https://publishing.co.uk/tags/author-scams/Recent content in Author Scams on publishing.co.uk — Professional KDP Book FormattingHugoen-gbTue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://publishing.co.uk/guides/vanity-publishing-warning-signs/Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://publishing.co.uk/guides/vanity-publishing-warning-signs/<p><em>Last reviewed by Robert Prime — July 2026</em></p> <p><strong>Short answer:</strong> The single question that unmasks a vanity publisher is <em>who is making the money?</em> A genuine publisher profits when your book sells to readers, so it invests in you at its own risk. A vanity publisher profits the moment you pay — from your fees and from the books it pressures you to buy yourself — so it has little reason to invest in editing, marketing or distribution once your cheque clears. Watch for <strong>large upfront fees, a book-purchase requirement, hidden or vague pricing, inflated sales/marketing promises, exclusive rights grabs, and urgency (&quot;sign this week&quot;)</strong>. If you spot several, walk away — and remember you can self-publish the same book, keep your rights, and format it professionally from <strong>£69</strong>.</p>