Writer Beware
Writer Beware is a free blog and research service for writers that exposes publishing scams, predatory services and bad contract terms.
At a glance
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Web
- Outputs KDP-ready files
- Not stated
- Touches your KDP account
- Not stated
- Categories
- Courses, Blogs & Channels
- Last checked
- 2026-11-09
Summary
Writer Beware was founded in 1998 by Victoria Strauss and A.C. Crispin and is sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. Its blog reports on scams and industry problems, including overpriced marketing services and companies that impersonate real agents and publishers, and it answers writers' questions about specific companies by email for free. It is volunteer-run: SFWA pays its expenses and staff receive no pay. It does not teach how to publish or market.
Best for
- Checking a publisher
- agent or marketing offer for red flags
Pros
- Independent, volunteer-run and funded by SFWA rather than vendors
- Free email research service about specific agents, publishers and services
Cons
- Warns about bad actors but does not recommend good services
- Covers traditional publishing heavily, not just self-publishing
Alternatives
- Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): ALLi is a nonprofit membership association for self-publishing authors that offers a member forum, contract advice and public watchdog ratings of author services.
- Absolute Write Water Cooler: Absolute Write Water Cooler is a free, moderated writers' forum known for its Bewares board, where members report on publishers, agents and services.
- Jane Friedman: Jane Friedman's site is a publishing industry blog and paid newsletter for authors that reports on trade and self-publishing business news.
Sources
Facts on this page come from the vendor and these pages. Prices change; confirm on the vendor site.
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