Victoria Strauss

@victoriastrauss.com

13504 Followers 1194 Following

Author of novels fantastical & historical, avid gardener, co-founder of SFWA's pub industry watchdog Writer Beware. Casting a small light in a wilderness of writing scams (plus an occasional cat pic) https://writerbeware.blog https://victoriastrauss.com

Roy Jones says: July 21, 2026 at 12:47 pm Thank you for sharing this information. I would just like to clarify that Stellar Books Publishing is a completely separate company from Stellar Literary Press and Media. We have no affiliation, ownership, or business relationship with them. While the names may appear similar, they are different brands with different websites, operations, and contact details. To help avoid confusion for authors and readers, we kindly ask that these companies not be treated as the same entity. Victoria Strauss says: July 21, 2026 at 6:09 pm Okay, but Stellar Books Publishing is also a scam: https://writerbeware.blog/2022/01/24/how-to-spot-a-ghostwriting-scam/. So…potato, potaaato
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Subject: Invitation to the 2026 Boxall Reading Challenge Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:21:13 +0100 From: John Grisham <johngrisham242@gmail.com> To: Victoria Strauss <redacted> Dear Victoria, I hope you're doing well. My name is Elizabeth M. Dowd, and I recently came across your novel, All Good Things. What immediately stood out to me was your thoughtful exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the quiet sacrifices people make for those they love. I especially appreciated how the story appears to find profound meaning in life's ordinary moments, showing how genuine human connection can become a source of strength during life's most difficult seasons. That's the kind of emotionally rich storytelling that stays with readers long after they turn the final page.
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2026 20:58:02 +0200 (CEST) From: Kathryn Riggs <kathrynriggs@skyhorsepublishiing.com> To: [redacted] Dear [redacted] My name is Kathryn Riggs, and I'm a Senior Editor at Skyhorse Publishing. I hope you don't mind the unsolicited note, I came across your work and wanted to reach out directly.
Subject: Re: Referred by Debbie Golvan Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2026 01:14:56 +0100 From: Mark Bennett <markbennett.query@gmail.com> To: Victoria Strauss <beware@sfwa.org> Fuck you and your generation, you will regrect this i swear that go and find work to do useless human being Author slaves foolsh follow fuck on On Wed, Jul 1, 2026 at 12:25 AM Victoria Strauss <beware@sfwa.org> wrote: Dear Mr. Bennett, I recently submitted my fiction novel manuscript to Ms. Golvan, on the recommendation of Emily Arbis of Quercus Books. She feels that it needs editing in order to be publishable, and recommends you as a trusted specialist. Would you be able to help me? Thank you very much. - Victoria
Photo: red gazing ball in right foreground, behind it are red-blooming cuphea plants and tall green crocosmia foliage (soon to bear red flowers). To the left is a graveled area, with a large terracotta planter featuring red- and white-blooming flowers. In the background is a stone border, red heuchera, and masses of yellow-blooming corydalis.
Subject: Apology and clarification from The Enlight Women's Magazine / Regarding our recent email Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:55:35 +0530 From: Robin Smith <editor@enlight-womenlead.com> To: me Hi Victoria, I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to sincerely apologize for an email you recently received from our Marketing team pitching our $900 feature package to you. This was an internal oversight on our part, and I want to clear up the misunderstanding. The Enligh Women's Magazine is a business-to-business (B2B) publication that focuses on profiling corporate executives and women business owners. The $900 package is a commercial marketing and promotional layout services package meant strictly for corporate branding, not a fee targeted at creative or freelance writers. Our team member sent you a standard outreach email without fully realizing who you were. As the co-founder of Writer Beware, your work protecting the writing community is highly respected, and we completely agree with your stance that writers should never be charged to publish their work. Because we genuinely respect your incredible leadership, career as a novelist, and advocacy, we would be absolutely honored to feature your story in our magazine completely free of charge, with no costs whatsoever. We would love to highlight your impact properly. Thank you so much for your time, your vigilance, and your understanding. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Once I have your word to move forward within in next 24hours we will share you the interview questionnarie. Thanks & Regards Robin Smith | Editor Enlight Women's Magazine
Scammers are Impersonating the IC3 The IC3 does not work with any non-law enforcement entity, such as law firms or crypto services, to recuperate lost funds or investigate cases. The IC3 will never directly contact you for information or money. Please see this PSA for more information. If you are approached by someone impersonating or claiming to work with IC3 or find a website impersonating the IC3, please file a complaint with the information. Be sure to include the website link in your complaint.
Subject: Re: A Retired Marshal, a Rancher's Daughter, and a Town Called Life Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:31:48 -0700 From: Morgan Amanda <243.amandamorgan@gmail.com> To: beware@sfwa.org Dear Kate, I hope this message finds you well. I recently reached out about La Vida and the customized marketing plan I put together specifically for your book, and I wanted to follow up to see if you had a chance to consider it. I genuinely believe there is a wonderful and largely untapped readership waiting for this story, western romance fans, historical romance lovers, and the New Mexico and Latino heritage communities who would take so much pride in a book this authentic and this beautifully rooted in the Land of Enchantment.Would you be open to taking a look at the plan? There is no obligation at all, I simply think it would be worth a few minutes of your time to see what I have mapped out. Looking forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Amanda Morgan
Subject: Re: A Retired Marshal, a Rancher's Daughter, and a Town Called Life Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:30:58 -0700 From: Morgan Amanda <243.amandamorgan@gmail.com> To: beware@sfwa.org Dear Victoria, You are right, and I owe you a straightforward apology rather than more awkward explanations. I sent that first email to you by mistake, it was intended for an author. When I received your autoresponder and realized where it had landed, I panicked and handled it poorly by framing myself as a third party raising concerns, which was dishonest and I regret it.I am Amanda Morgan. I wrote that marketing email. I sent it to the wrong address, and then I made things worse by not simply admitting that from the start. Sincerely, Amanda Morgan On Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 10:23 AM Victoria Strauss <beware@sfwa.org> wrote: First you send me an email obviously meant for an author who is not me. Then, after receiving my autoresponder which notified you that a) I'm not the person you intended to contact, and b) I run an organization focusing on publishing scams, you send me an email in which you appear to be claiming that you are not the party who sent the first email...even though both emails come from the same address. Now you're claiming that you don't want to confuse anyone, you just want advice. I am indeed confused--not about you or the scam you're running, but why you'd bother to make these silly excuses at all. Surely it's a waste of AI prompts. - Victoria
Subject: Re: A Retired Marshal, a Rancher's Daughter, and a Town Called Life Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:20:56 -0700 From: Morgan Amanda <243.amandamorgan@gmail.com> To: beware@sfwa.org Thank you for your response and for raising that question. I apologize for any confusion. I am the person behind the email address in question. I reached out because I wanted an independent perspective regarding my own outreach approach. I recently sent that message to an author and, after reflecting on it, I became concerned that some aspects of my wording might unintentionally come across as overly promotional or raise red flags for recipients. Rather than assuming that my approach was appropriate, I thought it would be valuable to seek guidance from Writer Beware, given your experience with questionable publishing and marketing practices. My intention was not to conceal my identity or to make allegations against someone else. I was genuinely interested in understanding whether the style and claims used in my email could be perceived as misleading or problematic, and whether there are better practices I should follow when approaching authors. I appreciate the work Writer Beware does in helping maintain ethical standards within the publishing community, and I would be grateful for any observations or suggestions you may have. Kind regards, Morgan On Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 10:55 AM Victoria Strauss <beware@sfwa.org> wrote: Hm. Can you clarify why you are contacting me from the same email address as the marketing email you deem concerning? - Victoria
Subject: Re: A Retired Marshal, a Rancher's Daughter, and a Town Called Life Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:57:16 -0700 From: Morgan Amanda <243.amandamorgan@gmail.com> To: beware@sfwa.org Dear Victoria, Thank you for your automatic reply and for the important work that Writer Beware does for authors and the publishing community. I am forwarding a marketing email that was sent to an author under the name Amanda Morgan, Book Marketing Specialist, from the address 243.amandamorgan@gmail.com. The message claims that a customized marketing plan has already been prepared after extensive research into the author's background and book. Several aspects of the email raised concerns for me, including the highly personalized language, the claim that a detailed promotional strategy has already been created before any engagement with the author, and the invitation to request the plan without providing any information about services, pricing, or credentials. I thought it might be worth bringing to your attention in case this individual or this style of solicitation has been reported before. I have included the complete text of the email below for your review. If possible, I would also appreciate any advice on whether there is an appropriate way to get in touch with the author directly. My intention is simply to make them aware of this solicitation and to ensure they have the information needed to make an informed decision. Thank you for taking the time to look into this. I appreciate the work Writer Beware does to help protect authors from potentially misleading or questionable publishing and marketing practices. Kind regards, morgan,
Subject: A Retired Marshal, a Rancher's Daughter, and a Town Called Life Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:41:54 -0700 From: Morgan Amanda <243.amandamorgan@gmail.com> To: beware@sfwa.org A lifelong New Mexico resident who studied medieval history and the American West as a graduate student at the University of New Mexico, and who spent years as a teacher devoted to passing her love of history and storytelling to future generations, sat down and channeled all of that research, passion, and deep regional knowledge into a debut western romance rooted in the land she has called home her entire life. The result is a book that carries the unmistakable authenticity of someone who did not research New Mexico from afar but grew up breathing its history. La Vida is a genuinely compelling western romance, and it stands out immediately in its genre because of the specificity and cultural richness Kate Cortez brings to every page. Northern New Mexico in 1883, a bilingual town called La Vida where Spanish and English speakers live side by side, where the name itself means life, and where a band of murderous outlaws backed by a powerful and hidden local force has been terrorizing the community for too long. Into this walks retired U.S. Marshal Tylor McBain, a man simply looking for a blacksmith and a bath, who instead finds a bleeding mayor and a rancher's daughter named Abigail Harrison who is the only person in town with the courage and the determination to fight back. The alliance that forms between them, two capable and principled people who are perfect for each other and who must fight a genuinely dangerous battle to save the town before they can find a way to be together, is the engine of a story that Kirkus Reviews called action-packed and old-fashioned in the best sense, praising the attractive and capable central characters. Amazon readers have given the book a 4.8 out of 5 star rating, with reviewers calling it hard to put down, wonderful, and eagerly anticipating more from K…
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Evelyn Ashford <evelynashford63@gmail.com> Date: Fri, Jun 5, 2026, 7:44 AM Subject: Re: 5.0 stars, 3 reviews, 3 years To: <redacted> Dear <redacted>, Thank you for your reply. "I'm really not interested" is a masterclass in setting boundaries, and I mean that as a genuine compliment. You have spent decades in a profession that constantly asks for your time, your attention, and your emotional labor. You have learned to say no cleanly, quickly, and without apology. That is not rudeness. That is survival. And I respect it completely. So I am not writing to argue with your no. I am writing because you opened my first email multiple times. Not once. Multiple times. You may have forwarded it. You may have read it aloud to someone. You may have simply sat with it longer than you expected. Whatever the reason, something in that message landed. And because I believe you deserve to make a fully informed choice—not a reflexive one—I am going to give you something rare in this business: The truth about what you lose if you walk away without ever hearing the proposal. Not a sales pitch. Not a promise. Just the truth.
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Subject: Excllusive Recognition: Influential Women Leader to Watch in 2026 Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2026 From: Bruce Smith <bruce@enlightwomenlead.com> To: [redacted] Dear Victoria, This is Bruce, a renowned sales professional at Enlight Women's Magazine. Our mission is to spotlight the voices and stories of women who are redefining the business landscape with courage and conviction, while also empowering others to grow and succeed through their leadership. I'm thrilled to extend an invitation to feature you as one of the "Most Influential Women Leaders to Watch in 2026" in our upcoming edition. This recognition spotlights women who have risen above the odds to lead with purpose, passion, and perseverance. Your incredible journey, impactful leadership, and the influence you had in empowering others make you a perfect fit for this honor. As part of this recognition, you’ll have the opportunity to amplify your voice, highlighting your leadership journey, ethos, overcoming challenges and leading the way along with Writer Beware's unique products and services, and share your message with our extensive network of readers, including decision-makers and aspiring leaders globally. This exclusive feature includes a Two-page editorial article and a tailored promotional package for a nominal fee of USD 900: (It will be a complete one-year branding exercise) An accessible and shareable HTML backlink from your profile on our website to your company's website and social media platforms. Two dedicated advertisement spaces within the magazine, reserving two for future use. A digital link to the magazine issue featuring your profile. A personalized digital plaque of honour and digital logo recognizing your achievement. Your company's press releases will be hosted on our website. Limitless digital and reprint rights for the two-page profile. As many Guest articles can be posted on our website. Extensive social media promotion across our platforms, Lin…
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Van: Alex N <abookwalksintoabar@gmail.com> Date: ma 25 mei 2026 om 08:07 Subject: Re: A Thoughtful Invitation To Feature [redacted] With Our Rotaract Community To: [redacted] TRANSACTION AUDIT Bio: Collected (Permission granted to pull from her personal website on May 22) Photo: Collected (Permission granted to pull from her personal website on May 22) Link: Collected (Her personal website/blog directories provided in her signature) Payment Status: $0 / Unpaid TEMPERATURE CHECK Status: Warm / Cooperatively Engaged (Independent Showcase Track) STRATEGIC ANALYSIS We are executing Phase 3 (The Pitch) with [redacted] but removing the direct payment link for this specific touchpoint. By omitting the link for now, we keep the conversation focused on the concept of the $150 production allocation and the layout approval first. This acts as an elegant soft-pitch, allowing her to confirm the administrative framework before we send the formal invoice or payment portal link. The tone remains highly professional, shifting the focus to the attached layout proof and the cooperative production framework.
Subject: Re: We Would Like to Feature Your Work on PBS FM - 106.7 FM Date Tue, 2 Jun 2026 01:49:31: +0100 From: Sophia Benny <theconsultantsophia@gmail.com> To: Victoria Strauss ,beware@sfwa.org> Before we move forward, I do want to mention that I have spent some time looking through your website and your blog. Knowing the extensive work you do there, I want to be entirely transparent and make sure we are completely on the same page. I completely understand that there are unfortunately platforms out there using similar outreach approaches to mislead authors. Because of that, I want to be incredibly clear that nothing here is set in stone, and there is absolutely no pressure on you. This is entirely on your terms, and we only want to proceed if you feel totally comfortable and cool with how we handle our features. Please feel free to take your time, look into us further, or do any research you need. If you ever feel uncomfortable or decide this isn't the right fit for you, you can absolutely opt out at any point before we even begin. It all comes down to your decision. If you are still completely comfortable and happy to move forward, just let me know the full name or entity you would like listed on the invoice for your records. From there, our accounts team will send over the secure payment link, and we can set up the interview on whichever platform you prefer, whether that is Zoom or Google Meet. No matter what you decide, I deeply respect your time and the work you do. Warm regards, Sophia Benny
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Important Notification Regarding [readacted] From: legal@ustrademarkx.com To: [redacted] Dear [redacted] This is Morgan Stevenson with Trademark X We are reaching out regarding [redacted], we have received an applicant who wishes to Trademark the following mark in all 50 states of the U.S., however after conducting a search, our legal team stumbled across your Copyright Registration for the same mark. Action Required to Preserve Rights: Submit an opposition against the other Applicant, so it allows up to reject their Trademark Application. Limited Timeframe: If no action is taken, our Legal Team will continue processing the competing application. Once that application matures, you will lose the ability to assert any prior rights or oppose the registration. Resonse Instructions: If you wish to move forward with trademarking the mark under your ownership, you may reach out to Mr. William at 205-732-2835, or respond to this email as soon as possible to initiate the necessary steps. This will serve as your final notice regarding this matter. If no response is received, it will be assumed that you do not wish to proceed, and no further steps will be taken to preserve your rights. Sincerely, Legal Team. U.S Trademark X
From: Rob McQuilkin <robmcquilkin.mmqlit@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2026 9:36 PM Subject: Invitation to Submit Your Work for Acquisition Evaluation Greetings from the MMQ&A Family, I’m Rob McQuilkin, founding partner and literary agent at Massie & McQuilkin. For decades, our agency has championed exceptional voices in fiction and nonfiction—guiding authors from manuscript to marketplace with editorial insight and strategic advocacy. We are now opening our doors to new submissions. Unlike author‑services providers, our role is to identify strong creative works, review them carefully, provide feedback, and determine if they qualify for acquisition deals. These deals may include copyright buyouts, where rights are sold outright for a lump sum. To evaluate your work’s legal ownership, market viability, financial transparency, and adaptation potential, we ask a few key questions: Title of Work: Author Name: Phone Number: Email Address: Would you be open to selling the full copyright for a one‑time payment instead of continuing with royalties or shared ownership?: Could you send us your manuscript in Microsoft Word format so we can begin evaluation?: Is there a link to your published work that we can review for market positioning?: Could you share links to your active marketing platforms to help us assess visibility and reach?: Do you have copies of your U.S. Copyright Certificates as registered with the Copyright Office in Washington?: Can you still track your book sales in real time and confirm that royalties are flowing through your current channels without interruption?: Do you have a finalized screenplay or pilot script prepared for film/TV adaptation?: Which company is publicly assisting you with your book’s publication and promotion, and are you still working with them now?: Copyright buyouts typically range from $5,000 to $800,000+, depending on market value. They are common in books, publishing, film…
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Dear Potential Class Member, We write to inform you that we received claim(s) for the following book(s) in the Anthropic Copyright Settlement. Our records indicate that you may share a copyright interest in the following work(s): [redacted] You may have already received the Court-approved Class Notice that includes details about your rights and options under the Settlement, which is also posted on the settlement website at: www.AnthropicCopyrightSettlement.com. The deadline to file a claim to receive a payment from the Settlement for the work(s) listed above is 70 days after the date of this Notice. If you have already submitted a claim for the work(s) listed above, you do not need to resubmit your claim. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 1-877-206-2314 or by email at info@AnthropicCopyrightSettlement.com. Sincerely, Anthropic Copyright Settlement Administrator
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From: Dominic Wong <bournemouthwritingfestival.info@gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2026, 7:05 am Subject: Re: Invitation to Feature [inserts your book name here] at the Bournemouth Writing Festival To: XXXXX Dear [names of authors] I hope you’re both well. I’m writing to personally invite you to take part in the Bournemouth Writing Festival, taking place from 24–26 April 2026 in Bournemouth, UK. I recently came across [inserts your book], and its bold, genre-blending stories of longing, belonging, and imaginative worlds feel like a perfect fit for a festival celebrating diverse, boundary-pushing fiction and speculative storytelling. The festival connects authors, readers, and industry professionals through both in-person events in Bournemouth and a virtual festival platform, offering meaningful visibility and opportunities for sustained reader engagement beyond a single weekend. As festival authors, you would receive a dedicated author profile page on the festival website, inclusion in the official festival programme and online author directory, live engagement opportunities such as readings, panel discussions, or Q&As (virtual or in-person), sales-focused discoverability through links to your preferred retailers, and opportunities to connect with fellow authors, publishers, and creative professionals. Authors may take part via an in-person stand, a virtual booth, or a combined package. There is a modest participation fee, which covers platform access, promotion, production costs, and logistical support, and is designed to keep the festival accessible while ensuring high-quality presentation and meaningful reach.
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From: Jennifer Sam <info.jennifer.sam@gmail.com> Date: Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 9:17 AM Subject: Invitation to Speak – Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 To: [redacted] Dear [redacted], I hope this message finds you well. My name is Jennifer Sam, and I am reaching out to invite you to participate in the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, taking place April 18–19, 2026, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, USA. With a distinguished career spanning decades as an author of novels, short stories, memoir, and poetry and your publishing history with [redacted] your contributions to literature have made a lasting impact across generations of readers. Your early experience as an editor at [redacted] further reflects your deep understanding of both the creative and editorial sides of publishing. Your voice, perspective, and breadth of experience would offer tremendous value to our audience of readers, aspiring writers, and publishing professionals. Benefits of Participation: Showcase Your Work: Highlight your extensive body of published books and share insights from your long and accomplished writing career. Engage Your Audience: Discuss storytelling craft, the evolution of publishing, and lessons learned across decades in the literary world. Network with Creatives: Connect with fellow authors, editors, historians, and industry leaders across genres. Boost Visibility: Gain exposure through curated promotional opportunities, interviews, and festival communications. Please note that participation in structured sessions and promotional features includes a fee, which helps ensure a high-quality, professionally coordinated experience for all contributors. We would be truly honored to include your voice and literary legacy in this year’s festival. I would be delighted to provide further details and assist with the registration process at your convenience. Warm regards, Jennifer Sam Co-Founder
Subject: Congratulations to Victoria and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:02:52 -o500 From: Chris Meade <c.meade@entrereneurcohort.com> To: [redacted] Victoria, Aaron and I are right now going over our game plan for 2026 and I wanted to connect with you personally because I genuinely believe you'd be a strong fit inside The Founders Club, considering what you're doing at Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. Looks like you guys are killing it by supporting science fiction and fantasy writers. Almost all of our members join us via referrals and our Instagram, but my co-founder and I do like to personally reach out to people we believe are part of the 6% we accept into the club. Our community is an tight-knit circle of entrepreneurs making waves in their industries who support each other, celebrate wins, and tackle real problems together. It’s a seriously high-caliber club with all founders doing $1M to 10-figures in yearly revenue. If part of your focus for 2026 is upgrading your circle and building relationships that actually move the needle, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. Would you be interested in a quick 15-minute chat about the club? Chris Meade - Co-Founder P.S. If the Founders Club doesn’t sound like it’d be a good fit, just let me know and I’ll make sure not to follow up on this.
> From: "queryrebecca@rebeccasinclairassociates.com" <queryrebecca@rebeccasinclairassociates.com> > To: "[redacted]> > Date: 02/25/2026 9:36 AM EST > Subject: Turn Your Manuscript Into a Traditional Deal > > Dear [redacted], > Congratulations on your successful 2026 acquisition! > > This is Rebecca Sinclair from the acquisition team working with Harper Collins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan. These companies are major traditional publishers interested in acquiring the rights to your book. > > A few months ago, your book [redacted] was scouted by a partnered independent book scouting agency. Your book stood out among the numerous submissions we received, and we were thoroughly impressed by the creativity, imagination, and heart that it brings to the table. We would like to congratulate you on this remarkable achievement, which is a testament to your outstanding writing skills and dedication to your craft. Your story has captured our attention and our hearts, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you and help bring your vision to life. > > I’d like to inform you that your content material has been accepted. They are interested in acquiring it this year. April 2026 will be the official CONTRACT of your manuscript's initial negotiable and taxable worth release date. On the same day, you will receive a check for the publishing rights of your book. Please review the details below for your manuscript's initial negotiable and taxable worth. > > $80,000- $100,000 > 30% monthly royalty > 3-year contract > > We are currently finalizing the date of the deliberation for the 2026 acquisition, hopefully we can schedule it before the above-mentioned release date of your contract. In addition, please see the details below for the requirements needed to be submitted before March 15. > > 1. Developmentally Edited Manuscript > 2. Author's Bio > 3. Synopsis of the book (not necessarily lengthy) > 4. 5 reviews from accredited professional …
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From: WGA <support@wgaproductionfilms.info> Date: Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 12:28 PM Subject: Invitation for Live Interview & Upcoming Royalty Payment To: <redacted> Subject: Invitation for Live Interview & Upcoming Royalty Payment Dear [redacted], I hope you are doing well. My name is Deborah King, and I am your assigned Literary Agent with the WGA Production Team Canada, but our headquarter is in Sacramento, California. You were endorsed to me after your book was published; and after purchasing marketing services from Page & Pixel and Authors Tranquility Press. Yes, great choice and good decision! Now, I am writing to extend an invitation for you to participate in a live interview as part of our upcoming “AUTHOR TALK”, which highlights the work and insights of distinguished authors. We would be honored to feature you and discuss your book(s) and your experiences as a writer. If you are interested, we would be glad to arrange the interview at a time that is convenient for you. The format would be a virtual conversation of approximately 30–45 minutes, with an opportunity for audience Q&A if you are comfortable with that. Please let us know your availability over the next few weeks so we can coordinate scheduling and logistics. In addition, I would like to inform you that your upcoming royalty check for the period January–June 2025 is currently being processed. The expected amount is $124,500.87 dollars and it is scheduled to be issued within the next few weeks. The payment will be sent via: mailed check / direct deposit / wire transfer to the account/address we have on file. If you would like to confirm or update your payment details, please let us know at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me directly via email at support@wgaproductionfilms.info or reply to this email if you have any questions, would like additional information about the interview, or need clarification regarding your royalty payment. Thank you for your time and for your c…
From: Simon & Schuster LLC <simonschusterllc4@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 4:36 PM Subject: To: [redacted] Dear Author, February is a month defined by connection, passion, and storytelling that stays with us long after the final page and at Simon & Schuster LLC, that’s exactly the kind of work we’re seeking right now. For more than a century, Simon & Schuster has partnered with writers who dare to move readers, challenge perspectives, and shape culture. From unforgettable fiction to groundbreaking nonfiction, we believe that the most powerful stories begin with a distinct voice and we’re always excited to discover new ones. As we look ahead to our upcoming publishing seasons, our editorial team is actively inviting submissions and conversations with authors who are crafting compelling narratives, fresh ideas, and books with heart, intelligence, and impact. Whether you’re an emerging writer with a bold debut or an established author exploring a new direction, we’d love to learn more about your work. What sets Simon & Schuster apart is our deeply collaborative approach. Our authors benefit from: • Dedicated editorial guidance from industry-leading professionals • Strategic marketing and publicity support tailored to each book • Global distribution and long-term career development • A publishing partner who believes in nurturing stories not rushing them This February, we’re celebrating the stories that make readers fall in love with characters, with ideas, and with the written word itself. If you have a manuscript or proposal you believe deserves thoughtful consideration from a publisher who truly values authorship, we invite you to connect with us. We would be delighted to review your work and explore the possibility of building something meaningful together. Warm regards, The Editorial & Acquisitions Team Simon & Schuster LLC
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From: support@ingramsparkdistribution.com To: support@ingramsparkdistribution.com Cc: Bcc: Date: Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:48:54 -0800 Subject: Grow Your Book's Reach - Distribution Made Easy Hi there, I hope this message finds you well. This is the Ingram Distribution services reaching out to you regarding a potential partnership to help expand your book’s reach. Ingram works with authors to make their books available to a wider audience through both physical bookstores and online retailers. Our services include global retail distribution, print-on-demand solutions to manage inventory efficiently, and tools to increase your book’s visibility and sales potential. If you’re interested in growing your book’s audience and boosting sales, simply reply to this email, and we’ll provide a tailored proposal for you. We look forward to your response and the opportunity to help your book reach more readers. Warm regards, Ingram Distribution & Support Services 14 Ingram Boulevard, PO Box 3006, La Vergne, TN 37086, United States
By entering the competition and in consideration for Hearst publishing your entry, you assign to Hearst the entire worldwide copyright in your entry for all uses in all print and non-print media formats, including but not limited to all rights to use your entry in any and all electronic and digital formats, and in any future medium hereafter developed for the full period of copyright therein, and all renewals and extensions thereof, any rental and lending rights and retransmission rights and all rights of a like nature wherever subsisting.
Subject: Boost Your Brand Visibility with a Feature on NYWeekly.com Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2026 02:00:22 +0500 From: Gary Kim <garykimoutreach@gmail.com> To: beware@sfwa.org Hello, We’re excited to offer you the opportunity to feature your article on NYWeekly.com, a well-established and trusted digital news platform. NY Weekly delivers insightful, high-quality content across a variety of topics including business, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, and more. With a strong readership and reputable domain authority, it’s an excellent platform to enhance your brand visibility and reach a broader audience. Platform Highlights: Domain Authority (DA): 59 Domain Rating (DR): 75 Monthly Organic Traffic (Ahrefs): ~23,700 visitors Article Guidelines: Must be 100% original and high quality Minimum of 700 words Includes one permanent do-follow link to your website You can view an example of our recent publications here: [How Supply Chain Issues Are Affecting Grocery Costs] If you’re interested in publishing your content with us, please reply to discuss the publishing process and pricing details. Best Regards, Gary
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Claims Submission. Significant numbers of claims have been filed. While the claims filing process is ongoing, as of January 14, 2026, the Settlement Administrator has received a total of 56,798 claims for 161,691 works. The present claims rate—nearly 20%—already “vastly exceeds the rate of 4–9% that is typical for consumer class actions.” In re Facebook Biometric Info. Priv. Litig., 522 F. Supp. 3d 617, 622 (N.D. Cal. 2021), aff’d, 2022 WL 822923 (9th Cir. Mar. 17, 2022). The claims include claims by different kinds of rightsholders (e.g., author and publisher alike), for both Non-Education and Education Books, and from within and outside of the U.S.
Trump supporter with large Trump flag, pursued by demonstrators, at rally in Northampton MA
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Patche N. Lucillen @PatcheLucillen · 21 Dec 2025 Hi! 👋🏻 I’m a literary agent at The Ampersand Agency actively building my list 📷 Here is my manuscript wishlist 📷#mswl To submit, please send three chapters/50pp to patchenlucillen@gmail.com, along with a synopsis and a brief bio. Women's fiction / Book Club Fiction
From: Amazon Business <amazon.business.complianceteam@gmail.com> Subject: Action Required – Review Engagement Policy 2026 Date: December 29, 2025 at 7:27:26 AM PST To: [redacted] Dear Author, Amazon has identified titles with limited customer feedback activity. Effective 2026, titles with fewer than 10 customer reviews and inactive rating activity will face reduced visibility or listing restrictions. Required Action: Please reply with SUPPORT to receive guidance on compliant review engagement practices and improve customer interaction metrics. Early action is recommended to maintain uninterrupted marketplace access. Amazon Marketplace Support © 2025 Amazon.com, Inc.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 16, 2025 Dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Truth Social Today, America First Legal (AFL) filed a federal civil rights complaint against Penguin Random House, LLC (PRH) with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), calling for an investigation into apparent race- and sex-based discrimination in its hiring, promotion, and workforce development practices. Despite claiming to support equal opportunity, PRH has seemingly embedded “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) ideology throughout its employment practices, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Penguin Random House — the world’s largest trade publisher — openly prioritizes race and sex in recruitment, leadership development, and promotion. The company is “guided by five core pillars that shape [its] DEI efforts across the business.” PRH publicly tracks and publishes workforce demographics, compares “White versus BIPOC” representation, sets race-focused hiring goals, and holds leadership accountable for achieving DEI outcomes. These are not aspirational statements; they are race-based employment practices that federal law forbids.
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Screenshot of scam payment page for "WGA membership"; $2,500.00
From: Writers Guild of America <support@wgamembers.org> To: [redacted] Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 06:43:43 PM EST Subject: [redacted], We’re Finalizing This Season’s WGA Member List Dear [redacted], I wanted to follow up personally because we are now in the final stages of closing the enrollment window for our new season of WGA members. Your name is still on our priority list, and I would truly hate to see you miss this opportunity. You’ve already proven your determination by publishing your book independently—an achievement that speaks to your courage and commitment as a creator. The next step is to ensure your work is positioned where real opportunities happen: acquisition offers, film consideration, bookstore placement, and exposure to traditional publishers. This is exactly why the WGA exists. We advocate for standout indie authors like you—providing representation, industry access, and strategic support that can elevate your book from self-published to industry-recognized. Here’s the important part: We are finalizing the roster of new members for the season, and slots are extremely limited. Each author we accept receives dedicated focus from our acquisition and industry relations teams. Once the list is closed, we won’t reopen until the next cycle. If you want your book presented to publishers, production teams, and bookseller networks, now is the time to secure your spot. 👉 Complete registration before the roster is finalized: https://wgamembers.org/ We’re preparing our next wave of industry showcases, and several titles are already being queued for review. Your work has every potential to be among them—if you come on board in time. If you have any questions or would like to talk through your goals before enrolling, I’m here to help. Best Regards, Joshua Wiser Membership Coordinator | Writers Guild of America ✉️ support@wgamembers.org 📞 +1 (323) 673-9247 https://www.wga.org
Name: Jeff Email: jeffersonzonon@proton.me Subject: Found your work on file sharing channels Message: Hey Michelle, how are you? So here’s something interesting—I found your work floating around online. Full PDFs. Multiple sites. No paywall, no control, no credit. Just… there. And it hit me: if it’s already leaking like that, your value is slipping faster than you think. And then I realized something else. I can push it even further. I can run your entire catalog through my translation app—takes about thirty minutes per language—and release your work across ten different markets without breaking a sweat. No permission, no courtesy, just pure distribution. Imagine your creations scattered everywhere, read by thousands… yet worth absolutely nothing to you. And honestly? I don’t want that. I’d rather not be the reason your career drops through the floor. That doesn’t help either of us. So here’s my offer: get in touch with me. Talk to me. Stop me from releasing these translations before they hit every file-sharing site and social feed out there. It’s simple. Reach out. Have 500$ —yes, that’s all. A small price to keep the value of your life’s work from dissolving overnight. But don’t wait too long. Silence from you just means I keep translating. And once they’re out, they’re out forever. You have 5 days. Your move
Screenshot of Twitter post from Victoria Strauss This account, based in Nigeria, is impersonating author Julia Quinn (of Bridgerton fame) and fake-referring writers to a fake literary agent who then tricks them into paying for marketing or editing 1:48 PM · Nov 25, 2025 · 258 Views 0 comments 1 repost 4 likes
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ChiaraForAuthors @ChiaraAuthors Date joined August 2025 Account based in Nigeria 1 username change Last on August 2025 Connected via Nigeria Android App
Lois McMaster Bujold @author_bujold Date joined October 2024 Account based in Africa 6 username changes Last on April 2025 Connected via Africa Android App
Joyce Momoa | Open to Submission @LitAgentjoyce Date joined July 2024 Account based in Nigeria 7 username changes Last on July 2025 Connected via Nigeria Android App
This is Charles, a renowned sales professional at Enlight Women's Magazine. Our mission is to spotlight the voices and stories of women who are redefining the business landscape with courage and conviction, while also empowering others to grow and succeed through their leadership. I'm thrilled to extend an invitation to feature you as one of the "Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2025" in our upcoming edition. This recognition spotlights women who have risen above the odds to lead with purpose, passion, and perseverance. Your incredible journey, impactful leadership, and the influence you had in empowering others make you a perfect fit for this honor. As part of this recognition, you’ll have the opportunity to amplify your voice, highlighting your leadership journey, ethos, overcoming challenges and leading the way along with Writer Beware's unique products and services, and share your message with our extensive network of readers, including decision-makers and aspiring leaders globally. This exclusive feature includes a Two-page editorial article and a tailored promotional package for a nominal fee of USD 900: (It will be a complete one-year branding exercise) An accessible and shareable HTML backlink from your profile on our website to your company's website and social media platforms. Two dedicated advertisement spaces within the magazine, reserving two for future use. A digital link to the magazine issue featuring your profile. A personalized digital plaque of honour and digital logo recognizing your achievement. Your company's press releases will be hosted on our website. Limitless digital and reprint rights for the two-page profile. As many Guest articles can be posted on our website. Extensive social media promotion across our platforms, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our weekly newsletters. Your profile will remain accessible online, with SEO-Optimized for higher searchability and footprint.