Where Has All the Good Spam Gone?

We’re all familiar with spam emails. I doubt there’s an adult in America who hasn’t received an email from someone letting us know that THERE ARE SINGLES LOOKING FOR SEX NEAR YOU. However, since the rise of AI I’ve noticed a shift in my inbox. Gone are the days of Nigerian princes, IRS agents demanding gift cards, and fake invoices for an iPhone you never ordered (Quick! Click on that link!! It’s so, so urgent!). Now I get personalized emails talking about my books in breathless terms and low-key requests to contact them if I’m interested.  It’s so clear that someone has had AI scan my website or Amazon page to create personalized content that I can delete the emails without getting through the first paragraph.

Isn’t Personalization Better?

Like a lot of AI slop, personalized spam is not better than good old-fashioned crap.  The compliments, syntax, and tone are entirely lacking in authenticity.  And while I suppose it’s possible to feel complimented by a machine, the platitudes carry all the heft of Pete Hegseth’s compliments on leadership—I don’t believe them, and they devalue the speaker for their blatant lack of any real knowledge on the subject. And aside from simply sounding implausible and obviously lacking in sincerity, since AI, authors have become a specifically targeted group.  Where once we were hard to pin down or gather information on, AI has turned mass data consumption and website scanning into a breeze.  The scammers no longer have to put in effort to learn about us or our books and can pump out email after email promising things that authors want (reviews, sales, readers).  But that lack of effort shows, and frankly, it’s insulting.  Scammers need to do better.

I took a brief poll of the Stiletto Gang, and we all agree that the spam rate increased to a deluge once AI took off.  And of course, we’re worried about deleting that one real person who emails, but many of us are deleting as fast as our fingers can click.  As Lois Winston said, “I always trash them and empty my trash immediately.” And while we all understand that the end goal is always money, many of us are puzzled by their low-pressure techniques.  Why do you want me to tell you where to leave a review?  Why are you wasting my time telling me that you love my work, but don’t want to leave a review without permission.  No one in the history of reviews has ever had this worry.

So What Does the Spam Look Like?

Here are just a smattering of examples that I and other members of the Stiletto Gang have received:

Example 1: I can help you!

“I recently came across Eye Contact and it’s a gripping contemporary novel that blends science, mystery, and authentic representation. Following Lexi Byrne, a neurodivergent graduate student developing cutting edge bionic eye technology, the story explores her challenges with relationships, friendship, and ethics, all while navigating a high-stakes theft that puts her work and loved ones at risk. With its mix of science driven intrigue, relatable character dynamics, and emotional depth, Eye Contact has strong discovery potential through Goodreads Listopia lists such as Mystery & Thriller, Contemporary Fiction, Science & Technology Fiction, and Neurodivergent Protagonists.”

TRANSLATION: They want me to pay to get my book on a list on Goodreads which is something I can do for free.  (And if they made you interested in Eye Contact – you can learn more here: bethanymaines.com/catalog/mystery/)

Example 2: We’re big & famous, so of course we’re emailing YOU!

“At Simon & Schuster, we are committed to publishing fiction that resonates with readers while delivering a strong and memorable narrative experience. Based on what I’ve read, I would be very interested in exploring whether there might be an opportunity to work together.”

“As one of the most influential literary platforms globally, The New York Times Book Review reaches a vast and engaged readership of book lovers, critics, publishers, and industry professionals… If you are interested, kindly respond by [date], and I will provide the next steps and scheduling options.” (Thanks to Judy Penz Sheluk for this gem!)

TRANSLATION: We’re going to ask for money to include you in this very special offer.  But pro-tip: Simon & Schuster doesn’t use Yahoo email accounts and the NY Times Book Review doesn’t solicit out of print books or forget to include the [date].

Example 3: Visit Our Book Club for Free!

“How are you doing ? I’m reaching out because of how strongly your book has resonated with readers in our community. As we read and discussed it together, one thing became very clear to us. This is a story that was written to be felt, reflected on, discussed, and shared, not simply read and put aside.”

“Readers will enjoy dissecting the layers of suspense, from the stolen SUV with a dead body to the cache of jewelry and the ongoing threats Anastasia faces, while also appreciating the lighthearted elements that make the series so engaging.” (Kind of makes you want to read the Anastasia Pollack mysteries, doesn’t it? Learn more at LoisWinston.com)

“Based on your catalog, I would be very interested to know which of your books you feel would create the most compelling and thought-provoking discussion among a community of dedicated readers like ours. Would you be open to having one of your preferred titles considered for this upcoming Networx London – Connect & Grow feature and allowing our members to explore and discuss it together?”

TRANSLATION: We failed to realize that we’re emailing about the third book in a mystery series but we’re going to talk about how it’s SO IMPACTFUL and later probably ask you to pay for the venue on a virtual book club.

Example 4: Authors like other authors, right?

“I recently came across your work, and I was really struck by the honesty in your storytelling and the way you blend personal experience with universal truth. As a fellow author, I deeply appreciate writing that challenges and moves readers the way yours does. I just wanted to reach out to say how much I admired your work. It’s inspiring to see writing that’s both fearless and artful.”

TRANSLATION: I’m looking for someone who has too much time on their hands and will email me back which means they’re probably a sucker.

Example 5: Errors Detected!

“I spotted a few issues that could be impacting your website’s performance. I captured screenshots for clarity. Reply “OK – SEND” if you’d like to see them.”

TRANSLATION: We know you’re a creative and don’t know much about websites and we’re depending on that to bilk you out of money (oh, and also… click on this link).

Spam for All

I think for many of us in the writing community, the new downpour of spam is shocking.  Perhaps there are other groups who are being similarly targeted now that new tools are available, but this seems like a new development in the scammer landscape.  And the truth is that I’m not falling for anymore scams now than I used to, but now I have to have someone blowing smoke up my skirt while I delete them. It’s infuriating. How about you?  Are you seeing a new rise in of junk mail and in your inbox?  And do you find the insincere adulation as annoying as I do?