Protect Yourself
Avoid Marketing Scams
Combined Book Exhibit is not associated with any of the companies listed below. If a company claims to be working with us, please contact us first so we can confirm their affiliation.
Verify before you pay CBE is based in Marcellus, NY
What We're Seeing
A growing number of marketing companies target self-published authors
Many of these companies pop up in the Philippines and use local residential addresses in the United States as their main business address. Some have gone out of business only to reopen under a slightly different name and address.
They may use our book fairs to overcharge you
Some of these companies offer Combined Book Exhibit fairs as part of their marketing packages and charge exorbitant rates - upwards of $1,800 for a single show. Our published rates are much lower. If a price seems inflated, compare it with our display rates or contact us directly.
Common Red Flags
Promises that should make you pause
If a sales representative uses language like the examples below, proceed with caution - and verify every claim with CBE before signing or paying.
Fake Affiliation Claims
A company claims to be a partner, affiliate, or direct representative of Combined Book Exhibit. Always contact us first to verify.
Exorbitant Pricing
Some marketers charge upwards of $1,800 for a single show. Our published display rates are much lower - compare before you pay.
High-Pressure Tactics
Urgent claims like "only 12 spots left" or "your book was specially selected" are designed to rush you into a decision.
Unrealistic Promises
Promises of movie deals, introductions to big-name publishers, or guaranteed bestseller status are classic warning signs.
Typical scam pitches to watch for
- “Your book was sent to us by our direct partner and was highly recommended.”
- “We can get your book displayed at [show name] as one of our cherry-picked titles.”
- “Movie and literary agents will see your book at the fair.”
- “We'll set up meetings with agents and publishers for you.”
- “We can make your book a New York Times or Amazon bestseller.”
- “Huge discounts on publishing packages worth thousands of dollars.”
- “Your book has been chosen by experts for a limited VIP spot.”
- “We can translate your book into any language and sell international rights.”
Red Flag Companies
Companies we have identified
We have red-flagged the following companies for charging inflated fees, making misleading claims, or falsely implying an association with Combined Book Exhibit. Please use caution when dealing with any of them.
- Aega Services & Solutions SRL
- Alpha Book Solutions
- Amazon Publishing Company
- Amazon Publishing Hub
- Amazon Publishing Pros
- American Ebook Writers
- American Publishing Studios
- Author Capital LLC
- Author Centrix
- AuthorPress
- AuthorPro (Part of Matchstick)
- Book Agency Plus
- Book Avenue Publishing
- Book Fair Association
- Book Magnets
- Book Thoughts Press
- Book Vine Press
- BookMarc Alliance
- BooksEndependant
- Capstone Media Press/Service
- Carter Press
- Christian Life Publishing
- Diamond Media Press
- Ecpublishing
- Editor's Press and Media
- Global Books Publishing
- Global Summit Services
- Gnome Book Writing
- Goldman Agency
- Kilmer Press Solutions LLC
- LiftedQuery
- Literary Agent Scam – Riley Rose / Samantha Riley Rose
- LitPrime Book Publishing
- Luminous Horizons Press and Media
- Matchstick Literary (Part of AuthorPro)
- Media Literary Excellence, LLC.
- Paradigm
- Paramount Books Media
- Parchment Global Publishing
- Pearson Media Group
- Pub Maters
- Readers Magnet
- The Authors Point
This list is updated as we learn of new companies. If you encounter one not shown here, please let us know.
Think you've been targeted?
Email us the company name, their claims, and any materials they sent. We'll confirm whether they are affiliated with CBE and add them to our monitoring list if needed.
Get your book noticed today
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