Protecting Your Writing Journey: How to Do Your Due Diligence
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
In today's publishing landscape, authors have more opportunities than ever to connect with publishers, editors, book coaches, designers, and other professionals online.
While that access can open doors, it also means it's important to be cautious about who you choose to work with. Before investing your time, money, or trust, taking a few extra steps to verify someone's credibility can help protect both your book and your publishing journey.
In this week's Wednesday Writer Tip, we're exploring three simple ways authors can perform due diligence and make informed decisions when working with publishing professionals.
Research Them Independently
When someone reaches out to you online, or provides a link to their website, take a moment to verify their information on your own.
Rather than immediately clicking on links included in emails or messages, search for the person's name, company, or business independently. Look for an established website, professional listings, interviews, articles, or mentions from reputable sources.
An online presence that can be easily found through independent searches often provides a stronger sense of legitimacy.
Doing your own research allows you to gather information from multiple sources and can help you identify potential red flags before moving forward.
Evaluate Their Online Presence
Social media can reveal a lot about a business or publishing professional.
Check to see whether they have active accounts across multiple platforms and pay attention to how long those profiles have existed. Do they post consistently? Do they engage with their audience? Does their content appear authentic and professional?
A newly created profile with very little activity or only a handful of followers may not automatically indicate a problem, but it is worth investigating further.
An established online presence with regular updates, meaningful interactions, and a history of engagement can provide additional confidence that you're working with a legitimate business.
Verify Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insight, but it's important to confirm that they are genuine.
Written reviews can be helpful, but video testimonials often provide an added layer of credibility because you can hear directly from clients about their experiences. Whenever possible, ask for references or examples of previous clients who are willing to share their feedback.
As technology continues to advance, it's becoming easier to create convincing testimonials that may not accurately reflect real customer experiences. That's why it's wise to verify reviews through independent searches and compare information across multiple sources.
The more confirmation you can gather, the better equipped you'll be to make a confident decision.
Trust Your Instincts and Protect Your Investment
Whether you're hiring a book coach, working with an editor, choosing a publisher, or partnering with a designer, doing your homework matters.
Taking time to research professionals, review their online presence, and verify testimonials can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you're building relationships with people who genuinely support your writing goals.
Your book represents a significant investment of time, creativity, and passion. A little extra due diligence today can give you greater peace of mind and help you move forward with confidence as you continue your publishing journey.
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