[Publicist] Kerry Jacobson

Snitchcat · Mar 10, 2014

I came across Kerry Jacobson's name in a FB post by a friend who shared via another person.

According to the article, Mr. Jacobson is a con-artist. On FB, he is Kerry Jacobson; on Twitter, he is @bookgenie.

A quick Google search turned up lots of links to a band / mucisian. Only 2 or so links pointed to an e-book and book marketing specialist.

Mr. Jacobson claims he has helped over 200 authors (last I read) to be able to get authors (mainly independent authors) onto the NYT and Amazon bestseller lists. This statement sent up red flags for me.

Does anyone have any insights?

Article in question: http://kerryjacobson-scam-man.com/
Google search: long link

ETA:
The link to the article no longer exists. It goes to an odd page.

Maddie · Mar 10, 2014

It appears to be a scam at face value. Perhaps the person who posted her experience here should contact the DA in Palm Beach County, Florida, for starters. Victoria, I'm wondering if this individual has come up on the Writer Beware radar yet?

Becca C. · Mar 11, 2014

I feel so bad for Victoria Danann. She did her research and still got scammed. Very sad story.

JournoWriter · Mar 11, 2014

Can the thread title be edited to conform to room style?

DreamWeaver · Mar 11, 2014

JournoWriter said:
Can the thread title be edited to conform to room style?

And to correct the typo?

victoriastrauss · Mar 11, 2014

I've heard from a couple of authors in the past week about this guy, and I'm collecting information for a possible blog post.

Anyone who has had problems with Kerry Jacobson, please contact me--or if you know someone, please pass on my contact info. All information shared with Writer Beware is held in strict confidence. beware [at] sfwa.org.

- Victoria

girlyswot · Mar 11, 2014

Kerry Jacobson scam

He claims to be a book publicist and to be able to get your book on bestseller lists. Apparently his modus operandi is to track down authors whose books are on Amazon's movers and shakers lists, friend them on FB and offer his services. He takes $$$$ and then does nothing.

Here's one author's experience: http://kerryjacobson-scam-man.com/

If he contacts you, run, don't walk.

jvc · Mar 11, 2014

All ready a thread in bewares: <snipped>

greeneyes · Mar 11, 2014

girlyswot said:
He claims to be a book publicist and to be able to get your book on bestseller lists. Apparently his modus operandi is to track down authors whose books are on Amazon's movers and shakers lists, friend them on FB and offer his services. He takes $$$$ and then does nothing.

Here's one author's experience: http://kerryjacobson-scam-man.com/

If he contacts you, run, don't walk.

I just clicked on that link and WOW. I'm so sorry that author got taken for $6500 and doesn't sound like she's going to recoup it. I'm so glad she's publicizing this scammer before he takes advantage of someone else.

Filigree · Mar 11, 2014

I may be thinking too small, but I cannot imagine giving someone that much money for publicity on my self-published works. For one, I wouldn't have it to give. Two, I'd need to verify testimonials with a background check. (Costs way less than what the author spent.)

Maddie · Mar 11, 2014

Unfortunately, a well known author did produce a testimonial for Mr. Jacobson, and to this author's horror, that testimonial was used to allegedly induce other authors to turn over money to Mr. Jacobson. But definitely, Filigree, there aren't many indie authors who have hard cash to hand over to a publicist, even one with integrity, or the otherwise shady character this blog suggests the individual may be. There ain't no legal band-aid big enough to cover that ouchie...

LindaJeanne · Mar 11, 2014

Maddie said:
this blog

Looks like someone had the blog taken down -- it's not on archive.org either

I think he'll find it a bit harder to get the Writer Beware post taken down, once Victoria has the evidence together to write it.

Snitchcat · Mar 12, 2014

I've just contacted Ms. Danann. But I don't know if or when she'll get my message. Either way, here's hoping she gets in touch with Victoria.

Gravity · Mar 12, 2014

Maybe this guy is Bouncin' Bobby Fletcher's love child.

LindaJeanne · Mar 12, 2014

Snitchcat said:
I've just contacted Ms. Danann. But I don't know if or when she'll get my message. Either way, here's hoping she gets in touch with Victoria.

On the Google-cached version of the page that I saw this morning, she was encouraging others who had problems to contact Victoria, so I think she has

Snitchcat · Mar 12, 2014

That's good news.

(PS. Typing with a cat on the keyboard is incredibly difficult.)

CaoPaux · Aug 23, 2014

Writer Beware's blog post: http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/04/take-money-and-run-kerry-jacobson-book.html

CaoPaux · Nov 30, 2016

His Author Bub site is gone (authorbub.com, FTR), and complaints stop back in March. Anyone trip over him recently?

[Publicist] Kerry Jacobson

Snitchcat

Dragon-kitty.

Maddie

Roe Draje

Becca C.

JournoWriter

Just the facts, please

DreamWeaver

Shakespearean Fool

victoriastrauss

Writer Beware Goddess

girlyswot

jvc

Fearsome Dragon Mod

greeneyes

Filigree

Mildly Disturbing

Maddie

Roe Draje

LindaJeanne

On a small world west of wonder

Snitchcat

Dragon-kitty.

Gravity

Seen 'em come, seen 'em go

LindaJeanne

On a small world west of wonder

Snitchcat

Dragon-kitty.

CaoPaux

Mostly Harmless

CaoPaux

Mostly Harmless