An author has reported receiving an email offering an appearance on an “Authors Guild” podcast. This message is fraudulent.

The email, which used the name of a Guild staff member, claimed to offer an opportunity to “feature talented authors from our community” to further a mission “to amplify writers’ voices and support the business of publishing.” It offered an opportunity for authors to expand their reach and visibility with a 30-to-45-minute remote interview.

Please know:

• The Authors Guild does not have a podcast or offer podcast interviews.
• Our email addresses always end with @authorsguild.org or @authorsguildfoundation.org. The contact information provided in the fraudulent message did not match these patterns.
• Concerns regarding the legitimacy of Authors Guild staff and communications can be verified by contacting us at staff@authorsguild.org.

This is a scam specifically targeting authors, in line with the increase in emailed solicitations that we have noted. Further, it employs the same type of approach and language seen in other scam interview and podcast appearance requests that we previously covered.

Note: With the current wave of emailed solicitations, many of these messages are likely powered by AI and require further caution. Coupled with flattery, the emailers may use AI-generated summaries to sound knowledgeable about an author and their work.

Authors should continue to be cautious of unsolicited offers and consider that legitimate literary professionals do not solicit authors in this manner.

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