Beware of Scammers Exploiting Author's Dreams
Imagine this: You’ve written a book — and readers love it. You feel proud, fulfilled, and inspired. You are a storyteller. Naturally, you begin to dream of the next step: seeing your work adapted into a film, a drama, a play. You wish… and you wait. More readers tell you they want to see it in film…And the wanting increases.
Then, one day, an email appears in your inbox:
Subject: Exciting Screen Adaptation Opportunity
Hi Roscoe,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out on behalf of Woodside Motion, a story-first production company based in New York. We specialize in identifying powerful stories with strong screen potential—and your work may be just what we’re looking for...
Your heart skips a beat. Is this it? The breakthrough moment you’ve been working toward?
Sadly, no. It’s a scam. And you’re not alone.
I’ve received eight such emails in the past six months. Many claim to represent “talent agencies” or “production companies” looking to adapt my books. Most are vague, use only my surname, and operate from generic email addresses. One recent message came from someone calling themselves Rebecca Johnson of a so-called “Literary & Talent Agency”:
“I wanted to reach out to see if you would be open to pitching your book to production companies… We work with submission specialists… you’ll have the opportunity to speak with an award-winning film advisor…”
No specifics. No professional signatures. No genuine communication.
Out of curiosity (and caution), I responded to a few. I even offered my mobile number, which is publicly available through my author events and workshops. Every time, I was ghosted. No Zoom meetings, no real follow-up — just an increase in spam calls and suspicious emails.
One of the first scammers I spoke to introduced himself as “John.” He repeated my name like a bad actor reading off cue cards:
“Paula, if you’re interested, Paula, we can offer you, Paula, over $300,000, Paula…”
And of course, here it came: “All we need is a short teaser or trailer — nothing costly, maybe around $2,000…”
There it was. The con. The pitch disguised as opportunity.
5 Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- Generic email addresses (like Gmail or Yahoo): A legitimate agency will use a professional domain.
- No mention of your actual book: If they haven’t read your work, how can they adapt it?
- Requests for money: If they approached you, why are you paying?
- Vague claims and unnamed “award-winning professionals.” Lack of specifics is a major red flag.
- Unprofessional formatting, tone, or incorrect use of your name (e.g., “Hi Roscoe” — my surname, not my first name).
True film or television interest will come professionally, with proper references, contracts, and — most importantly — no upfront costs to the author.
As authors, our passion makes us vulnerable. We dream big, and scammers know this. They prey on our hopes, playing on our deepest desires.
If the film industry comes knocking, you’ll know it. It will feel professional, credible, and above all — respectful.
Until then, stay vigilant, and please, don’t let these unethical opportunists steal your time, your energy, or your hope.
If any of these scammers are reading this: Shame on you for exploiting the dreams of hard-working creatives.
To all fellow writers: keep writing, keep dreaming — but keep your guard up.
Multi-award-winning author of historical and supernatural fiction
Available in paperback, e-book, and audio at major retailers (Amazon, B&N, Waterstones)
