Five Signs a Publishing Company is NOT a Scam

The last sentence added, the adventure concluded, the final walk immortalized—what happens next?

For authors who are new to the field of publishing, picking the right publisher is crucial for the book’s success and growth.

So, if you’re aiming to get your written masterpiece out there, handed to the right audience and reader, it’s time to find a legitimate publishing company.

Your hard work should land in the hands of a reputable publisher, not some scammy, sketchy business with unclear results and processes. Beware of self-publishing scams, hard-sell pressures, and unrealistic promises! And so, this article will help you notice signs when talking with potential publishers.

Here are the important signs that you don’t want to miss:

1. Good Reviews

Besides being an accredited business, a publishing company should be a genuine, reputable company with favorable reviews. What better way to check whether their services are great and useful than by reading reviews from people who have already used them? Excellent reviews should come from both current and past clients.

You can also see reviews listed on different platforms for verification. Make sure to check if the publishing company is listed on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and third-party review platforms such as Trustpilot.

2. Exceptional Service

A committed and trustworthy publishing company should focus on providing high-quality, relevant services to authors. If the publishing company begins to discuss cuts to authors’ book royalties or retaining rights, that is something you need to get out of right away.

The publishing company must focus on providing exceptional, well-crafted services to help authors reach their goals and achieve milestones in their author journeys. With that, authors have to read the company’s proposals, brochures, pamphlets, and documents. Importantly, you should read the terms of agreement.

3. Credible and Professional Output

Upon meeting a representative or receiving calls, don’t agree to anything right away. Instead, conduct due diligence and visit their website, bookstore, and social media platforms. Visit the publishing company’s online store or check the titles of books mentioned on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

While there, check the illustrations to see their professional output. Observe the quality of the book covers, illustrations, layout, and printing (if you can get hold of the physical copy). This will help you determine the quality of service the publishing company offers. A credible publishing company will produce high-quality books.

4. Personalized Attention

A genuine publishing company that wants to help you find success in this journey will provide you with the tools and, of course, a dedicated representative. This official representative will guide you through the process of editing, rewriting (if needed), and publishing your book. From there, marketing services, author credibility, and visibility plans are added.

In this line of profession, no one-size-fits-all business template is possible. Every author’s journey is as unique as the book they’ve beautifully and wholeheartedly written. Some authors might need revisions, while others do not. At other times, authors would prefer a different book cover than the one the publishing company has created. These things happen; these are normal occurrences.

But a reliable publishing company will provide you with personalized attention and guidance. Their commitment to making authors’ visions a reality is what you need to remember and choose. When they accommodate your professional needs, it means that they value your book and you as the author.

5. Availability and Prompt Response

Responsiveness is one of the qualities that you have to take note of when choosing a reputable publishing company. A publisher that replies promptly to authors’ questions and concerns shows that they have a dedicated team ready to deliver high-quality service to their authors.

Moreover, prompt replies show that they are invested in your book and the future of your writing journey. Besides publishing the book, they aim to help you through every obstacle, ensuring that you are the winner in the end.

Takeaway Notes

Crafting a narrative and building a story is a difficult process. The things to do after your book is done seem challenging as well. But when you have a dedicated and professional team working with you, the journey becomes manageable—doable, even. Choosing the right publishing company and team requires a deep dive into the publisher’s process and reputation. You have the power to make the right choice.