reader Magazine has to prove themselves and have successful stories to show everyone they are the real deal, I will tell everyone my results as soon as they finish.

  48. Certainly, they are in business to make money by presenting authors what looks like a favorable deal. Whether they will ask for more money is unknown. All an author can do is evaluate the deal and ask, “Can I realistically expect to make back my investment plus a profit, based on what they are promising to do for me?” My own answer to that question was, “No way.”

  49. Is New Reader Magazine in business to promote books and get film contracts for them or are they in business to make money off authors by presenting what looks like a fantastic deal then asking for more money?

  50. I currently have two projects with New Reader Magazine, the first one this June 2019 it will be one year, hopefully when they finish the book trailer the movie agent lands a film contract. The second one will take seven months for the animators to finish, the bottom line is landing film contracts period. No one is in this business to waste time, I personally will tell everyone what the results are, New Reader Magazine forms a partnership for the absolute reason to make money, if not that company will go out of business. I don’t mine investing money as long as it produces results, we all shall see soon what the end results are which that is key.

  51. I recently was contacted by the New Readers Media about my recently published book. They sent me their agreement which to me was totally one sided. For example, they say “money back guarantee”, however, according to the agreement, they may cancel, or, change the terms of the agreement at any time with or without cause. Yet, if they cancel or change the agreement & I do not agree with the changes, they keep major portion of my payment & return to me the balance. This is very alarming to me because “cancellation or modification clause” supersedes the guarantee. I asked NRM, if they actually guarantee sale of screen play option, why don’t they pay the entire amount & then deduct it from the sale proceeds to which they did not have a convincing answer.
    They said total cost of publicity & full feature screen play is $20,000. They pay 50% of it & I pay the balance. In return they get 30% of the option price offered by the film production company.
    I read the reviews & it appears that nobody can say with assurance whether New Readers Media actually brings an offer for the screen play. Additionally, it seems that once you sign the agreement, they may keep asking for more money.
    I like to know if anybody actually received offer for the screen play and made money with NRM.
    Thanks.

  52. I too was contacted by New Reader Magazine but didn’t have the money they wanted. If they are legit, ask for a link of something the have produced. If you get something please share it with us.

  53. I would look at this just like you were going to hire a contractor to do a job on your house. Just like asking for references, I would ask what other movies they have produced. If they do provide you with a name, get more than one, Then ask to get in touch with the author’s and asked them about their experience and if they had to pay more than what you have already been told; were they satisfied, etc.. If the company gives you some BS line like, “that information is confidential”, then that to me is a big red flag. If they are legit, then they would want you to talk to their other clients. Good luck.

  54. Ok, Thankyou very much! And yes what you are saying is true. Yet, they offered a partnership to promote the book to get a film contract….., but what if they are not in business during the 6-9 months business partnership…

    1. The film contract they find might require more money from you. They don’t say that it won’t. I just think you can do better for less money.

  55. My name is Manuel Pelaez and I also received an email from New Reader Magazine, Kelly Smith is the senior associate handling everything, my trilogy action novel books are being made into a film adaptation and it’s at the final stages for bidding, this cost me $6,600 dollars and my other project a children’s book is being made into a fully animated motion picture, so far this has cost me $7,000 dollars, this project is part of other investors costing $149,000 dollars, my part is $35,000 dollars, I want to be crystal clear that if I don’t receive any financial gains on anything, plus receive official documentations are given to me, I will not give out anymore money period, so far I’ve been featured on spotlight in NewReaderMedia, and waiting to be featured on NewReaderMagazine as a contributor, I hope that New Reader Magazine is the real deal, soon I’ll find out.

      1. They are legit, as far as I know, but you have to ask yourself whether you want to lay out $4,000 for a website and a very small ad in an on-line magazine. They may or may not succeed in placing your book in bookstores (many bookstores refuse), and anyway Amazon.com is where you really need the book placed. Also, NRM doesn’t guarantee any sales. They say you’ll get your money back, but they might no longer be in business when you go looking for the money and you may need to hire a lawyer to try to get the money. It’s not worth it, in my opinion. A website is easy to do yourself or you can hire it out for about $500. The ad looks useless to me. I think they may be legit but their price is way to high and what they’re offering is too little.

  56. Avatar for GERALDINE FORTNEY
    GERALDINE FORTNEY

    Covenant Books, Inc., 11661 Hwy 707, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 has emailed me a formal offer to publish my children’s book, “Brownie and Me”. They want me to sign a contract and pay $395 down and $295 a month for 10 months. It sounds like a good deal to me, but my daughter told me it sounds like a scam.

  57. NRM contacted me with the offer of promotion, three bookstores of my choice, a website, etc. for $4100. I would get 50% of the profits from sales after the cost of book production, or about $3 per book. I already get this from my publisher, VirtualBookworm, whom I highly recommend as an ethical, affordable, and reliable self-publisher. VRM is offering to promote my book, which it “selected” from many others. So I looked at two similar books that they have also selected and featured in their magazine, and from what I can see their promotion has done nothing for book sales. One book has only two Amazon reviews since it was featured in New Reader Magazine, and the other book has absolutely NO reviews, and the excerpt I read was so full of grammatical errors that I found it unpleasant to read. Neither book had a gripping appeal to be read. I was not impressed and I don’t plan to give them $4100. Please let me know if anyone out there has had success with NRM and recommends them.

  58. Avatar for Bradley Layton PhD PE
    Bradley Layton PhD PE

    Authors Beware of New Reader Scam
    On December 20, 2018, “Kevin Wilson” from New Reader called me asking for $4,000 in exchange for promotion of my book, Zero Waste in the Last Best Place, in five prominent bookstores, including The Strand in New York, Elliot Bay in Seattle, Powell’s in Portland, and City Lights in San Francisco. Kevin told me that his editor had read my book, liked it very much and wanted to include it in an exclusive promotion that New Reader was going to be running on DIY books for the first quarter of 2019, that they already had three authors selected, that they were seeking two more, and I was one of these two lucky individuals. To be included in this elite group, I had to make a decision by December 22nd. I was skeptical, as I had already wasted $10,000 on a lackluster promotion effort by Danielle Grobmeier and Rian Rosado of Lavidge. After consulting with my attorney, and several other Montana authors and media professionals, they suggested I call these book stores, and get testimonials from other New Reader clients. I did. None of the book stores had ever heard of New Reader or had ever done any business with them. Kevin sent me the phone number of Manuel in Florida who told me that New Reader was currently turning his trilogy into a movie. Manuel also mentioned a few movies that New Reader had been involved in, but was conspicuously unspecific regarding the details. Kevin told me that it was very important that I make a decision before the end of the year as they would not likely run a DIY feature for another couple years. I countered the offer on December 22nd at 5pm, one hour before he closed his shop for the day, telling Kevin that I would put the $4,000 in an escrow account that we would draw down from as New Reader met its promotion and sales goals of 200 – 300 sales per month. At this point he went dark. I’m writing this on the second-to-last full business day of 2018. Kevin Wilson and New Reader are engaged in criminal behavior.

    Kevin’s initial message is below:

    Dear Bradley Edward Layton,

    This is Kevin Wilson from New Reader International – Media, Magazine and Digital Film company.

    Our chief editor has read your book and recommended to have it featured on the next issue of our magazine. It’s also one out of five projects that we’re considering to be forwarded to our film partners for a movie adaptation. We would love to discuss with you our interest in investing for this book. We will willing to invest half of the total cost of this campaign and looking to creating a partnership with you.

    With this campaign, we are targeting to land a film contract. You will be getting seventy percent of the money stipulated in the film contract. Your commitment and satisfaction is very important to us. If you are not satisfied with the result after six months of our work. We will be able to reinstate your investment – MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.

    I tried contacting you but I couldn’t reach your number. You can reach me at xxxxxxxx

    Please ring me back as soon as you receive this.

    Sincerely,

    Kevin Wilson
    Senior Business Development Associate

    1. I edited your comment during moderation to remove personal contact details, Bradley.

      But I have to say that while it might be a scam, there is no proof of criminality. However, it always pays to be very wary of unsolicited offers.

    2. Mr. Layton, I too just yesterday, received a request from NRM (Kevin Wilson). However mine wasn’t as lengthy, but basically read the same. He said my book was submitted to them by his list of avid editors from NY and they were loooking to feature my book ON the June issue of their magazine. They spoke of investing $$ in my book etc etc. I checked out the latest issues of the magazine, and didn’t care for what I saw. So, I didn’t return his call. Not interested. He also told me that he tried to reach me by phone, but couldn’t get ahold of me. Well…I checked my phone for either of his phone numbers listed, and guess what…NOT THERE.

  59. I wrote a children’s book but felt my 1st attempt at publishing was a scam. Wanted me to buy a package for alot of money. Can someone help me with what 1st step i should take to get my book published? I really would like to make this book a reality.

  60. I have been contacted by at least a half a dozen different publishers wanting to republish the novel I published in 2013. Each of them have said that my book was chosen because it contained all the elements of a successful novel. Personally, I believe that these publishing companies are preying on the egos of previous published writers. I’m sure they will fulfill all the services that they promise, but at a price. However, they cannot promise that your book will be any more successful that it was previously. In my opinion, these are simply vanity publishers, reaching out to writers who have previously published a book, trying to make money.

  61. Have had some communication with both Newman Springs Publishing from NJ and Pace Publishing concerning my first novel. I like the soup-to-nuts turnkey format but I’m wary. Any feedback would be appreciated

  62. Archway Publishers from Simon & Shuster contacted me. But I read in the intetnet that they too are scascammed… Has anyone been contacted by Archway?
    Thanks so much…

    Alize H.

  63. For your interest…… Received this today and was elated as my focus is attempting to get past the gatekeepers and try and get a pitch with a film production company. However this was unsolicited and of course, will tread very carefully treating, the contact with suspicion and interrogate them to find the pitfalls. The first warning is they have NOT tried to contact me today or in the past, and am fairly sure my phone number has not been publicised. I don’t fancy a long distance chat at my expense which could be loaded with `blather` ….so my contact will be by paper trailing via emails. Will keep you posted. ??

    Michael,
    This is Christian Smith from New Reader International. Your book has been partially reviewed by our 3rd party research team based on location , genre, and category, and we would love to work with you on this one since your book is one of the 5 projects we’re considering as an option to be forwarded to our film partners for a movie adaptation. We want to hear your thoughts about how you want the storyline to flow. I tried contacting you but I couldn’t reach your number . What is your best phone number ? Please phone me back as soon as you receive this. Be blessed.

    Truly yours,

    Christian Smith
    Senior Business Development Associate
    100 Church Street
    Suite 800
    New York NY, 10007

    1. They also contacted me and I have to say they were very professional and convincing. I contacted my lawyer and sent him the contract. He advised not to sign with them. They want $4600 up front for my share of the partnership, they cover the other half. If I’m not satisfied with the results of the campaign at the end of 6 months I get a full refund. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

    2. That sounds just like the text I received from Kelly Smith at NRM. I called her back and talked to her, but I have a hearing problem and so have difficulty understanding people with accents. SHe did tell me the “partnership was for $18,000 to submit my books to movie producers, and I would need to pay half. When I told her I was a senior citizen on limited Social Security and my books weren’t making me that much money, she said here was another option which would just cost me $1.500. She agreed to email me the particulars which I just received today. But I do not think I will do it. Agents generally just take a percentage after they’ve sold your project. You should not have to pay upfront..

  64. New Reader has called and emailed me saying that they are interested in sponsorship or partnership with me with a book I am currently writing? They are aware of the subject and content of my book.
    Has anyone ever had them make an offer like this to you? Thanks.

    1. I was just offered a partnership with them, too, but on the advice of my lawyer I think I’m going to pass. They started out by saying my share of the partnership would be $4000, yet the contract asks for $4600. They supposedly put up the rest to equal $8000, and if I’m not satisfied with the results at the end of my 6 month contract I will get all my money back, and get to keep everything they created for marketing purposes for my own use.

      I checked out their website, looks professional, and I admit that their approach was very professional. I had concerns over the 3 author’s testimonials on their home page though. One had no Amazon author page. One had no author pic or bio on Amazon. The other had neither. When I asked, stating that didn’t they think having an Amazon author page was important with regards to marketing I was told that some authors don’t want to be discovered or famous. So, then, why would they sign up with a marketing company? Sounded fishy to me.

  65. There’s a lady with thick accent that kept calling me since last month. She says she’s from a company Book77 Publishing. I checked their website and got nothing but shady promises and “testimonials” without any proof who these authors are. Gut feels says they are scam. I immediately asked to not be called ever again. They were offering $1,000+ of useless marketing services.

  66. I have received this call about taking a little course for $9.00 per month then if they like my stuff that they would publish and something about editing etc. 30 day free trial. I was really excited at first then suddenly my feet got cold and old saying come thru my mind. If it sounds real good it more likely RUN the other way! I really appreciate the help from other writers about who to stay away from. I think this company name was Ievers. Spelling I’m not sure of or where they are from.
    Thank you

  67. I was contacted by Harper Media and stupidly paid them $1299. They gave me a website and follow up within 30 days of impressive numbers. They were supposed to follow up with two more months of media release and didn’t. They took down my website and never answered any emails or calls. Now blocking both. I contacted the BBB. Very disappointed. Now New Readers Magazine is calling. Frustrating who to trust.

  68. I self-published a book in 2013. I have not done any marketing in at least 2+ years. For some reason, during the past 6 months, I’ve had a half a dozen unsolicited phone calls from companies that want to republish my book. They each had an ambiguous reasons how my book was picked, but each claimed that someone did read it and passed it on to the sales rep. They all said how great my book was and that it could even be made into a movie. After doing some research on the internet I realize that each of these companies, in my opinion, are nothing more then a republishing scam. One company was pressuring me to pay them without even a contract because their fair was coming up soon. It started at $2,500 and ended up offering a fee of $1000. Each company offered various services that I could buy, and they probably would republish my book and place it at a book fair or send it to a movie agent. However, the cost that they wanted to charge for their services was outrageous. I could do it all myself at little or no cost. It’s a shame that so many companies are now preying on individuals who dream of having a best-selling book.

  69. Author Pro somehow found out that I had self published a book and offered to sponsor it for a price. They also kept calling me but that set up red flags! Something may not be right and they asked for too much! Always check out someone like that before making any decisions! A lady who published her book on escaping an abusive relationship set up a website stating that she was scammed! There was also a report on line that they take you money then you don’t hear from them again!

  70. Great article on navigating the sometimes shark-filled waters of self-publishing. Keep up the great work.
    Thanks
    Cary

  71. I’m working on my first book of poetry and I’m learning a lot in the process of looking into where publish it. I 99.9% sure I’m going the self publishing route now. I just want to go over a few things with one consult again, but I’m pretty sure in the end I will be telling them thanks for everything, but this isn’t the right direction for me. I want to make the right choice for myself especially since I don’t have a lot of money right now to put into publishing and I also don’t mind waiting to publish when I can afford my own site, etc.

  72. Made me laugh that there were two ads for this very thing after the first paragraph of your blog post put in by Google Ads, it looks like. ;)

  73. I sent my manuscript to a publisher and they said they wanted to charge me a $595 for publishing the book,and $299 for 10 months after. I pay the publishing fee,That’s a red flag for me,I’m asking for them to return my manuscript.

    1. Avatar for Deborah McLaughlin
      Deborah McLaughlin

      Hey – Was this Page Publishing? Just wanted to ask because I got the same thing and it was Page Publishing.

      1. Page publishing is a vanity publication through and through i published my book Bat out of Hell Discovery with them cost me around 3,000 dollars they published my book and the editting and book cover was trash i didn’t make my investment back until i self published my book! I wouldn’t invite my worst enemy to publish with them!!!

  74. I was about to sign on with a Company, I was talking to 2 different agency, but did not really trust neither,
    due to my gut feeling, I was right. One agent continues to call and email me when I had told them prior. I would contact them after I had made my mind up. But the 2 agent was very patient, I asked that they send me a copy of a contract, the contract had scam written all over it. They wanted me to pay so much upfront and then access to my credit or debit card.

    I had forwarded them my manuscript along with images attached to my manuscript, one agent asked that I send the images separately. I knew just by that they were going to try and steal my images for their own purpose. It’s best to beware of any agent. Even if they advertise on TV

    1. I received another email from one of the agents, I had contact with in my journey on finding a good Publisher, I could not believe he would try to connect with me again. Well, he did. I deleted his email as SPAM

  75. I was contacted by New Reader Magazine. Their address is 100 Church St NY,NY.
    They said their research team found my book on line and offered to turn it into a screenplay and submit it to producers _for a price of course.
    They claimed they had done the same for, Dances with Wolves,Twelve Years a Slave ,No Country for Old Men and many others.
    Their approach was very professional with email and follow up phone call
    Just thought you would like to know.

    1. Hi. Did you find out anything in your research of them, or have you had any direct dealings with them? They also contacted me. I cannot seem to find any negative information about them. …. Thanks .. C

    2. New Reader Magazine/Media also just contacted me, 10.4.18. They have an impressive web site, especially regarding book to film. Email and snail mail contract. Also polished delivery, but I noticed the email was chock a block with grammar and spelling errors. I didn’t get the Dances with Wolves bit.

    3. I was just contacted by New Reader Magazine as well and offered a “Partnership”. Does anyone have any idea at all if this group is just another scam????

      1. I had never come across New Reader Magazine before you comment. But looking at their site, and the media & partnership page, in particular, tells me it wants to make money, like any business. So I suppose it is up to you to discern what NRM means by a partnership. But as with all unsolicited “opportunities” that you are offered online, tread very carefully.

      2. I was contacted as well by NRM. Did anyone follow through with their contract? Does anyone know more about them? If they are scammers or legit?
        Thank you

        1. I self published with Xilibris as a new author and was bitterly disappointed as they failed to deliver on any of their promises and living in SOUTH AFRICA, I cannot do anything about it. Their editing was non existant and they published my novel wirh new chapters starting halfway down the pages. I had given them them a corrected draft weeks before printing yet they still printe the original manuscript. They are TOTALLY unreliable and unscrupulous and
          owe me royalties as well. That was in September 2010. Suddenly within this last year since 31 May 2018 I have received different phone calls from 3 different companies, each one offering to republish. The first two, Capstone Media Services and Book Adventure asking for a fee. The last company phoned on the 1st March 2019, they are asking for 19%-20% of the royalities after republushing. The company URlink Print and Media.
          Are these THREE companies, Capstone Media services,, Book Adventure and URlink Print and Media reputable companies and can any of these THREE companies be trusted. Thank you for your assistance.

    4. I was contacted by New Reader Media to rent out some bookshelves to promote some books. Yet, the lack of information I’m finding is concerning, not to mention the spelling errors and lack of spacing in some of the sentences of the contract. I’m hesitate to send back a signed contract. Has anyone successfully worked with this company?

    5. I was lulled in by AuthorHouse and fell victim to their scams. Please all stay away from this company! I have lodged a complaint with the BBB of central Indiana and attempted to dispute some of the charges via VISA. I lost a considerable amount of money and prior to severing my association with them realized just under $40.00 in royalties. The company retains a A+ Better Business Bureau rating. How that remains possible is astounding and frustrating to me!

  76. You missed one major opportunity for authors — small, independent publishers. They offer the same services as the major New York publishers in that there are no upfront costs for authors nor is there a requirement to buy X amount of copies of your own book. They often pay higher royalties than bugger presses but there are no advances and distribution can range from good to almost no existent. But you also don’t need an agent to get your foot in the door.

    The biggest rule to follow in looking for a legitimate publisher is, if they ask for money upfront for anything, no matter what they call it, they’re not legit. Check out publishers of your favorite trade paperback novels. Those are often small press. Also find a recent copy of Literary Marketplace LMP — often carried by libraries. They list publishers and agents and what they’re seeking. Then check out the websites listed for more information.

    Yes, you have to spend some time researching what’s best for you, but it took you months to write the book, shouldn’t you be willing to put some time into finding the best home for it?

  77. Eons ago when I first started my writing career, I, too, received a letter from an agent who wanted to represent me. Of course, there were minimal fees. I was about to jump on it when I realized, the only way she could have found me was via my website which was MY first amateur attempt at website design programming. The only information I could find for this person was a PO box and city. I decided to keep my cash and waited. Years later when I was the coordinator for a local writing conference, I received a letter from an agent who was willing to come – for free – to talk and mingle. I, to say the least, was quite ecstatic. I was about to offer her the spot when I decided to check her out. Hm? Same city and another PO box. My curiosity piqued, I dug a little closer. Over the years I had become quite a web sleuth. Come to find out she was quite the scam artist, including faking her own death and fleeing the country to avoid retribution. She was back and had almost nailed me. I, once again, withheld the monies, the organization’s this time, and moved forward with a more reputable agent. What I’m trying to share with many words, no only the newbie, but also a “been around the block at least once” author can be trapped by a scammer if the bait is really good. Always step back if it seems too good. It could be, but it might not be. My friends have been scammed, one by an publisher who absconded with all his money and the other, scammed by an agent who billed her $350 quarterly for services rendered. It wasn’t until she asked to see where the agent had been submitting did she get poor photocopies of obviously doctored rejects. She had decided to submit on her own, too, and didn’t want to duplicate efforts. That was after 3 quarters ($1050) of supposed rejections for a total of 4 reject forms. As you said – the waters are full of them. Swim cautiously.

    1. Some time last year a man with a funny accent who’s name I remember was Nelson Suares or Suarez from Pageturner, Press and Media? turned up offering dreams. I never believed the man but I still got his email which showed their address in CA. I might pay them a visit to see if I was wrong.

      1. I have submitted 3 poetries to SilentSpark press, out of which they updated me with SMS, that one of them has been accepted.

        I sent email to their customer service and they provided me with link, where I can see all weekly ebooks. I could see my entry as well in latest ebook, with my attached name and Bio(that I submitted).

        I didn’t pay anything but can still access it, but finalized ebook is yet to be released next week.
        I don’t know if it’s scam or not, but I can see my poetry in draft version, without paying anything.

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