We’ve learned that someone is emailing authors under the names of Freehand’s editors, claiming to be interested in soliciting work for the press. They’re using fake email addresses and have used AI to write convincing and personalized messages.
If you receive a message from Freehand that is potentially suspicious, please check with us directly at the contact information listed on our website. We will also NEVER request money or payment from authors.
For further information, please see this statement on AI scams targeting writers on The Writers’ Union of Canada website.
June 11, 2026 addendum: The Calgary Herald covered the story of AI scammers targeting authors here.