Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Writers beware of ongoing publishing frauds
Writer Beware®: The Blog |
Spooky Phishing Scam Targets Traditionally-Published Writers Posted: 22 Dec 2020 10:49 AM PST Posted by Victoria Strauss for Writer Beware® The New York Times has published the story of a strange international phishing scam: unknown actors targeting traditionally-published writers, posing as their agents or editors to obtain copies of their unpublished manuscripts. Earlier this month, the book industry website Publishers Marketplace announced that Little, Brown would be publishing “Re-Entry,” a novel by James Hannaham about a transgender woman paroled from a men’s prison. The book would be edited by Ben George. The phisher, or phishers, employ clever tactics like transposing letters in official-looking email addresses (like "penguinrandornhouse.com" instead of "penguinrandomhouse.com") and masking the addresses so they only show when the recipient hits "Reply". They know how publishing works and appear to have access to inside information, utilizing not just public sources like acquisition announcements in trade publications, but details that are harder to uncover: writers' email addresses, their relationships with agents and editors, delivery and deadline dates, even details of the manuscripts themselves. And they are ramping up their operations. According to the Times, the scam began appearing "at least" three years ago, but in the past year "the volume of these emails has exploded in the United States." One of the leading theories in the publishing world, which is rife with speculation over the thefts, is that they are the work of someone in the literary scouting community. Scouts arrange for the sale of book rights to international publishers as well as to film and television producers, and what their clients pay for is early access to information — so an unedited manuscript, for example, would have value to them. I heard about the scam a couple of months ago, from an author who was targeted after their forthcoming book was announced on Publishers Marketplace. What they reported to me tracks with the information above, including the credible approach by the writer's own editor or agent (complete with authentic-looking email signature), a credible excuse for why they wanted the writer to send the manuscript again, and the altered sending address. The writer did send the ms., and didn't discover until they talked to their agent that they'd been tricked. Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster have sent out warnings, as have agents, one of whom offers this helpful advice: If you receive an email requesting sensitive information or items (manuscripts, contracts, etc.) to be sent via email, or to follow a link to sign a document, please consider the following steps: To be clear, there's no connection here with the crude agent and publisherimpersonation scams I've been writing about for the last year or so. This is a sophisticated scheme by a person or persons familiar with the publishing industry (including its lingo) who understands the ins and outs of acquisition and production and has access to inside information. There's also no obvious monetary angle--unlike the impersonation scams I've previously reported, where the whole point is to screw as many thousands of dollars out of unsuspecting writers as possible. More reporting at Jezebel. |
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Monday, December 14, 2020
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Wednesday, December 02, 2020
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Fiction University: Theme Me Up: How to Develop Your Novel's Theme
Fiction University: Theme Me Up: How to Develop Your Novel's Theme: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy Theme is an often overlooked tool in a writer's toolbox. Here's another look at finding the gre...
Fiction University: The Impossible Choice: A Surefire Way to Hook Your...
Fiction University: The Impossible Choice: A Surefire Way to Hook Your...: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy The first job of any story is to hook its reader, but after that initial hook, the story can’t just slack...
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Saturday, October 24, 2020
A free corse from author Jerry Jenkins!
Jerry Jenkins “offers a FREE course that will help you write a book and advertise on Amazon with his proven techniques.
Thirteen steps on how to write a book: https://writersnauthors.com/how-to-write-a-book-13-steps-from-a-bestselling-author/
And his five-day course on how to sell your book!
“In 5 days you’ll gain expert insight into making Amazon ads work to help you sell your book to more readers. The best part? It costs you nothing to learn! You can’t beat that. :)”
Click here to sign up for the FREE 5-Day Amazon Ad Course at Kindlepreneur.
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Friday, October 09, 2020
Segunda etapa Proyecto de Digitalización de las Colecciones del MNA
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Monday, October 05, 2020
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Rodney Yee: AM Connection | Yoga for Your Week | Gaiam
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Friday, August 14, 2020
Writer Beware®: The Blog: A New "Beware": Scammers Impersonating Reputable L...
Writer Beware®: The Blog: A New "Beware": Scammers Impersonating Reputable L...: Posted by Victoria Strauss for Writer Beware® I've written about this new "beware" twice already (you can see those posts he...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Thursday, August 06, 2020
Has the Biblical Moses Been Identified in Secular Egyptian Records?
Has the Biblical Moses Been Identified in Secular Egyptian Records?
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Fiction University: Guest Blogging Builds Platform and Sells Books: 5 ...
Fiction University: Guest Blogging Builds Platform and Sells Books: 5 ...: By Anne R. Allen, @annerallen Part of The Writer’s Life Series JH: Guest blogging is a fun and easy way to get your name out there wit...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Fiction University: Getting the Word Out About Your Book Release
Fiction University: Getting the Word Out About Your Book Release: By Sherry Howard, @SherLHoward Part of The Writer's Life Series JH: Book releases have gone online for 2020, and getting the word...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Fiction University: Choosing the Right Social Media Site for You and Y...
Fiction University: Choosing the Right Social Media Site for You and Y...: By Marcy Kennedy, @MarcyKennedy Part of the Indie Author Series When it comes to how to spread the word about your book, you’ll hear w...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Monday, July 13, 2020
Fiction University: Story Rulez: Two Things Every Novel Needs to Do
Fiction University: Story Rulez: Two Things Every Novel Needs to Do: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy There are a lot of rules in writing, but only two you really need to follow. I'm a big fan of the s...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
How and why to get book reviews
Some only review prior to publication. Once a book is published, some trade publications will not review it.
How and why to get book reviews: Types of reviews and how to get them. How and why to get reviews. Three questions about book reviews
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
How and why to get book reviews: Types of reviews and how to get them. How and why to get reviews. Three questions about book reviews
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
7 Ways Screenwriters Can Impress a Producer - ScreenCraft
7 Ways Screenwriters Can Impress a Producer - ScreenCraft: You have worked on your script daily, diligently practicing your craft. Hurray! You have interest from a producer, so you share your script. Time passes. Finally, the producer returns your...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Monday, May 11, 2020
Fiction University: The Difference Between Painting a Scene vs Dramati...
Fiction University: The Difference Between Painting a Scene vs Dramati...: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy A great scene is about more than just describing what's there--or what's going on. As writers, ...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Monday, April 20, 2020
Sunday, April 19, 2020
San Francisco Writers Conference podcast.
Listen in as Ask Joey and Brooke Warner talk about the pros and cons of indie publishing on the SFWC Podcast today! https://buff.ly/2yl7EzS
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Wednesday, April 08, 2020
Fiction University: Identifying a Loss of Momentum vs. Writer’s Block
This article gave me hope because for the last three days my brain has gone on strike!
Fiction University: Identifying a Loss of Momentum vs. Writer’s Block: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy Some days, we sit down to write and the words won’t come. Are we blocked? Maybe not. Even before the p...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Fiction University: Identifying a Loss of Momentum vs. Writer’s Block: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy Some days, we sit down to write and the words won’t come. Are we blocked? Maybe not. Even before the p...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
Joyce, good post for the times we are living in, I am also in the seventies, and when reading your article, I divided that seven is a lucky number.
What I want in life and what I have to do to create it?
I want to publish the books living inside of me and my computer.
In words of my horoscope today, ” April 1, 2020 - If you feel moody or emotionally stuck about your place in life, lean on your power of vision to paint a picture of where you’d like to be instead. Today starts with a sense of escapism, and you may find yourself longing for a change of scenery and a break from the daily grind. But possibility arrives later on, and you're especially open to insights about how to build the life you desire. Listen to your inner urges behind the mundane details today, because your subconscious is full of clues on how to achieve your most fulfilled life.”
Is it April fools day?
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
What I want in life and what I have to do to create it?
I want to publish the books living inside of me and my computer.
In words of my horoscope today, ” April 1, 2020 - If you feel moody or emotionally stuck about your place in life, lean on your power of vision to paint a picture of where you’d like to be instead. Today starts with a sense of escapism, and you may find yourself longing for a change of scenery and a break from the daily grind. But possibility arrives later on, and you're especially open to insights about how to build the life you desire. Listen to your inner urges behind the mundane details today, because your subconscious is full of clues on how to achieve your most fulfilled life.”
Is it April fools day?
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Inspired

T. S. Eliot once wrote, “good writers borrow, great writers steal.” In my youth to circumstances beyond my control, reading and daydreaming became my entertainment and best friends.
Also, I lived in a culture filled with mystery and religion and thus developed in me a fascination for the supernatural, mysticism, prophecies, and damsels in distress that overcame their distress. And I especially sought out books about saints, creation, mythology, and history.
So, I agree with Eliot to a point; since my series On Wings Of Immortals is inspired by favorite authors such as Auel, Mitchener, Castaneda, Rice, King, Kostova, and Coelho and of course Poe.
For more please go to Marta C Weeks
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Friday, March 06, 2020
Fiction University: What's My Motivation? Tips on Showing Character Mo...
Great tip! Sometimes, as in the first book of my series, the angel feels he is responsible for the virgin however it is she who went looking for him.
martacweeks.com
Fiction University: What's My Motivation? Tips on Showing Character Mo...: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy Knowing what motivates a character to act not only makes for a great read, it also makes it easier to pl...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
martacweeks.com
Fiction University: What's My Motivation? Tips on Showing Character Mo...: By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy Knowing what motivates a character to act not only makes for a great read, it also makes it easier to pl...
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Thursday, February 27, 2020
What to do?
Even though it has good reviews I am batteling between removing The Sylph's Tale, the first book of On Wings Of Immortals - series, or just adding the revised-complete version.
Why? The Sylph's Tale was published incomplete. The publicist says they submitted the complete manuscript, but Amazon and D2D say they released the file received but are willing to give those who bought it a free revised-complete version upon publication.
I am extremely grateful to those who like it. Missing chapters are:
My Cross - Chapter III
HAYA - Chapter IV
My Brethren - Chapter VIII
Grant Me Death - Chapter IIX
Dragons of Eternity - X
What say you?
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!

I am extremely grateful to those who like it. Missing chapters are:
My Cross - Chapter III
HAYA - Chapter IV
My Brethren - Chapter VIII
Grant Me Death - Chapter IIX
Dragons of Eternity - X
What say you?
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Monday, February 24, 2020
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Fiction Series
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Fiction Series: Avoid inconsistencies when writing a series and keep your readers happy by reviewing these five common mistakes found in fiction series.
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Novel Writing: 10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Characters | Writer's Digest
Novel Writing: 10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Characters | Writer's Digest: BY BRENDA JANOWITZ You simply cannot write a good novel without knowing your characters inside and out. Here are the top 10 questions you need to be able to answer about each of your characters:
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Wednesday, February 05, 2020
Poem: Buckle
Buckle
Let us not buckle
Under greed, vulgarity and pomposity
Oh God help us not believe
You are on the side of rioters
Abusers, greed and self-servers
Help us stand strong
And return our country
To the respect and glory
That led our forefathers
To leave homeland and ancestry
Cross the oceans
To build a nation
Not for pomp and powdered classes
But for freedom and equality
Jesus, Moses, Mohamed and Buddha
Rise amongst our people
Give us strength and purpose
For the time has come
To end immorality, greed and vanity
Ruling and toppling our nation
From the top of Lady Liberty’s flame
Into mire and stench.
By @MartaCWeeks2/5/2020
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Tuesday, February 04, 2020
New poem: Greener
Greener
If your heart quivers
For someone other
Than whom your with
Tell it that the other side
Is only greener
Until the fence is climbed
Or the gate is broken
And then
The true colors
Of disappointed longing
Or new flavors embraced
Turn into longings
One being greener than the other
In its commitment
For life is more than colors
And the heart beats
Not just in red
But in the passing of time
When what you want now
Becomes what you
Want no more
The self loses it’s soul
Hunger becomes a vice
And in looking
You lose who you are
And become the prey
Or predator
Of whims and dreams
Of what could have been
Unfulfilled with longings
That become the new
Lost and not found.
@MartaCWeeks
2/4/2020
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
We are back!
On Monday, we returned from our 15 days Panama Canal cruise and ten days of travel from Florida to Cincinnati, visiting my husband's siblings and their families. It was a grand vacation, but I long to return to Europe in particular to Lalin, Spain; that has a story I will tell soon.
During the cruise, while at sea, John edited and made significant contributions and suggestions on VIRGINS, book three of the series. He is not into holding back critiques to make me feel good and why I trust him. Also, an avid and very picky reader, so when he said, "you need to write a series about the men," I was surprised and more when he added, "I enjoyed reading it" and "look forward to book four." That's ROLO, which I will give him in two weeks after he has knee surgery, and work gets done in our home that was scheduled for after we got back from our travels.
Also, reviews from other authors, the information I am reading, and online classes, have ushered in ideas on plot and story that I am excited to implement and write. Soooo, busy, busy busy!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
During the cruise, while at sea, John edited and made significant contributions and suggestions on VIRGINS, book three of the series. He is not into holding back critiques to make me feel good and why I trust him. Also, an avid and very picky reader, so when he said, "you need to write a series about the men," I was surprised and more when he added, "I enjoyed reading it" and "look forward to book four." That's ROLO, which I will give him in two weeks after he has knee surgery, and work gets done in our home that was scheduled for after we got back from our travels.
Also, reviews from other authors, the information I am reading, and online classes, have ushered in ideas on plot and story that I am excited to implement and write. Soooo, busy, busy busy!
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Monday, February 03, 2020
Starting Ayekah The Damned with inciting incident in The Sylph’s Tale
Your comments and suggestions are very welcomed!
Thursday, January 02, 2020
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