After the Scam

Grounded and Personal

Over the years, our press has published books by authors from every corner of life. Some came to us with stories nearly ready for the printer. Others had been burned—badly—by companies that promised the moon and delivered disappointment. More than once, we’ve received a call from a writer in tears, asking, “Can anything be done?” Our answer is yes. But the bigger question is: How did it come to this?

The Scope of the Problem

Since we began tracking it, we’ve published more than 20 books by authors who were previously scammed by vanity publishers. They’d lost money, time, sometimes even the rights to their work. And in almost every case, they believed their dream of being a published author had ended.

They’d signed with outfits like Author Solutions, Xlibris, Tate Publishing, and others who charged thousands for editing, marketing, and promotion that never happened—or never should have. These authors were often told their books were brilliant before anyone had even opened the manuscript. What followed were overpriced packages, disappointing covers, shoddy editing, and empty promises about bookstore placement and media exposure.

Real Consequences

I remember one author who’d spent more than $10,000 on marketing services and never saw her book on a single shelf. Another came to us after a company collapsed mid-project, taking the files and money with them. The pain in these conversations isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. These authors feel embarrassed. Some are afraid to try again.

What We Do Differently

At Publication Consultants, we don’t promise the moon. We offer honest guidance, transparent processes, and a publishing path grounded in integrity. If we say yes to a book, it’s because we believe it has merit—and we’ll work alongside the author to make it the best version it can be.

When we take on an author who’s been scammed, we don’t treat them as damaged goods. We treat them as people who’ve had the courage to pick themselves up and try again. That takes grit. That takes heart. And it deserves respect.

Why This Matters

The rise of self-publishing brought freedom to authors. But it also opened the door to predators. We’ve seen firsthand how these scams operate: fake awards, phony reviews, slick salespeople, and contracts that favor the publisher at every turn.

Our mission now includes helping authors spot the red flags early. If someone is promising bestseller status for a fee, if the editing feels like an afterthought, or if the contract locks an author in for years with no exit—run. Ask questions. Talk to real people. Look up complaints.

Closing Thought

The good news? Publishing doesn’t have to be painful. With the right support, authors can find their voice again. They can reclaim their work and their confidence. We’ve seen it happen—more times than I can count. And every one of those stories makes the effort worth it.

If you’ve been burned before, don’t let the dream die there. You’re not alone. We’re still here. And we’ve seen what happens when authors refuse to give up.

Help Us Spread the Word

If this message answered a question you’ve had about writing or publishing, share it with someone who could use a little clarity. Here’s how:

  • Forward this to a friend thinking about publishing
  • Post it in an author forum or writing group
  • Mention it to someone frustrated with all the bad advice online

We offer real help from people who’ve walked the road. Invite others to join us here:
https://publicationconsultants.com/newsletter

Every writer deserves honest guidance. And every share helps us reach someone who needs it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Start Your Publishing Journey with Expert Guidance.
Unlock Exclusive Tips, Trends, and Opportunities to Bringing Your Book to Market.

About Us

Kindly contact us if you've written a book, if you're writing a book, if you're thinking about writing a book, we can help!

Social Media

Payment

Publication Consultants Publication Consultants

Copyright 2023 powered by Publication Consultants All Rights Reserved.