Episode 206: Scams, Scams, and more! Data Protection and Staying Safe as an Author
Join us live Friday November 21st at 7pm ET / 6pm CT / 4pm PT here on YouTube!
As writers, we are often targeted by scams - from fake publishing services to phishing attempts to fraudulent marketing opportunities.
In this episode, we invite Liz McLaughlin to help us learn how to recognize and avoid the scams. Plus, in a world of technology meltdowns (viruses, getting water on your laptop anyone like Lainey!), we talk about how to keep copies of our work safe.
Liz has spent years supporting people through moments of stress, vulnerability, and uncertainty working as an information technology professional. With a background in psychology and social work, she brings a grounded, compassionate understanding of how emotions influence decision-making—and how scammers expertly exploit those moments.
About Liz McLaughlin
Liz McLaughlin has spent years supporting people through moments of stress, vulnerability, and uncertainty working as an information technology professional. With a background in psychology and social work, she brings a grounded, compassionate understanding of how emotions influence decision-making—and how scammers expertly exploit those moments.
Rather than focusing on fear or shame, Liz will empower listeners with clear, practical, actionable skills they can use right away. She'll break down the human side of scams—why they work, what they target in us, and how simple mindset shifts can create powerful protection. Her mission is simple: help people feel capable, informed, and never alone in the fight against fraud.
Episode Resources
Writer Beware by Victoria Strauss - a great place to check out potential vendors and understand the latest scams
New Wave of Nigerian “Marketing” scams (Writer Beware)
Books Mentioned
To come
Full Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon affiliate program, which means Lainey earns a tiny commission (maybe enough for a coffee) if you buy something after clicking through from a link on this website.
Episode Sponsor
12 Weeks to Book Launch Success -Join Lainey’s program to help you successfully launch your book. Next group starts in March 2026!
Full Program info
In the 12 Weeks to Book Launch Success mastermind program, Lainey works one on one with a group of authors and help you create a plan to successfully launch your book.
Does this Sound Like You?
✓ Excited about your book launch
✓ Overwhelmed by where to start with marketing?
✓ Confused about timing—what needs to happen when?
✓ Unsure which tactics are worth your precious time and money?
✓ Terrified you'll miss something critical and blow your chance at launch success?
You're not alone. Many authors get terrible advice, and waste thousands on ineffective tactics.
What If You Could Launch With Confidence?
Imagine how it would feel to…
✓ Know with certainty you've built the best possible launch plan for YOUR book
✓ Avoid wasting money on shiny tactics that don't sell books
✓ Have a proven framework covering awareness, credibility, and reasons to buy
✓ Build your plan alongside other smart, supportive authors
✓ Launch successfully without depending solely on social media
✓ Start your author career with momentum and confidence
This isn't just possible—it's exactly what I’m proud to see my students achieve.
Building a successful book launch is possible as a new author—even without a massive social media following.
Program info
Scholarship Opportunity (for writers from any group traditionally under-represented in publishing)
Join the wait list for next time!
Note: next sections are mostly created by AI for your convenience - so please forgive any typos or inaccuracies!
Summary
To come
Transcript
To come