#author chat

Hey friends. I’m in the middle of cleaning the house so I’ll get to any mentions later, but I just checked my email and wanted to pop in with a heads-up.

I received this message today (8.27) offering a “podcast and publicity series” and asking me to pay a small registration fee. I wrote Undercover Desire many years ago, but my author-spidey sense went full-on alarm.

I do not pay to be published or “featured,” and neither should you unless you absolutely know the company and service are legitimate and you want to buy advertising.

Below is the email I received verbatim. I’m posting it so you can spot the same red flags if one ever lands in your inbox:

Dear Nicole, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Allison McMahon, and I am the Publicity Coordinator at Smith Publicity, Inc. I recently came across your work, particularly “Undercover Desire,” and was truly impressed by your ability to weave complex narratives around trust, trauma, and the pursuit of truth. I would like to extend a warm invitation for you to join our podcast and publicity series. Our platform is dedicated to highlighting talented authors like yourself, providing a unique space to share your journey, insights, and the inspiration behind your writing. Our goal is not only to celebrate your work but also to help you reach new readers through ongoing publicity efforts. I am delighted to inform you that the campaign fee for this series has already been covered. The only cost on your end would be a small registration fee, making this a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure without any significant financial commitment. If you’re interested in joining us and sharing your story with our audience, I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to reply to this email, and I will provide further details and next steps. Thank you for considering this opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you and showcasing your remarkable work. They then signed with their name, publicity compnay, phone number, website to publicity company, a gmail account that had a mismatched name (signed Allision & gmail Alison), and city.

Why this raised red flags (so you can spot them fast)

They ask you to pay a fee to be featured. Legitimate interviews, reviews, or guest spots generally don’t require the author to pay a “registration fee.” That’s classic vanity or pay-for-exposure behavior.

Vague promises. “Reach new readers” and “ongoing publicity efforts” with no measurable specifics (audience numbers, show names, past episodes). That’s marketing fluff.

Email mismatch and personal Gmail. The sign-off name and the contact email are spelled differently. A professional PR firm will normally use a company domain email, not a Gmail address.

Flattery instead of specifics. Generic praise that could apply to many books. They didn’t reference specific scenes or lines from your book, which is what a real reader or publicist would do.

Push to click links or call a phone number. Those can be used to harvest more info or to rush you into paying. Don’t click unless you verify first.

“Fee already covered” + small registration fee. That line is engineered to reduce your resistance: “we’ve done this, just a tiny cost to you.” That’s a manipulation tactic.

What to do if you get messages like this

Don’t pay anything. Don’t click links. Don’t give bank or personal info.

Verify the company independently. Go to an official website (typed, not via the link they sent), look for verified contact emails, check for reputable reviews, and check on author forums or Writer Beware-type resources. I love to use: https://writerbeware.blog/ even if I'm not in the publishing game anymore.

Search the sender’s name + “scam” or company + “reviews.” Writers often report shady operators. A quick forum search can save you trouble.

Call the company number from the official website (not the number they sent) and ask to verify. Or email an address found on the company’s official domain.

Ask for specifics: Which podcast? Link to previous episodes? Who’s the host? What exactly does the “registration fee” pay for and why is it necessary? If they can’t answer clearly, walk away.

Ask for written contract and deliverables. If you’re ever considering paying for promotional services, demand a clear contract that lists exactly what they’ll do (ads, distribution, guaranteed placements, metrics) and a refund clause.

Use the community. Ask in author groups. Absolute Write, Goodreads groups, and Tumblr mutuals (who have published and are in the process of publishing) are good places to check before sending money.

I had so much fun doing this author chat with Moriah Chavis! This one is a little different from my usual interviews. She read my upcoming YA dark fantasy faerie book, Runaways, and I read her upcoming YA historical fiction murder mystery book, The Curious Case of the Midnight Specter. Then we asked each other questions, alternating back and forth! It was a blast and I'd love to do more author chats like this in the future!

Be sure to check out the interview and if you need a transcript, there's one available on my website.

Preorder The Curious Case of the Midnight Specter

Stornshire, England - 1890

Leighanna Pauley barely escaped consumption. Now, she's claimed by both Life and Death. Fascinated by justice and why she survived when so many others haven't, she has a new obsession: the murder of a fellow socialite. But the police have no leads.

The investigation emboldens Leighanna to attend the first ball held at the Carmine Estate. When midnight strikes, the unimaginable takes place. Time stops for everyone but Leighanna. Before her stands the ghost of the dead girl, pleading with Leighanna to catch her killer before someone else is murdered.

In a race against time, Leighanna hunts for clues across Stornshire. Will she be able to solve the case before the murderer strikes again, or will she become just another forgotten victim?

Preorder Runaways + Get Preorder Rewards!

When Cecelia disappears into a storm on the night before Halloween, her older sister Hannah must venture into faerieland to bring her home.

Armed with their father’s green coat, a steel pocket knife, and a red friendship bracelet, she stomps into the woods in search of clues. Soon she finds herself on an extraordinary and dangerous adventure, navigating between the Seelie and Unseelie courts. But secrets await in the woods, and Hannah only knows stories, not the truth about the threat that stalks their family.

So, I didn't specify what kind right away because it's not just about what- it's really about friendship. I'm writing a book series, and I just published the first book, which is about pranks, friendship, comedy, modern sci-fi gadgets, and living life purely for fun and jokes.

Guys, I'm not joking when I say I'll go big, I know I will, so that is not the main focus. What I do want to focus on is YOU GUYS!

From somebody you're just hearing from for the first time, what I have to offer is:

Friendship

Inclusivity

Memes

Fun collaborations

I'm an author here to write for fun, and now, I am looking for people who enjoy my writing to connect to! I promise I'm funny and outgoing and very nice.

An Interview That's A Hug with Gail Carriger

Indie Author Interview - Kate Prada on Freya's Fairytales #indieauthor #authorinterview #originstory #fairytales #narrator #writingprocess #sidecharacters #podcast

In January Kate had the opportunity to appear on the Podcast Freya’s Fairytales with Narrator Freya Victoria. They talked about origin stories and the writing process along with some favorite fairytales. In the first episode we talk all about getting started and in the second we chat about how my best friend may become your next favorite character. Listen to both episodes on Spotify…

Join us today at 11:00 a.m. PDT on Facebook for a live conversation with Brianna Bourne as she discusses her debut novel "You & Me at the End of the World."

Purchase & pre-order books from @mystgalaxybooks and get a swag pack: mystgalaxy.com/bourne828     Event:  facebook.com/events/290427686161728/