loiscrockettwritingcoach

Scammers, Slammers & Red Flags 🚩

Welcome, Writer!

We all get them. We write a story, publish it, and people begin to notice—

🚩 The wrong people. 🚩

Holding your first book—whether it’s a hardcover, paperback, or a little Kindle edition glowing on your phone—is like holding your new baby.

You created it. You nurtured it. You finally sent it out into the world.

And now you have to protect it.

Let’s talk about how to keep the wrong people out and let the right people in.

Wherever you are on your writing journey, you’re welcome here.

My goal is simple: to encourage, support, and help you become the strongest writer you can be.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about writing.

Welcome!
— Lois Crockett

For Starters…

What do you do about Scammers and Slammers?

BLOCK, DELETE & MOVE ON.

You can report them to the Social Media Powers That Be, but by and large—

🍀 Good luck wi’ that. 🍀

Here are a few warning signs:

🚩 Legitimate agents and publishers do not usually crawl out of the woodwork to offer you fame and fortune. If a stranger suddenly appears with lavish praise and vague promises, investigate before answering.

🚩 Professional marketing companies are expensive. Normally, you contact them, discuss their services, sign an agreement, and pay for clearly defined work. They don’t slide into your messages promising instant bestseller status.

🚩 Scammers are cheep. 🐣 They change their names, social-media accounts, affiliations, and identities like a stripper changes her costumes. They’re so off-and-on, I wonder whether even they know if they’re coming or going.

🚩 Nobody, BUT NOBODY gets your SM info, passwords, PayPal/CashApp/Venmo account, Amazon account info, bank account, personal information, birthday, name of your first-born-cat etc. and YES! They WILL ASK‼️

This is their closing move—and some gnarly guy in a back room is already counting your money! 💸💸💸

Messages they commonly use…

“I discovered your wonderful book…”
“Your story has tremendous cinematic potential…”
“Our international marketing team selected you…”
“I am the assistant to a famous literary professional…”

Then comes your acid-test question:

Did they mention anything specific about your actual book?

Because scammers hand out glowing praise by the bucket—but rarely know the protagonist’s name.

Flattery may get them anywhere, but not with YOU.

SLAMMERS‼️

They’re the people who haven’t read your book but still arrive eager to insult it, your genre, your cover, or your right to call yourself an author. Don’t wrestle with them. They aren’t offering criticism; they’re demanding attention.
BLOCK, DELETE & MOVE ON.

AS A LAST RESORT:

Feeling mischievous? Don’t actually engage—but you may enjoy imagining this response:

I’m so glad we had this time together…Thanks for stopping by!! Next time: Rejections & Reviews