Essential Insights for New Writers: Beware of Scams
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Chapter 1: Recognizing the Threats
New writers often find themselves vulnerable to predatory practices. It's alarming to think that some individuals see newcomers as easy targets. While the most common risks include having your work stolen or wasting your time, there are more serious consequences, such as financial loss. Although I don’t claim to have all the solutions to shield you from every scam, I can share valuable lessons drawn from my experiences.
If you haven’t yet seen Volume 1 of this series, you can check it out here:
New Writers Volume 1: The Allure of “Easy Money”
Imagine returning home after a long week, only to encounter the unexpected.
Don’t Pay to Work
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This advice may seem obvious, yet it’s crucial for new writers:
DO NOT PAY SOMEONE TO WORK FOR YOU.
If you’re asked to pay to secure a job, there’s a significant risk that the person may disappear with your money. Although there are instances where a small fee might be necessary for certain projects, I strongly discourage any new writer from doing this. When starting out, distinguishing between genuine and deceptive opportunities can be challenging. If you decide to invest in access to opportunities later, ensure you've earned some income first to minimize potential losses.
Types of Dangers You May Encounter
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The dangers facing new writers can be as treacherous as navigating a shark-infested sea. Unfortunately, the reality is that many scams target emerging writers trying to establish themselves. Here are some of the prevalent threats:
Job Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True
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It’s essential to stay vigilant against job offers that appear too generous. I’ve fallen for these traps myself, and while it may have only cost me time, it was still frustrating. Be wary of offers that promise earnings far beyond what is realistic for a beginner. Statements like, “Earn $50/hour writing from home!” are often red flags. While achieving such pay is possible later in your career, expecting it as a novice is unrealistic. Exercise extreme caution before sharing personal information or financial details with such opportunities.
The Issue of Ghosting Clients
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Unfortunately, encountering ghosting clients is almost unavoidable. These clients might promise work but fail to deliver as agreed. Even experienced writers face this issue. To mitigate the risk, consider requesting upfront payments. I often write a short piece for a client (up to 1,000 words) and require payment upon delivery. Once trust is established, I may invoice for future work after a set quantity.
The “Take the Content and Run” Clients
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Fortunately, I have rarely encountered clients who take my work without compensating me. However, this nightmare scenario is always a concern. Most clients are aware that taking such a risk could harm their reputation. If you ever find yourself in this situation, speak out to warn other writers, even if you don’t recover your funds.
These insights can help you navigate the early stages of your writing career. Keep an eye out for Volume 3 of this series, coming soon. Sign up for email alerts to be among the first to know about its release!
In this video, learn about the various scams that target authors and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
This video provides essential tips on avoiding writing-related scams and highlights common pitfalls to watch out for.