Self-Publish Safely: Avoid Scams

​Publishing your first book is exciting! But it also puts you in a precarious position. If this is your first time self-publishing, you may be vulnerable to scammers and predatory companies.

One of the reasons I expanded Blue Pen to offer self-pub services (cover design, interior layout, etc.) is because of these companies I saw taking advantage of first-time authors.

There is a legitimate need for companies that offer editing, book design, and marketing services. It's much easier for indie authors to get all of these services from one place and to have a dedicated project manager.

But that need created an opening for money-making schemes—self-pub companies that don't actually care about authors, readers, or the writing community.
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What Does a Self-Pub Services Company Do?
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Companies that provide self-publishing services usually have a team of professionals who can deliver most or all of the services that indie authors need to publish. That may include editing, cover design, interior layout, and marketing.

These types of companies allow independent authors to access the services traditionally provided by the publisher. And because these companies help indie authors with every step of the process, these companies eliminate the need for authors to find, vet, and hire individual freelancers.

Self-publishing services providers are not publishers. They do not provide support beyond the services the author purchases. They do not take a percentage of your royalties, and neither the company nor the author has any continuing obligation to the other.

In the video below, I discuss the differences between self-publishing services companies, publishing houses, and vanity presses. And I review some red flags to look out for when you're researching self-publishing services providers.

Types of Companies:
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• Self-Publishing Services Provider: Charges up-front fees. Takes no royalties. The author has no obligations to the company after the completion of services.

• Legitimate Publisher: Does not charge up-front fees. Takes a percentage of the royalties. Provides support during and after publication.

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• Vanity Press: Charges up-front fees and/or takes royalties to recoup publishing costs. Any publisher support provided is often low quality. This is a scam. Legitimate publishers make money from readers, not from authors.

Red Flags for Self-Pub Services:
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If you notice any of the following when researching companies that provide self-publishing services, be sure you're dealing with a reputable company and that you are completely comfortable before moving forward.

Self-Representation as a Publisher

Does the self-publishing services company in any way indicate that they are a publishing house? Doing so is dishonest and indicates that the company intends to trick first-time authors into believing they provide more support than they do.

Transparency of Deliverables

Does the company fail to specify exactly what each service entails? Do descriptions of packages leave you wondering what you receive in exchange for the fee? You should have a clear understanding of exactly what you get for your money.

Typos & Grammatical Mistakes
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Do you notice more than a stray typo in the web copy or emails? During your communication with the company's representatives, you should feel as though you're speaking to someone who is familiar with book publishing and the English language.

​Lack of Industry Roots

Was the company founded by a businessperson with no publishing experience? The self-publishing services sector is a perfect opportunity for money-making schemes that prey on inexperienced authors. Make sure you're working with someone with industry roots. For example, Blue Pen is owned and operated by a professional editor.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Whether you choose Blue Pen self-publishing services or another company, be sure you are completely comfortable before signing on the dotted line. And if you're unsure, check out forums, Facebook groups, and resources like Writer Beware for feedback on the company.

​Happy writing and safe publishing!