What self-publishing authors need to know before paying to win
I want my clients to succeed. I want their books to sell, connect, and make an impact. So it makes me crazy when I see them taken advantage of. If you’ve self-published, you’ve probably received something like this:
“Congratulations! You’ve won our Prestigious Author Award. Just pay $95 for your badge and listing.”
Let’s be honest. That’s not an award. It’s a sales pitch.
How Scammers Find You
The minute you publish, your book becomes visible. Scammers know exactly where to look.
- Metadata listings : Sites like Amazon, Goodreads, Google Books, and Bowker list your book, often with publisher and author info. Scammers monitor these for new releases, especially those that appear self-published.
- Domain registration and author sites: If you have an author website or public email, you’re easy to reach. Many scammers scrape WHOIS records or contact forms.
- Social media posts : Scammers follow hashtags like #selfpublished, #booklaunch, or #newbook to track new authors.
- ISBN tracking : Books published through IngramSpark and sometimes KDP (if you use your own ISBN) appear in Bowker, Nielsen, and other catalog databases. Scammers use these to identify indie authors.
Who They Target
They look for first-time authors, solo publishers, or anyone promoting a book independently, especially in genres like memoir, business, wellness, or spirituality. If you’re new, eager to promote your book, and unsure what’s normal in publishing, you’re exactly who they’re looking for.
Common Scams You Might See After Publishing
- Fake contests and vanity awards: ”Congrats! You’ve won. Just send $99 for your trophy and badge.”
- Bogus film or rights offers : “We’re interested in adapting your book. Let’s talk. First, hire our screenwriter.”
- Overpriced marketing services: ”We’ll pitch your book to thousands of libraries or guarantee Amazon bestseller status… for $599.”
- Fake distribution or library listings: ”We can get your book into Barnes & Noble, Target, and libraries nationwide. Just pay a fee.”
What I’ve Seen Firsthand
Some of my clients have fallen for these. They’ve spent hundreds, or more, on fake contests and empty promises. That money could have gone toward real marketing support. Now, most of them send me the “You’ve won!” emails before doing anything. That helps. Here’s the rule: If a contest emails you out of nowhere with flattery and fees, it’s not real. With more than a million books published each year, no one is handing out awards to every new release. Real contests are competitive and credible, and they don’t flood your inbox.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use a contact form instead of posting your email
- Google the contest name with the word “scam”
- Ask for references and check them
- Don’t pay for anything without doing your homework
- If in doubt, ask someone you trust
Red Flags to Watch For
- High entry fees with vague judging criteria
- Dozens of overly broad or silly categories
- Everyone’s a finalist
- No named judges
- Pressure to buy plaques, promotional packages, or “media exposure”
Are Any Contests Legit?
Yes. Some are. Look for:
- Local or regional awards with real judging panels
- Genre-specific contests with a history of credible winners
- Awards run by respected publishing organizations
- Before entering anything, ask: Who’s judging?
- What do past winners go on to do?
- Does this award carry real weight in the publishing world?
If you’re not sure where to start, check out this vetted list: Author Awards & Contests by the Alliance of Independent Authors. It’s one of the most thorough, regularly updated lists available. They review each contest based on transparency, judging quality, cost, and whether the award offers real value to authors. It’s a resource worth bookmarking.
Not Sure? Ask Me
If you’re unsure whether an offer is legitimate, send me an email. I’m happy to take a look. You deserve better. And so does your book.
Want straightforward advice on publishing, book design, and smart marketing?
I work with self-publishing authors who want clarity, not confusion. If you have questions or want a second opinion, book a free 15-minute call.
(Featured image by Tima Miroshnichenko @Pexels.com)