Fellow authors; pull up a chair. Let’s talk about the constant parade of strangers who seem to adore our books without ever so much as glancing at a sample page.

Over the past few months, I’ve been absolutely bombarded with messages from people claiming they “loved my latest book” or that they “just finished all of your titles and your work is incredible!” Then, of course, they offer SEO magic, formatting wizardry, editing packages, or full publishing services that will allegedly turn me into the next global sensation. Some of these self-professed experts try to get into my (your) good graces with a general interest comment to start with. Something like, “I was moved by your story telling and was wondering what motivated you to write your book?” If you answer, you’ll eventually get led into a sales pitch of some kind.

Now, as someone who has actually written a few books, including my memoir, A Life Out Loud, Retirement Insights by Doug Rogers, and my newest project Five Tracks of Leadership, I can usually tell when someone hasn’t read a single word I’ve written. And trust me these folks haven’t read a thing.

Some of them even congratulate me on “the themes” in one book, when that theme doesn’t even exist. One person even complemented my book, that wasn’t even my book – rather a similar book with an author of the same name. Another praised “the ending” of my memoir that doesn’t really have one. My memoir ends with an invitation to stay tuned – there’s more to come.

It’s become clear: there’s a growing cottage industry of people pretending to admire your work, just long enough to sell you something.

That’s the part that bugs me.

I’m all for using helpful services, good editors, designers, and some marketers are worth their weight in gold. But these cookie-cutter compliments from strangers who couldn’t pick my books out of a lineup? Those are not the folks I want in the engine room of my author journey.

What I’ve learned (and what I wish someone told me sooner)

• Real professionals don’t need to flatter you with vague praise. They talk specifics.
• Anyone who “just loved your book” but can’t name it, didn’t read it.
• If they message ten authors a day with the same pitch, you’re just a name on a list.
• If their work is as fabulous as claims presented, why would they be hitting up indie authors (new authors)? They obviously do not have the clients they claim.
• Protect your work, protect your wallet, and trust your instincts. They’re usually right.

We pour our heart, humour, and years of life experience into these books. I know I do. Whether I’m writing about my three decades on the rails in A Life Out Loud, or unpacking modern life in North of Opinion, or reflecting on this whole strange ride we call retirement, it’s been a personal ride. And that’s why these fake “fans” stick out like a sore thumb.

So to my fellow writers out there, especially the newer ones, keep your guard up. Celebrate the real supporters, the genuine readers, and the people who show up because your words meant something to them. Those are the folks who matter.

The rest? Well they can join the long line of people who claim to have read my books without ever buying them. I’ve started calling them imaginary fans. Turns out I’m quite popular in that crowd.

Write on. Stay sharp. And don’t let the scammers slow your train.

Doug Rogers
Author of A Life Out Loud, Retirement Insights, Five Tracks of Leadership, and whatever chapter I’m wrestling with today.