Sign in  

Phony Literary Agent - Upfront Marketing Fee Scam

Sharing is caring! Are you having problems with Phony Literary Agent - Upfront Marketing Fee Scam? Use ScamPulse to file a complaint.

Phony Literary Agent - Upfront Marketing Fee Scam Reports & Reviews (2)

• Jan 04, 2024
Report

In early Feb, 2023, Alana Maya from Orion contacted me by email to let me know that Astute Literary Agency referred my published book to be made into a film. It was then followed up with a draft contract for the films they wanted to produce. Of course, I was reluctant to move forward, but a minority writer in Los Angeles, sometimes needs to approval soooo much, that they overlook the obvious. for the 2 films they wanted to develop, $15K was wired to their account. Foolish me, and a hard way to face the fact that we're still unwanted except for scam money. Thank you for allowing us to submit our embarrassing deals.

Useful
Reply
Report

I was contacted via email in July of 2022 by Justin Chu from Astute Literary Agency. He sent the below, "I'm reaching out to you because a Literary Scout nominated you as a potential author to be reviewed as we scout for book titles to represent and connect to traditional publishers, as well as introduce to our partnered producers for possible film adaptations.

If you are still interested in pursuing a career as an author, please let me know the best date and time to contact you so we can discuss your book and see if it is something we can work with.

Looking forward to hear back from you.

All the best,

--

Justin Chu

He then followed up with a call. During the call he seemed quite knowledgeable about both of my books. It all sounded good so I continued the conversation. I got another call and Justin said they would have a critic evaluate my books by purchasing the ebook. A few days later I received a call and email that "my books was given a 7 out of 10 which is quite good for an unknown.". I was then sent an agreement and a proposal that they would cover 75% of the marketing and the remaining 25% I would be required to pay.

During this time I was looking into the company, their website is copyright 2022, their Facebook page was only updated with their logo July 2022, there is 1 like maximum on any post and run from The Philippines, they cannot be found on the BBB.org website, There are no reviews.

I also contacted the building property management for the address they have listed and they have not heard of Astute Literary, nor do they have a suite 1436 and have no space on the 14th floor of their building.

I requested a meeting to be told they have not returned to normal since covid and 90% of staff work remotely and Justin said he will be traveling from NY to NJ. Just as he said that I heard a rooster crowing in the background, he said that is his phone ringing.

In total I have received 10 phone calls and six emails

Useful
Reply
Check fields!

Report Phony Literary Agent - Upfront Marketing Fee Scam


Upload here Increase visibility and credibility of your review by
adding a photo, document or video
Submit

Phony Literary Agent - Upfront Marketing Fee Scam Contacts

If you know any contact information for Phony Literary Agent - Upfront Marketing Fee Scam, help other victims by adding it!

Add new contacts
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | New