Receive a collaboration offer on royal road- legit or something to avoid?

[Arvi]

Hey everyone!

I just received a message that’s left me a bit puzzled. They’re offering to collaborate and bring my characters to life through art, which sounds like a common scam tactic. They even shared their Discord handle for further contact.

My story is still in the introductory phase. So, it feels a bit surprising that someone would want to get involved this early.

Has anyone else gotten a similar message from artists, or worked with anyone who reached out like this?

 

[Corty]

I did, but I politely refused. I don't know if it was a scam; the user was also mostly civil and polite, not sounding like a bot in subsequent replies. It could easily be just an artist looking to sell some art. I respect the hustle if that is the case.

 

[BLIGHT_ZERO]

Hey everyone!

I just received a message that’s left me a bit puzzled. They’re offering to collaborate and bring my characters to life through art, which sounds like a common scam tactic. They even shared their Discord handle for further contact.

My story is still in the introductory phase. So, it feels a bit surprising that someone would want to get involved this early.

Has anyone else gotten a similar message from artists, or worked with anyone who reached out like this?

lets see the dms

 

[Arvi]

I did, but I politely refused. I don't know if it was a scam; the user was also mostly civil and polite, not sounding like a bot in subsequent replies. It could easily be just an artist looking to sell some art. I respect the hustle if that is the case.

You handled it well by politely refusing. It's hard to tell sometimes, but respecting the hustle is a good approach!

lets see the dms

 

[BLIGHT_ZERO]

You handled it well by politely refusing. It's hard to tell sometimes, but respecting the hustle is a good approach!

I'm serious, maybe someone here knows them and knows they are a scammer or maybe we can tell by how they word stuff

 

[Keene]

Similarly, has anyone been messaged about publishing rights for their work? I recently was messaged on RR by someone representing https://podiumentertainment.com/, and I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with them or their site.

 

[Arvi]

Similarly, has anyone been messaged about publishing rights for their work? I recently was messaged on RR by someone representing https://podiumentertainment.com/, and I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with them or their site.

I’ve only received messages about collaboration, not publishing rights specifically. But it does sound a bit sketchy, so definitely be cautious with those kinds of messages.

 

[beast_regards]

There are similar automated messages going around AO3 at the moment -artist web comic and other collaboration.

It's a scam.

It's not surprising they found their way to Royal Road.

 

[CrimsonGenius]

Never collaborate. Your own schedule and ideas or bust.