My account is writing focused, it's a pretty obvious thing. There was ths account marketing that it was a beta reader, I followed it, stupidly enough. And now, they started to text me being quite forceful about how it wanted to read one of my manuscripts--or in my case that I should finish my manuscript as soon as possible for them to review it. They asked my age, I declined. And the conversation ended with them wanting to gain access to my other social media accounts.
Could this be a scam?
Hi there Anon!
This is, in fact, a scam!
I covered this a while back with another anon as seen here.
From that post, this was part of their ask, it's likely what you're experiencing if i'm not mistaken!:
I'm a member of the writing community here and I have noted an alarming number of new accounts claiming to be beta readers or even known Authors. These people will often show up in the comments under posts giving out generic positive praises/trying to be your friend/ Asking others to send them a DM for their beta reading service, which is probably them just using ai or 'feedback' of the story they so-called have read and the text reads as if it's ai. So these individuals could be putting others stories into ChatGPT or Prowritingaid's Beta Reader program (Which I forgot the name of). Here's an example of one I found in a post: "This is beautifully introspective. The imagery is strong, especially the contrast between “empathy softening my edges” and “just bones with a heartbeat.” If anything, you could lean even deeper into that tension the parts of yourself that feel too much versus the version that feels nothing. But as it is, the voice is clear and the emotional core hits. Really well done." ________ The user names of these accounts would always ends (from what I see) with Beta, Reader, or Script. The profiles are either empty or some generic message that goes like: "I am [name], a skilled book editor and beta reader. I provide clear, actionable feedback to enhance clarity, structure, pacing, and overall impact while keeping your voice intact. Share your draft anytime—I’ll help refine it." or "Writers, your story deserves the best! I offer Beta Reading, Book Editing, and Cover Design to help your manuscript shine from first draft to final cover. Let’s turn your words into a book readers can’t put down" If not then they may have something really similar like it.
Part 2 of that ask can be found here.
I also linked Kindle Direct Publishing's article there on how to identify these fake book publishing scams but I'll share it again:
Here is also a video from good ol Kitboga where he talks about book publishing scammers:
Just remember: You should never have to give money, to get money.
If someone is working to publish something and pay you, you shouldn't have to pay out any kind of 'fee' or the like. I'd also be very careful of signing up to any website they send you, as this could possibly steal your login information to your accounts!
Honestly I just wouldn't trust in any kind of 'promotion' or 'publishing' companies/services here on tumblr as a general rule. There are a lot of 'job' scams and 'free/easy ways to make money' here that people tend to fall for too.
If it seems too good to be true, it's most likely a scam. :(
