It almost feels like yesterday when I met a woman who I thought would make a great literary business partner. She was enthusiastic, she brought business my way, and we talked daily by phone. And while we met through one of many writing and reading groups, I was in a position to meet her in person one day. She seemed a bit quirky in person, but I thought nothing of it.
Nothing I ever imagined would prepare me for the roller coaster ride I would find myself on barely two years later. Not only did she fail to follow through when it came time to get down to the nitty gritty of the business, but things began to surface that made me less than comfortable. As time dragged on, I began to realize that something just wasn’t right.
One revelation gave way to another. Soon, I would discover that this woman was a scam artist. Other authors I knew began to come out about her. Some never said a word publicly, and only emailed me privately with their complaints, while others merely distanced themselves from her. And I wonder how many distanced themselves from me as well?
I felt like the cat who ate the canary. Only with this, someone planted a feather in my mouth. I was publicly known to associate with this woman and I became unnerved by what would potentially unfold. I knew before all would be said and done, that a huge layer of trust would be wiped away where I was concerned. Folks would begin to look at me askance because I dealt with this scam artist. Only those few who knew me well knew that I was indeed clueless as to what I had gotten myself into.
This woman turned out to be my worst nightmare. She had scammed a host of authors out of thousands of dollars for public relations services, and goodness knows what else. I later found out that she was convicted of child molestation in her state, and had been going by no less than four aliases. Can you imagine? She was actually on parole.
Someone who knew her well was in communication with one of the burned authors, whom I also knew well. It was a deep throat kind of connection, given that the person did not want to be identified. I was left reeling from my experience. I lost no money, but I felt as though I was not seen in the same light. I felt that I had lost my just budding reputation. In its infancy, it was snuffed out as far s I was concerned. Many years have past, and I wonder if that incident still haunts my business life, even without me knowing it.
I recently heard that this person went as far as to spread vicious personal rumors about me after I decided to cut ties to her. She took personal conversations, and twisted them into something almost unrecognizable. We’d become friends during that period long ago, and talked of many personal things. After discovering all I did about her, it was not shocking, however. Lying was her forte.
Needless to say, authors and other literary heads, beware. Before going into business with anyone, whether it be an agent, publisher, public relations company, design firm, or even another author, ask around. Or do some research online. You can never be too careful. Find out what other authors are saying about the person you are considering working with. And for those who know about a person’s reputation, don’t leave sisters like myself in the dark. Help us out so we are not caught looking like a fool. We are all in this together and need our work to thrive, whether it be our book or our publishing company, PR firm or editing company.
There are criminals out there who would love nothing more than to relieve you of your money. Be careful and tell others when they might be treading into a dark alley with no way out.
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Tags: authors, beware, experiences
Pittershawn,
Thank you for taking the time to relate this painful experience. I’ve been in the lit world for 30+ years and have witnessed some of the most cruelest scams to writers/artists. We are a sensitive breed because of the creativity that lives within us and these vultures know it.
Peace
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
@Kim Perdue-Sims, That is a long time in the business. I’m sure you have stories to tell.
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Thanks for coming forward. I too have gotten scammed and it wasn’t until I exposed the lair in my book Dubious that folks started coming forward. I am exposing Cyrus Webb of Conversations Book Club he is a liar, theft and takes advantage of new authors! Don’t trust this crook! He has gotten many of us.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 4th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
It is really awful when folks like that scam you. I was also trying to do a writers’ retreat during the time I knew this woman. Because of her, one author that sent money didn’t get a refund because the retreat didn’t happen, and all because I let that chick talk me into some foolishness. I’ve been trying to find that author for a while now, but she disappeared. I can’t find her. I really want to take responsibility for giving her back her money, even though it was partially the scammers responsibility. I hate that someone is owed funds and it’s hanging out there. That was the only money issue where I was personally involved in it with her, and it went south. All other money issues were of her own making through her personal company, thank GOODNESS! Very sad. I am so glad I didn’t get caught up in her other financial scams. I woulda tried to hurt that chick for embarrassing me.
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Thanks for sharing this information. I tend to take people as I see them, which isn’t always a good thing. Painful, to lose trust out of innocence, especially if one is just starting out in business.
.-= Joy´s last blog ..A Dose of Reality =-.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
@Joy, Yes, very painful.
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Pittershawn, anyone who knows you, knows that you deal in integrity. I know the exact woman you’re speaking of and it’s a shame how many people were taken in.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@Naleighna Kai, Thanks, sis.
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Newbies like me have to be extra careful because we haven’t gotten to know the business and the players well enough to spot all the sharks yet. So thanks for the reminder to be careful.
.-= Karen O’Bannon´s last blog ..The Sound of Silence =-.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@Karen O’Bannon, You are very welcome.
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devastated. wow. I am speechless.
It really is important to let others know and give the heads up about the literary business.
I heard of the term literary predators and in the publishing business that is growing at a fast rate there are a lot out there.
.-= Sylvia´s last blog ..Readers: Don’t forget: Share Me! =-.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@Sylvia, Sharing our experiences is key.
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I too have been hurt early on in this literary world just trying to get a sliter of a spot in this huge grassland of the lit world. I turned my pained to God and from thier I trust his leading, despite the accolades of others. Troubles come to make you stronger. And from this, you are stronger and wiser. Many blessings to you! verbalconquest.wordpress.com.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@VeeVeca Lavoira, Only strength allowed me to survive that episode.
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I think I know who you’re talking about because your story sounds similiar to one of my friends. Unfortunately, this individual isn’t the only one preying on people. I learned the hard way not to trust too many people.
.-= Shelia´s last blog ..Who Am I =-.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@Shelia, It’s crazy out there. Nuts!
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Thanks for reminding us that if it seems too good to be true, chances are it really is too good to be true.
And, ignoring red flags can cost you greatly and carry with it much grief.
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pittershawn Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@Linda, Yes yes. Much grief.
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Thanks for sharing. I hear horror stories likes this from time to time from other authors, especially those seeking to self publish and need that extra boost of support from a publicist, etc. Can’t stress it enough to research and do whatever background check you can or feel the need to do.
Also, normally it’s usual safe and best to head to those annual “writers/literary” guides. Chock full of publishers, lawyers/agents and etc. who are legit and more than likely can work with you. Still research any and ALL info.
.-= Mahoganie aka Tiffany from EW´s last blog ..I Use To Be Her =-.
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zaji Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
@Mahoganie aka Tiffany from EW, Very true. Research is key.
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With my debut book, I was scammed by publisher, editor and PR person. That experience has caused my to move very cautiously. Unfortunately, I now do it my way. Thanks for sharing via this medium. Back then, I only shared by word-of-mouth
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