This is the story of a traditionally published sci-fi author who received more than fifty scam book-marketing pitches in thirty-three days, all hoping to prey on his desperation to sell books and net his next publishing deal. We’ll call him Rob. It’s also the story of a plucky, persistent, puzzled AI named Veronica and a scammer who steals real authors’ identities in order to get their marks’ guards down. But mostly, it’s the story of what happens when an entire industry is drowning, and the people holding out life preservers are running a con. The wave began with Mercy Gold (which is a great name for a werewolf hunter or demon slayer, BTW). “Hello,” her email started. “You’ve already laid a great foundation with your blurb and keywords that’s a strong start.” A compliment sandwich, I know them well. You’re doing great, BUT there’s a problem you didn’t know you had.…