How Estorytellers’ Scam Detection Scorecard Saves Authors Money

Client Challenge

An author was approached by a “guaranteed bestseller” vendor claiming Amazon partnership credentials. Many cheap book publishing companies use similar marketing tactics to lure clients. Risks included:

• Fake or platform-tied ISBNs

• Locked files preventing future edits

• Inflated pricing with no delivery guarantee

• Misleading references and empty promises

The client sought to validate vendor claims before making a significant financial commitment.

Estorytellers’ Approach

Estorytellers deployed the Scam Detection Scorecard, a structured verification tool. Key checks included:

• Affiliation claims versus verified partnerships

• ISBN ownership and publisher-of-record status

• Native file delivery policies

• Real client references verification

• Refund terms and hidden fees

• Pass/fail evaluation based on red-flag patterns

Each vendor was scored, highlighting risky practices and unsafe deals.

Solution Implemented

• The vendor claimed Amazon partnership but could not verify ISBN ownership

• References provided were falsified or unverifiable

• Files would remain locked with the vendor, violating standard hybrid publishing practice

Using the scorecard, Estorytellers advised the author to avoid the $4,000 upfront payment. Instead, the author partnered with a verified hybrid publisher providing full distribution and native file handback.

Results and Outcome

• Author avoided a significant financial loss

• Partnered with a legitimate affordable book publishing company

• Retained control over files, IP, and publishing schedule

• Ensured future revisions could be implemented without added cost

This case illustrates the critical importance of verifying vendors before committing funds. Estorytellers’ Scam Detection Scorecard offers authors a practical, risk-free tool to distinguish genuine hybrid publishers from vanity or deceptive providers.