Let’s be honest for a moment: I haven’t published any new writing since 2023, when Deathly Ever After came out. And even that wasn’t truly new—it was originally part of an anthology published back in 2018. Fanfiction doesn’t count here, of course. When it comes to original work, it’s been a long time since I’ve released anything. Add in the fact that my free time has been practically nonexistent, and it’s no surprise that my writing output has slowed.

So why, exactly, am I suddenly getting three to four emails a day from strangers who want to “be my writing friend,” invite me to their book club, or discuss my writing process? It’s maddening. These messages are clearly written by AI, all following the same formula: scrape whatever public information exists about me and my self‑published work, then spit it back at me as if that proves they’ve done their research.

None of it feels sincere. A quick Google search—also powered by AI, ironically—often reveals that these people aren’t even who they claim to be. Some use stock photos; others use pictures of real people they’re impersonating on social media.

One email came from a woman claiming to represent a major publishing house. Within minutes, I discovered she had copied the real editor’s information but signed the email with a photo of an entirely different woman. The audacity would almost be funny if it weren’t so exhausting.

Let’s be real: I highly doubt anyone is “gushing” over my books when they’re buried at the bottom of Amazon’s sales rankings with fewer than five reviews. I’m not naïve.

And don’t get me started on the book clubs. After digging deeper, I found that many of these “exclusive” book clubs are nothing more than upscale scams—MLM-style schemes disguised as literary communities. They lure authors in with promises of exposure, but the truth is they’re just trying to recruit more people into their pyramid of nonsense.

I read constantly, and while I don’t have time for book clubs, if I ever joined one, it would be at my local library—where it’s free, the books are chosen for their merit, and no author is paying for the privilege of being read. The idea of paying to be included is disgusting.

I don’t have time for any of this. And to my fellow independent authors: please don’t fall for these scams. I work in research and deal with AI every day. I can spot the lack of authenticity in these emails instantly. Do your own research before responding to anyone who reaches out—especially if they want your time, your attention, or a conversation about your writing process. Better yet, don’t respond at all.

If someone genuinely wants to support you, they’ll read your work, leave reviews, and engage with you publicly. Real book clubs don’t solicit authors—they simply choose books they want to read. We publish our work to be discovered organically, not to be shaken down by opportunists. And if you want real PR, there are legitimate professionals with proven experience who can help you. When you hire them, you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Don’t fall for these shadowy solicitors promising instant friendship or creative bonding. That’s just the bait before they pull you into a money scheme.

And please—don’t follow these bots to Discord or X. That’s part of the trap. They want your attention. Don’t feed the bridge troll.

Since so many of these emails ask about my writing process, let me spell it out plainly:

When I’m not volunteering for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop, helping with the PTA, working my full-time job, or being a wife and mother, I sometimes sit down and write. I write for pleasure—fanfiction or original work. If something feels worth sharing with the world, I carve out time to polish it.

And I absolutely never write during Girl Scout Cookie season.

If you want to talk to me, you can do it here, on my blog, in a public space where I can moderate comments.

And to the spammers: let me be perfectly clear. We see you. And I will continue educating every self‑published author I meet about AI and research so they don’t fall for your tricks.

Do as the sign says.

Cheers,

H.K. Rowe

PS. (I can’t wait for the influx of more spammy scammers from this post.)