Preying On A Writer's Dreams

Writers dream of getting their work published. They imagine their novel or collection of short stories or non-fiction labor of love on the shelf at the local bookstore.

And there is always a con artist waiting just around the corner to prey on those dreams, for a profit.

Landing a publishing contract with a major publishing house is next to impossible, and not many have the stamina to keep on trying, writing book after book and editing countless times, in the hope that their story will be the one that a publisher is looking for.

Many writers go for the do-it-yourself option, but they know they don't have the skill or connections needed to generate buzz and drive sales. They often fall victim to someone's siren song that promises printing, shipping, publicity and all the rest, for a price.

The writer, with head in clouds, signs the check, when they should have gone to Ann Crispin and Victoria Strauss's most excellent website and vetted the publisher first.

While the ladies who blog might not have heard about Peter Campbell-Copp's clever little scam to make money off unsuspecting writers, their site is a treasure trove of advice that fits Historical Pages and its modus operandi.

Mr. Campbell-Copp followed a scam-honored tradition of offering to publish for a price, the sort of thing that Ms. Crispin and Ms. Strauss continually warn about. By perusing their archives, a writer could come to understand how the cruel game is played, and avoid becoming an open wallet for Mr. Campbell-Copp.

The would-be publisher has been charged with both felony and misdemeanor counts. In keeping with the glib excuses typically given by a thief, Mr Campbell-Copp has rationalized his poor performance and offered promises to make good. In the future. When the financing comes through.

The Hinesburg, Vermont, police look on that as part of a Ponzi scheme, with new authors being bilked to produce something to show the early victims that their fears are unfounded.. They stop complaining, more authors sign on, and eventually the house of cards crumbles.

If you're keen to publish your work yourself, you can hire an editor and use any number of legitimate, no charge venues. Amazon's CreateSpace allows you to upload your manuscript, design your cover, etc., etc., and you don't have to pay a thing.

Hire a publicist. There are plenty of them around.

There is no easy way into getting a book published. There are no short-cuts. People like Peter Campbell-Copp are out there because they know it, and they rely on authors who don't know it to fall into their trap.