Cass Kellie's Upcoming Title releases.

Beware of Scammers

 

Protecting Indie Authors: How to Spot and Avoid Publishing Scammers

Fellow authors, I need to share something crucial with you, especially if you're just starting your indie publishing journey. The current publishing landscape is unfortunately flooded with opportunistic "services" looking to make a quick buck off aspiring authors.

The Reality of Today's Market

These operations often run out of economically disadvantaged regions where they can offer rock-bottom prices while delivering subpar work—if they deliver anything at all. The market is saturated with these predatory services, and they're specifically targeting new indie authors who are eager to succeed but may not yet know how to spot the warning signs.

How They Find and Target You

They're watching and waiting. The moment you publish your first book, create an author page, or join writing groups, these scammers will find you. They'll send unsolicited messages offering "amazing deals," promise professional services at unrealistically low prices, create fake testimonials and portfolio pieces, use high-pressure tactics claiming "limited time offers," and even spoof legitimate service providers' names and branding.

The "Hacked Facebook" Scam: A Reality Check

This one is particularly insidious. Someone claiming to be a successful, well-known author with dozens of published titles reaches out to you, often saying their main Facebook account was "hacked" so they're using a "backup account."

Stop and think realistically: Would a bestselling author with 50+ books really be spending their time chatting with unknown indie authors? Would they even know you exist? If Stephen King's Facebook got hacked, would he be sliding into your DMs to mentor you?

The harsh reality is that established, successful authors are busy writing, marketing their own work, and managing their careers. They're not seeking out new authors to randomly help unless there's a legitimate reason like a scheduled event, interview, or professional introduction.

How to Expose Them: The Question Test

Here's a powerful strategy to protect yourself: Test them with specific questions about details from their books that aren't in the published summaries—plot points, character development, their writing process for specific scenes. Ask about their hometown, their publisher relationships, or personal experiences they've mentioned in interviews. Real authors know these details intimately.

Here's the key: If they do respond, pay attention to how they answer. If the information isn't something they can copy and paste from a public internet page, they'll have to fabricate it. And let's be honest—most of these scammers can't think that fast on their feet. After all, they're impersonating someone else's entire career and life. The inconsistencies will show, the details won't add up, and their responses will feel generic or off somehow.

Additional Red Flags to Watch For

• "Backup" or "new" social media accounts with few followers
• Immediate offers to help or mentor you for a fee
• Stories about hacked accounts, lost contacts, or technical problems
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Poor English in their communications
• Reluctance to provide samples of actual work
• Requests for full payment upfront
• No verifiable business address or legitimate website
• Generic, template-style proposals

The "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" Problem

Many of these operations disappear once they've collected enough money. You'll pay for services that never materialize, or receive work so poor it's unusable. By the time you realize you've been scammed, they've moved on to new victims under different names and fake identities.

Protect Yourself and Your Dreams

Your writing dreams are valuable. Don't let scammers exploit your passion and hard work. Research any service provider thoroughly, ask for references from other authors, never pay the full amount upfront, trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is—and connect with established author communities for recommendations.

Remember, legitimate professionals respect both you and the craft. They won't pressure you, they'll have verifiable track records, and they'll be transparent about their processes and pricing.

Share this information to help protect fellow authors in our community. Together, we can make it harder for these predators to succeed.

CK PAWs: Empowering Authors in the Digital Age

 

Introducing CK PAWs: Productions of Authors Works and Services

In today's rapidly evolving publishing landscape, authors need more than just great ideas—they need comprehensive support throughout the entire creative and business journey. That's why I'm thrilled to announce the launch of CK PAWs (Productions of Authors Works and Services), a revolutionary company designed to transform how authors bring their stories to life and connect with readers.

The CK PAWs Advantage: AI-Powered Author Solutions

At CK PAWs, we harness the power of cutting-edge AI technology to handle the heavy lifting of the publishing process, allowing authors to focus on what they do best—creating captivating stories. Our comprehensive services include:

Ideation and Development

• Concept exploration and refinement
• Plot structure development
• Character creation and development
• World-building assistance
• Genre-bending techniques for unique storytelling angles

Writing Support

• Professional ghostwriting services
• Scene and chapter crafting
• Narrative flow enhancement
• Dialogue improvement
• Manuscript revisions and editing

Publishing Expertise

• Formatting for various platforms
• Cover design coordination
• Metadata optimization
• Distribution channel selection
• Launch strategy development

Beyond Publishing: Building Your Author Platform

At CK PAWs, we understand that publishing your book is just the beginning. The true work begins after your masterpiece is available on platforms like Amazon. Our comprehensive marketing and platform-building services include:

Digital Presence Creation

• Author website development
• Social media platform setup and strategy (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)
• Content calendar creation
• Reader engagement techniques
• Brand consistency across platforms

Marketing Support

• Target audience identification
• Genre-specific marketing strategies
• Book promotion campaigns
• Review acquisition strategies
• Reader community building

The CK PAWs Difference: Genre-Bending Excellence

As an author who embraces genre-bending techniques, I've built CK PAWs with flexibility at its core. We don't believe in constraining stories to rigid genre definitions—instead, we celebrate the unexpected plot twists and creative combinations that make readers keep turning pages.

Our specialized approach to genre-bending helps authors:

• Identify unique combinations that resonate with readers
• Implement surprising plot twists that remain satisfying
• Balance familiar elements with innovative approaches
• Attract readers from multiple genre interests
• Stand out in crowded marketplaces

A Personal Commitment to Author Protection

The publishing industry, especially in the digital age, can be filled with potential pitfalls. As the founder of CK PAWs, I personally commit to vetting all service providers and partners we work with. My approach includes:

• Face-to-face video verification of all partners
• Thorough investigation of service provider track records
• Transparent communication about all aspects of the publishing process
• Clear contracts with no hidden clauses
• Ongoing support throughout your publishing journey

Too many authors fall victim to predatory services in their quest for publication. At CK PAWs, your protection is our priority.

Ready to Transform Your Author Journey?

Whether you're just beginning to explore a story idea or have a completed manuscript ready for the world, CK PAWs offers the comprehensive support you need to succeed in today's complex publishing landscape.

Contact us today to discover how our AI-powered services can elevate your writing, expand your reach, and connect you with eager readers around the world.

CK PAWs: Where Author Dreams Become Reader Experiences

AI vs HUMAN

 Todays blog is going to be about,  AI.

First my opinion.

I think AI when used as an alternative, is AWESOME. Why?

Because, I love the extra help.  Anywhere you look AI is.  Whether your are googling something on Google. Or a prompting a  Large Language Model  LLM.

I do,  and have, and will continuously use AI to better me.  The human behind my writing. AI  will  NEVER  replace us as humans. 

But in all seriousness.... I have heard /seen this on many sides.  People don't like AI because it steals from artists. Which is quite understandable. My other thought, is  why not pay these artists their due!

Is it possible, that the services that are rendered by AI and the mark up pos, could NEVER be payed off.  Or  IOW,  it would take to long. 

NOW AI

AI: Helper or Replacement? Finding an Ethical Balance

Personal Perspective

You've made an excellent point about AI being an "alternative" rather than a replacement. Many artists actually share this view and are integrating AI into their creative processes, using it as a tool to explore new ideas and styles rather than seeing it as a threat. ARTSMART AI

The Artist Compensation Challenge

Your concern about fairly compensating artists is at the center of ongoing debates. Research from Emory University's Goizueta Business School found that consumers actually prefer and are willing to pay more for AI-generated products when they know the original artists are being compensated. Emorybusiness This suggests there's both an ethical and business case for fair compensation models.

Interestingly, consumers specifically preferred pay-per-use models (essentially royalties) over flat-fee arrangements, indicating they see this as a fairer way to reward artists whose styles are frequently used in AI generation. Emory

Current Industry Responses

Some companies are already developing solutions to address these concerns:

Adobe, Getty Images, and Shutterstock have implemented various compensation schemes for contributors whose works train their AI models, though specific payment details remain largely undisclosed. Robots

Newer platforms like Tess are pioneering ethical approaches by focusing specifically on artist compensation, allowing creators to manage AI models based on their work while ensuring they receive fair payment through revenue-sharing. Tooldirectory

The Path Forward

Recent protests in the UK have called on the government to enforce copyright laws through a fair and responsible AI approach, recognizing that without artists' original contributions, these technologies would be unable to generate new content. The Conversation

A survey of artists revealed that while 44% viewed AI as positive for the art field, 61% considered it a threat to the art workforce. Notably, most artists don't necessarily oppose their work being used for training—they primarily oppose for-profit companies benefiting from their art without equitable benefit-sharing. Aihub

For Your Blog Conclusion

To strengthen your conclusion, you might consider that one potential approach is to view AI-generated art as a collaborative effort between human and machine, where artists retain ownership rights and recognition for their contribution in guiding and curating the AI's creative process. Keymakr

The solution isn't necessarily about rejecting AI technology, but rather ensuring it develops with ethical frameworks that respect and reward human creativity.

Would you like me to help expand any of these sections further for your blog post? Or would you prefer I create a more structured draft incorporating these insights?

 

A Journey of Growth: Health, Writing, and Finding My Path

Dear readers and friends,

I believe in the power of authenticity and sharing our stories, so today I want to give you a more personal glimpse into my life – both as Cass Kellie the author, and Kellie the person.

My Health Journey

The past year has been transformative. In October 2023, I underwent bottom surgery as part of my journey as a trans woman. While the surgery itself went well, the recovery process has brought its own challenges, particularly in the form of chronic UTIs. For those fortunate enough to have never experienced them, count your blessings! For those who have, you understand the persistent discomfort and frustration they bring.

I've learned to be proactive in managing my health. What started with buying urinary test strips from Walgreens evolved into ordering more cost-effective dipsticks from Amazon. This self-monitoring has helped me better understand when I need to seek medical attention.

Recently, my healthcare providers prescribed Tamsulosin (Flomax), typically used to help with prostate-related urinary issues. This might surprise some, but as someone who was AMAB (assigned male at birth), I have a prostate, and this medication could help improve my urinary stream strength and potentially reduce UTI frequency. It's a reminder of how important it is to understand our bodies fully and work with healthcare providers who recognize and address our unique needs.

Writing Updates

Despite these health challenges, I'm excited to share that my writing continues to progress. "Abby" is in its final editing phase, with just one more week of revisions to go. Following that, I'll be diving into the edits for "ICE IS BACK." I'm projecting to have both books ready for formatting by early March, which fills me with both excitement and anticipation.

Looking Forward

For those who follow my blog or have bookmarked it for future reading, I want you to know that I'm committed to sharing both my literary journey and personal experiences here. I believe that understanding the person behind the words can create a deeper connection with the stories I tell.

Your support through both my writing journey and personal challenges means the world to me. As I continue to navigate these parallel paths of personal growth and creative expression, I'm grateful to have this space to share with you all.

Stay tuned for more updates on both books, and thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude, Kellie

A Writer's Heart: Gratitude for My First Amazon Review

 Dear Readers and Reviewers,

Today marks a milestone that has touched me deeply – my debut novel "6 Degrees" received its first Amazon review. As I sit here reflecting on this moment, my heart is full of gratitude. To the reader who took the time to share their thoughts, and to every future reader and reviewer: your engagement with my work means everything.

Many don't see the long road that leads to a published novel. It began with a single word, then a sentence, gradually building into chapters that would eventually become "6 Degrees." Each page represents countless hours at my desk, wrestling with characters who sometimes refused to cooperate, and plot threads that needed careful weaving. The solitary nature of writing means spending countless hours in your own head, hoping that the story taking shape will someday resonate with others.

The journey from manuscript to published book has been both humbling and enlightening. Through developmental editing, I learned to strengthen the story's backbone, deepen character motivations, and tighten plot arcs. The copyline editing phase taught me the importance of clarity and consistency, while proofreading demanded a level of precision I hadn't known I was capable of. Each stage shaped not just the book, but me as a writer.

Now, in the world of self-publishing, I've discovered that writing was just the beginning. Marketing, platform-building, and connecting with readers require a different kind of creativity altogether. But nothing – not the late-night writing sessions, not the rounds of editing, not the publishing challenges – compares to the feeling of knowing that someone has read my words and taken the time to share their thoughts.

Every review, whether it's a detailed analysis or a simple star rating, represents a reader who gave their precious time to my story. As an author, this is the greatest gift I could receive. Your reviews don't just help other readers find my book; they contribute to a larger conversation about stories and how they touch our lives.

With deepest appreciation, Cass Kellie