Anatomy of a Book Club Scam by Debra Loughead

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Up until February of this year, I’d thought I could never possibly fall victim to a scam. Nobody was ever going to pull the proverbial wool over my eyes. I was way smarter than that, could never be sucked into believing the lies of a grifter. There were too many warnings out there. I didn’t even bother answering my phone when I didn’t recognize the number. And who even answers the front door anymore when someone comes knocking? 

And then there were the ‘book promoter’ emails that had been popping up in my inbox. One persistent jerk even got my phone number somehow and kept on calling until I blocked his number, and emailing until I blocked his address.

But nobody could ever have forewarned me about the rush that comes when someone from an American book club (Read Whatever You Want Book Club Austin) contacts you and sings the praises of your most recent novel. Tells you that ‘YOUR BOOK’ has ‘resonated with members of our community’. How their members ‘explore what moves them and bring those discoveries into conversation’ because it has ‘sparked curiosity, reflection, or a strong personal response’. And they’d ‘love to invite you to join us for a virtual author conversation’ in March. A small, informal, relaxed, meaningful exchange. Oh, and they take care of all the details. 

Well of course I responded! No travel, sitting in the comfort of my home office talking to people about books and writing. Sounds amazing. But, one thing I wasn’t certain of was to which of my books he’d been referring. Which ‘YOUR BOOK’ was it, (in hindsight, huge red flag!).

And when he immediately responded with these words: The book our members have been engaging with is Happenstance, my fragile and mercurial writer’s heart leapt for joy. All because one of their book club members shared it as a ‘recent, meaningful read that stayed with them in a quiet but persistent way…became a wider conversation in the group about chance, choice and the subtle turning points that shape our lives.’

These readers had completely nailed the themes of my novel! And then he went on to explain that Happenstance had ‘prompted people to talk not only about the book, but about their own experiences where something seemingly small or unexpected ended up having lasting significance’. By that point I was totally sucked in. I mean, how couldn’t I be? These readers loved my book. It resonated with them. They were talking about it. Buzz was spreading through word-of-mouth. I was officially sold on the proposal, which just goes to proves that for this writer, flattery will get you everywhere. And this was the turning point when I started engaging with my book club contact, with a mixture of trepidation and glee. 

And this is what my writer’s ever-hopeful heart told him in an email:

‘Hi again. I’m thrilled to hear that people are reading and enjoying Happenstance. Putting a book out into the world is a huge leap of faith for a writer. And just knowing that someone, anyone, is connecting with my words and thoughts is utterly uplifting!’ And onward I went, asking him to share whatever he could about this exciting concept. And so he did.

So it was with unbridled enthusiasm that I proceeded to continue communicating with this person. With his encouragement, I actually spent three hours putting together a series of book club thoughts and questions that would help guide the discussion during our session, which he said he would share with his members. We had even settled on a date. Until this happened…

I also want to share one important coordination detail transparently and early. For featured author conversations, we do attach a small coordination fee. 

Pow! The sharp pin that popped my balloon of euphoria. Oh, but apparently not a fee for my participation or time. No, of course not. It’s merely to support the tools, creative element and production work so that they can truly support and honour my book. And then a list of features included in the fee. Which I won’t even get into, because my antennae instantly flew up and I started asking questions, and went into a deep dive, googling the name he was using and the book club he was running, all of which became equally invigorating for a mystery lover. 

First I told him that I needed an explanation, since scamming was already on my radar. He reassured me this was completely above board. I told him that in my 30 or more years as a writer and presenter, people always paid me to present. They arrange everything and paid me. I told him that The Writers Union of Canada expects writers to be paid a set fee for presentations. And he always came back with what I supposed he considered reasonable explanations, mostly to keep on cajoling me while still trying to earn my trust. 

I googled book club scams. Found out the perpetrators used Gmail. He did. Then I googled his name and the caricature image he was using as a front. I found it on another person’s website in the same city, Austin. So I asked my scammer if he was the same guy. And he told me no, they were two different people. The next time I looked him up, his image had been removed from the signature at the end of his emails. I asked him to send me testimonials and proof from others who had participated. And what he sent me looked low quality and super sketchy. 

Finally I asked if I could participate without paying up front, in a roundabout way. 

‘So what you’re saying is that if I decide to opt out of contributing, then the event won’t even be happening? Because earlier you mentioned that the contribution is optional. Or maybe I misinterpreted your meaning.’

He completely avoided a direct answer, said paying would enhance the presentation.

‘It’s not about paying to participate, it’s about making the experience professional, memorable and impactful for everyone.’

Yeah, okay buddy. That was when I blocked him. 

I like to believe that I learned something from this. What I learned is that AI has an incredible vocabulary and is practically sentient, and you can easily be duped by it. How else was he able to capture the essence of my novel, which is what sucked me in initially. And I also like to believe that I was playing him right back for a while, asking him questions and putting him on the spot, and pointing out his deception. And now, well, I have a great book club guide, if anyone should ever decide to read my novel for their book club. 

This is a cautionary tale, since most seasoned writers are well aware these scams are happening constantly, yet many writers are unfortunately falling for them. This particular scammer had it down to a fine art and everything he told me is what any insecure writer is always thrilled to hear. Somebody liked my book!

So don’t be fooled like I almost was. Just press ‘delete’ and move on.