Writing stories and telling them to people around you has been an innate instinct of humankind. People of all ages have enjoyed the art of storytelling. As we moved from one century to another, the art of storytelling has transformed into writing those stories on paper and getting them published.
Many writers seek recognition and appreciation for their stories. In fact, around 81% of Americans[1] believe they have a book inside them. To help these aspiring authors publish their work online, a platform called Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is available.
Emerging authors looking to make it big in the publishing world need to understand that the KDP platform is different from going to the publishers. The platform is the best resource for first-time authors due to its better reach to the audience and accessibility. What entices the authors more about getting their book published at KDP is getting royalties from the work that they have created.
What is Kindle Direct Publishing, and How It Works:
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and distribute their works in digital and print formats. Among various other self-publishing platforms, KDP is a significant player with the reasons being user-friendly experience and free-of-cost services for the authors.
But the important aspect to note here is that nothing in this world comes free. There are hardships, struggles, and challenges for writers, even with KDP, where scams are common. There are predators and scammers at every step.
The most common and popular scam of the 1990s was the “Reading Fees[2]” scam. This scam involved literary agents charging authors a fee to read their submitted manuscripts. It became prevalent during this decade, leading to many authors being misled and exploited. However, the awareness increased, and the prevalence of such scams diminished over time.
The KDP platform is considered an important tool for writers attempting to publish their books for the first time. Most writers are unaware of the importance of keeping their eyes wide open when any such opportunity is offered to them and, therefore, fall prey to scams and lose the worth of every word they have written with hard work and dedication.
Importance of Being Aware of Self-Publishing Scams:
Good were those days when moral and ethical practices were given the prime role to play for business owners. No matter if you are publishing your book on your own or getting it published with the help of the publishers, now the times have changed and the writers need to keep themselves aware of the scams that are offered to them on a daily basis. Self-publishing companies have now adopted abhorrent practices of asking for fees for services that are either never provided or should be provided for free.
• Asking for fee for reading manuscripts.
• Exaggerated claims made by the service providers.
• Offers that are hard to believe.
Even before the KDP platform was launched, the period from the 1990s to 1998 [3]saw the rise of reading fee scams, which were among the most common fraudulent practices. By 2005[4], as authors became more aware of these fraudulent activities, scams such as agent fees became increasingly prevalent.
Understanding KDP Scams
KDP scams often arise from communication barriers, unrealistic expectations among writers, and misleading promises made by self-publishing companies. Additionally, many authors suffer due to their uninformed approach. While not all businesses are unethical, a significant reason for the challenges faced by authors is a lack of information.
Reports indicate [5]that older adults experience an average loss of $803 per person, compared to $460 for victims in their early 30s. The key difference between these age groups lies in their access to information and their knowledge when using the KDP platform.
In many cases, Amazon’s publishing services offer free options to authors, yet some self-publishing companies charge for manuscript reviews and readings, which should be complimentary. Furthermore, any claims suggesting that a book can become a bestseller in a short time are dubious. Authors must familiarize themselves with the tools and analytical measures to recognize the scams targeting them.
Predatory publishing companies often take a significant portion of writers’ royalties, leaving them disappointed. KDP scams are fraudulent activities designed to exploit writers intending to use the Kindle Direct Publishing Platform. These scams can take various forms, misleading writers into believing they are engaging in legitimate activities.
Common Types of KDP Scams in the KDP Ecosystem
- Vanity Publishing
One of the most prevalent scams authors encounter is vanity publishing, where writers pay a substantial fee to have their books published. A common tactic among these companies is requiring authors to relinquish their book rights. Vanity publishing has no selection criteria for the work submitted and has existed even before the rise of online platforms.
| Vanity Publisher | Year Active | Scam Details | Financial Impact |
| Commonwealth Publications | Closed in 1999 | Authors sued after claiming they didn’t receive books they paid for and did not receive royalties. | Significant financial losses for authors. |
| Northwest Publishing | 1990s-2000s | Cheated authors out of millions; owners gambled away funds in Las Vegas casinos. | Estimated losses in the millions. |
| Sovereign Publications | 1990s-2000s | Took hundreds of thousands from authors, most of whom never received their books. | Hundreds of thousands lost by authors. |
| Press-Tige Publishing | 2000s | Took nearly $750,000 from over 200 authors but delivered no books in its final years. | Approximately $750,000 lost. |
- Phishing Attempts
Self-publishing companies often employ phishing tactics, sending emails, notifications, and messages that appear to be from the KDP platform, asking for sensitive information like passwords or banking data. The intent is to bypass account security and steal personal information.
- Payment and Royalty Scams
Writers are often intimidated by the royalties and payments they expect to receive after publication. Self-publishing companies frequently charge authors for design, editing, and marketing services without investing in the book itself. This raises the question: how can authors expect to earn royalties?
The existence of a book on a digital platform, along with accessible sales records, allows authors to understand the payment plan and royalty structure.
- Fake Reviews and Review Manipulation
As the name suggests, these scams involve fabricated reviews of publishing companies. Overly exaggerated feedback and misleading language are generated to manipulate authors’ perceptions. Only informed writers can discern these details, while first-time authors are particularly vulnerable to scammers and fake publishing services. This revision enhances clarity, improves readability, and maintains the informative nature of the original text.
At Panda Publishing, we understand the dreams of authors and the desire to put thoughts on paper. We serve as legitimate guides for authors and storytellers. What sets our services apart is our passion for reading and analysis, allowing us to appreciate the work done by authors. We recognize the struggles faced by first-time authors.
Panda Publishing is an independent self-publishing service offering comprehensive book services under one roof. Our expertise includes book publishing, children’s books, ghostwriting, and editing services. We believe that every book is unique; therefore, we listen to our customers and assist them in obtaining illustrations designed by our experts, which effectively enhance the presentation of your book. Our Amazon book publishing services provide a complete guide for those seeking to make their publishing dreams a reality.
Our Mission and Values
At Panda Publishing, we understand that publishing your work can be a daunting task, especially for first-time authors. As a team of passionate readers who appreciate both classical and contemporary literature, we founded Panda Publishing to help authors bring their dreams to life.
We believe that your book is not just a figment of imagination, but a labor of love that embodies your heart and soul. Our mission is to empower authors worldwide and guide them through the self-publishing process.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality in every aspect of your book, from content and graphics to illustrations and marketing strategies. We work closely with you, from the initial idea to the final book formation, to create a polished, professional product that reflects your unique voice and vision.
At Panda Publishing, we are committed to transparency, integrity, and delivering exceptional service to our authors. We believe in fostering a supportive community where writers can thrive and share their stories with the world.
Our Clear and Straightforward Publishing Process
For an author, writing a book is all about pouring your heart out on paper. With our straightforward publishing policy, we offer our customers complete ownership of their books, with rights and royalties all in their favor. Panda Publishing navigates each step in the world of self-publishing confidently and exclusively.
Our team of professionals pays attention to the manuscripts submitted by our clients, reviews them, adds suggestions to strengthen the plot and structure, and focuses on creating strong content.
We give complete autonomy to our authors and consider their suggestions on edits, formatting, and the design and display of their books.
Our multi-faceted book and author marketing strategy is designed to provide our clients with a comprehensive plan to bring their books to the right customers while keeping them safe from scams and publishing fraud.
However, no matter how promising our profile may seem to our clients, it is important for them to consider the facts and figures defined below to help them receive the best self-publishing services available.
Research and Due Diligence
It is common for first-time authors trying to publish their books to fall prey to scams. Reports indicate that older individuals are more susceptible to these scams than younger authors.
In the past year, impersonation scams have become a significant issue. The FTC reported around 44,000 complaints about scammers[6] and agencies pretending to be Amazon. However, the FTC believes the actual numbers could be much higher, as many scams go unreported.
The most impersonated company was Best Buy, with approximately 52,000 reports [7]and $15 million lost. In response, the FTC has introduced rules for self-publishing to safeguard people’s money against such theft.
While there is no definitive guideline that every new self-publishing author should follow, there are certain aspects to monitor to avoid theft and fraudulent activities.
Importance of Thorough Research
When opting to publish your book online, one of the key aspects every author should consider is research. Look for the websites of self-publishing agencies that monitor publishing firms; they are valuable resources for identifying suspicious activities.
Additionally, seeking recommendations from fellow writers, competitors, and industry professionals about the publishing firms they have worked with can provide valuable insights. Referrals from those experienced in the self-publishing market can be particularly beneficial.
Though it may seem time-consuming, at Panda Publishing, we always emphasize the importance of thorough research before our clients trust and work with any publishing services.
Checking the Legitimacy of Self-Publishing Services
After obtaining referrals from different authors and self-publishing services, it is essential to verify the legitimacy of these services. Here are some steps to help clients protect themselves from scams. There are numerous real-life incidents where individuals have panicked and lost their hard-earned money to such scams.
Reviews and Testimonials
Check the legitimacy of self-publishing services by reading customer reviews and testimonials. Be cautious of exaggerated claims and overly enthusiastic language, as these can be indicators of a scam. Genuine authors tend to use simple language to convey their appreciation.
Investigating History and Reputation
When considering whether to work with a particular self-publishing service, research the company’s history. A poor reputation is a red flag; if many authors express dissatisfaction with their services, it’s wise to explore other options.
Professional Membership and Affiliation
Authors should conduct due diligence to avoid falling prey to unscrupulous tactics. Look for self-publishing services that are affiliated with reputable organizations in the industry.
How Our Services Stand Out in Privacy and Trustworthiness
At Panda Publishing, we distinguish ourselves in the publishing market by offering a clear plan for getting your books published. We provide transparent payment structures and detailed costs for various services, allowing authors to make informed choices. Our royalty and sales analysis tools ensure that authors do not miss out on any earnings.
With numerous reputable authors among our self-published books, our track record serves as a testament to our fair practices and services.
Recognizing Red Flags
When overwhelmed by the desire to publish, authors may overlook important red flags. Here are some warning signs to help clients avoid predators in the market:
- Lack of Author Control
Publishing a book is an art, and authors should maintain control over design and pricing. A lack of control can lead to dissatisfaction with the final product. If you find yourself limited in your choices, consider it a red flag.
- Unsolicited Contacts
Receiving unsolicited offers from self-publishing agencies can indicate a scam. Be wary of promotions or reviews offered without your request; these are often too good to be true.
- Pressure Tactics
If a self-publishing service uses high-pressure tactics to get you to sign a contract or make a deal, it’s best to avoid them. Genuine services will respect your decision-making process.
- Complex Terms
As an author, you should be comfortable with language. If a contract contains excessive technical jargon that creates confusion, do not sign until everything is clear.
- Non-Disclosure of Costs
Publishing your book on the KDP platform should be a fulfilling experience. If a self-publishing agency is reluctant to disclose the true costs of their services, it’s a major red flag—consider running away.
- Fake Reviews
Beware of overly enthusiastic reviews and exaggerated claims from other authors. These can be signs of fake testimonials. Pay attention to the language used in these reviews.
- No Contact Information
Legitimate self-publishing services will always provide complete contact details and information about their services. If this information is missing, you may be dealing with a scam.
How We Address These Red Flags in Our Services
Our Amazon book publishing services prioritize excellence and quality. We do not cut authors’ royalties; instead, we guide them through the publishing process without hassle.
Our professional team creates a roadmap for each author, ensuring that costs and contract terms are transparent. We encourage clients to gain insight into our processes.
What sets us apart in the self-publishing market is our commitment to detail and our willingness to listen to authors’ concerns, whether related to quality control, design, marketing, or other issues.
With hundreds of satisfied customers, potential clients can check our website and previous work for references to understand how we lead our self-publishing authors to success.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property
One of the biggest concerns for writers is losing control over their work. Your book is your intellectual property, created from your heart and soul. Therefore, do not place your trust in publishing services that are unwilling to give you control over your book and its content.
Importance of Retaining Rights to Your Work
When self-publishing your book, it is crucial to retain the rights to your work. With books, the key aspect of retaining rights is not the general idea of the storyline or plot, but rather maintaining the rights to the specific words, phrases, and sentences that make up your book.
Any infringement or unauthorized changes to your work can only be made with the author’s permission. Understanding the importance of your rights is essential.
Everything you have written cannot be replaced, reused, or recited in public without the author’s permission.
Understanding Copyright Laws and Registration
As soon as your book is printed or typed, you can begin the process of copyrighting your work. However, before that, you need a tangible object to establish your rights. Therefore, we recommend maintaining a tangible copy of your work even before submitting it for review.
Once your book is copyrighted, experts advise registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office. This is a preferred choice for many writers who want to protect their work from infringement and theft.
When applying for registration, you will need to provide a copy of your work, a registration application, and the required fee. Several online platforms can assist you in registering your copyright.
In case of any infringement, scam, or theft related to your book, having a registered copyright gives you the legal right to take action in court.
Tips for Securely Sharing Your Manuscript
Literary scams often occur when people try to enter the market without legitimate work. Writing a book requires significant effort, hard work, and dedication.
Before self-publishing your book, it is advisable to share it with reputable professionals and firms that have a track record of producing successful self-published works. These professionals can provide guidance on protecting your manuscript, such as using watermarks to ensure your name and contact information appear on the text whenever it is used, read, or reviewed.
Our Commitment to Protecting Your Intellectual Property
At Panda Publishing Services, we understand the hard work authors put into their work. As pioneers in the industry, we prioritize protecting the intellectual property rights of our authors.
Even if an author is a first-time publisher, our creative team guides them through each step of the self-publishing process. We emphasize the importance of obtaining copyrights for our clients.
It is crucial for authors to be aware that copyright laws vary by country. Our experts advise authors to familiarize themselves with the specific legal rights applicable in their jurisdiction.
Understanding Contracts and Agreements
No matter whether you are working with the KDP platform or conventional publishers to get your books published, it is inevitable that you will sign a contract. Due to a lack of knowledge and misinformation, most authors fall prey to scams where they don’t pay attention to detail and end up being scammed of their rights, royalties, and the entire plan of getting their ideas published as a book.
However, when you have an in-depth understanding of the contracts and agreements, it is crucial to look for key aspects that promise to safeguard your rights as an author.
Key Elements to Look for in a Publishing Agreement
- Description: The mention of the names of both parties, the scope or nature of the project, and a description of the terms and conditions. Everything should be stated clearly, concisely, and without any ambiguity.
- Grant of Rights: For authors, this is the key area of concern. The grant of rights should be defined clearly, allowing the author to maintain complete autonomy over their book.
- Subsidiary Rights: The author could be granted some subsidiary rights at the time of contract formation, and these should be clearly specified.
- Copyright and Ownership: Authors should understand their copyrights and ownership of their work, as well as the rights granted to the publisher.
- Termination of the Contract: The basis on which the authors agree to terminate the contract, or the conditions under which both parties are liable to end the agreement.
- Financial Issues: The cost of production, distribution of royalties, sales, and publication details should be clearly discussed when finalizing the publishing agreement.
Negotiating Terms that Protect Your Interests
As an author, you need to prioritize your goals. Clearly define areas where you can be flexible and where you cannot compromise.
Areas like royalty sharing, specific deliverables, and rights retention are some concerns where you need to remain steadfast in your objectives.
Before setting rigid goals, it is essential to understand the market rates for royalties, the specific deliverables you expect from Amazon book publishing, and most importantly, protect your rights simultaneously.
Seek alternatives and aim for a win-win situation for both parties. This can be achieved when publishers are impressed by your artistic imagination and the magic created by your words. It is crucial to learn how to mitigate risks and negotiate your terms and conditions without being too rigid or stern in your approach. Book publishing services and authors are two ends of a rope, and one cannot do much without the other. Therefore, being flexible is the only solution.
Seeking Legal Advice Before Signing Agreements
Writing a book is different from getting a contract signed. When you are faced with legal jargon and templates that are difficult to understand, seeking legal advice is the best recourse.
Look for an attorney who can guide you, help negotiate your terms, and lead you to a contract that works in the best interest of the authors.
Our Clear and Author-Friendly Contract Terms
At Panda Publishing Services, we ensure an author-friendly approach. Our practices include providing complete and comprehensive services to self-publishing authors. What makes our services more trustworthy is our clearly defined rights and regulations for our authors.
If needed, our team of experts is ready to provide our customers with legal support before signing the contract for their book publishing.
Financial Safety
As authors, we are often intimidated by the thought of self-publishing and overwhelmed with the idea of having our content printed on the KDP platform. In the process, we may overlook the importance of following practices that could bring about financial freedom to book writers.
If you are willing to enjoy the benefits of becoming a KDP author and achieve financial stability, here are some practices that need to be followed:
Opting for Secure Payment Methods
When you are ready to receive payments for your book, it’s crucial to ensure the security of your payment methods. Scams related to payments have been common for ages. Make sure to use a two-way verification method, where you are not only offered a strong password to log in to your account but also directed towards an OTP code before logging in. While this may seem secure and safe, it’s best to keep your cool and stay vigilant against any possible attempts to scam your account through panic, urgency, or any other method.
Keeping Track of Your Payments
After successfully launching your book on the KDP platform, one of the next things authors look forward to is receiving payments and royalties. Most self-publishing companies offer easy access to payment information. All you need to do is click on the “Reports” tab, set the date range from the given dates to the present, and you can easily calculate the number of books sold and the amount of royalties received.
However, it’s important to note that Amazon services take approximately 60 days before final payments are available. For instance, sales from July will be available in September and early October.
Maintaining Your KDP Dashboard
Once your payments are available, your account becomes vulnerable to attacks and scams. As an author, you need to be active in maintaining the record of your KDP dashboard, in addition to being creative with your words. The KDP Reports Dashboard shows you a snapshot of today’s estimated royalties, sales, and Kindle Edition Normalized Pages (KENP) read, helping you analyze, scrutinize, and look out for payouts at the end of each day.
You can customize your KDP dashboard to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your KDP payment plan. Publishing a book and keeping track of sales becomes easier and more convenient with the efficient use of the KDP dashboard.
How We Ensure Transparent and Timely Payments to Our Authors
When it comes to scams and fraudulent activities, there are key aspects that authors need to be aware of, which include:
Transparency: At Panda Publishing Services, we ensure complete transparency in payments and provide a fair share of royalties that are market-compatible.
Flexible Options: We understand that each author is different and market trends keep changing. Therefore, we make sure to keep our payment plans flexible, designed to meet the needs of authors while remaining true to the market.
No Additional Costs: When we share the payment contract, we ensure that each clause is discussed clearly, with no hidden or additional charges, guiding you towards your journey of success.
Safeguarding Personal Information: One of the reasons hundreds of thousands of scams are posted online each day is that people fall prey to the situation, the scammers’ smart moves, and most importantly, losing their personal information.
Every day, hundreds of authors are scammed in the name of book publishing. If you are one of the authors with a success story that others will envy, here are some important aspects to keep in mind:
Protect Your Financial and Personal Information Online: Sharing your personal information with anyone could risk your financial accounts, passwords, and other important details. When working with Amazon publishing services, Amazon does not ask you to share your password or bank account details online. Your security codes, credit card details, and PIN numbers should not be shared online with anyone, no matter who contacts you or tries to scam you by impersonating their identity.
Avoid Phishing Attempts: Among many other important details, rushing out to conclusions and giving in to phishing attempts is what you need to avoid. For any online scams, illegitimate publishing services will ask you to press down the button of scammed emails, ads, and other apps to ensure you lose your confidential information.
A retired woman in Montana lost all her life savings to such a phishing attempt. The scam began with a call that seemed to be from Amazon, claiming to inform her of fraudulent activity on her account. This led to her losing all of her life savings when the scammer took a hefty amount of $240,000 from her through an elaborate mind game.
Use Secure and Unique Passwords for Your Accounts: Authors need to be vigilant and not be scammed by pressure tactics and phishing attempts that are common in these scams. To keep your financial security activated, make sure you have a unique password that is not shared online, no matter what the situation asks for.
Our Policies and Practices
At Panda Publishing Services, we understand the pain authors go through in earning royalties and payments.
Technical Safeguards: We only ask for minimum information from clients to adhere to data safety and security compliance policies. We use encrypted codes and passwords to ensure that data is protected from all ends, preventing authors from being easily targeted by scammers.
Access Control: Allowing only limited access to teams who work hand-in-hand with self-publishing authors ensures that no unauthorized individual can trespass the line that comes under the jurisdiction of author privacy and control.
Building a Network
With recent reports and statistics, a surge in the number of self-publishing authors entering the market has been noted. People like you have been part of the KDP platform, and building a safe space for each other is always helpful.
Importance of Connecting with Authors and Publishers
The number of self-publishing authors and publishers in the market has increased. It’s time that people look for different platforms where they can discuss their issues, problems faced daily regarding copyrights, editing, and formatting of their books, as well as address the common scams most authors are subjected to on a daily basis.
Common agendas bring authors and self-publishing services closer together, and with the help of different platforms, we can educate those unwilling to invest time in reading about scams.
Writers Groups and Online Communities:
There are several online and in-place groups where authors and self-published writers sit together and discuss ideas, problems, and issues that have been troubling their success.
| Group Name | Description | Platform |
| Self-Publishing Support Group | A Facebook group that offers resources, encouragement, and a platform for self-publishing writers to share experiences. | |
| Self-Published Writers (Reddit) | A subreddit for self-publishing authors to share their journeys, ask for advice, and discuss challenges. | |
| Chicago Self-Publishing Group | A Meetup group where local authors can share experiences and support each other in self-publishing endeavors. | Meetup |
| Atlanta Writers Club | A community for writers in Atlanta to connect, share knowledge, and discuss self-publishing topics. | Meetup |
| KDP Community Forum | An official forum for Amazon KDP authors to discuss publishing issues, share tips, and seek advice. | Amazon’s KDP website |
| Indie Author Society (Austin) | A group for indie authors in Austin to network, share resources, and discuss the self-publishing process. | Meetup |
| Houston Independent Authors | A community for independent authors in Houston to share experiences and support each other in their publishing journeys. | Meetup |
| Writers Helping Writers | A private Facebook group where writers can exchange advice and support, focusing on self-publishing topics. |
Our Agendas and Author Community
With hundreds of self-published clients, we have built a community of authors and writers collaborating effectively. Support groups and communication channels are available to help our Amazon publishing authors troubleshoot and resolve challenges in getting their books published while safeguarding each other from scams.
Utilizing KDP’s Resources:
Scammers exploit the lack of awareness among new self-publishing writers. Many KDP resources remain underutilized, making authors more vulnerable. Strengthening your password, navigating the KDP dashboard, and avoiding unreliable publishing firms are essential steps. Those who neglect these details often face significant risks.
Reporting scams is also crucial. Last year, there were 44,000 reported cases of self-publishing scams, which is only half of the actual incidents. Many authors feel dejected after being scammed, allowing thieves to become more sophisticated in their tactics.
How Panda Publishers Utilize KDP’s Resources
We believe that author negligence and inadequate guidance contribute to falling prey to scammers. Working with reliable Amazon publishing services that keep authors informed is vital for success.
Case Studies
Real-Life Examples of KDP Scams
Charlotte Cowles[8], a financial advice columnist for The Cut Magazine, shares her experience of receiving a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon customer service. They asked about an $8,000 purchase for a MacBook and iPad, which she had not made. In a panic, Cowles contacted people impersonating FTC and CIA agents, believing her identity had been stolen.
In her panic, she withdrew $150,000 [9]and gave it to an Uber driver to secure her account. Once she calmed down, she realized she had been scammed, losing both her peace of mind and hard-earned money. This case illustrates that anyone can fall victim to scams designed to manipulate and deceive.
How Authors Were Scammed and the Aftermath:
As authors, we often become absorbed in our creative processes. Last year, two-thirds of reported scams targeted authors. Scammers take advantage of the fact that many authors are busy and may overlook details or fall for fake Amazon accounts.
One scam involved a fake publishing agency claiming to be Silver Ink Literary Agency. They offered to pay authors in advance and expressed interest in publishing their books. To appear legitimate, they created a fake Author’s Guild name and logo.
Located in the District of North Nevada, this fraudulent agency ceased operations after multiple reports were filed. Authors learned valuable lessons about distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent self-publishing services.
Success Stories from Authors Who Published With Us:
Barbara Kline: Panda Publishing created the award-winning cover for her book, The Enemy, which won the 2024 International Impact Book Award for Book Cover Design in the Romance category. Her positive feedback exemplifies what Panda Publishing strives for.
Sandy Black: An 85-year-old woman faced a tight deadline to market ten books. Technologically challenged, she received step-by-step assistance from the Panda Publishing marketing team, enabling her to complete her book marketing on time.
Positive feedback and trusted reviews from our customers are available on Trust pilot, showcasing Panda Publishing’s commitment to excellence.
The KDP platform celebrates authors and their work, but the success of some self-published writers has led to a surge in scams. Staying informed and participating in social groups and author programs is essential to keep updated on self-publishing scams, whether phishing or vanity scams.
The key is to be vigilant about the details you share online. Never share your password or account details. Additionally, understand the rules and regulations designed to protect authors from theft and fraud. Use these protections, report scams, and help others avoid falling victim in the future.
References:
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamrowe1/2018/07/25/publishing-industry-scams-are-evolving-for-the-self-publishing-age/
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamrowe1/2018/07/25/publishing-industry-scams-are-evolving-for-the-self-publishing-age/
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamrowe1/2018/07/25/publishing-industry-scams-are-evolving-for-the-self-publishing-age/
[4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamrowe1/2018/07/25/publishing-industry-scams-are-evolving-for-the-self-publishing-age/
[5] https://hermoney.com/protect/how-a-personal-finance-expert-fell-for-a-financial-scam-with-charlotte-cowles/
[6] https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/latest-amazon-impostor-scams.html
[7] https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/latest-amazon-impostor-scams.html
[8] https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2024/2/16/24075114/charlotte-cowles-50000-shoebox-scam-amazon-ftc-cia/
[9] https://authorsguild.org/resource/avoiding-publishing-scams/