What These Scams Usually Look Like

Although the details vary, many of the messages share the same patterns.

1. Unsolicited offers for paid book reviews
Scammers often pose as representatives from well-known reviewing outlets and promise “guaranteed” reviews or fast placement.

2. Impersonation of recognizable media or publishing professionals
Scammers frequently copy the names of real people and create email addresses that look almost identical.

3. Messages that feel unusually detailed
AI can imitate the language of the publishing industry and mention accurate details about your book, which makes the offer seem legitimate.

4. Pushy or urgent follow-ups
These often include phrases like:
“Last chance to secure your spot” or “We already reserved a placement for your book.”

5. Requests for unusual payment methods
Anything involving direct wire transfers, PayPal personal payments, Zelle, or WhatsApp should raise concern.

If something feels off or too good to be true, it is worth pausing before replying.

Why Authors Are Being Targeted

AI tools have given scammers the ability to create highly customized outreach. These emails can look like real review requests, media invitations, or marketing offers. Because AI can pull publicly available information from online sources, the messages often feel personal and accurate.

Multiple reputable publishing organizations have confirmed this trend:

• The Authors Guild is reporting an increase in phishing attempts that impersonate real reviewers and editors.
  https://authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/scam-alerts/
• ALLi’s Watchdog Desk continues to track fraudulent services aimed at indie and hybrid authors.  https://selfpublishingadvice.org/watchdog/
• Publishers Weekly has covered the rise of AI-enabled scams targeting authors and small publishers. https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (search “AI scam authors”) 

• Writer Beware (SFWA) has documented a rise in fake review offers, imitation publicists, and AI-written solicitations.
  https://writerbeware.blog/
  

These warnings show that this is now a well-recognized issue across the publishing world.

How to Protect Yourself

Always verify
If you receive any unexpected review request or marketing offer, you can forward it to us. We are happy to take a look.

Be cautious of guaranteed reviews
Legitimate outlets do not promise guaranteed placement or coverage.

Check the sender
Many scammers use email addresses that differ from real ones by only a single letter.

Do not send payment or personal information
Never share private data or login credentials with someone who reaches out unexpectedly.

Work with trusted partners only
Ensure that all review services, marketing opportunities, and outreach come through vetted, reputable partners.

We’re Here to Help

Your work deserves to be protected. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, trust your instincts and check with us. We would always rather review something early than see an author caught in a scam.

With AI-driven scams and questionable review offers popping up everywhere, authors need reliable guidance more than ever. Download our free marketing guide, “Unlock Your Book’s Potential,” and get clear, trustworthy steps for choosing the right support.

Thank you for continuing to share meaningful, impactful stories with the world. We are here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

Mari and Lisa
Partners at Mango Moon Media

As the summer drew to a close in late August, the literary heart of New Mexico beat a little brighter at the New Mexico Book Association (NMBA) Summer Gala. It was an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration, and Mango Moon Media was thrilled to be in attendance, represented by our co-founder, Mari Angulo.
The highlight of the night was a powerful and moving reading by special guest Deborah Taffa, whose memoir, Whiskey Tender, has taken the literary world by storm. A finalist for the 2024 National Book Award and named a top ten book of the year by prestigious outlets like The Atlantic, Time, and NPR, Taffa’s work is a testament to the power of story. As a 2024 NEA Fellow and the director of the MFA in Creative Writing program at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, her presence was a true inspiration. Listening to her read an excerpt was a reminder of exactly why we do what we do: to elevate transformative voices.

A Double Honor: Celebrating Our Southwest Book Design Finalists

​The celebratory spirit of the evening was made even more meaningful as we cheered for our own! We are immensely proud to announce that two Mango Moon Media publications have been named finalists in the NMBA’s 2025 Southwest Book Design Awards (SWBDA):

• Beyond Fear: A Woman’s Path to Enlightenment by Karen Chrappa
• The Dark Side of Grace by Ron Chapman​

Here’s to the stories that change us and the beautiful forms that bring them to life.

We are proud to share that two Mango Moon Media publications--BEYOND FEAR: A Woman’s Path to Enlightenment by Karen Chrappa and The Dark Side of Grace by Ron Chapman—have been named finalists in the New Mexico Book Association’s 2025 Southwest Book Design Awards (SWBDA).

​In today’s fast-paced digital marketing landscape, AI tools like ChatGPT are proving to be game-changers. From drafting compelling ad copy to crafting in-depth buyer personas, these tools can help marketers streamline their efforts and focus on strategy. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top ChatGPT prompts every marketer should know and how they can supercharge your campaigns.

Is your nonprofit's digital marketing leaving you feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Navigating the complexities of online marketing—whether it’s managing social media, optimizing your website, or crafting effective email campaigns—can be daunting. But mastering these essential strategies can significantly boost your nonprofit’s online presence and amplify your mission. 

These five expert-approved digital marketing strategies are designed to help your nonprofit attract more supporters, increase engagement, and make a lasting impact. Ready to elevate your digital marketing efforts? Save this post, share it with your team, and let’s get started! 🚀

Introduction:
In the annals of Illinois politics, March 2024 witnessed a historic moment as Justice Joy Virginia Cunningham secured a resounding victory in the primary election, reaffirming her position as a trailblazer and champion of diversity.

Who hunts elk in New Mexico and why do we care? We've recently become unofficial "experts"' on the topic. Something you might not expect from a marketing agency. But when the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and the New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers brought us on board their TakeBackYourElk campaign, we had to take a deep dive into the data to help shed light on the inequalities at play in the hunting sector.

Connie L. Nelson was finishing up her true-crime memoir, Cavalier, when she got in touch with us to design her book cover and support her launch with website design (See the finished site), and public relations management. Connie was self-publishing her first book and this was her first time creating a space for Connie the author. ​

We started our work with Elva, the owner of Dulce Vita Facials with a goal of creating a brand identity and redesigning her website.

Part of our work with the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association is helping them get ready for their concerts—which is super fun because it means lots of design opportunities.

We had the opportunity to work with a New Mexico-based non-profit organization called Stop Forever WIPP Coalition. Their mission is simple: stop the expansion of New Mexico's nuclear waste dump site, WIPP—an acronym for Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. This group is passionate about the safety of New Mexico and protecting its future, and we were very interested in how we could help them propel their message. ​