Ann Rose

@annmrose.bsky.social

agent: Marsal Lyon & #rosebudauthor wrangler | author | opinions are my own | she/her rep: Eva Scalzo layout: Ana Scribe

Writer friends! The AI-generated email scams targeting authors are getting more sophisticated. I got one today w/ a real editor's name on it, which could be very convincing to someone who doesn't know how actual editors communicate, so I annotated it to highlight red flags. Spread the word, ok?

Photo shows an email that reads: 

From: Allison hunter Hill <allisonhunterh@gmail.com>
Subject: Loved the storytelling in Disaster on the Titanic

Message Body:
Hi Kate,

I recently read *Disaster on the Titanic (Ranger in Time #9)*, and I really appreciated how effectively you combine historical detail with fast-moving adventure in a way that feels both exciting and emotionally grounded for young readers. The tension builds naturally throughout the story, and Ranger’s perspective adds a unique warmth and accessibility that makes the historical setting especially engaging.

I’m Allison Hunter, Senior Editor at Nosy Crow US, where I’m currently building a focused list of character-driven, voice-led middle grade fiction. Your work aligns closely with the kind of immersive, emotionally resonant storytelling I’m actively looking to develop for young readers.

I’m reaching out because I’m reviewing a small number of upcoming projects over the next couple of weeks. I’d love the chance to see what you’re working on next or learn more about any new middle grade adventures you may be developing.

If you’re open to it, I’d be glad to connect through your agent.

Warm regards,
Allison Hunter
Senior Editor
Nosy Crow US

It's annotated in red to highlight the following: 
Not sent from publisher email. 
Weirdly formal opening paragraph - this is AI voice. 
Strange that introduction didn't come first. 
What does the sentence about "reviewing upcoming projects" even mean?
Offers to connect through agent - but has already reached out directly. ?

GIVEAWAY! Dead Weight is coming out next week and to celebrate I'm giving away two copies that have been personally bitten by Uggi and will be personally signed by me and shipped to the winners wherever they live! To enter just like and share this post and I'll select the winners on May 26th!

Uggi the dog next to my hand, holding a copy of Dead Weight Two copies of Dead Weight with teethmarks

I’ve been informed that I’ve been removed from the Tobias website. Fear not! I’m not leaving agenting just changing addresses. More news to come. Until then it’s business as usual 🩷

🥾 🏕️ WELCOME TO QUERY BOOTCAMP 🏕️ 🥾 Day 1 is all about the query letter. We know an agent cares the most about the sample pages, but in today's landscape, you need to be good at every part of the package. Your query is the first impression. You need to make a good one.

The scammers be scamming. Authors please be aware this is NOT how publishing operates. Also, you should NEVER send money either! Be safe out there, please!

All text - Hello,

I hope you’re having a great week.

My name is Megan Tingley, and I serve as President and Publisher of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers at Hachette Book Group. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with authors and illustrators to bring meaningful, engaging, and impactful stories to young readers, particularly in areas of young adult fiction, suspense, and imaginative storytelling that blends emotion and intrigue.

I recently came across TITLE OF BOOK, and I was impressed by your skillful weaving of suspense, romance, and supernatural elements within a small-town setting. Character name's journey, balancing love, power, and the consequences of manipulating time, creates an immersive narrative that captures both tension and emotional depth.

Your ability to explore complex relationships, social hierarchies, and the moral dimensions of power while maintaining a thrilling pace demonstrates a clear and confident storytelling voice. The mix of time manipulation, social intrigue, and darker truths enriches the story, providing readers with both excitement and thought-provoking themes about identity, desire, and consequence.

I would be very interested to learn more about your current and forthcoming projects, as well as whether you are represented by a literary agent. If you do have representation, I would be pleased to continue any discussion through your agent. If not, I would be happy to outline how the process typically works, should there be interest in taking the conversation further.

Subject to reviewing additional material, there may be scope for a broader discussion regarding potential fit within Little, Brown Books for Young Readers’ young adult and speculative fiction publishing program.

If this is of interest, I would be delighted to hear from you.

With genuine respect,
Megan Tingley
President and Publisher of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers at Hachette Book Group

I heard a rumor (so take that for what it is) that some authors will withdraw and resubmit their query letters, hoping to get on the top of the query box. Now I can't speak for other agents but I work from the bottom up, so if this is the strategy it might not be as affective as you'd've hoped.

George Orwell never said that, but what he did say was, “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind. ”

Aaron Rupar@atrupar.com · 5mo ago

Kristi Noem: "It reminded me of the quote that is often attribute to George Orwell that states, 'People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.'"