Absolutely WILD things people have asked me to pay for, as a debut author with a Big 5 book deal

@carla.vass

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SoundTikTok sound · Minibar

Promoted product

THE RALLYhttps://linktr.ee/carlavass ↗

Why it worked

The creator taps into a common frustration and potential scam within the publishing industry, making the content relatable and shareable for aspiring authors. The contrast between the scams and her own generous offer creates a clear value proposition.

Summary

The creator shares outrageous examples of people asking authors to pay them for services like book club features or literary representation, highlighting these as scams. She then contrasts this with her own book, "The Rally," offering free virtual visits and goodies for preorders, and encourages readers to follow her.

Structure

1Wild things people asked debut authors to pay for
2Book club fee
3Agents and publishers who charge authors
4Paying for book posts/reviews
5Author's own book offer
6Call to action

Call to action

read THE RALLY & follow me!!! ❤️

Original caption

There are scammers in every industry and publishing is no exception! These are the craziest things people have tried to get me to pay for (so far), from agents who will represent you “for a fee” (ALWAYS a scam) to pay for play bookclubs (um, what?!) Author buddies: what are some of the wildest things you’ve seen???

More from @carla.vass

On-screen text

Absolutely WILD things people have asked me to pay for, as a debut author with a Big 5 book deal $900 for their book club to choose my book. I'm sorry, what? *by the way, if your REAL bookclub wants to read my book, I'm doing virtual visits + sending some fun goodies when you preorder (and it's completely free) 😂 Literary agents where YOU pay THEM. Are you ok?!?! Publishers where YOU pay THEM * this is different than hiring someone to handle printing & distribution for you as an indie author. I'm talking about shady organizations that offer you a "book deal" that somehow costs YOU $24,000 charging for book posts / reviews I get it: content creation takes time, and creators should be rewarded for their work. But I'd much rather a book influencer post or review because they genuinely loved the book and get an affiliate fee for anyone who purchases through them Respectfully, thanks but no thanks! but if you're a: - book creator - arc reader - lover of stories about women reinventing themselves on glam European road trips and generally giving society the finger read THE RALLY & follow me!!! ❤️