Quick heads-up for everyone as you move closer to launch or start marketing your books more actively. We’re seeing an increase in scams targeting authors, especially around book clubs, reviews, and marketing offers. These often look legitimate at first, so a little awareness goes a long way. Common red flags to watch for: 🚩 Book clubs or “reader groups” that cold-message you and require a fee, promise guaranteed reviews, or claim limited spots. 🚩 Marketing offers that promise fast results, bestseller status, or huge exposure with vague details on how they’ll deliver. 🚩 Messages impersonating platforms, influencers, authors, or assistants using lookalike names or emails. Some additional things we’ve noticed: a number of these scammers are using AI tools to pull book titles, descriptions, or author bios and then crafting very personalized, flattering messages. One subtle giveaway is unnatural formatting, like random bolding or emphasis in places a real person typically wouldn’t use it. If someone reaches out unsolicited, asks for money, guarantees outcomes, or creates urgency, pause. Do your research. Ask questions. To help keep this community safe and welcoming, please feel free to reach out or flag any suspicious posts, DMs, or replies you see. If you’re ever unsure about an offer, asking is always okay, as protecting your work and your wallet is worth it.

This will help you create the mindset of what “success” really looks like for your book. Write in the comments below what it would change for you...

Hi Non-fiction legends, 1st time author here. It's almost 10 weeks since my book went live. We had a good launch. However, 10 weeks later, haven't gotten paid by Amazon. I have checked my KDP account; no payments, no issues highlighted. Am I missing something?

Amazon removed almost 20 reviews from my book. Overnight. No explanation. These were genuine reviews from real readers. Some of them were people from my audience who bought the book themselves. Some even shared photos of the book in their hands. I haven't reached out to Amazon. I wonder what they may do next....remove a few more? I noticed that the most 'gushing' or complimentary reviews were removed first I have seen some posts about this here. Any suggestions at all?

I have recently self-published a book and tried to hire a producer for the Audible version on ACX. 4 weeks later, it's still pending review. I already have people in my audience asking for the audible version So, I'm thinking of hiring a narrator on Upwork or Fiverr to record it. I am also considering recording the audiobook myself, but I am unsure how it will turn out; I am secretly worried that my accent may not resonate with my broader audience who already engages with my written work. 🙂 Any thoughts P.S. I consume 90% of new books via audio now (about 50 last year), so I know audio is the way to go