You hear about publishing scams, but you never think it’ll happen to you—until it does. I was ghosted by someone claiming to be a legit publisher. I gave them my story, my trust, and my money... and I got nothing in return. That moment almost made me walk away from writing altogether.

But I didn’t. And this post is for any author who’s been burned—or wants to avoid being next.

What Happened to Me (And Could Happen to You)

I submitted my manuscript to what looked like a boutique publishing company. Their website was clean. Their emails were professional. Their promises sounded perfect.

Then, little by little, the communication slowed. Deadlines were missed. Emails went unanswered. The red flags added up. And then? Nothing. They vanished—with my manuscript, my money, and months of my time.

Red Flags to Watch For

If you’re an indie or first-time author, stay alert for these warning signs:

• Too-good-to-be-true promises (overnight success, bestseller guarantees, etc.)
• High upfront fees disguised as editing or marketing packages
• Pressure to sign quickly or skip due diligence
• No client list or public-facing reviews
• No social media presence or only generic stock content

Even “nice” people can run shady businesses. Trust your gut.

What I Did Next

I’ll be honest—I was crushed. But I gave myself space to regroup, then decided to take back control of my publishing journey:

• I rebranded and relaunched my book under my own imprint
• I educated myself on self-publishing, distribution, and contracts
• I built relationships with trustworthy indie pros

Most importantly? I stopped waiting for someone to choose me.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re in a similar situation—or just want to protect yourself:

• Google everything. Look for author reviews, BBB complaints, even Reddit threads.
• Ask for references. Real publishers will respect that.
• Never pay upfront without a clear, written contract.
• Get a second opinion. Reach out to indie communities, coaches, or experienced authors.

There’s Power in Taking It Back

You don’t need permission to publish your book the right way. And you don’t need to let a bad experience define your journey. Whether you go indie, hybrid, or traditional—make sure you’re informed and empowered every step of the way.

Your story deserves better than a scam.

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