A Message to Authors and Freelancers
How Cold Pitches Can Help or Hurt
Introduction: Why This Matters
From the moment I stepped into the world of authorship, social media became a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s a platform to share my stories and connect with readers. On the other, it’s a floodgate that lets in unsolicited messages, mostly from marketers and designers, promising to make my book a bestseller.
The first time it happened to me, a message popped up in my inbox: “Your writing journey sounds fascinating! I’d love to know more about your book? I’m genuinely interested and look forward to hearing more about it!” My heart skipped a beat—someone out there was genuinely interested. Or so I thought.
I replied with specifics of my projects, only to realize the person behind the message hadn’t bothered to look at my work at all. It wasn’t long before two more messages of the same kind came through the next day—and then another, and another.
The relentless cold pitches felt more like an invasion than an opportunity. Worse, it built a level of distrust that seeped into every new interaction. I know I’m not alone. Authors often feel targeted, and even well-meaning freelancers can come across as spammy and impersonal. This article is a guide to help authors protect themselves while also offering advice to freelance professionals on building genuine, trustworthy relationships.
The Problem: The State of Social Media Solicitation
Many view independent authors as “easy targets” for marketing and design services. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram overflow with unsolicited DMs and comments pitching services. Some are scams, while others come from unprofessional service providers.
Common red flags include:
Generic URLs (like xxxxx.godaddysites.com)
Unprofessional or incomplete websites
Over-promising results (e.g., “We’ll get your book to #1 on Amazon!”)
Generic, copy-pasted messages
Poor portfolios or lack of verifiable work
Requests for full payment upfront or payment outside secure platforms
These practices can damage the reputation of legitimate professionals who truly want to help authors succeed, and the constant barrage of unsolicited messages creates tension and distrust, making it harder for authentic connections to form.
For Authors: How to Handle and Stay Safe
Tips for Vetting Pitches:
Verify Business Legitimacy: Ensure the people you do business with have a registered business in your country of residence.
Check Their Portfolio: Look for specific, high-quality examples of work relevant to your genre or niche.
Request References: Legitimate marketers will have past clients willing to vouch for them.
Evaluate Professionalism: Do they personalize their message or just spam everyone?
Be Wary of Guarantees: Avoid anyone promising unrealistic outcomes like guaranteed bestseller status.
How to Respond:
Politely decline if not interested.
Ask for additional details if you’re curious but cautious.
Report and block if the person seems suspicious or pushy.
Consider trusted platforms like Reedsy, Fiverr, or referrals from author communities rather than engaging with cold pitches.
For Marketers and Designers: How to Build Credibility
Aggressive, generic pitches damage the reputation of legitimate freelancers, creating a trust gap. Building credibility requires value and respect from the outset.
Advice for Ethical Marketing:
Genuine Personalization: Take the time to understand the author and their work before reaching out. Most authors have an array of work publicly available. Your message should clearly demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand the author’s work and genuinely connect with their content—otherwise, it will come across as insincere.
Build Rapport First: Engage with an author’s recent post or share insights related to their work before mentioning your services. This approach shows genuine interest and establishes trust before moving to a sales pitch.
Build a Presence: Develop an online portfolio and engage by delivering value to the author community.
Respect Boundaries: Avoid cold DMs unless invited. Instead, engage publicly first to establish rapport.
Alternative Marketing Tactics
Actively take part in writing groups and offer free advice to showcase expertise.
Offer to feature authors in a blog post or podcast, which benefits both parties.
Showcase testimonials and past projects publicly to build credibility before pitching.
Offer valuable resources (like guides or templates) in exchange for authors subscribing to your list, fostering a more organic connection.
Balancing the Conversation
Let’s create an environment where authors and freelancers coexist without the tension of unsolicited DMs and broken trust. A place where authors feel respected and can recognize the genuine support and expertise that freelance professionals bring to the table. After all, we’re in the same proverbial boat—authors market their books to readers, and freelancers market their services to potential clients.
Building this relationship requires a shift from cold, impersonal pitches to thoughtful, intentional interactions—ones that start with genuine interest, mutual respect, and a commitment to understanding each other’s goals. By fostering authentic connections, we can create a professional space where both authors and freelancers thrive.
A Call to Authors
Keep your mind open to new connections and opportunities, while also being cautious. Vet potential collaborators thoroughly. Remember, not every unsolicited message is harmful, but a careful approach can save you from frustration.
A Call to Freelance Professionals
Hold yourself accountable for the way you approach authors. Lead with respect and authenticity. Show genuine interest in an author’s work before making a pitch, and show your value through consistent, meaningful engagement. Long-lasting professional relationships result from the effort invested in building trust and rapport, though this takes time.
