I received this email today:

Screenshot of email from Sylvia Wilson reading: Dear Joanne, My name is Sylvia Wilson, a talent representative operating independently of any specific production company but with extensive connections across the industry. Your book, name blacked out, was showcased by a book agent, and upon gaining further insight, I can see why it was so highly recommended. Adapting a book into a film is a complex and intricate process, requiring careful consideration at every stage to ensure a seamless transition from page to screen. Each phase must balance the creative essence of the story with the technical and narrative demands of filmmaking. I would greatly value the opportunity to discuss name blacked out with you directly. Gaining deeper insights into its themes, characters, and your vision for the story will enable me to evaluate how best to align it with the interests of directors and studios. As you’re aware, while creativity is central to this endeavor, factors such as market demand, target audiences, and investment potential also play a crucial role in advancing a project successfully. If you’re open to exploring this further, I would love to arrange a time to discuss your book and its potential as a film. Please let me know your availability, and we can schedule a conversation at your convenience. Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you.

A few ways to know this is a scam:

  1. The book “Sylvia Wilson” references was written a few decades ago and although I self-published it at the time, I only sold a handful of copies, all to friends, and I took it down after realizing that it wasn’t my best work. There’s no way that a book agent has seen it.
  2. If she were the real deal, she would specify who the book agent was and where they “showcased” it.
  3. Book agents don’t “showcase” books by authors they do not represent, and I don’t currently have an agent.
  4. The website for her “company” (which ought to be talentrepresentative.com, from her email address) looks like this:
a screenshot of a web hosting company's message telling the user to set up their website

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