Victoria Strauss
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victoriastrauss.com
Victoria Strauss
@victoriastrauss.com
13K followers 1.2K following 2.1K posts
Author of novels fantastical & historical, avid gardener, co-founder of SFWA's pub industry watchdog Writer Beware. Casting a small light in a wilderness of writing scams (plus an occasional cat pic)

https://writerbeware.blog
https://victoriastrauss.com
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victoriastrauss.com
I'm seeing an uptick in "royalty recovery" scams like this one.

On left is the solicitation--not a phishing scam, as one might suspect from the paragraph boxed in red.

On right: the scammer replies to the author's excited questions & reveals the "associated fee" that's the purpose of the scam.
From: WGA <support@wgaproductionfilms.info> Date: Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 12:28 PM Subject: Invitation for Live Interview & Upcoming Royalty Payment To: <redacted> Subject: Invitation for Live Interview & Upcoming Royalty Payment Dear [redacted], I hope you are doing well. My name is Deborah King, and I am your assigned Literary Agent with the WGA Production Team Canada, but our headquarter is in Sacramento, California. You were endorsed to me after your book was published; and after purchasing marketing services from Page & Pixel and Authors Tranquility Press. Yes, great choice and good decision! Now, I am writing to extend an invitation for you to participate in a live interview as part of our upcoming “AUTHOR TALK”, which highlights the work and insights of distinguished authors. We would be honored to feature you and discuss your book(s) and your experiences as a writer. If you are interested, we would be glad to arrange the interview at a time that is convenient for you. The format would be a virtual conversation of approximately 30–45 minutes, with an opportunity for audience Q&A if you are comfortable with that. Please let us know your availability over the next few weeks so we can coordinate scheduling and logistics. In addition, I would like to inform you that your upcoming royalty check for the period January–June 2025 is currently being processed. The expected amount is $124,500.87 dollars and it is scheduled to be issued within the next few weeks. The payment will be sent via: mailed check / direct deposit / wire transfer to the account/address we have on file. If you would like to confirm or update your payment details, please let us know at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me directly via email at support@wgaproductionfilms.info or reply to this email if you have any questions, would like additional information about the interview, or need clarification regarding your royalty payment. Thank you for your time and for your c… Once the accumulated amount reaches the required reporting or payout cycle, the royalty check is issued. This check is from Jan - June 2024 and 2025. Basically, 6 months in 2024 and 6 months in 2025. I want to clarify that we are unable to release or process your royalty check until the associated fees have been settled. These fees cover the administrative and processing requirements needed to finalize and send out your payment - amounting to $4,500 USD. Rest assured that once the payment is received, we will immediately proceed with processing and releasing your royalty check. We will send it via FEDEX overnight just like normal processing procedure and your signature is required for receiving. Also, we will provide the FEDEX tracking number. We do not have your address yet on file, but we will confirm that from you before sending your check this week. Also to clarify, our involvement begins only after an author has purchased marketing from their publishing company and is officially endorsed to us. We do not have visibility into your original transaction with them, so we rely solely on their confirmation before proceeding with your interview and royalty check processing.
February 14, 2026 at 6:20 PM
victoriastrauss.com
(Another) Simon & Schuster impersonation scam. Check out the extra-bogus email address
From: Simon & Schuster LLC <simonschusterllc4@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 4:36 PM Subject: To: [redacted] Dear Author, February is a month defined by connection, passion, and storytelling that stays with us long after the final page and at Simon & Schuster LLC, that’s exactly the kind of work we’re seeking right now. For more than a century, Simon & Schuster has partnered with writers who dare to move readers, challenge perspectives, and shape culture. From unforgettable fiction to groundbreaking nonfiction, we believe that the most powerful stories begin with a distinct voice and we’re always excited to discover new ones. As we look ahead to our upcoming publishing seasons, our editorial team is actively inviting submissions and conversations with authors who are crafting compelling narratives, fresh ideas, and books with heart, intelligence, and impact. Whether you’re an emerging writer with a bold debut or an established author exploring a new direction, we’d love to learn more about your work. What sets Simon & Schuster apart is our deeply collaborative approach. Our authors benefit from: • Dedicated editorial guidance from industry-leading professionals • Strategic marketing and publicity support tailored to each book • Global distribution and long-term career development • A publishing partner who believes in nurturing stories not rushing them This February, we’re celebrating the stories that make readers fall in love with characters, with ideas, and with the written word itself. If you have a manuscript or proposal you believe deserves thoughtful consideration from a publisher who truly values authorship, we invite you to connect with us. We would be delighted to review your work and explore the possibility of building something meaningful together. Warm regards, The Editorial & Acquisitions Team Simon & Schuster LLC
February 10, 2026 at 5:32 PM
victoriastrauss.com
For those following the Red Ogre Review saga, he has made good on his promise to change his licensing terms...by doubling down.

On left: the original (awful) license. On right: the new license, mostly the same as the old license, but with some additions that I've circled in red.
Content submissions of any type to Red Ogre Review are conditioned on, and evidence of, your explicit agreement that in exchange for Red Ogre Review’s evaluation of your content submission for potential publication with Red Ogre Review or any other publication outlet, you intentionally and unreservedly grant Red Ogre Review an unrestricted, transferable, and nonrevocable worldwide license and right to use the submission content on this site and in any reproduced, related, or derivative materials, including in print books and in electronic books produced by Red Ogre Review, and on social media channels operated by or affiliated with Red Ogre Review, without expectation of any cash payment, royalty payments, or any other valuable compensation; you also irrevocably waive in their entirety any current or future exercise of “natural rights” or “moral rights of authors” as may potentially be asserted. Content submissions of any type to Red Ogre Review are conditioned on, and evidence of, your explicit agreement that in exchange for Red Ogre Review’s evaluation of your content submission for potential publication with Red Ogre Review or any other publication outlet, you intentionally and unreservedly grant (absent mutual written agreement to the contrary) Red Ogre Review an unrestricted, transferable, and nonrevocable worldwide license and right to use the submission content on this site and in any reproduced or derivative formats, including in print books and in electronic books produced by Red Ogre Review, and on social media channels operated by or affiliated with Red Ogre Review, without expectation of any cash payment, royalty payments, or any other valuable compensation, as of the moment of Red Ogre Review’s written agreement to publish your creative work; you also irrevocably waive in their entirety any current or future exercise of “natural rights” or “moral rights of authors” as may potentially be asserted in contradiction of these terms of service, to the extent consistent with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction(s).
February 10, 2026 at 1:21 AM
victoriastrauss.com
Another IngramSpark impersonation is going around. "Tailored proposal" = fees, which the real IngramSpark doesn't charge.
From: support@ingramsparkdistribution.com To: support@ingramsparkdistribution.com Cc: Bcc: Date: Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:48:54 -0800 Subject: Grow Your Book's Reach - Distribution Made Easy Hi there, I hope this message finds you well. This is the Ingram Distribution services reaching out to you regarding a potential partnership to help expand your book’s reach. Ingram works with authors to make their books available to a wider audience through both physical bookstores and online retailers. Our services include global retail distribution, print-on-demand solutions to manage inventory efficiently, and tools to increase your book’s visibility and sales potential. If you’re interested in growing your book’s audience and boosting sales, simply reply to this email, and we’ll provide a tailored proposal for you. We look forward to your response and the opportunity to help your book reach more readers. Warm regards, Ingram Distribution & Support Services 14 Ingram Boulevard, PO Box 3006, La Vergne, TN 37086, United States
February 5, 2026 at 5:16 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Venerable magazine Harper's Bazaar is running its short story contest again, with the winner receiving "the chance" of publication in the magazine. Just one catch: per the wording of the guidelines, _just by entering_ you transfer copyright ownership of your story to Harper's parent, Hearst. 1/3
By entering the competition and in consideration for Hearst publishing your entry, you assign to Hearst the entire worldwide copyright in your entry for all uses in all print and non-print media formats, including but not limited to all rights to use your entry in any and all electronic and digital formats, and in any future medium hereafter developed for the full period of copyright therein, and all renewals and extensions thereof, any rental and lending rights and retransmission rights and all rights of a like nature wherever subsisting.
February 4, 2026 at 11:12 PM
victoriastrauss.com
This offer is doing the rounds. Sound tempting? Don't miss the last line: it's pay to play and will set you back $350.
Subject: Boost Your Brand Visibility with a Feature on NYWeekly.com Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2026 02:00:22 +0500 From: Gary Kim <garykimoutreach@gmail.com> To: beware@sfwa.org Hello, We’re excited to offer you the opportunity to feature your article on NYWeekly.com, a well-established and trusted digital news platform. NY Weekly delivers insightful, high-quality content across a variety of topics including business, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, and more. With a strong readership and reputable domain authority, it’s an excellent platform to enhance your brand visibility and reach a broader audience. Platform Highlights: Domain Authority (DA): 59 Domain Rating (DR): 75 Monthly Organic Traffic (Ahrefs): ~23,700 visitors Article Guidelines: Must be 100% original and high quality Minimum of 700 words Includes one permanent do-follow link to your website You can view an example of our recent publications here: [How Supply Chain Issues Are Affecting Grocery Costs] If you’re interested in publishing your content with us, please reply to discuss the publishing process and pricing details. Best Regards, Gary
January 26, 2026 at 10:39 PM
victoriastrauss.com
The snow-laden shrub off our back deck looks magical with uplighting
Photo of a portion of a wooden deck and beyond it, a wide shrub with stems and branches completely laden with fluffy white snow, glowing in the illumination of uplighting
January 18, 2026 at 11:02 PM
victoriastrauss.com
For those who are following developments in the Anthropic settlement, a case management statement filed Jan. 15 includes some interesting info about claims numbers and opt outs.
Claims Submission. Significant numbers of claims have been filed. While the claims filing process is ongoing, as of January 14, 2026, the Settlement Administrator has received a total of 56,798 claims for 161,691 works. The present claims rate—nearly 20%—already “vastly exceeds the rate of 4–9% that is typical for consumer class actions.” In re Facebook Biometric Info. Priv. Litig., 522 F. Supp. 3d 617, 622 (N.D. Cal. 2021), aff’d, 2022 WL 822923 (9th Cir. Mar. 17, 2022). The claims include claims by different kinds of rightsholders (e.g., author and publisher alike), for both Non-Education and Education Books, and from within and outside of the U.S.
January 16, 2026 at 11:35 PM
victoriastrauss.com
ICE OUT in Northampton MA today. Several thousand marchers and one lonely Trumper
Trump supporter with large Trump flag, pursued by demonstrators, at rally in Northampton MA ICE OUT rally in Northampton MA ICE OUT rally in Northampton MA ICE OUT rally in Northampton MA
January 11, 2026 at 9:05 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Emily likes to help with the unboxing of the Vitacost order
Sunlit dining room with a china closet in the background and a cherry-red throw in the foreground on a wooden table. Chonky white cat with tabby spots just barely fitting in an empty Vitacost box Large cardboard box on wooden floor with a little cat face poking out from a pile of crumpled brown packing paper
January 11, 2026 at 4:10 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Warning about writing scams seems kind of beside the point right now...but a scam is still a scam. Scammer posing as a literary agent on MSWL & falsely claiming association w/ the Ampersand Agency. Her website is full of lies & a "team" of AI people patchenlucillen.wixsite.com/patche-n/about
Patche N. Lucillen @PatcheLucillen · 21 Dec 2025 Hi! 👋🏻 I’m a literary agent at The Ampersand Agency actively building my list 📷 Here is my manuscript wishlist 📷#mswl To submit, please send three chapters/50pp to patchenlucillen@gmail.com, along with a synopsis and a brief bio. Women's fiction / Book Club Fiction
January 10, 2026 at 7:50 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Here's the email that goes with the Amazon impersonation scam that's going around (note the fake email address--Amazon is not going to be emailing you from a Gmail address)
From: Amazon Business <amazon.business.complianceteam@gmail.com> Subject: Action Required – Review Engagement Policy 2026 Date: December 29, 2025 at 7:27:26 AM PST To: [redacted] Dear Author, Amazon has identified titles with limited customer feedback activity. Effective 2026, titles with fewer than 10 customer reviews and inactive rating activity will face reduced visibility or listing restrictions. Required Action: Please reply with SUPPORT to receive guidance on compliant review engagement practices and improve customer interaction metrics. Early action is recommended to maintain uninterrupted marketplace access. Amazon Marketplace Support © 2025 Amazon.com, Inc.
January 8, 2026 at 11:06 PM
victoriastrauss.com
First orchid bloom of the season. I have nine plants total ready to bloom over the next few weeks
Photo of white and pink phalenopsis orchid flower and buds with paperwhite narcissus in the background
January 5, 2026 at 5:28 PM
victoriastrauss.com
JFC (This is from a press release in the News section of the America First Legal (Stephen Miller's firm) website; don't want to link to it)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 16, 2025 Dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Truth Social Today, America First Legal (AFL) filed a federal civil rights complaint against Penguin Random House, LLC (PRH) with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), calling for an investigation into apparent race- and sex-based discrimination in its hiring, promotion, and workforce development practices. Despite claiming to support equal opportunity, PRH has seemingly embedded “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) ideology throughout its employment practices, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Penguin Random House — the world’s largest trade publisher — openly prioritizes race and sex in recruitment, leadership development, and promotion. The company is “guided by five core pillars that shape [its] DEI efforts across the business.” PRH publicly tracks and publishes workforce demographics, compares “White versus BIPOC” representation, sets race-focused hiring goals, and holds leadership accountable for achieving DEI outcomes. These are not aspirational statements; they are race-based employment practices that federal law forbids.
December 17, 2025 at 5:54 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Sarah, backlit
Photo of a black cat sitting on a turquoise-upholstered bench in front of a sunny window. Her fur is backlit by the sun’s rays, outlining her in light.
December 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
victoriastrauss.com
I'm always glad to offer myself up as a scam guinea pig. So I filled out the fake WGA registration form using an alias, and hit "submit". Here's where I landed: a payment page for $2,500 (which I think actually is the fee for WGA membership).
Screenshot of scam payment page for "WGA membership"; $2,500.00
December 6, 2025 at 12:07 AM
victoriastrauss.com
Here's a WGA membership scam that's going around. Fake email address, fake registration page link. Also, there's no plain WGA (it's either WGA East or WGA West); & WGA is for ppl in the movie biz, and does _not_ exist "to advocate for standout indie authors like you"
From: Writers Guild of America <support@wgamembers.org> To: [redacted] Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 06:43:43 PM EST Subject: [redacted], We’re Finalizing This Season’s WGA Member List Dear [redacted], I wanted to follow up personally because we are now in the final stages of closing the enrollment window for our new season of WGA members. Your name is still on our priority list, and I would truly hate to see you miss this opportunity. You’ve already proven your determination by publishing your book independently—an achievement that speaks to your courage and commitment as a creator. The next step is to ensure your work is positioned where real opportunities happen: acquisition offers, film consideration, bookstore placement, and exposure to traditional publishers. This is exactly why the WGA exists. We advocate for standout indie authors like you—providing representation, industry access, and strategic support that can elevate your book from self-published to industry-recognized. Here’s the important part: We are finalizing the roster of new members for the season, and slots are extremely limited. Each author we accept receives dedicated focus from our acquisition and industry relations teams. Once the list is closed, we won’t reopen until the next cycle. If you want your book presented to publishers, production teams, and bookseller networks, now is the time to secure your spot. 👉 Complete registration before the roster is finalized: https://wgamembers.org/ We’re preparing our next wave of industry showcases, and several titles are already being queued for review. Your work has every potential to be among them—if you come on board in time. If you have any questions or would like to talk through your goals before enrolling, I’m here to help. Best Regards, Joshua Wiser Membership Coordinator | Writers Guild of America ✉️ support@wgamembers.org 📞 +1 (323) 673-9247 https://www.wga.org
December 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM
victoriastrauss.com
New extortion scam email going round (this was received via a writer's website contact form). I've seen a number of these recently but without the money demand; the translation angle is also a new one
Name: Jeff Email: jeffersonzonon@proton.me Subject: Found your work on file sharing channels Message: Hey Michelle, how are you? So here’s something interesting—I found your work floating around online. Full PDFs. Multiple sites. No paywall, no control, no credit. Just… there. And it hit me: if it’s already leaking like that, your value is slipping faster than you think. And then I realized something else. I can push it even further. I can run your entire catalog through my translation app—takes about thirty minutes per language—and release your work across ten different markets without breaking a sweat. No permission, no courtesy, just pure distribution. Imagine your creations scattered everywhere, read by thousands… yet worth absolutely nothing to you. And honestly? I don’t want that. I’d rather not be the reason your career drops through the floor. That doesn’t help either of us. So here’s my offer: get in touch with me. Talk to me. Stop me from releasing these translations before they hit every file-sharing site and social feed out there. It’s simple. Reach out. Have 500$ —yes, that’s all. A small price to keep the value of your life’s work from dissolving overnight. But don’t wait too long. Silence from you just means I keep translating. And once they’re out, they’re out forever. You have 5 days. Your move
December 4, 2025 at 10:30 PM
victoriastrauss.com
I know I'm preaching to the choir, but if anyone is still hanging on at XTwitter because they're reluctant to give up their followers, I have 20.9K followers there & this is the engagement I get, even for a post w/ no links 1/2
Screenshot of Twitter post from Victoria Strauss This account, based in Nigeria, is impersonating author Julia Quinn (of Bridgerton fame) and fake-referring writers to a fake literary agent who then tricks them into paying for marketing or editing 1:48 PM · Nov 25, 2025 · 258 Views 0 comments 1 repost 4 likes
November 29, 2025 at 11:14 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Sleepy Caturday
Closeup photo of sunlit white cat with tabby patches snoozing on a pink background, with one paw extended and the other folded
November 29, 2025 at 3:51 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Here's another XTwitter scammer account outed by geolocation--this one refers writers to a (real) literary agent with a fake address, then impersonates the agent to recommend "professional editor" services
ChiaraForAuthors @ChiaraAuthors Date joined August 2025 Account based in Nigeria 1 username change Last on August 2025 Connected via Nigeria Android App
November 23, 2025 at 10:47 PM
victoriastrauss.com
And...what's this? The fake Lois McMaster Bujold account that's running a Famous Author scam
Lois McMaster Bujold @author_bujold Date joined October 2024 Account based in Africa 6 username changes Last on April 2025 Connected via Africa Android App
November 23, 2025 at 5:54 PM
victoriastrauss.com
I'm enjoying the freakout over on XTwitter about geographical locations being exposed...it's exposing some literary scammers as well. Here's "literary agent" Joyce Momoa, about whom I get occasional inquiries.
Joyce Momoa | Open to Submission @LitAgentjoyce Date joined July 2024 Account based in Nigeria 7 username changes Last on July 2025 Connected via Nigeria Android App
November 23, 2025 at 5:50 PM
victoriastrauss.com
Watch out for solicitations from Enlight Women's Magazine offering to feature you on a Top 10 list: it's a pay-to-play scheme (a "nominal" fee of $900). I'm especially tempted by the "personalized digital plaque of honour" (emphasis added in the screenshot below)
This is Charles, a renowned sales professional at Enlight Women's Magazine. Our mission is to spotlight the voices and stories of women who are redefining the business landscape with courage and conviction, while also empowering others to grow and succeed through their leadership. I'm thrilled to extend an invitation to feature you as one of the "Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2025" in our upcoming edition. This recognition spotlights women who have risen above the odds to lead with purpose, passion, and perseverance. Your incredible journey, impactful leadership, and the influence you had in empowering others make you a perfect fit for this honor. As part of this recognition, you’ll have the opportunity to amplify your voice, highlighting your leadership journey, ethos, overcoming challenges and leading the way along with Writer Beware's unique products and services, and share your message with our extensive network of readers, including decision-makers and aspiring leaders globally. This exclusive feature includes a Two-page editorial article and a tailored promotional package for a nominal fee of USD 900: (It will be a complete one-year branding exercise) An accessible and shareable HTML backlink from your profile on our website to your company's website and social media platforms. Two dedicated advertisement spaces within the magazine, reserving two for future use. A digital link to the magazine issue featuring your profile. A personalized digital plaque of honour and digital logo recognizing your achievement. Your company's press releases will be hosted on our website. Limitless digital and reprint rights for the two-page profile. As many Guest articles can be posted on our website. Extensive social media promotion across our platforms, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our weekly newsletters. Your profile will remain accessible online, with SEO-Optimized for higher searchability and footprint.
November 11, 2025 at 9:44 PM
victoriastrauss.com
A sad, sad chatbot apologizing for targeting me repeatedly with a marketing scam intended for someone else
Subject: Re: Scammers Beware Beverly Your Book Is Pure Gold Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2025 17:06:44 -0800 From: Mark Maxwell <markmaxwell.well@gmail.com> To: Victoria Strauss <beware@sfwa.org> Hi Victoria, I sincerely apologize for repeatedly contacting you in error. I mistakenly addressed you as “Beverly” and referenced a book you did not write. I now understand that my messages were misdirected, and I regret any confusion or inconvenience I caused. Thank you for the important work you do at Writer Beware. I will ensure I only reach out to the correct authors moving forward.
November 5, 2025 at 9:05 PM