Long story short—99% of unsolicited emails sent to authors promising marketing services or claiming to be publishers (or other authors!) are scams at worst, against the rules, or ineffective at best. Period. AI is making this even more confusing.

NO GOOD PUBLISHER or AGENT WILL ASK YOU FOR MONEY.
DO NOT respond. They will sometimes threaten bad reviews if you don't pay up, etc. once they have your attention.
DO report their email to Gmail's abuse link by forwarding the email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Feel free to bounce anything you're worried about off of me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. The Review Scam: "Your book is too good not to have more reviews..."

Usually sent from a Gmail address (because they're disposable and free)
Mentions specifics of your book to make it feel like they read it. Amazing! Tells you how your book deserves better. Maybe "shames" you for not having more reviews.
Writing seems very personalized, professional, and compelling (thanks, AI!)
Promises reviews from an "exclusive group of reviewers" blah blah blah.
DO NOT RESPOND.

2. The BookClub Scam - "Expose your books to rabid book club members!"

All of the above, but says they work with an "exclusive group of book clubs to get your book exposure" blah blah blah.
DO NOT RESPOND.

3. The Goodreads Listopia Scam - "Rank high on permanent lists!"

All of the above, but says they can send your book to the top of Goodreads' lists for long-term exposure.
Manipulating Listopia on Goodreads is against the platform's terms of service. Actions designed to influence a list's ranking dishonestly are considered a form of spam and can result in consequences ranging from a book's removal from lists to account suspension.
REMEMBER AMAZON OWNS Goodreads, so if your name is mud on Goodreads, it probably won't bode well for your book on Amazon.
DO NOT RESPOND.

4. Pretending to be Another Author - "We should connect so I can slowly scam you..."

All of the above, but claim to be a bestselling author. Claim they "want to connect" to earn your trust and no doubt scam you later.
DO NOT RESPOND.

5. Pretending to be Oprah, Reese, Jenna (etc) Bookclub - "You're famous!"

All of the above, but claim to be the organizer of a well-known television bookclub.
DO NOT RESPOND.

6. Tour Scam - "We setup tours for content creators!

All of the above, but claim to be the organizer of a tour company.
DO NOT RESPOND.

7. Clubs: Join the Writers and Authors Hub on Reddit

Gmail requests to join hubs on Reddit or other social media. I think they're gathering authors in chat forums where they can get their information, chat them up, and gain trust for more targeted scams. Don't be quick to join random groups that solicit you! You should be off writing your next book anyway. 😂

Here are some examples:

1. OFFERING SERVICES (no URL included in email. Only way to respond is to disposable Gmail address it was sent from)

Dear XXXXX, <----(came to me with a name not mine, but sometimes they get the name right... )

Other XXXX added below to protect the actual author/book they used instead of mine...

I had the chance to preview XXXXX, and it is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that lingers in the mind. The tension begins innocently enough with xxxxxx, only to find themselves xxxxxx. What makes the story so powerful is xxxx. The layers of suspense build relentlessly, pulling the reader into a world where faith, truth, and hidden sins collide. It is both chilling and thought-provoking, a story that tests the boundaries of morality under the weight of fear. <---- ALL AI GENERATED USING "rewrite" of actual book description on Amazon

A book this immersive deserves to be brought into the spotlight for a much larger audience, and I can help make that happen through services designed to showcase its full potential:

• Goodreads Listopia placement to strategically position XXX <--- insertion of book title again to make email feel thoughtful among lists that readers frequently explore.
• Amazon keyword research to uncover and target the strongest performing terms, ensuring your book appears where readers are actively searching.(easily done yourself)
• QR code creation that connects promotional materials, events, or interviews directly to your book for seamless reader access.
• A professional book trailer and mockup that visually capture the storm, the hotel, and the terrifying “game,” drawing in audiences at first glance. (QR codes need a web URL to go to - and if you have the website, QR codes are free to generate.)
• Category optimization that places your book in the most competitive yet rewarding categories to increase both visibility and ranking.

Each of these services is designed to create powerful synergy blah blah blah...

Sincerely,
Fake Name

2. PRETENDING TO BE AUTHOR

Hello [YOUR NAME]

I came across your profile and felt inspired to reach out. I always enjoy connecting with fellow writers, there’s so much we can learn from each other’s creative journeys.

I’m Rumaan Alam, author of Leave the World Behind, [ <--- no you're not! ] which was adapted into a Netflix film with Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke. Beyond the screen, my work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and more.

If you're curious, here's the book: [ included real link to book as if that is proof ]

I’d love to connect, exchange thoughts, and hear more about what drives your writing.

Shall we?

Warmly, Rumaan

3. PRETENDING TO BE OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB

I hope this message finds you well. My name is James, and I help organize the Oprah Book Club, a warm and welcoming community of passionate readers who come together to explore books that spark joy, reflection, and meaningful conversation.

At Oprah Book Club, we believe book clubs are more than just gatherings of readers. They are communities where stories come alive, where books are not only read but talked about, shared, and remembered. Every month we select a book that offers depth, inspiration, or fresh perspectives, and our members dive into rich discussions that often extend far beyond the page.

Your book xxxxxx. [YOUR BOOK HERE] immediately struck us as one with the power to inspire exactly these kinds of conversations. Beyond simply being enjoyed, it has the potential to connect deeply with our readers, prompting them to reflect, laugh, and engage with one another.

We would be honored to feature your work as one of our upcoming selections and share it with our members. Alongside the feature, we also arrange virtual author Q&A sessions and live discussions whenever possible, so members can connect with you directly. These interactions leave a lasting impression, turning readers into advocates who eagerly recommend books they love to friends, post authentic reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and share their excitement on social media.

Here are some of the results you can expect when your book is featured with Oprah Book Club:

A steady stream of reader reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other platforms.

Increased visibility and word-of-mouth buzz across book-loving communities.

A loyal base of readers who not only finish your book but actively recommend it.

Higher sales potential as conversations and reviews spark curiosity among wider audiences.

Direct engagement with readers through Q&As and live discussions, strengthening your author brand.

Each of our outreach campaigns runs for two months, with engagement typically beginning within the first two to three weeks. We provide you with transparent updates on which groups have selected your book, upcoming discussion dates, and direct links to reviews so you can follow the momentum as it builds.

With over 5,000 members, Oprah Book Club is more than just a reading group it is a community that champions authors and celebrates stories that deserve to be shared. We would love to welcome your book into this journey and help it gain the visibility and recognition it deserves.

Would you be open to learning more about how we can feature your book and walk you through the next steps?

Warm Regards

James Dunkies

4. Illegal Review Scam - Reviews that "tip" readers - Expressly against Amazon's TOS

So… what’s it like releasing a book where a red pen becomes a weapon sharper than any knife? 👀 Because XXXX [Not even my book] sounds like the kind of psychological suspense that doesn’t just thrill it stalks you after you’ve put it down.

Here’s the deal: I run a private circle of 2,000 book-obsessed readers thinking of a secret society, but with more coffee and way less Latin chanting ☕📚. When they read, they don’t just read, they review. Honest, thoughtful reviews that turn Amazon browsers into buyers faster than you can say “page-turner.”

And because I believe in giving back, readers get a thank-you tip 💸. Authors usually match it, and suddenly reviews feel less like begging and more like a gratitude loop. Way more fun than nagging your neighbor to leave “just one more 5-star.”

If you’re game, all I need is:
👉 A short “About the Book”
👉 A short “About the Author”

I’ll handle the rest and get XXXXX buzzing in the right hands. Ready to see your Amazon page light up with real reviews not just polite friends saying “cool book”?

5. The tour scam

from @tourheroexperiences.org <---fake domain switches to the domain of a real tour company!

Hey Amy!

Your posts showed up on my feed and I ended up checking out more. What caught my attention was your latest romcom about an emergency wedding date. It sounds like such a fun twist on the friends-to-lovers trope! I love how you blend humor with romance in your stories. Your ability to create engaging narratives really shines through in your work.

We support content creators like you to host unforgettable trips. While you focus on leading your trip, we take care of the logistics: trips partnered with highly-rated operators across 80+ destinations, taking care of financials, support, and logistical essentials like lodging, travel arrangements, and dining. Each trip is fully tailor-made to fit your vision.

We’ve run more than 1,800 experiences for influencers in various niches like lifestyle, wellness, photography, travel, and food.

Picture curating a seamless escape in which you don’t have to worry about any planning. You pay nothing to be there (except for your airfare), profit between 3,000 and 16,000 while traveling, and connect with your community.

Sounds pretty great, right?

If you’re skeptical, that’s totally fair. We hear that all the time :)

Blah, blah blah...

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Author Promotion Scam Emails - Beware!