Avoid Publishing Scams

Protect yourself from fraudulent publishing practices

Warning Signs of Publishing Scams

Unfortunately, the publishing industry has many predatory practices that target aspiring authors. Here are the most common warning signs:

Upfront Fees

Legitimate traditional publishers never charge authors upfront fees. Be wary of publishers that ask for:

  • Editorial fees
  • Marketing or publicity fees
  • ISBN or cover design fees
  • Administrative or processing fees
  • "Reading fees" to evaluate your manuscript

If a publisher wants money before they've invested in your book, it's a red flag. Legitimate publishers only profit when your book sells.

Guaranteed Bestseller Claims

Be skeptical of any publisher that guarantees your book will become a bestseller or promises specific sales numbers. No one can guarantee bestseller status, and these promises are often fraudulent.

Ownership of Your Rights

Predatory publishers may try to claim ownership of your intellectual property indefinitely. Beware of:

  • Contracts giving the publisher all rights to your work
  • Requirements to sign away foreign rights, subsidiary rights, or audio rights
  • Unreasonably long contract terms with no reversion clause
  • Pressure to assign your copyright to the publisher

Lack of Transparency

Legitimate publishers are transparent about their process, royalty rates, and contract terms. Be cautious if a publisher:

  • Won't provide a written contract
  • Refuses to explain royalty calculations
  • Won't disclose how many books have sold
  • Won't provide sales statements or financial reports

Unrealistic Royalty Rates

Royalty rates vary, but be wary of rates that seem too good to be true or suspiciously low. Predatory publishers may offer high percentages they have no intention of actually paying.

Legitimate vs. Predatory Publishers

Legitimate Publisher Predatory Publisher
No upfront fees from authors Charges editing, design, or marketing fees
Clear, transparent contract terms Vague or confusing contracts
Reasonable rights reversion clause Indefinite rights ownership
Regular royalty statements and payments Irregular or no payment statements
Professional editing and design included Low-quality production values
Realistic expectations about marketing Guarantees or unrealistic promises
Professional communication and support Pressure tactics and poor communication

How Reynolds Communications Does Business

At Publish with Reynolds Communications, we operate with integrity and transparency:

  • We never charge authors upfront fees of any kind
  • We invest our own resources in editing, design, and production
  • We provide clear, fair contracts with reasonable terms
  • Authors retain ownership of their intellectual property
  • We offer fair royalty rates and regular accounting statements
  • We work with each author to develop a marketing and distribution strategy
  • We maintain professional, transparent communication throughout the process
  • We honor our obligations and stand behind our authors

Tips for Protecting Yourself

If you're considering publishing your work, follow these best practices:

  • Do your research: Check publisher reviews on industry sites and author forums
  • Read the contract carefully: Have a literary attorney review it if possible
  • Ask questions: A legitimate publisher will answer any questions about their process
  • Get everything in writing: Verbal promises mean nothing legally
  • Verify credentials: Check if the publisher is established and has published other books
  • Never pay upfront: Legitimate publishers don't charge authors
  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is
  • Network with other authors: Join writing groups and ask about publishers' reputations
  • Consider traditional vs. self-publishing: Understand the differences and which is right for you

Helpful Resources

These organizations provide valuable information about publishing and help identify scams:

Reporting Scams

If you encounter a publishing scam, report it to:

  • Writer Beware (writer-beware@sfwa.org)
  • The Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov/complaint)
  • Your state's Attorney General office
  • Internet Fraud Complaint Center (ic3.gov)

Questions? Contact Us

If you have questions about our publishing process or want to verify our credentials and practices, we're happy to help:

Reynolds Communications
450 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022, USA
Email: authors@publishwithrc.com
Phone: 1-800-PUBLISH