Most authors imagine being able to easily spot a scam publisher. It would look obvious, like a shady email or an offer that’s just too good to be true? A pushy sales pitch with no substance to back it up. But the truth is that the real scams are subtle. They look like an organized contract, a follow up phone call, or an invoice you feel slightly embarrassed to question.
If you’ve finished your manuscript, you may already have been discovered by a publisher. Vanity publishers are hiding in plain sight dressed as publishing partners, but built to profit from your dream rather than your book. The hard part is that they rarely look like predators. And unpublished authors are eager for these opportunities to publish.
So before you sign with a publisher be sure to ask these five questions:
Who owns the rights to your book? The answer should always and unequivocally be you, fully and permanently. If a company keeps a claim on your work, you don’t have a publisher. You have a landlord.
Is the full price clear before you commit? A legitimate publishing platform quotes one transparent price. Vanity presses are known to add in additional fees as you go. An extra edit, a premium cover, or a marketing package you were promised but now need to pay extra to receive. Make sure everything relevant to the publishing process is clearly outlined and listed.
Will your book actually reach real retailers? Distribution should mean more than just Amazon. There are other global retailers where many of your readers browse and shop. Not just one. Dozens. Ask publishers to name the distribution channels your book will be available on. A vague answer is your answer.
Are real people doing the work? Technology should never take the place of a professional publishing team. Will a team of human experts be responsible for editing and preparing your book? Will you be matched with a dedicated publishing expert to walk you through the process? If not, don’t walk, run.
What are other authors saying about them? A trusted publisher leaves a trail you can follow. Verified ratings on Google and Trustpilot. Published authors telling their stories online. A sales pitch is an unverified promise. Public reviews and testimonials are proof. Check to find before you sign.
Hold every contract up to these five questions and the scammers will reveal themselves. Any real publisher will welcome the test and pass easily.
Your Publishing Journey Awaits – Start Now
Spines is a publishing platform built to pass. Built by authors, for authors, you always keep 100% of your book rights. Pricing is clear from the start. Books reach up to 100 global retail channels, and a dedicated team of professionals guides every author from manuscript to market.
Hundreds of authors have already said so publicly, rating Spines 4.7 stars on Google and 4.6 stars on Trustpilot. Most started exactly where you are now. Technology is used to support not substitute. It removes the busywork, but never the human expertise and personal interaction.
You don’t have to choose between publishing professionally and keeping creative control of your work. Spines provides the feedback and knowhow but authors have the final say to publish their way.
Run the five questions on Spines. You’ll see what hybrid publishing can do for your book.
