In the ever-expanding digital landscape, social media has become both a blessing and a battleground for authors seeking visibility. While platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) offer incredible opportunities for book promotion, they also serve as hunting grounds for scammers who prey on hopeful writers eager to share their work with the world.

The Hook: How Scammers Reel You In 

Imagine publishing your first book, or making your first short—an achievement filled with pride and anticipation. Then, an exciting message lands in your inbox: 

"Wow, what a gorgeous book cover! ❤️ It’s truly stunning! Have you considered bringing it to life with a cinematic video trailer? It’s a great way to boost visibility, engagement, and excitement around your book." 

The offer seems legitimate. The scammer claims they create professional trailers and even assure you that payment is only required once you’re completely satisfied with the final product. It’s tempting, right? 

The Reality: A Carefully Crafted Scam 

While some legitimate services exist, scammers often follow a predictable pattern: 

1. They use overly flattering language—targeting your emotions to lower scepticism. 

2. They promise high-quality services with no upfront payment—giving the illusion of safety. 

3. They disappear after receiving personal or financial details, leaving you with nothing in return—or worse, they deliver a poor-quality product and demand payment. 

In one concerning case, a scammer approached an unsuspecting author offering a cinematic trailer. The book was Viktor Frankl’s “Yes to Life in Spite of Everything”, a profound work about Holocaust survival. 

The irony? Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist, passed away in 1997. The scammer’s lack of awareness about the book’s historical and emotional weight underscores their insensitivity and opportunism. 

The Ethical Question: Is It Appropriate? 

This raises a critical question: Is it ethical to promote a business or create cinematic trailers for books that delve into the horrors and atrocities of the Second World War? Works like Frankl’s are deeply personal and serve as a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering. Turning such narratives into promotional material risks trivializing their profound messages. 

Authors and readers alike must tread carefully when engaging with such offers. The focus should remain on preserving the integrity and intent of these works, rather than exploiting them for commercial gain. 

 How to Protect Yourself as an Author 

- Verify the legitimacy of service providers: Research their portfolio, website, and client reviews. 

- Avoid unsolicited offers from unknown accounts: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

- Request a formal contract before agreeing to any service. 

- Never share personal or payment details upfront without thorough vetting. 

Final Thoughts 

New authors and creatives are often eager to grow their audience and promote their books and show their art, but vigilance is crucial. Social media can be a valuable tool, but it’s also a space where fraudsters thrive. The key is awareness—knowing how these scams work and ensuring that your hard work is protected. 

If you’ve received suspicious offers, consider reporting them and sharing your experience with fellow authors/ creatives. A strong community can be the best defence against deception.