Nearly every week I hear from an author who has a question for me because they’re in the process of being scammed. Publishing scams are RAMPANT. They have always existed, but they’ve reached epidemic status of late, along with America’s horrid overall scam culture.

There was finally some good news on this front as some of the most egregious publishing scammers were arrested recently, but those guys still represent only the tip of the iceberg. It hasn’t really stopped anything.

You’ve got to be careful out there. Here’s what to watch out for, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get scammed.