Or, How I Learned That “Free Interview” Often Means “Give me $400 first”

Just lately I, like so many indie authors, have been inundated with emails and Social Media DMs trying to get me to hand cash over for an interview about my books, or an exclusive insight into advertising to book clubs or... well, need I go on. You get the picture.

I’ve always believed there are two kinds of con artists, the ones hiding in shadows, and the ones propping up a legit-looking email address that ends in “.tv” or something similar. The latter are far more dangerous, because they appeal to your dreams.

Like many indie authors, I want to reach new readers. I get excited when someone offers me an interview or a glowing review. But lately I’ve seen a pattern. The “interviewer” offers me a free spot, or “press exposure,” but then, surprise, surprise, there’s a fee of several hundred dollars, called a “processing fee,” or “promotion package,” or “TV interview slot upgrade.” That’s not publicity. That’s a bait-and-switch.

So I present: The Art of the Con, a guide to spotting the scam, laughing at it, and keeping your wallet intact.

1. The Offer Sounds Too Good to Be True
“How would you like a prime‐time interview on Spotlight Network TV?” “We love your book and want to feature you in our podcast!” Those are lovely lines. But ask yourself:

• Do they reach out randomly, and quickly insist on payment?
• Do they use vague language about “promotion,” “coverage,” or “hosting fees”?
• Do they use high-pressure tactics: “slots filling fast,” “only two free spots left”?

If so, you’re likely in con territory. Reputable media outlets or podcasts typically don’t charge guests to be interviewed. (Yes, that’s right: being on a show is meant to promote you, not drain your pocket.)

Article after article warns authors of vanity-style “paid interview” schemes.  The “interviewers” may promise video segments, broadcasting, or “syndication” but once they have your money, the promised reach evaporates.

2. The Hidden Cost Math
Let’s do the math with your example:

• You have 1,000 readers (that’s generous for many indie authors).
• Your book is $0.99.
• Even with discounts or promos, your royalty per sale might be around $0.30 or less (depending on platform cuts).
• Asking you to pay $400 upfront is flipping the model: you’re paying for a “chance” to sell copies. The odds are stacked against you.

Unless they guarantee very broad exposure and result in real, measurable sales (with a refund clause if they fail), you’re taking a huge risk. In most cases, you’ll be bleeding money, not gaining readers. Even where there's a small fee, $20-$40 is still a gamble where your book may only sell 10 or 20 copies.

3. Scams Aren’t Just for Newbies
This isn’t only for first-time authors. Some veteran authors and agents have been targeted or warned about shady “press packages,” “media bundles,” or interview “slots” that require payment, take a look at this Lee Goldberg  post.

Writers Beware runs periodic warnings about vanity radio/TV interview schemes. Writer Beware

4. The Red Flag Checklist
Here are warning signs that you may be stepping into a trap:

Unsolicited “media offer” emails where they mass-blast many authors hoping a few bite.
Payment required before interview. It’s not media exposure. It’s a “press fee.”
Vague promises of “reach” or “syndication.” They often can’t, or won’t, deliver.
Pressure (“only a few slots left”) tactics to provoke impulsive payment.
No verifiable track record or public episodes, where there’s no proof people watched or listened.
No refund clause or accountability. Once they get your money, you’re powerless.

If you see more than one red flag, walk away.

5. Why These Scams Exist (Sad but True)
Authors are hungry for attention. The indie field is crowded. People with marketing scams see this hunger and monetize it. And many authors don’t know how to vet media offers, which makes them more vulnerable.

It’s not just interviews. There are “paid review services” that promise 5-star write-ups in newsletters, book blogs, or “paid placement.” But those sometimes violate Amazon, Goodreads, or retailer policies. The Self-Publishing Advice Center Some are worthless or even disappear after payment, leaving you with nothing but a charge.

Sometimes the “review” is dumped in a backwater blog with no traffic. Sometimes it’s little more than a few lines. The cost-to-benefit ratio is almost always negative for authors.

6. Real Horror Stories (Not Made Up)

One author got an unsolicited call from "Spotlight TV," was thrilled, paid the fee, and got back a low-resolution video that nobody found. They never saw audience or traffic stats. (Multiple reports echo this pattern) WritersWeekly.com

Writer Beware catalogs many “publishing/marketing scam” reports, including “paid reviews” that never materialize or appear on dead blogs. A recent post on Writer Beware warned about “vanity radio and TV” schemes that lure authors with promises of exposure, but they’re actually pay-for access. Writer Beware

More broadly, the Authors Guild issues alerts to members about “podcast ploy” offers requiring payment. The Authors Guild

These aren’t urban legends. They’re repeated in writing communities, blogs, and author forums.

7. How to Get Exposure Without Being Scammed

• Do your research: check the media’s history, website, past shows, and testimonials (not just the ones they give you).
• Ask hard questions: How many listeners/viewers do you have? Can you show me previous episodes? Will you provide metrics? Do you offer refunds if you don’t deliver promised reach?
• Avoid paying for interviews: If a “show” is demanding a fee, treat it skeptically.
• Use free or lower-cost channels: podcasts, local media, guest blogging, social media, newsletters.
• Offer value to hosts: Ask what you can bring (insight, guesting elsewhere, cross-promotion).
• Leverage community: Ask author friends and online groups if they’ve heard of the outlet.
• Test small: If someone wants money, start with a small amount or ask pay-after results. If they balk, that’s a sign.

8. A Semi-Funny (But Serious) Anecdote
Imagine a super slick email: “Congratulations! We’ve selected Walking Away from Midnight for a feature interview, no cost to you! Just pay $400 for ‘processing and promotion.’ Slots fill fast.”

It’s like being told you’ve won the lottery, and then asked to pay $50 to claim it. The scammer is wearing a fake tuxedo and smiling too wide. Don’t dance with the devil.

9. Final Word: Protect Your Dreams (and Your Money)
Your work is worth more than handing over cash to a stranger with a slick email. Publicity is valuable. So is exposure. But real exposure comes from real audiences. You don’t get that by paying for promises.

So the next time someone offers you “free interview, just pay $400,” I hope you’ll nod, screenshot the email, post it as a warning, and hit “Delete.” Because that’s not art. That’s the con.

Stay sharp, stay skeptical, and go get those readers in an inexpensive way.

Copyright © Tom Kane September 2025

If you're interested in what all the fuss is about over a few books, take a look by CLICKING HERE for my book series.