Author Misled by Bogus Hachette Offer for New Zealand Deal

A self-published author from Tennessee, Faith Mehrer, recently fell victim to a fraudulent book deal that promised a lucrative partnership with Hachette Australia and New Zealand. The offer included an impressive royalty of US$15.50 per book, along with distribution rights across New Zealand and Australia, and a roundtrip airfare to attend an event in Tauranga. The news of the false offer highlights the growing issue of scams targeting authors in the publishing industry.

The email, which Mehrer initially perceived as a life-changing opportunity, included a message from Sophia Langford, director of international acquisitions at Hachette. The correspondence stated, “We are delighted to formally extend to you an offer to distribute your powerful and timely book, Box of Dreams, through our leading retail and bookstore partners across Australia and New Zealand.” The proposal suggested that the initial distribution could lead to a total royalty of US$69,750 ($121,482).

Upon receiving the email, Mehrer felt a mix of excitement and disbelief. “It actually felt very flattering,” she remarked. “I was like how in the world did somebody in New Zealand recognise this book?” This kind of enthusiasm, however, soon turned to concern when she realized that the offer was not legitimate.

The publishing landscape has become increasingly fraught with scams aimed at authors, particularly those who are self-published or less established. These schemes often promise unrealistic royalties and distribution deals that are too good to be true. In this case, the fraudulent offer exploited the name of a reputable publisher, which can mislead even experienced writers.

As Mehrer began to investigate further, she found that her excitement was misplaced. The contact information in the email did not match that of Hachette Australia and New Zealand, raising red flags. It became evident that the offer was a scam designed to prey on hopeful authors looking for legitimate publishing opportunities.

In recent months, authors and publishing professionals have been advised to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited offers. Many industry experts recommend verifying the legitimacy of any communication from publishers, especially those that promise substantial financial rewards without prior engagement.

As the publishing world continues to evolve, authors must remain vigilant against potential scams. The case of Faith Mehrer underscores the importance of conducting thorough research and seeking verification before acting on any offers that may seem too enticing. This incident serves as a reminder that while the dream of publishing success is attainable, it is essential to approach offers with a critical eye.