FolkloreFanatic said:
The question I have is, if they want to keep the scam going and someone pays them for proofreading, wouldn't they *have* to have a manuscript to send back changes to at least look like they're working? I mean, if someone sent me edits, that would be impossible without the actual text. If someone sent me a cookie-cutter critique that could apply to any of my works, I would stop contacting them right away.
Don't get me wrong; I know these jerks are scammers. I'm just wondering how they get money without ever referencing the actual text.
From what I've been able to piece together, the scam works something like this:
Step 1: The Critique:
They ask you to have your work critiqued. If you don't know of a critiquing service they'll suggest an "independent, third-party" to do it. (Of course, they own that too.)
The critique doesn't have to be too detailed. It's amazing how many general statements will apply to almost any first novel. (Much like horoscopes.) For example:
- You have a problem with comma placement.
- You have a problem with cliches.
- You have a problem with spelling.
- Your characters are a tad flat. They could use some punching up.
- You use too many adverbs.
- You have a problem with passive sentences.
Now all of these are common errors in first novels (my own included), and if they add a couple of examples of each, it is quite persuasive. Fortunately (for them), they don't have to do an in-depth analysis to find a couple of examples of each. In fact, between Word's Spell Checking, Grammar Checking, and Find and Replace, you can automate all of them (except the character thing and really, whose characters couldn't use a little punching up?) Cost: $79.
Step 2: The Edit:
Naturally, given the terrific feedback you got from the Critique, you'll want to have it "professionally edited". You can of course, supply your own, but if you don't know of one, they'll be glad to direct you to an "independent, third-party editing service" (also owned by them). At this point, someone will undoubtedly have to read the thing, but how much does it cost to hire a college student who may or may not have any experience with editing? In fact, they advertise for reader/editors in Google Ads. Talk about experience!
At the very best, you'll get a copy edit. What you won't get is any improvements to character development or story structure. Cost: $99.
Step 3: The Website:
Now that you've been Professionally Edited, you'll want to have a website where eager editors will be able to browse to see examples of your work. (Editors do this all the time, you're told.) For just $149, you can have
your own website! Of course, with automated web development tools the way they are today, this costs
them nothing.
Step 4: Printing:
Of course, you are now eager to have them start submitting works to "buyers" (their non-standard word for editors). But before you do, they'll have to be printed. Ten manuscripts: $95.
Step 4: Submissions
Now that you've paid for printing, they'll send out a group of 10 submissions (oh, you'll have to pay postage, of course) that are guaranteed to get you rejected. (See Hapisofi's post up-thread). They are guaranteed rejections because they include a number of red-flags for editors:
- Obviously form letter submission
- Not targeted to a specific publisher
- Includes a fax reply checklist for feedback
- Calls the editor "the buyer"
- Includes mention that the work has been "professionally edited"
Step 5: Re-Editing/Full-edit:
They will regretfully show you the rejections it received and suggest you might want to get a "full edit" (between $1750 and $2000) based on the valuable feedback provided by the publishers. Again, you can supply your own editor or...
Step 6: Repeat until you run out of money.
There are indications (I tried to find a reference, but couldn't) that Fletcher is moving into the self-publishing arena as well. If that's true, the scam can include submissions to an "independent" co-publisher (who is also owned by Fletcher). But even if it hasn't happened yet, it's the logical next step.