Exposing a Ghostwriting Scam Ring: When Cheap Promises Turn Into Expensive Regrets
Ghostwriting scams have surged in recent years, preying on aspiring authors looking for affordable and easy ways to publish their work. These schemes often lure victims with promises of fame, best-selling books, and passive income—all for a seemingly too-good-to-be-true price. But as many writers have discovered, the cost extends far beyond money—it can damage careers, erode trust, and leave authors without the book they dreamed of.
This blog dives into the inner workings of these fraudulent services and names key players, websites, and tactics to help you avoid falling into the same trap. Keep reading to protect yourself from these scams.
1. The Initial Trap: Affordable Ghostwriting Services
Imagine you’re an aspiring writer or entrepreneur, excited to publish a book but lacking the time or expertise to write it yourself. You come across websites offering ghostwriting services at an irresistible price, promising expert writing, publishing, and even marketing for as low as $1,000-$3,000. Websites like Aspire Ghostwriting and AMZ Publications are just a few of the companies that make these kinds of offers.
They promise everything from book writing to full publishing and marketing packages at rates that seem like a steal. But here’s the reality: reputable ghostwriters don’t come cheap. Writing an entire book requires significant time, effort, and skill. Professional ghostwriters often charge anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the project’s scope and complexity. So when you find a service offering to do it for a fraction of that, it’s often a red flag.
Aspire Ghostwriting, for instance, claims to have an “expert team of writers” who can “help you turn your ideas into a best-selling book.” But what these companies don’t tell you is that much of the work they do is outsourced to non-native English speakers or, in some cases, AI-generated content.
2. Fake Writers, Fake Credentials: Unmasking the Imposters
One of the most common tactics employed by ghostwriting scams is the use of fake staff profiles and exaggerated credentials. Websites like Aspire Ghostwriting often claim that their ghostwriters have penned bestsellers for famous authors or are experts in various fields. However, when you dig deeper, it’s clear that these claims are not just misleading but outright lies.
For instance, a victim exposed Aspire Ghostwriting and AMZ Publications for listing fake ghostwriters like “Daniel C. Holloway,” who they falsely claimed wrote the popular thriller The Guest List. They also listed “William E. Webber” as the ghostwriter behind Where the Crawdads Sing—both of which are patently false. In reality, Daniel C. Holloway is a guitarist, and William E. Webber is a surgeon, neither of whom have written the mentioned books.
These services often use stock photos for their “writers” and fabricate biographies, hoping that no one will bother to verify the information. A simple Google search or reverse image lookup is often enough to expose these fraudulent profiles.
In addition to fake profiles, many scam ghostwriting services make outrageous claims about their portfolio. It’s not uncommon for these sites to list books from famous authors like The Hunger Games or The Da Vinci Code as part of their work history. At Chapters, we regularly publish updates about ghostwriting scams that use these deceptive practices. Always verify an agency’s claims by checking legitimate sources like publisher websites or the authors’ official pages.
3. Poor Quality and Suspicious Delays: Is Your Book Even Written by a Human?
Another huge red flag is the quality of the writing these companies deliver. Often, the work is riddled with grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies that suggest it wasn’t written by a professional. Victims like a Reddit user, u/CommunityTop3510, who paid Aspire Ghostwriting $1,000 to ghostwrite a book, reported receiving subpar writing that led them to question whether it was produced by AI. Although the manuscript passed AI detection tools, the quality was so poor that it raised suspicions.
In many cases, these companies will outsource the writing to underpaid freelancers in countries where English is not the first language. The result is a book that is not only poorly written but also lacks the voice and tone that the client wanted.
Worse, once clients start questioning the quality or request revisions, communication often stalls. Many victims report long delays between receiving chapters, and when they demand a refund or threaten to escalate the issue, the companies simply stop responding.
Aspire Ghostwriting, for example, is notorious for its poor communication and unprofessionalism. Clients who have asked for revisions or attempted to cancel services were either ignored or stonewalled. The service promises chapter-by-chapter updates but often falls short, delivering content weeks or even months late—and sometimes, not at all.
4. Hidden Costs and Upsells: The Never-Ending Price Tag
Once scammers have you hooked with a seemingly affordable ghostwriting package, they often begin to layer on hidden costs and upsells. The initial price might seem reasonable, but as you move forward, new fees emerge for things like book formatting, printing, and marketing services.
A common tactic is to promise a low cost to get your book written and published, but later, they’ll claim that in order to make the book a success, you need to invest in additional services. This often happens after they’ve already secured a significant deposit from you. Suddenly, what started as a $1,000 project balloons into several thousand dollars.
For instance, one Reddit user shared their experience: “I paid $1,000 for ghostwriting and another $1,000 for publishing, only to be told later that they’d need to fork out another $1,000 to have their book printed.” This kind of upselling isn’t just frustrating; it’s a clear sign that the company is trying to squeeze every last dollar from you before disappearing altogether.
Even worse, these services often promise high returns on your investment, with some claiming that you could make thousands in passive income once your book is published. As one victim mentioned: “They told me the profit would be around $5,000, but yeah, I don’t think it is likely…” These promises are almost never fulfilled, and many authors find themselves in a deep financial hole after chasing what turns out to be an impossible dream.
Companies like Aspire Ghostwriting and AMZ Publications are notorious for pushing unnecessary services, such as marketing campaigns or audiobook production, to inflate the overall cost. Victims report feeling pressured into these upsells with promises of guaranteed success, only to find out later that the services were never delivered—or if they were, they were subpar at best.
5. When Scammers Vanish: No Refunds, No Responses
Once you’ve paid these ghostwriting services and you start questioning the quality of their work or the constant demands for more money, you may find it increasingly difficult to get in touch with them. It’s a common pattern: after taking your money, scammers stop responding, leaving you in the dark about your project’s progress.
In many cases, these companies will string you along just long enough to ensure you don’t ask for a refund before it’s too late. One victim stated, “Update: I cannot contact them after I asked for a refund.” This is an all-too-common outcome for people who’ve fallen for these ghostwriting scams.
When you finally realize you’ve been scammed, it’s often too late to recover your money. As another victim lamented, “I’m screwed. I looked into their website authors, and it is full of fake profiles… I can’t believe I fell for this obvious scam!” By the time you realize what’s happened, the scammers have either closed shop or moved on to a new alias, leaving no way to trace them.
In cases where victims attempt to get refunds, companies like Aspire Ghostwriting are known for dodging requests and delaying communication until the client gives up. Even if the company offers a “money-back guarantee,” this is often just another part of the scam—a promise they have no intention of honoring.
The most frustrating part? These ghostwriting scams aren’t just limited to one or two websites. Many of these companies operate under multiple names and domains, making it difficult to track them down. Aspire Ghostwriting and AMZ Publications are just two names among dozens of ghostwriting scams that prey on aspiring authors, cycling through different names to avoid legal consequences.
Quotes from Victims Reinforce the Warning
Several victims have shared their experiences across platforms like Reddit, warning others about the hidden costs and disappearing acts:
- “I paid $2,500 for ghostwriting and another $1,000 for publishing. The total cost for printing is $1,700 (around 500 books). I was naive back then—they told me the profit would be around $5,000, but yeah, I don’t think it is likely…”
- “Update: I cannot contact them after I asked for a refund… Their website authors are full of fake profiles. I’m screwed.”
These stories aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a growing wave of complaints from aspiring authors who fall victim to promises of fame and passive income, only to be left with empty bank accounts and unfinished books.
6. How to Spot a Ghostwriting Scam: Red Flags and Warning Signs
Avoiding a ghostwriting scam begins with recognizing the red flags that these fraudulent companies display. While some of their tactics can seem subtle, there are common warning signs that, when combined, paint a clear picture of a potential scam. If you’re considering hiring a ghostwriter or a publishing service, pay close attention to these clues.
6.1 Unsolicited Offers
One of the most common tactics used by scam ghostwriting companies is unsolicited emails or cold calls. Reputable ghostwriters don’t chase clients with emails promising to turn your idea into a bestseller. As one Reddit user advised, “The. Number. One. Sign. Of. A. Writing. Scam. Is. Solicitation.”
Scam companies often reach out offering exclusive discounts, claiming that they’ve discovered your amazing book idea and want to help bring it to life. Beware of anyone who reaches out to you first—legitimate ghostwriters are typically booked through professional channels, and they don’t need to solicit work from random clients.
6.2 Vague or Unverifiable Claims
Another major red flag is vague or unverifiable information about the company and its staff. Many ghostwriting scam websites will list impressive-sounding credentials or claim to have worked on famous bestsellers, but they offer little proof to back up these claims. For example, scam companies like Aspire Ghostwriting often state that their team consists of “New York Times best-selling authors” without naming any actual authors.
When looking for a reputable service, always verify staff credentials. If a company refuses to provide the names of their ghostwriters or their editors, that’s a clear sign something is off. You can also use tools like Google Image Search or TinEye to perform reverse image searches of their supposed staff photos—many scams rely on stock photos or photos lifted from unrelated websites.
As one Reddit user discovered, “I looked into their website authors, and it is full of fake profiles… [one] is a guitarist and the other is a surgeon.” This is a clear indicator that you’re dealing with fraudsters.
6.3 Poor Quality Websites and English Errors
Pay close attention to the quality of the company’s website. Scam ghostwriting services are often run by overseas operations where English is not the first language. Their websites will often be filled with grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. For example, a victim who dealt with Aspire Ghostwriting recalled, “The first words you see are ‘Our authors have got magical hands; their text makes people attract to their book.’ This is not a sentence a fluent English speaker would write.”
Even though AI tools like ChatGPT have made it easier for scammers to cover up their language issues, many of these sites still display broken English and inconsistent messaging. If a company doesn’t care enough to produce a professional-looking website, how can you trust them to deliver a high-quality manuscript?
6.4 Unverifiable Testimonials
While many legitimate businesses proudly display client testimonials, scam ghostwriting services often feature unverifiable reviews. These testimonials usually include just a first name or initials and offer no real way for you to follow up and verify their authenticity.
Some scam companies even go as far as buying fake reviews on sites like Trustpilot, making it seem like they have a perfect track record. Always be skeptical of glowing reviews with vague details. Real testimonials usually mention specifics about the project, and the client is often identifiable by more than just a first name.
7. Steps to Protect Yourself from Ghostwriting Scams
Once you know the warning signs, you can take several preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim of a ghostwriting scam. Whether you’re looking to hire a ghostwriter or publish your book, taking these steps will help ensure you don’t lose your money—or your manuscript.
7.1 Do Your Research
Before committing to any service, research the company thoroughly. Look for complaints on websites like Chapters, which tracks scams in the publishing industry. Additionally, search for reviews outside of their own website or testimonials, and always look up the business on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A quick search can often reveal whether others have had bad experiences with the company.
Don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous clients. A reputable ghostwriting service should be able to connect you with clients who can vouch for the quality of their work.
7.2 Request a Sample
Ask for a writing sample from the ghostwriter who will be working on your project. Many legitimate ghostwriters will offer sample chapters or provide excerpts from previous works to demonstrate their capabilities. If the company refuses to give you a sample or insists that you pay before seeing any work, it’s a red flag.
Furthermore, ensure the writing sample fits your style and voice. A good ghostwriter will adapt their writing to match the tone you’re seeking.
7.3 Verify Credentials and Contracts
Any reputable service should have transparent contracts that detail payment terms, project timelines, and the deliverables. Make sure you fully understand the terms before signing anything, and never pay the full amount upfront. It’s standard practice to pay in installments as work progresses.
Also, verify the credentials of the people you’re working with. If they claim to be experienced editors or authors, they should have a traceable history in the publishing industry. Run their names through LinkedIn or other professional networks to ensure they are who they say they are.
7.4 Trust Your Instincts
Finally, if something feels off, trust your gut. As one victim wisely put it, “I didn’t think about that possibility at all!! I should have read their website… I can’t believe I fell for this obvious scam!” If something seems too good to be true or if the company is pushing you to make a quick decision, it’s best to walk away.
8. What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed: Pursuing Refunds and Filing Complaints
If you’ve already fallen victim to a ghostwriting scam, you’re not alone. Many aspiring authors have found themselves in similar situations, but there are steps you can take to attempt recovery of your money and alert others to these fraudulent services.
8.1 Request a Refund
The first step is to request a refund. Although many scam companies will dodge these requests, it’s important to try. Use formal, written communication such as emails or registered letters to document your request, detailing why you believe the service did not meet the agreed-upon terms.
As one victim reported, “I cannot contact them after I asked for a refund,” which is a common experience, but don’t be discouraged. Persistence is key, and even if the company refuses to respond, the next steps can still offer a pathway to financial recovery.
8.2 Dispute the Charges with Your Bank or Credit Card Company
If the company refuses to issue a refund, your next move is to dispute the charges with your bank or credit card company. Many victims have successfully recovered their money this way. Most credit card companies offer fraud protection, and if you can provide evidence that the service was a scam, they may reverse the charges.
Even if the dispute period has passed, it’s still worth reaching out to your bank or credit card company to see if they’re willing to help.
8.3 File Complaints with Consumer Protection Agencies
Once you’ve taken steps to get your money back, you should also file complaints with consumer protection agencies and online platforms where other authors might search for information about the company. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is one of the most well-known places to file complaints, but you can also file complaints with organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or, if the company operates internationally, with agencies that handle cross-border scams.
By filing a complaint, you’re not only standing up for yourself but also warning other writers about the scam, making it harder for these companies to continue their operations.
8.4 Report the Scam to Chapters
As one of the most respected organizations in the publishing industry, Chapters is a crucial resource in the fight against ghostwriting scams. They maintain an active database of scam reports and alert authors about fraudulent services. If you’ve encountered a scam company, sharing your experience with Chapters can help protect others from falling into the same trap.
In one Reddit comment, a user suggested, “Go take a look at WriterBeware.com. They keep track of all the writing scams/scammers/etc. there. If your person isn’t listed already, please send the Chapters gals your story so that they can add it.”
By reaching out to Chapters, you’ll be contributing to a broader effort to expose these scams and ensure that other authors aren’t taken advantage of.
9. Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Writing Dreams
Falling victim to a ghostwriting scam can be a painful and frustrating experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of your writing journey. By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid these traps in the future and continue working toward your dream of becoming a published author.
Here are the key takeaways from this blog:
- Always verify credentials before hiring a ghostwriting service.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers or companies that guarantee success or high profits.
- Watch out for vague testimonials, fake profiles, and poor website quality—these are all red flags.
- If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly to request refunds and dispute charges.
- Don’t hesitate to report scams to Chapters, consumer protection agencies, and your bank.
At the end of the day, legitimate ghostwriting and publishing services do exist, but they require careful research and thoughtful decision-making. As one Reddit user wisely stated, “If something feels off, trust your gut.” With the right approach, you can protect yourself from scams and keep your focus on achieving your publishing goals.