It’s Halloween and that means we should be on the lookout for shifty creatures lurking in dark corners that would do us harm.

Beware of writing scams. (Flickr: Luz Adriana Villa A.)

Believe it or not, there are many sketchy characters out there whose sole purpose is to scam aspiring writers.

Sound far-fetched? It’s not.

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Writers, especially rookies, tend to be vulnerable to con artists claiming to be literary agents and publishers, editors and big-time Hollywood dream-makers.

Their main goal is to exploit the dreams of writing hopefuls – for profit.

Before you shop your manuscript, you simply must check out Writer Beware.

This website is an invaluable resource to writers, offering updated information on the latest schemes and scams, blog posts, news items and an “extensive database of questionable literary agents, publishers, independent editors, writers’ services, contests, publicity services, and others.”

Are you entangled with a disreputable character and not sure where to turn?

Writer Beware also offers a free research service and will even assist law enforcement officials in bringing the scammers to justice.