We just received an email from Dave Holton- BEA Autographing Programs warning about scam reviewers. Since there are a number of independent authors who view these boards, I wanted to spread the word about this guy. The reviewer's name is Bob Garber. His game is to request either ARCs or finished copies for review. He turns around and sells them on eBay. According to Dave Holton, the guy has made some serious coin off this scam.
Since the name sounded familiar, I went into my files and found that he had queried us at one time. Since I was unfamiliar with the name, I declined to send out any ARCs. Here's what his email said to us:
"As a freelance reviewer and writer for over 20 years, my work has appeared in the Phila Inquirer, Phila Daily News, Phila Magazine, Mystery Scene, Kirkus Reviews, various local newspapers and small press venues. Thanks again for your kind assistance and please email or call with any additional questions. "
My reason for posting this is in case anyone is privately contacted by this guy or any reviewer with whom they are unfamiliar. If you don't know the name, check around. Check the credentials. The desire to be reviewed is just as strong as the desire to be published, and that's why scam publishers and reviewers continue to exist - people like Bob Garber prey upon that desire. Hope this helps keep everyone's eyes open.
Since the name sounded familiar, I went into my files and found that he had queried us at one time. Since I was unfamiliar with the name, I declined to send out any ARCs. Here's what his email said to us:
"As a freelance reviewer and writer for over 20 years, my work has appeared in the Phila Inquirer, Phila Daily News, Phila Magazine, Mystery Scene, Kirkus Reviews, various local newspapers and small press venues. Thanks again for your kind assistance and please email or call with any additional questions. "
My reason for posting this is in case anyone is privately contacted by this guy or any reviewer with whom they are unfamiliar. If you don't know the name, check around. Check the credentials. The desire to be reviewed is just as strong as the desire to be published, and that's why scam publishers and reviewers continue to exist - people like Bob Garber prey upon that desire. Hope this helps keep everyone's eyes open.