If you frequent free job boards (i.e., Craigslist, online-writing-jobs.com), you’ve probably seen the ads. If you frequent popular writer forums/blogs, you’ve probably seen the suspicions. There’s a good write up over at the Writer Beware blog that captures as much as I know on the story, plus a little bit more. Although these folks may not be running a scam, it’s definitely fishy enough that I wouldn’t want to write for them.
See: Laray Carr Publications, a.k.a. LC Publications, a.k.a. LCP Media
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, thanks for the warning, Amy! I’ve actually answered a couple of ads from Craigslist. I didn’t notice any of these names, though.
I’ll definitely have an advantage now, by being aware.
Thanks,
Michele
Hi Michele,
Most of the ads I’ve seen have been posted at online-writing-jobs.com under various descriptions. I almost applied to one of them, as it was an ad for pet-related articles.
Then I read a warning thread at that board about the username that had posted the ad, so I of course didn’t submit. I’d never agree to anything that pays “on publication” if there’s no set date for publication. In a contract, that translates into “If we never publish it, we don’t have to pay you.” But meanwhile you can’t sell the material anyplace else. So, whether or not these folks are running a scam, the payment on publication for a yet to be launched magazine is something I’d avoid under all circumstances.
Thanks for the info, Amy, I appreciate it. I try really hard to be aware and study sites like the Writer Beware blog and sites like yours to keep myself from getting into a scam.
So far, I’ve only had really kind and considerate editors (such as yourself!) that have been great to work with/for, and have paid promptly.
No, I never will submit to “payment on publication for a yet to be launched magazine.” That doesn’t sound like a wise move.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Smiles,
Michele
You’d be surprised how many people do. Writers who have written for this LCP group supposedly signed contracts that they’d be paid on publication, and they were aware the publication hadn’t launched yet. To me, scam or not, I wouldn’t go for that.
Just like I wouldn’t submit to an anthology that hasn’t even found a publisher (I’ve seen those ads too) unless they planned to pay me on the spot.
But a lot of writers are either too new to understand what they’re signing, or they’re just so desperate for money that they’re willing to risk it.
Please do comment and discuss.
We love a good conversation!
Please use a name when commenting. Does not have to be your real name or full name. But responding to folks calling themselves "Make Money Writing Online" and such kinda sucks. Calling yourself keywords will likely get you thrown into my spam filter.