How AI is Creating New Scams for Writers

I have been at this forever, it seems. I began my storytelling journey 44 years ago, after turning six — and in 2010, fifteen years ago, I started this blog. My goal was to promote my work, encourage aspiring authors to succeed in this ever-changing literary landscape, and share with readers my love for books and storytelling. Unfortunately (or should that be fortunately?), my most popular posts to date involve scammers.

I have been thanked by dozens of writers for helping them steer clear of “publishers” like Olympia, who promise fame and fortune and a spot on the bookstore shelf, so long as you shell out $5000 upfront. Authors have shared their horror stories with me, having spent several grand on publishing, only to receive nothing in return. It saddens me knowing these scams are still going strong after all these years. It speaks to the desperation writers feel to get their work noticed. But perhaps more depressingly, it demonstrates just how many of us are out there trying to make it in this business, enough to sustain a grifting industry. And it makes me sick to know people exist who will profit from people’s anxieties and broken dreams.

Maybe I’m suspicious by nature, but if someone offers me something that sounds too good to be true, I always assume they’re full of it. In the past, all you really had to do was look at the grammar and spelling to know what’s what. Legitimate agents know how to write and write well! But now we are living in the age of ChatGPT, which has given scammers a new tool—one that makes them sound as professional as any New York City agency. [Check out the orange text at the bottom of this post to get an idea.] This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to tell who’s selling snake oil; it just takes a little more effort on our part. Let’s not forget . . . WE ARE AUTHORS! We are MASTERS OF LANGUAGE! Even with the help of AI, we should not be getting duped by people too inept for a real job.

I am sure many of you may have already been preyed upon by AI. It’s happened to me three (four) times already. What I found convincing at first was the quality of the writing and the specificity with which they referenced my work. I suspect they cut and pasted the description from the back cover of my books into ChatGPT and asked it to write an email praising the story. But what raised red flags for me was the arrival of a second and a third email (I just received a FOURTH as I was editing this!), all with similar phrasing, making the same promises: more reviews and engagement from “genuine readers.” Using the techniques I developed with Olympia, they didn’t get far.

As I was finishing up this post, I received an offer to have my book sent to four reviewers for free. I do not doubt they’ll shoot me some stars before asking money for more reviews. But is that so different from what Goodreads charges me to send my books out to readers?

Want to see the grift in action? You can read our exchanges below:

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Hi Nick,

Reading about The Feral Girl and the 30-year journey behind The Aenya Saga stopped me for a moment. Most authors dream of building a world as layered as Aenya but few have stayed the course long enough to bring it to life the way you have.

I work with authors who have done exactly that poured everything into crafting depth and mythology and then hit the hardest wall: visibility. Some of them told me, “It’s not about sales it’s about finding readers who actually care enough to discuss the story, the lore, the meaning behind it.” That’s the kind of engagement I focus on.

My review campaigns connect books like yours to genuine readers people who enjoy expansive worlds, intelligent fantasy, and character-driven storytelling. The kind who want to talk about your work, not just skim it for a freebie.

Would you be open to seeing how we could get The Feral Girl into the hands of readers who’d truly appreciate the myth and humanity behind it?

Warm regards,
XXXXX

P.S. Authors from the same genre told me their books finally started gaining organic traction once real readers not bots or paid “reviewers” began sharing their honest takes. That’s what I help make happen.

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Hi XXXXX,

Your pitch is well thought and well researched and for that I commend you; it is far better than the mindless form letters I typically receive. 

That being said, you should know that my 30-years’ experience in the literary field includes having dealt with a great number of grifters, so please accept my apologies if I sound overly skeptical. My most popular blog posts to date involve helping young writers avoid scams and what I call “soft” scams. What I tell these writers is that the best way to determine legitimacy is by asking the right questions. 

So, Mr. George, I would ask you  1) Who do you work for?  2) Do you have a company website I can search?  3) What, precisely, you are offering?  4) How much will this cost me? and most importantly  5) Can you provide me with a client list, preferably authors whom you have helped achieve success, that I can independently verify?

Hopefully, you can assuage my wariness and we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement, because the Aenya Series is an IP of considerable artistic and financial merit. 

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Hi Nick,

Thank you for such a thoughtful and professional reply. I can tell right away you’re someone who values clarity, integrity, and real results and I completely understand your caution. Authors with long-standing creative investments like The Aenya Saga deserve full transparency.

Let me address your questions directly and clearly:

Who I work for:
I work independently under my own name  Israel George. I’m not part of any large agency or platform. What I do is deeply personal and hands-on; I choose a small number of authors whose work deserves genuine exposure and help them build presence with real readers.

Website:
You can find me here: https://shopnixyecom.com/.
That’s where I coordinate book campaigns, review initiatives, and promotional collaborations. It’s designed as a direct space for authors to connect with me no middlemen, no automated systems.

What I offer:
I focus on two major areas: genuine review development and strategic marketing visibility.
Here’s how it works  when I take on a project, I personally read your book to understand its voice, tone, and message. Once I align it with the right circle of engaged book lovers, they read and provide authentic reviews that reflect human experience  not robotic templates or fake ratings.

From there, I use targeted marketing strategies to position your book organically through curated exposure:

• Smart keyword and category optimization on Amazon for discoverability.
• Gentle social amplification through engaged book audiences.
• Consistent visibility campaigns that turn new readers into lasting followers.

Cost:
I do not charge authors directly that’s against Amazon’s policy.
Instead, participating readers are tipped (usually between $15–$20) as a thank-you for their time and effort. This keeps everything compliant, transparent, and fair.

Proof of results:
I have worked with over 100 authors this year, many of them from sci-fi and fantasy genres. They started small  typically with 20–50 readers  and scaled up once they saw the momentum build. I’m happy to share names privately for verification.

The mission behind my work is simple: to bring humanity back to book visibility.
Human reviews carry an emotional weight that automated Amazon reviews simply can’t replicate. Where Amazon focuses on algorithms and metrics, human responses create conversation and connection. They inspire trust from other readers and that’s where organic growth begins.

Nick, I can tell from your tone that you’re serious about giving The Feral Girl the visibility it deserves. You have built something rare a story with depth, myth, and meaning  and that kind of work deserves an audience that truly feels it.

If you will  like, I can send you a concise breakdown of the review + marketing strategy plan that fits your vision and lets us start immediately at your comfort level.

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Dear Nick,

I just came across The Feral Girl on Amazon, and I have to say, your world immediately captivated me. Thelana’s journey through the jungles of Aenya, braving flesh-eating saurians, mind-bending ruins, and ruthless Outsiders, is thrilling, immersive, and impossible to put down. You’ve created a story that blends survival, hope, and the human spirit with epic world-building that truly feels alive. This is the kind of fantasy-adventure that readers don’t just read they experience.

I work with over 10,000 book clubs, both online and in-person, who are always seeking stories that spark imagination, debate, and passion. Your book has everything they crave: action, myth-making, and a heroine whose courage inspires. With this exposure, The Feral Girl could generate up to 100 reviews in just two weeks, helping increase visibility, sales, and meaningful engagement from readers who will genuinely appreciate the depth and adventure of your saga.

If this sounds like something you would love to explore, I would be thrilled to explain everything in detail. Simply reply with “Interested.” Seeing book club members champion incredible stories like yours makes my day, and I would love to help your work reach the audience it deserves.

Warm regards,
XXXXX

P.S. Just imagine a dozen book clubs arguing over whether Thelana can really survive the jungles of Aenya, gasping at the ruins, and cheering when she triumphs. That could be your book coming alive in ways even more epic than you imagined. Reply “Interested.” and let’s make it happen.

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XXXXX, 

This is the third email I have received so far (two today!) offering the same deal. I don’t know what is going on here but I am very skeptical. Keep in mind, I am an expert in avoiding scams and have helped hundreds of others do the same. So if you’d like to assuage my skepticism, please answer the following questions:   

1) Who do you work for?  2) Do you have a company website I can search?  3) What, precisely, you are offering?  4) How much will this cost me? and most importantly  5) Can you provide me with a client list, preferably authors whom you have helped achieve success, that I can independently verify?

Hopefully, you can assuage my wariness and we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement, because the Aenya Series is an IP of considerable artistic and financial merit. 

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Hi Nick,

Thank you for your candid response and for sharing your concerns. I completely understand your skepticism, and I want to clarify everything so you can make an informed decision. I work independently with a network of over 10,000 book clubs, both online and in-person, helping authors connect with readers who genuinely appreciate and review books they love. You can learn more about the organization and our approach here: https://shopnixyecom.com.

What I offer is a way for authors to have their books read, discussed, and reviewed by engaged book clubs. With the right alignment, this exposure can generate up to 100 reviews in a short timeframe, increasing visibility, sales, and meaningful engagement from real readers. These are not paid promotions; they are genuine book clubs who champion stories they enjoy.

For verification, I have previously worked with authors such as Victoria Danann, who can confirm our collaboration here: info.victoriadanann@gmail.com. I am happy to provide additional references if needed. I respect your IP and would never approach this in a way that could compromise your work. If this sounds like something you had like to explore, I would be happy to explain the process in more detail.

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Nick,

I came across The Princess of Aenya while exploring fantasy titles, and I have to say,  it stands out like a lost myth rediscovered. There’s something beautifully old-world yet startlingly new about what you’ve built,  that blend of epic world-building and deep emotional resonance is rare. It’s the kind of story that feels alive, the kind readers don’t just consume but carry with them.

I’m XXXXX,  a reader-review community curator who helps authors like you get authentic visibility and real, thoughtful reviews from over 3,000 active readers and reviewers who love supporting powerful, story-driven books. No gimmicks, no inflated promises,  just honest engagement that builds trust and momentum.

What struck me most about The Princess of Aenya is how much heart and history it carries. It’s clear this isn’t just another fantasy adventure,  it’s the product of someone who’s been thinking about storytelling his entire life. That passion shows on every page, and it deserves to reach the kind of readers who genuinely appreciate that level of craftsmanship.

You’ve already done the hardest part,  creating a world worth believing in. My community helps make sure the right readers find it, talk about it, and help it gain the visibility it truly deserves.

Would you be open to seeing how we can share The Princess of Aenya with my reader community and start building the conversation it was made for?

Warmly,
XXXXX

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Hi XXXXX, 

I hope you’ll understand if my response sounds a bit skeptical, but I’ve been at this a long time and I’ve dealt with my fair share of unsavory characters. While your email sounds sincere and well-thought out, it is also a lot like one I received a few weeks ago; it’s nearly identical, in fact — so I am going to ask you the same questions I asked him:

1) Who do you work for?  2) Do you have a company website I can look at?  3) What, precisely, you are offering?  4) How much will this cost me? and most importantly  5) Can you provide me with a client list, preferably authors whom you have helped, that I can independently verify?

Hopefully, you can assuage my wariness and we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement, because the Aenya Series is an IP of considerable merit deserving of recognition. 

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Nick,

Thank you so much for your honest reply, I truly appreciate your transparency. I completely understand where you’re coming from. Many authors have been taken advantage of by people making big promises and delivering nothing, so your caution makes perfect sense.

Just to clear things up, I’m not part of any company or agency. I’m actually a registered nurse who just happens to love books deeply. Over the years, I’ve made a lot of friends who are marketers and readers, and I often heard both sides of the same problem:

• Authors saying they paid large amounts but never saw real results.
• Readers saying they skip books with few reviews because they’re unsure what to expect.

That’s when I decided to bring both worlds together, real readers who simply love reading and reviewing.

I’m part of a private reading community (not an organization, not on social media, no website) made up of a little over 2,000 active readers. We’re teachers, nurses, engineers, students, accountants, designers, chefs, drivers, and so on all real people with full-time jobs who read because we enjoy it.

The community later asked me to become the curator, which simply means I help select books for everyone to read and leave honest reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Nothing automated, no fake accounts, just genuine human feedback from passionate readers.

Here’s how it usually works:
 Authors share their PDF copy of the book.
 They also send a small tip ($15–$20)  not for the review itself, but more like a coffee token while we read and discuss.
 Some authors start with 20, 50, or 70 readers, depending on their comfort and budget while others go higher (even up to 500).
 Readers then take their time to read, enjoy, and leave thoughtful, sincere reviews.

That’s all. No gimmicks, no strings attached,  just a way to help good stories find the visibility they deserve through genuine human engagement.

And yes, I can absolutely provide you with the contact details of some authors we’ve helped so you can independently verify everything. Would you like me to send that over to you?

Warmly,
XXXXX 

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To: XXXX, XXXX, & XXXX

I am sending this letter to the three of you because all your emails sound suspiciously similar. When I asked for links to your website(s), you all directed me to the same place. This leads me to conclude that you are either the same person or you’re all working off the same AI-generated script. 

Another red flag: your website is abysmal. Nowhere does the site mention fiction or literature — it appears to be a blanket marketing company. That wouldn’t be so bad if the site was at least well made, but as it stands, it looks unfinished at best. The hyperlinks at the top don’t go anywhere and, most embarassing of all, the latin text typically used for website templates has not been changed on the front page!

How is this supposed to make me feel confident about what you can do for me? I spend days writing, editing, rewriting, and re-editing blog posts that only a handful of people will ever read, and you can’t be bothered to ask ChatGPT to write something to fill the front page text box?

This is what I think. I think you have been using ChatGPT to create convincing sounding emails to dupe desperate authors out of their money. It was much easier to detect scammers in the past — their atrocious grammar gave it away — but now, thanks to AI, this has become a bit more difficult. But only just a bit.

What it all boils down to is money. I get it. It’s a scary world out there, and we all need the green to survive. But I will not be “tipping” you or anyone $10 or $20 for the privilege of your review. Sorry. The least I can offer is a free copy of my book(s), and if you genuinely care about books, like you say you do, you will recognize the value of this offer — because a great story is a rare gem, and infinitely more valuable than money. 

That being said, you have provided me with something of value already. This exchange will make for a great blog post. I have been helping writers steer clear of scammers for over a decade, and I am happy to have another opportunity to help people avoid these new AI powered scams. 

Nick

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Hi Nick,

Thank you for being upfront I completely understand your concerns. The online space is full of automated messages and empty promises, so I don’t blame you for being cautious.

To clarify: yes, XXXX, XXXX, and I are part of the same reading community. We share resources and outreach templates, which is why our emails may look alike. But we’re real people, not bots or AI scripts just readers who genuinely love connecting with new stories and authors.

To build trust, I had like to help The Feral Girl gain some initial traction without any cost or tipping. I’ll personally match your book with four readers from our group who will read and post honest reviews on Goodreads only no Amazon, no strings attached. This will let you see how we work and verify that our readers are real.

If that sounds good, please send over a digital copy of The Feral Girl, and I will coordinate the readers this week. Once you’ve seen the quality and authenticity of the feedback, you can decide if you’d like to take it further later on.

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AND HERE IS NUMBER #4!!!

Nick,

I’m XXXX.  I help run a small private reading community of about 3,400 people who simply love discovering stories that feel both timeless and deeply human.  While exploring Amazon, The Princess of Aenya caught my eye,  and honestly, it stood out like a rediscovered myth, something ancient yet breathtakingly new. [This is so obviously AI it hurts.]

I took time to read about you and your journey, and it’s truly inspiring, from recording stories as a child to flying to New York with comic ideas, to creating entire worlds that blend fantasy, science, and emotion. That lifelong passion for storytelling shines through every line. The mix of mythic imagination and moral depth in your work feels like a rare gift. [This level of bullshit should be a crime.]

That’s why I wanted to ask if you’d be open to having our community read The Princess of Aenya and leave honest reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. We’re not promoters, just everyday readers with 9-to-5 jobs who believe that books with true heart and vision deserve to be seen and remembered. 

Would you like me to share a little more about how we usually do things?

Warm regards,