no matter where you are in your writing career.
I don’t usually post things like I am about to do here. I try to bring positivity and light to my blog writing because there is enough darkness and negativity in the world right now and I don’t want to be a purveyor of those same things.
But…
A few days ago I received an email that sent me down a rabbit hole of research and I want to tell you all about it, what I did, and the resolution.
As a writer, I get between 15 and 20 emails and phone calls ( how they get my number I will never know!) a day from individuals claiming to be book marketers, book club presidents, even PR people who want to HELP me promote my books and get them into the hands of readers for reviews. Or they want to interview me on their podcast for a “nominal fee” to cover sound booth costs. If you’re a writer these days, you’ve seen, received, and heard about these book scammers. I usually read the email, block the sender, then hit delete and go on my merry writing day.
But as I said, the other day, I got an email that was so different from all the others that I actually thought it might be a real, true, request. Notice I say, MIGHT. That’s because I’m nothing if not a doubter. I came out of the womb questioning everything from the harsh overhead lighting to the reason I needed to smacked on the butt by the doc.
Anyway.
Here is the email I received, in its entirety, just as it appeared in my email box:
Mon, Mar 23 at 11:46 AM
Dear Peggy Jaeger,
I hope you’re having an inspired week.
My name is Priyal Agrawal, and I am a Commissioning Editor at HarperCollins Publishers. I recently came across your novel The Sheriff and the Psychic: Welcome to Renewal Book One and was immediately drawn to its engaging blend of romance, mystery, and small-town intrigue.
At HarperCollins, we are always interested in contemporary fiction that combines suspenseful storytelling with rich character development and emotionally compelling relationships. Your portrayal of Police Psychic Silvestra Coeltrain navigating both personal challenges and a mysterious series of events in Renewal, Oklahoma, alongside Sheriff Caleb Blackbear, creates a captivating narrative that balances romance, tension, and small-town charm.
What specifically stood out to me in The Sheriff and the Psychic:
Strong, Enigmatic Protagonists
Silvestra and Caleb’s chemistry, combined with their individual complexities, provides readers with relatable and compelling characters whose interactions drive the story.
Blend of Mystery and Romance
The intertwined plot of livestock deaths, a murder, and personal stakes creates suspense, while the romantic tension adds depth and emotional resonance.
Vivid Small-Town Setting
Renewal, Oklahoma, comes alive through your detailed depiction of its landscape, community, and unique inhabitants, enriching the narrative and grounding the suspenseful events.
I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your inspiration for writing The Sheriff and the Psychic, your process in developing both the mystery and romantic elements, and any additional projects you may currently be working on.
Next Steps: If you have a literary agent, please feel free to put us in touch. If you are currently unrepresented, I would be happy to continue the conversation directly and discuss potential possibilities for your work.
Thank you for sharing such an engaging and suspenseful story. I look forward to the possibility of connecting.
Warm regards,
| Priyal Agrawal Commissioning Editor at HarperCollins Publishers HarperCollins Publishers LLC+44 141 305 3100priyalagrawal.harpercollins@gmail.comHarperCollins Publishers LLC (Headquarters / US Office) 📍 195 Broadway, Floor 22 New York, NY 10007 United States |
 |
Looks legit, right? The Publisher logo; the links. And I’ve heard of indie writers whose books were picked up by trad publishers before, so for a moment I thought…is this happeneing to me??
Then my logical brain took over. Because I am such a good researcher ( thank you Nursing career), I immediately went into spy mode. I didn’t click on the links at the end of the email because doing so could have engaged a virus – something my computer geek squad tells me about ad nauseum. But I did Google the HarperCollins website. I typed in the individual’s name into the “about us” link. No info. Them I scrolled around on the site and found something interesting. This, at the bottom of their first webpage:
The last two links is what I found interesting When I clicked on the first one, I found this:
Publishing Fraud Alert
We are aware of reports that scammers impersonating HarperCollins staff or claiming to be literary agents are targeting authors with false book acquisition offers. These individuals request that the author pay them or provide sensitive financial information in exchange for literary services, to facilitate a publishing agreement, or even to arrange a film or TV deal. Their emails sometimes include letters purporting to bear HarperCollins logos, imprint names, and staff signatures.
These communications are fraudulent. They do not come from HarperCollins and are not associated with our editorial processes.
Interesting, no? So I did what a good little spy would do and emailed them at the fraud link provided.
This is what I sent and what I got in reply:
Me: Goodmorning. I received this email this morning from someone claiming to be a HCP representative, and believe it may be fraudulent. Please advise. Peggy jaeger
HC: Hello Peggy,
I hope you are well. This is not a legitimate offer from HarperCollins Publishers. You may be the victim of a scam. As HarperCollins is unable to report crimes on your behalf, we encourage all targets of publishing scams to report the matter their local law enforcement agency, the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center, and the FTC’s fraud reporting website.
Thank you.
Robert Smigielski
Manager, Contract Operations
HarperCollins Publishers
195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
So, my instincts were correct. Always good to get the reassurance.
My next musings concern whether or not to notify the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center and the FTC. I’m still mulling that over.
But, Kids, I have no remorse naming this scammer. I think he/she/they gave away their right to privacy once they sent that fraudulent email to me. Save this post and if you receive anything that looks like the email I received, do your due diligence and call it out.
So, if you’re a writer – newbie or seasoned – trusts your instincts. If it sounds too good, it probably is. Do your homework. Do your reaearch.
Now, I asked myself, what if I’d sent that email to HCP and it turns out the person was legit? An actual editor was reaching out to acquire my already published indie book? Would I have killed any chance of being offered a contract by questioning the editor’s validity? And you know what my answer is? Okay.
Yeah. Simply, OKAY.
I still would have had selfrespect for deep diving into an issue that is plaguing one too many authors these days.
I hate scammers.
I really do.
~ Peg
Peggy Jaeger, Author 
This is Atypical of fraudsters – it’s vile!
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Yup!
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