You’ve finally decided to take your writing seriously. You’re applying to gigs, building your portfolio, and dreaming of turning your passion into profit.
But hold up—before you hit “send” on that next pitch, there’s something you should know: the writing world is full of scams, and beginners are prime targets.
Here are the top 10 writing job scams that prey on new writers—and how to spot them before they waste your time or steal your money.
1. “We Pay in Exposure” Jobs
The scam: You’re offered the chance to write for a site that promises “exposure” instead of payment.
Why it’s shady: Most of the time, these sites make money from ad traffic or products—while paying you nothing.
How to protect yourself: Exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If they profit from your content, you should be compensated.
2. Fake Job Listings with Upfront Fees
The scam: A job ad looks great—high pay, flexible hours—but once you apply, they ask for a fee for “training,” “background checks,” or access to exclusive job boards.
Why it’s shady: Real employers don’t charge you to work.
How to protect yourself: Never pay to apply for a writing job.
3. Unpaid “Test Assignments”
The scam: A client loves your pitch but wants you to complete a “test article” first—for free.
Why it’s shady: They’re collecting content without paying for it, then disappearing.
How to protect yourself: Offer portfolio samples or ask for payment for any new work. Serious clients will understand.
4. Contests That Require Payment to Publish
The scam: You “win” a writing contest and are told your work will be published—but only if you buy the book or pay a “publishing fee.”
Why it’s shady: These contests profit off hopeful writers buying overpriced anthologies.
How to protect yourself: Real contests have clear rules, transparent judging, and pay you, not the other way around.
5. Ghost Clients
The scam: You complete a project, send the invoice… and hear nothing ever again.
Why it’s shady: You did the work, and they vanished.
How to protect yourself: Always use a contract and get partial payment upfront, especially with new clients.
6. Fake Publishers Offering “Deals”
The scam: A “publisher” offers you a book deal, but only if you pay for editing, cover design, or marketing.
Why it’s shady: It’s a vanity press disguised as a legitimate opportunity.
How to protect yourself: Real publishers invest in your work. If you’re paying, it’s not a real deal.
7. Plagiarism Scams
The scam: A “client” asks you to rewrite an article or “improve” content—but it’s actually stolen work.
Why it’s shady: You could be unknowingly participating in copyright infringement.
How to protect yourself: Only work with clients who own or created the original content. If something feels fishy, it probably is.
8. Check Overpayment Scams
The scam: The client sends you a check for more than agreed, then asks you to refund the difference. Later, the check bounces.
Why it’s shady: You’re left paying money out of your own pocket for a fake payment.
How to protect yourself: Never accept overpayments. Use secure payment methods only.
9. AI-Fueled Content Farms
The scam: You’re asked to write articles for pennies per word, feeding a content mill that sells your work while underpaying (or not paying) you.
Why it’s shady: You’re doing real work for exploitative rates that often don’t even lead to portfolio pieces.
How to protect yourself: Know your worth. Avoid jobs that offer less than minimum wage.
10. Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
The scam: A job promises big money for easy work, often without a real application process. It may even look like a well-known brand.
Why it’s shady: It’s often phishing, identity theft, or leads to one of the scams above.
How to protect yourself: Trust your gut. If it sounds too good to be true—it is.
Final Thoughts
Being new doesn’t mean you have to be naive. Scammers count on beginners being hungry for work, flattered by fake praise, or too intimidated to ask questions.
But here’s the truth: you’re allowed to say no, ask for payment, and walk away from shady deals.
You’ve worked hard to build your skills. Don’t give them away to people who don’t respect them.
Copyright 2025
Crystal Amon
Princess Crystal Says 
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