🚨 Watch Out for Publishing Scams 🚨

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As self-publishing continues to grow, so do the number of people looking to take advantage of new authors. If you're just getting started with Amazon KDP, here are a few common scams and red flags to watch out for:

❌ "We Guarantee Bestseller Status"

No one can guarantee you'll become an Amazon bestseller.

Many companies charge thousands of dollars claiming they can make your book a bestseller. Often, they are placing books into obscure categories, running short-term promotional tactics, or using methods that don't lead to long-term sales.

A bestseller badge is nice, but consistent royalties are better.

❌ Fake Publishing Companies

Some companies advertise themselves as "traditional publishers" but are actually charging authors thousands of dollars for services that may be low quality or overpriced.

Before paying anyone:

✅ Research reviews

✅ Ask for client examples

✅ Get everything in writing

✅ Compare costs with hiring freelancers directly

❌ Expensive Marketing Packages

Be cautious of companies offering $5,000–$20,000 marketing packages with promises of massive book sales.

Ask questions like:

How will my book be marketed?
What specific services am I receiving?
Can you show real client results?
What happens if I don't make my money back?

If the answers are vague, walk away.

❌ "Done For You" Publishing Agencies

Some agencies promise completely passive publishing businesses where they create books, publish them under your account, and split profits. Many of these businesses rely on low-quality content, outsourced work, or questionable practices that can put your KDP account at risk.

Remember: Amazon holds the account owner responsible.

❌ People Selling Copyrighted Content

Be careful when purchasing PLR, AI-generated content, coloring books, journals, or manuscript packages from random sellers. Just because someone sells it doesn't mean they legally own the rights.

If you publish copyrighted material, your KDP account could face penalties—even if you didn't know.

❌ Fake KDP Support Messages

Scammers sometimes reach out through Facebook groups, email, Telegram, WhatsApp, or direct messages claiming they can:

Reinstate your account
Fix publishing issues
Unlock hidden categories
Access Amazon support

Amazon will not contact you through random social media accounts.

💡 My Rule of Thumb

If someone is:

🚩 Promising guaranteed income

🚩 Promising guaranteed bestseller status

🚩 Pressuring you to act quickly

🚩 Refusing to explain their process

🚩 Asking for thousands of dollars upfront

Take a step back and do more research.

Building a successful publishing business is absolutely possible, but it usually comes from learning the process, creating quality books, and being consistent—not chasing shortcuts.

👇 Have you ever encountered a publishing scam or an offer that felt too good to be true?

Share your experience below so we can help protect other authors.

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