Self-Publishing Scams to Avoid | Tips for new Self-Publishers | How to Self-Publish

So I’ve lightly touched on some of this topic before, but I feel very passionately that there are good people in the self-publishing space who want to help each other and lift each other up. We know that a person will read more than one book in their life and that means we should all help each other. But where there are good people, there are also bad actors who look to make money off of your dream. So here is a shortlist of what I consider to be scams and also just poor value for self-publishing authors.
Vanity presses in general should be avoided. If someone is coaching you or managing your book project you can pay a fee, but you still own everything for the book. With vanity presses, you are paying them money AND signing over ownership. That’s a scenario that only benefits the vanity press. It’s not a scam per se because they have all of this information upfront, but there are a lot of aspiring authors out there desperate to have the validation of a “publishing house” and they sign on with these vanity presses with a lot of money lost for little results.
Do not purchase ISBNs in the US from any agency other than Bowker. If an individual or vanity press is trying to sell you an ISBN - run! These numbers are non-transferable so it doesn't matter if someone says they are selling it to you, there is no way to transfer ownership.
** SEVERAL VIEWERS HAVE BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT ISBNS DO HAVE TO BE PURCHASED IN THE UK AND SHOULD BE PURCHASED THROUGH NEILSEN- THANK YOU FOR CORRECTING ME! XOXO IGNORANT AMERICAN **
Do not ever pay for a library of congress number in the US - they are free
It does cost you $65 to submit a copyright number. In the US you do have a charge to purchase ISBNs from the registering agency - Bowker. There are a lot of “official-sounding” names out three that use the words US and Congress and Copyright in their name but have NOTHING to do with the official US Library of Congress. If something seems fishy, ask. Even if it looks legit, just ask. Ask another author friend, ask me! Ask before you swipe your credit card.
Another scam I’ve seen is when I get an email from someone who says they saw my book online and they think it would be great to promote using their service. If I just send them the ePub file they will blast it out to thousands of people for me. So in this email, I can see I’m on the BCC line. They have no mention of what my book title is. Clearly, this is a mass email, not personalized. They also offer this as a service and mention no charge. Hmm, that’s weird. Also, they ask me to just send them a digital copy of my book without any details on how this benefits me. DO NOT REPLY TO THESE EMAILS.
So this was a much more negative video than I usually like to make but I felt that it was important. I have met far too many aspiring authors who say that they don’t have any money to invest in the book for editing or cover design or marketing or just buying copies for themselves because they lost money on some scam. It makes me so mad that people are trying to take advantage of the dreams and aspirations of others. Stay mindful friends and when in doubt, ask.
Usually, this is the part of the video where I remind you to subscribe and like and comment below. Please do all three of those things, but keep in mind that any comments that call out a specific individual or company will be removed so that I don’t get in trouble for libel.
Now you can get back to writing your book.
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[@AlyssitGoods]

I recently decided to start writing and publishing my works. As amateurish as it may sound, I’ve been writing things for DnD campaigns for 15ish years with thousands of pages of stuff. Anyone I showed some of that work to told me they wanted a novel from me. So I decided to shoot my shot. I’ve always loved writing and have a few short stories. Creating an entire world feels so… enthralling. This publishing stuff is kind of terrifying. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help and congratulations on taking the next step of writing a novel!

[@fewd3]

What did you use to publish your book? What website? What self-publishing website?

[@1MKWilliams]

@@fewd3 i have a ton of videos on my channel to answer all those questions. I started with Amazon KDP to publish on Amazon.com

[@mikecook_author]

A more cautionary video than your usual but useful and necessary. Thanks, enjoy your summer slowdown.

[@1MKWilliams]

Thanks, will do!

[@Rick-f4j]

Vanity and sale publishing scammers have multiplied like bugs in the last 20 years because traditional publishers reject 95% of authors who submit their manuscripts. The traditional houses get thousands of manuscripts monthly and are super-picky.

[@Berley63]

Thank you for sharing the scams. I live in the UK and I just wanted to say that we do pay for our ISBNs at Nielsen UK ISBN store.

[@1MKWilliams]

Ahh very good to know, thank you for sharing!!

[@thecelticstoryteller]

Thanks Kimberley, and the UK ISBN store actually covers books published in the Republic of Ireland as well, we don't have our own ISBN store yet 🙃

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you for adding in. :)

[@MrVisionDPB]

This is not a Negative Video, i fully understand these type of experiences.

[@danielvitolo2595]

It’s scary, because every single ad on YT that tells you it’s free, and they don’t need your money because they are already set, but yet they are selling you something. If they are supposedly trying to help you because they want to share success, why are they charging? I literally think that 90% are scams, and the only way they make money is from people buying the courses. Idk, could be wrong

[@1MKWilliams]

For me, I offered free consults to help people out. But I noticed that a lot of people booked time and never showed. I started to charge so that people would show up and do the homework. But I also don't do any consults now because I don't have the time. I think it is a balance between making sure the person will be accountable and valuing the time/expertise. But yes, anyone could self-publish for free with all the information online, or they could hire someone to tell them what to do to save time.

[@danielvitolo2595]

@@1MKWilliams Wow that’s awesome. Sad that people didn’t show up for the free help and class! Do you think with AI, it will be quicker now to make/create your book? I know there’s a lot more then just the words and pages, but I’m Guessing AI helps with 60% of your book if you know how to use it. I’m really thinking of creating a digital book, but not sure how much it will cost to get everything done, (not including content), but every other thing….Artwork, Organization, upload cost, Making it audible (which I feel might be expensive) and publishing. I don’t know anything at all about making a book so I don’t really know where you need to spend. Basically, the things that are not optional. Like I know sponsored ads don’t count towards cost, that’s preference. I have great ideas, but that’s just me thinking they are great, plus with all the competition, I’m guessing your digital book has to be very good for it to sell well. I’m leaning towards childrens books. I will probably go very slow on it if I do, considering it’s first ever for me. Would be cool to know I wrote a book, lol!!! Anyway, Thx for all the info and advice! Appreciate what you do. Take care.

[@thecelticstoryteller]

Thanks so much for your tips, yes there are scammers everywhere unfortunately 🤨

[@1MKWilliams]

Tell me about it, hopefully this will save a few writers from falling prey.

[@LorenEllisArt]

Yes I intuitively went to Bowker. Don't take a FREE one. Since I am a first book author. I am an award winning artist. Now an author! I have been hugely defrauded with hybrid publishers. I am an award winning author on my first ISBN book. If they ask for money I just say no thank you. Also many people don't know that when you are defrauded you can go to your bank to dispute the hybrid publisher IF they will not return your funds. There is a TIME LIMIT the banks can help. So the hybrid publishers try to stall stall to get past the time limit of the FREE help from the bank. I was fortunate to file my dispute with my bank BEFORE the deadline. YOU must have all in writing. When they say they want to "talk" just say politely please send me an email. THIS written documentation is important for a future dispute. sad but at least you are covered.

[@1MKWilliams]

so sorry to hear you had issues in the past, thank you for sharing your experience and tips

[@jasonclifford8951]

Is spines a good one?...

[@wendysplace3867]

I self-published a Children's Book back in 2018 and have only sold maybe $100 so far. That was because I had over 150 facebook friends and some of them bought it and I was featured in a near antique store and I've taken it to Flea Markets and Yard sales. That's it! I have a novel that has spider webs on it. I had it professionally edited and the dust is thick. No one wants it. I'm scared to s/p. I don't have that much $$.

[@malaysiaharrell2221]

Thank you! I’m so happy I listened to this! 🎉

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!!

[@JoseCarrillo-es7kl]

Great info! You mentioned some good blog and book promotion services waiting for us to reach out to them. Could you let us know who some of them are or make a video on them? Thanks, Jose

[@1MKWilliams]

I just did a video on one book pr service: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpimmpKwoMaEndU

[@JoseCarrillo-es7kl]

@@1MKWilliams Thanks so much :)

[@JoseCarrillo-es7kl]

Great video on book promos. How can I get in touch with Hayley. I hope to launch my debit novel in November: it's about romance, action and travel, among other things, so it would be in Hayley's area of expertise. Again, thanks🙏

[@coversbymark1379]

Excellent topic and video. You invited us to ask questions, so here goes. This question does not relate to the potential for being scammed. I am ready to upload my first book to KDP. The one thing I have not done is apply for the Library of Congress number. While I am self-publishing, I am doing so under the LLC publishing company I started. Do you know if I should apply with the LOC as a self-publisher, or as a publishing house. I have heard there are different threads to follow on the LOC site, depending on whether one is self-publishing or not.

[@1MKWilliams]

Hi Mark Since you would be publishing your own book and not publishing a book for another author, select the self-publishing route. Best of luck!

[@seanfarrellsullivanhasemotions]

This video and the information it contains is something I would have paid for! Thank you so much!

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad it was helpful!

[@animal355]

Great tips; I’ve been cold called and emailed for over 10 years and heard all the snake oil sales techniques. I’ve had the foresight to do my own research and find out prior to paying for vanity publishing.

[@1MKWilliams]

Good for you to do your research. A healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way.

[@jaymeseverance6857]

Thanks for the ISBN advice. I thought buying them from my aggregate publisher of choice was a good idea since it was cheaper and streamlined the process. Bowker it is!

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RollinRollinineBallAnyloCmyloC]

Future publisher n book writer

[@mikedenney1568]

Thanks for sharing your insights and knowledge M.K. I'm almost ready to publish but I'm going to listen to some more of your videos before I do!

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad these videos are helping! Best of luck with your book launch! Any specific topics you are looking for clarification on?

[@mikedenney1568]

@@1MKWilliamsHi M.K. Back in November you gave me some advice through email concerning formatting my book Fragile. I started a new book so I sat Fragile down but I'm back at it now and I've got so many questions. Good news is looking over your videos you have so many of the issues covered. I'm going to binge watch today so it's likely I'll be up to speed but if not I'll give you a shout. Thanks for your help and for sharing.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@mikedenney1568 that is great to hear!! I hope the videos help you out. Best of luck :)

[@booksandauthorsindependenttv]

Actually, let me say, you dont get ISBNs free in UK only if you publish exclusive to KDP. Howeve4, if you want to take your book wide, you MUST BUY your ISBNS from Nielsen, which is the US equivalent to Bowker.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yup! I learned this after I made this video. It's the Canadians who get them free. lucky!

[@sandieheron8819]

I appreciate you sharing these tips! Thank you

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad you found this video helpful!

[@brendapate5596]

Thank you so much. I am a new writer and appreciate any warnings you can share regarding the writing industry.

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help! Best of luck on your writing journey!

[@addz5085]

Good info. Any idea about the company New York Book Publishers? They advertise ghost writing and publishing.

[@RitaPanahi-BeEmpowered]

HI MK. Two questions. I went to LCCN site and registered, but in order to get a number for my books it only shows future dates, not past dates. Its a very complicated site to navigate through. Any thoughts on that? Also, does EVERY other language (apart from English) and audio as well need an ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

Hi Rita, hmm not sure on the back-dating, I haven't had to do that. I would recommend sending in an email, usually someone responds within a few days. As for the ISBNs, yes, any new version (a new language or an audiobook format) would need a new ISBN. Best of luck!

[@RitaPanahi-BeEmpowered]

@@1MKWilliams thank you

[@FlyinHighX34]

Have you hear of Writers Republic? Everything seemed to be legit, and then they called and said my book was good enough to receive the Golden Plume Seal of Excellence. Sounds great right? I was then told to have this seal it would be an additional $800 or something. Which I find to be absurd. If my writing was good enough to receive an award, awesome. But asking an author to pay in order to have an excellence seal on the cover of the book, "that will help boost sales" just doesn't sit right with me. An award of excellence should be earned not bought!

[@1MKWilliams]

I've not worked with them. I agree awards should be earned, however almost all book awards have entry and reading fees of some kind. If this is the entrance fee that is one thing, a pay -to- play prize is another

[@JAHY-v8x]

You are so awesome. Thank you for this.

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@garyseven4242]

Could you post maybe your top 5 companies that you might recommend? Thanks you.

[@jpurvis1]

Great video. I appreciate the knowledge you share.

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you! Happy to share 😊

[@RitaPanahi-BeEmpowered]

Thanks for a great video. Question...what is the difference between copyright, ISBN vs LCCN...I have the first two for my books, but never registered the library of congress...or is that automatic when you have a copyright?

[@1MKWilliams]

Hi Rita, great question. All three are distinct. The ISBN is the only international item if the three and is the number used to identify the book on any retailer or library system internationally. For US residents those are purchased through Bowker. The LCCN is a US only number that our Library of Congress uses to identify books. You can register for that number for free through the US Library of Congress (this isn't necessary, but if you want any library in the US to carry your book you'll need it) Copyright is your right to the intellectual property you've created. In the US your work is protected the moment you create it. You can register with the US Copyright Office for added protection, that fee is $65.

[@RitaPanahi-BeEmpowered]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you so much for your very thorough reply! Really appreciate it. Will register the LCCN too so that libraries can find my book too. The other points I have done already. Thank you again!!

[@saratries]

@@1MKWilliams Hi MK, I'm new to your channel but find your content super helpful! Are self published authors required to sign up for a copyright or can we say in our book that we already have a copyright since it's our intellectual property? Also, if I don't sign up and pay 65 for the copyright fee, is it okay to say I have the moral rights to the book since I am the sole author and it is not public domain?

[@1MKWilliams]

@@saratries Hi Sara, No, copyright registration is not required and you can still assert your copyright on the copyright page without it. The registration is an added layer of protection.

[@anitawheeler4094]

I sure that I had seen this before. So sad that i got into a scam big time. Thank goodness I only shelled out $3K before I realized that this was a scam.

[@1MKWilliams]

Oh no!! I'm so sorry to hear that. Glad you got out 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@marcuslyons6622]

What do you think of Outskirts Press ? Are they safe to use ?

[@Atlantavideo]

Good info. Thank you MK!!!!

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@BroFarrel]

Good post, good work !

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you!!

[@The-Rivenian-Chronicles]

I published through Lulu. They gave each of my books an ISBN for free. What's the difference between what they're giving me and the one you talked about buying from Bowker?

[@1MKWilliams]

Lulu is a reputable company. The ISBNs they provide for Free (or any platform provides for free) are usually locked to that platform. As in you can't go and publish the book with that same ISBN somewhere else

[@The-Rivenian-Chronicles]

@@1MKWilliams Ok, thanks! I've been pretty satisfied with them.

[@lunchboxes1098]

Is outskirts Press a good company to go through?

[@Miranda_Writes]

What about those scammers that call you a minute after just browsing the sites?

[@Brandon-lz5xc]

Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing.

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@teresacatmom]

Should you purchase your own ISBN. Or allow the publisher to provide it? What if you print without an ISBN ?

[@1MKWilliams]

Hi Teresa, I have TONS of videos about ISBNs on the channel, this is the most comprehensive one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptU

[@bruceclark-ef9fx]

Thanks for your advise. How do I contact you about my books?

[@suelaine77]

Since you do not mention which companies are good and which are not, how can I find any real reviews of hybrid publishers? I am trying to help a friend as I am not hoping to publish myself.

[@Fromsurvivingtoliving]

Thank you for the information

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@JP4Him]

Awesome! Thank you so much ✨

[@1MKWilliams]

You're so welcome!

[@danielvitolo2595]

Habe you ever heard of the Mikelson Twins with the Publishing AI, (AIA)? It’s $2k to join, they say they are set for life, don’t need our money, and their course will pay itself off with help with audible, Amazon, ect. You can make a book in less then an hour with AI ect ect. Just wondering if you ever seen them? Thx

[@1MKWilliams]

I haven't heard of them before, no

[@BurksBecky-q5v]

My question is about publishing on KDP. I don't know where I should ask it at, so I will try here. I've watched several of you videos and they are very informative. But my question has to do with how to publish a book that I have already published. I only published the book and sold copies myself but never put them on amazon. I would like to do that now with a soft copy book. The publisher sent me the files and also gave me a letter stating I own full rights to my book. So when I upload to KDP, will that publishers name still remain on the inside of the book? Or is there a place to delete that information. I'm so afraid I will do something wrong in trying to do this. I'd appreciate your advice.

[@1MKWilliams]

It sounds like the rights were reverted to you so in this case YOU are the publisher. You can use your legal name, your pen name, or an LLC. I would recommend checking out @katlynduncan channel and her books. She was traditionally published and then had her rights reverted so she has an entire book (and tons of videos ) on what to do. www.youtube.com/@Katlyn_Duncan kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnXTZISuqqplgpI

[@BurksBecky-q5v]

Thank you so much!@@1MKWilliams

[@mateaukalua4426]

I got scammed by a shady magazine for $200 to be a part of their organization. That's peanuts compared to what people are paying these vanity presses.

[@1MKWilliams]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that! Thank you for sharing your experience so others can avoid that too

[@l33lzonwh33lz]

What are your thoughts on Archway Publishing?

[@rossmarshall3906]

Anyone have information on Primix Publishers??? I NEED THIS SOON!

[@MsBishop2711]

Hi. What do you think about Page Publishing?

[@Christopher2-v8m]

Where should i go to get my book made?

[@1MKWilliams]

I think this video will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJurpoOVYp1_bdE

[@nazlitahvili6610]

Thanks for sharing

[@1MKWilliams]

Thanks for watching!

[@Scholarships-y1c]

Please someone should help me out. Is Olympia publishers in the UK legit? Thank you

[@genevia7569]

What is the name of the ISBN Company?

[@1MKWilliams]

Everything about ISBNs including the official source for the largest markets

[@MinnieBrown-sx6wf]

Is Mindstir media a reliable publisher?

[@candyjones4841]

2:09 she gets to the point

[@TonyRodriguez-b5o]

Thank you for video,I am new to writing and I am weary of sending manuscript to publing houses.can anyone possibly guide on what i need to do.

[@1MKWilliams]

Hi Tony, Are you looking to traditionally publish or self-publish? I have a ton of resources I used for finding and querying an agent, let me know if those will help. There are a limited number of reputable smaller indie presses that accept unagented submissions. But they DO NOT CHARGE YOU a reading fee and you sign over none of your rights until they offer you a contract for publication. In traditional publishing money flows to the author. If you are asked to pay anything upfront it is likely a hybrid publisher and you should do a LOT of research before handing anything over.

[@TonyRodriguez-b5o]

Is page punishing a trust worthy company

[@genevia7569]

How page publish company?

[@brotheramartey777]

What about the barcode?

[@1MKWilliams]

everything about barcodes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aam0g5x4gs1kaas

[@brotheramartey777]

@@1MKWilliams :Thanks!

[@jennellew.6036]

Are book publishing companies supposed to give you always 100% of your ROYALITIES which is what I've been hearing?

[@1MKWilliams]

If a publisher signs on to publish your book there will be a set amount of royalties in the contract and an advance (some really small presses do a small or no advance but higher royalties). Usually you don't receive any royalties until you earn back your advance and then you receive that set amount semi-annually or quarterly.

[@jennellew.6036]

Thank you, but I've been recently hearing that authors are supposed to get 100% of their royalties. Publishers get their money for services provided. Thank you for responding.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@jennellew.6036 In the case of the publishing service company, yes the author SHOULD maintain complete control of the IP and receive all royalties. A publisher, like a traditional big 5 publisher, would offer an advance and take a percentage of royalties.

[@jennellew.6036]

@@1MKWilliams Ok, makes sense. Thank you. -- Jennelle

[@SHAUN646]

Im.looking for a reputable company to help write ✍️ book.but the companies I came across seemed shady

[@adambess8]

Hi. I’m wanting to enquire about manuscript formatting. Are you able to please provide an email? Thank you.

[@1MKWilliams]

Hi Adam, I'm currently on maternity leave. My daughter is just now 10 weeks old and I just don't have the bandwidth to take on a new project. (Your book deserves the time and attention I just don't have right now.) Best of luck with your book!!

[@adambess8]

@@1MKWilliams I understand. Thank you.

[@adambess8]

@@1MKWilliams Hi again. Are you able to recommend someone who can format my book? Looking online is feeling like a tiresome job, and I’m skeptical about many as I’ve been screwed by people from self-publishing companies and individuals offering their services.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@adambess8 I would recommend @erachelhardcastle of curious cat books. She knows her stuff!!

[@adambess8]

@@1MKWilliams thank you 🙂

[@_Vidya_Sagar_]

Thanks for this video. How are you M.k . ?

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome! Doing well and happy to keep putting out these videos

[@legacymarketing2164]

So I'm in the "Finding a publisher" phase. My book is complete and ready to go. I'm in between deciding on "Author House" "Xilbris" "Newman Springs" and "Plametto" these companies have all included in their services the ISBN, and Library of Congress Registration for my book. Is that legit or should I go do those two things on my own before signing a deal with either of these companies?

[@1MKWilliams]

Wow! Congrats on finishing your book and having so many options available to you. I've not heard of any of those companies, so I can't say anything for or against. Here is a litmus test I would use: 1. Are they asking you to pay in order to publish? Traditional publishers pay the author, not the other way around. If you are paying and the company says they are your "publisher" then that is a red flag. If you are paying them to format, edit, and get the book up on distribution platforms, that is author services or book project management. 2. Are you signing over any rights to print or distribute the book? Again, with traditional publishers, authors are paid to sign over the exclusive right to publish the book. If a company is asking you to sign over the rights to print and distribute AND asking for money that is not a red flag it is a pirate ship flag - RUN! 3. If you are paying and NOT signing over rights, then I would ask them how they are operating, when you will get your working files, etc. If they are doing the back end uploading and technical stuff that is fine, so long as you still retain control over the IP, your working files, and the royalties come directly to you. Does that help?

[@johnnyjones2884]

I am also looking hard at Palmetto...with a BBB rating of 5 with no review less than a 5, that piqued my interest

[@bugout718ify]

What kind of Books do you help people publish?

[@globalwordsmiths6674]

I was so excited to read the letter that began, "We loved your book and would like to publish it!" and then went on to explain how they need author investment to mitigate their potential losses...vanity press. *sigh* I continue to search.

[@1MKWilliams]

That is such a bummer!! I'm so sorry to hear that but I'm glad you did your research.