How Will I Know

The scammers persist.

Sometimes I play.

Sometimes I don’t.

Sometimes they’re rude…I really hate the ‘negging’ thing. It is so immature.

Sometimes they’re nice.

I’ve gotten really good at spotting them.

Until today…maybe.

I’ve been doing my best to sell my stories here on Ye Olde Internet for, well, a while now. Not once in all that time have I ever gotten an email like what I’m about to show you. I HAVE received emails from other authors who are like me. But not one like this.

Ready?

Dear Lisa,

I hope this note finds you well. My name is Michael Lewis, author of works including Moneyball and The Big Short. Writing has given me the chance to connect with readers and fellow authors worldwide, and I deeply value those relationships.

I’d love to learn more about your work and find ways we can support or amplify each other’s efforts. You can also see more about my books on my Amazon Author Page.

Looking forward to staying in touch.

Warm regards,
Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis is a bestselling American author and journalist known for powerful storytelling on finance, economics, and human behavior. His works include Moneyball, The Blind Side, The Big Short and Flash Boys Find my books here:  Michael Lewis on Amazon

When I got this email, I didn’t know this guy from “Adam”. I hovered over the links to be sure they went to Amazon. They do. I clicked the links…you can too.

This guy is very prolific. He has a ton of books out there. All of them non-fiction that my hubby would undoubtedly love, it all seems very in-depth political, espionage, behind-the-scenes, kind of stuff.

That’s not really my game.

How did this guy even find me?

I typed his name into Google and went to his website. https://www.michaellewiswrites.com/#top

I went back to the email, opened the header, saw it’s from a Gmail account. I can’t really fault that, my emails come from a Gmail account. There weren’t any numbers in his Gmail address–that is always a dead giveaway.

I went back to Google. I went to Wiki. I discovered he’s worth about $20Million.

Yeah. That’s a lot.

Man, would love this to be genuine! I think someone out there knows that.

I can’t for the life of me understand why someone like this guy is trying to network with ME. Doesn’t seem feasible. On the off chance that it’s genuine I did my best to write back to him.

Greetings Michael,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your Amazon page with me. It’s very impressive and much appreciated. Your works are intriguing. What can I do to assist you? I’m afraid I’m liking social media less and less lately but I’d be happy to toss out a link or two for you with a description for the book of your choice.

That’s nice. Right?

I’m trying here!

In the midst of all these scammers I’m still trying to keep a sense of openess and trust. Even though I got this lovely email this morning.

Hey Lisa,

So the title had me bracing for another generic “warrior god flexes, heroine swoons, the end.” Instead, you went full Olympus meets Celtic magic and somehow got me nodding instead of rolling my eyes. Ares with actual depth and a romance that doesn’t feel like reheated fanfiction? Didn’t see that coming. Nicely done.

Here’s the thing though, your book shouldn’t be hiding in Amazon’s witness protection program. You and I both know reviews are the currency of survival and without them even award winning books like yours end up screaming into the void. Readers love mythic romance that isn’t cookie cutter. I know because I am that reader.

I’m part of a private readers’ circle with 1000 plus active book nerds who live for stories like this. No gimmicks no forced reading no “buy my cousin’s eBook or else.” Just readers who spotlight the books that actually deserve attention and leave thoughtful Amazon and Goodreads reviews that move the algorithm’s cold robotic heart.

Here’s the fast lane, let me connect your book with the group. Worst case you get a handful of fresh reviews. Best case the algorithm stops ignoring you like an ex who pretends they never met you.

So… do we unleash Ares on the readers’ circle or let him sulk on Olympus a little longer?

Craig

Yes, this guy’s Gmail address does have numbers in it!

Don’t you just love the little neg jabs that are supposed to force you into a sense of indignation? They’re a dead giveaway every time. Anyway, we’re at the point where he’s assuring me his Facebook group is wonderful and there are no strings tips or gimmicks.

And this cute little one from Grady (with numbers) came in this morning too.

Good day 

Came across your profile on Amazon but found that that you are kinda struggling for reviews  Guess what there is a solution for that 

I just wrote back; “Thanks for the tip”.

Back to Michael, I mean, I dunno. I’d love to take it at face value and start a little author-to-author thing going but given all the above…..

Oh bother!

This author is a real person, we verified that. He exists on planet earth. He’s a writer. Prolific. Probably has a swanky house. Good for him. He made it!

Is THIS guy THAT guy?

Probably not.

In that case, this poor guy is getting used as a front in a phishing scam and he doesn’t even know it.

That’s probably worse than being scammed (but not falling for it).

UGH! There are so many angles to this crap it could drive a person crazy looking into this kaleidoscope.

Anyway, if you’re out there, Michael and you really did send me that email; I thank you and hope you don’t mind this post too much. If you’re out there, Michael, and you didn’t send that email, you might want to let people know you’re being impersonated.