GoKawiilThis is the story of a traditionally published sci-fi author who received more than fifty scam book-marketing pitches in thirty-three days, all hoping to prey on his desperation to sell books and net his next publishing deal.
We’ll call him Rob.
It’s also the story of a plucky, persistent, puzzled AI named Veronica and a scammer who steals real authors’ identities in order to get their marks’ guards down.
But mostly, it’s the story of what happens when an entire industry is drowning, and the people holding out life preservers are running a con.
Day Zero: Oct. 18
The wave began with Mercy Gold (which is a great name for a werewolf hunter or demon slayer, BTW).
“Hello,” her email started. “You’ve already laid a great foundation with your blurb and keywords that’s a strong start.”
A compliment sandwich, I know them well. You’re doing great, BUT there’s a problem you didn’t know you had. She offered to help me manage “light social presence and simple email marketing” to keep my book “in front of real readers.” Would I be open to seeing how this could support my “author journey”?
The email came from [email protected]. Not a company domain. Not a professional address. Just a numbered Gmail account.
I deleted it.
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