How Can Authors Avoid The Book Marketing Scam Victim Psychology?

 

 

Many authors tell me they get multiple emails in a week, sometimes in a day, from purported book promoters looking to work with them.

 

Popular offers include:

 

* Getting you on a bestseller list.

* Introductions to Hollywood producers.

* Tik Tok influencers who will hype you.

* Putting your book in the hands of book clubs.

* SEO strategists who will make your web site popular on search engines.

* Display your book at book fairs.

* Craft and distribute a book trailer.

 

Many offers are BS. 

 

They are either outright scams — you pay and never hear from them — or they don’t fully deliver what they claimed to do, or they do what they promised but the resulting sales are abysmal. Or, they give you what you expected and you get positive results, but you overpaid for that service. 

 

If it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. 

 

That said, there are legitimate book promoters with solid offerings that end up getting ignored because too many authors are fearful or uneducated about the process. So they do nothing. That would be throwing out the baby with the bath water.

 

My advice: Don’t use the scam publicist excuse to sit by and do nothing. To be crippled by inaction guarantees the death of your book.

 

So, first step: Evaluate all solicitations and determine a way to evaluate them. Consider doing independent research to find someone who has not solicited you if you don’t believe any of the offers that you received are worthwhile. Seek out referrals from writer associations and fellow authors. Maybe you can read an article or blog post by or about a book publicist that speaks to you — like me!

 

Examine solicitation emails for the following:

 

* It contains misspellings.

* The note suffers from broken English.

* Includes words that are not appropriately capitalized. 

* Addresses you not by name but just hello or hi.

* Identifies your book not by title but instead just refers to your book as a book, work, or writings.

* Lavishly praises you in a non-specific way, as if any book could be spoken of.

* Sounds like they actually read the book, which would be a lie, as no marketer has the time. to read on speculation before even reaching out to you to see if you need help.

* Has multiple gaps of spaces between words.

* Sounds so full of kiss-ass lavish praise.

* Appears to be AI generated.

* They don’t give a company name or a last name or use initials instead of a first name.

* Their web site looks crappy.

 

Do a zoom to see who this person is and not settle on a phone call. But do get their number and search online to see who it belongs to Google their individual name and the company name and add words like “lawsuit” “liar” “scam” “hoax” “arrest.”  Ask for testimonials or references. See how long they have been in business. 



That said, do your due diligence but don’t use as an excuse or make an assumption “They are all scams” and never do anything with anyone to market your book. Otherwise, you have scammed yourself and rendered your book dead.



“Intention must be powered with action.”

—NOT SURE WHO NEEDS TO HEAR THIS, BUT...Beautiful Reminders for the Soul by Willie Greene

 

“Use What Motivates Others to Your Advantage”

— WHO BETTERTHAN YOU? The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming

  

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,400,000 page views. With 5,500+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

 

Interview With Best-Selling Author & Leading Indie Book Publisher David L. Hancock

1. What has been the key to your success?

The key has been understanding that publishing is both art and business. Early on, I realized that great writing alone does not guarantee success. Authors who thrive treat their book like a business asset, not just a creative accomplishment. That insight shaped my career and ultimately shaped The Babylon Blueprint for Authors (March 17 release). Success comes from combining strong distribution, strategic marketing, and an entrepreneurial mindset. It also comes from relationships. Publishing is a long game built on trust. When authors understand that they are building a brand and not just releasing a book, everything changes.

2. How does the book publishing landscape look today?

Publishing today is more open and more crowded than ever. Technology has made it easier to publish, but harder to stand out. There are millions of titles competing for attention. That is why authors must be intentional. The old model of writing a book and hoping the publisher handles everything is outdated. In today’s environment, authors who build platforms, cultivate communities, and think strategically win. The opportunity is enormous, but it requires clarity and consistency. The publishing landscape rewards those who treat their book as the beginning of a business, not the end of a project.

3. What is The Babylon Blueprint for Authors about?

The book is a step-by-step guide for authors who want lasting impact. It blends timeless wisdom with modern marketing strategies. I walk readers through mindset shifts, platform development, pre-launch planning, publicity, distribution, and long-term brand building. It is not theoretical. It is practical and grounded in decades of real-world experience. The central idea is simple: writing the manuscript is only the first step. Authors must think like entrepreneurs if they want to grow readership and income. The book equips them with the tools and confidence to do exactly that.

4. What are the biggest publicity mistakes authors make?

The biggest mistake is starting too late. Publicity should begin long before publication. Another mistake is lacking clarity about who the book is for. If you cannot clearly define your reader, your marketing will feel scattered. Many authors also rely too heavily on friends and family instead of expanding their audience intentionally. In The Babylon Blueprint for Authors, I emphasize strategy over noise. Publicity works when it is consistent, relational, and aligned with your long-term vision. Marketing is not a one-week event. It is an ongoing discipline.

5. Do authors really need a pep talk from a therapist?

Publishing can feel emotional. There are highs and lows. But what authors truly need is confidence rooted in clarity. When you understand the process and have a plan, fear decreases. The Babylon Blueprint for Authors offers both encouragement and structure. It helps authors move from uncertainty to action. Mindset matters because belief drives behavior. But mindset alone is not enough. Authors need practical tools. When encouragement is paired with execution, momentum follows.

6. What marketing tactics should authors implement before publication?

Build your email list early. Clarify your ideal reader. Develop relationships with podcast hosts and media outlets before you need them. Secure endorsements in advance. Create a launch team. Focus on pre-orders, especially with key retailers. These actions create concentrated momentum at launch. In the book, I stress that pre-launch is where leverage is built. The authors who prepare six to twelve months ahead of release consistently outperform those who wait until the last minute.

7. What does it mean to adopt an entrepreneurial author mindset?

It means shifting from thinking like a writer to thinking like a business owner. Entrepreneurs look for systems, partnerships, and multiple revenue streams. Your book can lead to speaking, consulting, courses, or community building. It also means tracking results and making informed decisions. An entrepreneurial author understands margins, audience behavior, and long-term positioning. Most importantly, they view the book as the foundation of a larger platform. When authors take ownership of both message and market, they unlock greater opportunity.

8. What if an author is shy?

You do not need to be outgoing to be effective. Many successful authors are introverts. Marketing does not require a big personality. It requires authenticity and consistency. You can write thoughtful newsletters, appear on podcasts from home, build niche communities, or collaborate behind the scenes. The key is showing up in ways that feel natural. In the book, I emphasize that influence grows through steady engagement, not volume. Confidence develops through action.

9. Who does your book work best for?

The principles apply to any author who wants to reach readers intentionally. Non-fiction authors often see quicker momentum because their books connect easily to expertise and speaking. However, fiction, children’s authors, and poets can apply the same framework. Platform building, branding, and community development are universal strategies. The tactics may vary by genre, but the entrepreneurial mindset remains the same. If an author wants more than casual sales, the book provides a roadmap.

10. What innovative pricing models do you teach?

Pricing should reflect value and positioning. Premium trade paperbacks can justify higher pricing when paired with strong branding. Bundles, such as book plus workbook or book plus course access, increase perceived value. Limited editions and pre-order bonuses can drive urgency without discounting the core product. Authors should also consider multiple formats including audio and international editions. In the book, I encourage authors to think strategically about pricing as part of a broader business model, not just a number on the back cover.

11. Are influencers obtainable without paying?

Yes, but relationships matter. Influencer partnerships work best when there is genuine alignment. Engage with their content first. Build rapport. When you reach out, personalize your message and focus on value. Micro-influencers are often more responsive and highly engaged. Providing advance copies and clear messaging helps. In the book, I stress that influence is built on trust. Authentic connections often outperform transactional arrangements.

12. What does it take to reach a bestseller list?

It takes planning. Bestseller status typically requires concentrated sales within a short window. That means organizing pre-orders, mobilizing your network, aligning media appearances, and creating urgency. Category selection and timing matter as well. In The Babylon Blueprint for Authors, I outline how to approach this strategically. However, I also remind authors that long-term credibility and sustained sales are more valuable than a single ranking spike. Bestseller status is a milestone. Building a brand is the goal.

13. Is there a marketing strategy when partnering with charities?

Purpose strengthens positioning when it is authentic. Readers connect with authors who stand for something meaningful. Over the years, I have supported charitable efforts including Habitat for Humanity because impact matters. When authors align their message with causes that reflect their values, it deepens trust and engagement. In the book, I discuss how purpose-driven branding can elevate visibility. The key is sincerity. When mission and marketing align, both the reader and the community benefit. 

About The Author: David L. Hancock is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author and the Founder of Morgan James Publishing, one of the pioneers of the hybrid publishing model. With more than two decades of experience helping thousands of authors reach bookstores worldwide, David is passionate about equipping writers to think like entrepreneurs. He is the author of more than twenty books, including The Babylon Blueprint for Authors, a practical roadmap for building a sustainable and profitable author career. For more information, please see: https://DavidLHancock.com

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,600,000 page views. With 5,500+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

 

 

Authors Must Invoke Rocky As It Celebrates 50 Years

Fifty years ago America celebrated its bicentennial, elected a man who would become our best ex-president, and the Eagles launched a classic song, Hotel California. The Big Red Machine repeated as champs in what was then America’s National Pastime and Happy Days was the top TV show. 1976 was also the year of the debut movie of a classic franchise, Rocky, starring the then-unknown Sylvester Stallone.

As a movie buff who used to go to the movie theater to watch 100 films a year as a teenager, and as one who has seen probably 10,000 movies, I can say that one of the best movies ever made, that still rings true today, is Rocky.

It has many messages for authors to embrace, such as:

* Make the most of your shot at success.

* Work hard to seize upon an opportunity.

* Be driven beyond the dictates of your raw abilities.

* Ordinary people can accomplish extra-ordinary things.

* One can overcome huge odds against them.

* There are no boundaries to where your passions can lift you.

* You can’t expect to not take a beating when in pursuit of a major goal.

It is the story of the underdog, about rising to the occasion when you get your one lucky shot, and about the will to persevere in the face of fear, exhaustion, adversity, and pain. It is about clawing and grinding your way to even be in a position to compete. All Rocky wanted to do was go the distance, to stand toe-to-toe with the champ, to show that he belonged on that stage.

Though he fought with a lion’s courage and a gladiator’s heart, he didn’t win the fight, and yet, he was a winner by anyone’s standards. 

Whether you like boxing or not, this film can’t help but motivate and inspire its viewers. The signature song that begins with trumpets awakens something deep inside of you, perhaps bringing out what was long dormant or not even known to exist within each of us.

This, along with a scant few classics, like It’s A Wonderful Life, can be watched countless times over the years and you will still feel inspired and moved —  even though you can practically mouth the dialogue from so many viewings. Why? Because it is the story of the everyman, appealing to our desire to find and live our purpose in life, to fulfill our dream, and to rise up against all odds.

Rock-ee!

Rock-ee!

Rock-ee!

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,400,000 page views. With 5,500+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

 

How Do You End Writer’s Block?

I will confess — and please don’t hate me for this — I never get writer’s block. Ever. 

That does not mean everything I write is genius or even good, but the ideas just flood me. I can’t write fast enough, as I fail to keep pace with my ability to generate ideas.  

I have known from a young age that I was gifted with a creative way of thinking but it was only confirmed when I took an IQ test as a high school senior with an organization called Johnson O’ Connor. My brain floods me with analysis, thoughts, what-if scenarios, and exercises in logic. I question everything and have an unending curiosity. Nothing fully satiates my wandering mind. 

They said my level of ideation was high. I have an ability to generate ideas quickly that was off the testing charts. I was in the 100 percentile. I have always been eager for input— exposure to things, events, or people that can inspire fresh thoughts. My instant reaction to something is to try to consume it from all sides and angles.  

From ideas, comes the act of writing — both to convey something but also to workshop something as well. I question more readily than I can make a declaration about anything.   

So, what is the secret to resolving your writer’s block?  

Everyone is different, but I would say to try any and all of these methods until you fix your brain constipation:  

1. Do whatever you have done in the past that worked to free your mind up for writing. In other words, look at past solutions as your playbook for today.  

2. Try to write your way out of it, meaning write about anything, as an exercise, just to get you going again. Even try different forms — write a diary journal, letter-to-the-editor, a poem, or a love letter.  

3. Take a change of scenery. New surroundings can instill new thoughts. 

4. Take a break. Just walk away from your desk and forget about whatever you were trying to write. Remove all pressures and demands to write and instead, do something else. 

5. Change your diet, sleep pattern, or level of exercise. Play a sport or partake in a competition. Jumpstart your brain power with a realignment of your physical state. 

6. Abuse your addiction — or go sober. I don’t do drugs and only drink socially. I haven’t been drunk in many years. But if lighting up, popping a pill, or self-medicating with an intoxicant relaxes you, makes you feel good, or puts you in a creative frame of mind, who am I to say no? Or maybe you party too much and your life is a shit wreck? Time to go cold turkey and clean your act up. 

7. Consume a book, movie, play, ballet, concert, comedy club, museum, poetry reading, or art show, or attend a conference or convention. Being around the arts and creative culture may stir some ideas or evoke strong feelings. 

&. Confront what blocks you. Think hard as to why you are not inspired to write and why you are feeling intellectually stunted. Go head-to-head with the truth.  

9. Debate someone about a political or philosophical issue, something to get your juices flowing again.  An honest intellectual exchange of ideas and opinions is a healthy prelude to writing.  

19. Get into an argument or delve into a drama with someone. Unburden your stress by yelling at someone. Embrace some road rage— but don’t risk your life in the process.  

11. Maybe you just need to screw the writer’s block out of you. Find someone to allow you to just release.  

12. Don’t overthink or seek perfection as a writer. Just unload your head and heart and then sort out the seashells from the seaweed.  

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,600,000 page views. With 5,500+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum