Dan Brown Emailed Me About My Book. There Was Just One Problem…
Being an indie author means receiving quite a lot of unsolicited emails.
People want to market your books. Promote your books. Review your books. Put your books in front of mysterious groups of voracious readers who apparently exist somewhere just beyond your reach and can be accessed for the low, low price of £200.
And occasionally, apparently, Dan Brown emails you.
To be clear before we begin: the real Dan Brown did not email me.
Someone claiming to be Dan Brown did.
Unfortunately for our scammer, I was bored.
What followed has now been going on for over a week and has somehow expanded to include someone claiming to be George R. R. Martin, someone claiming to be an Editorial Director at Canongate, and a Readers' Community Architect who once accidentally emailed me the internal prospecting report she'd compiled about me before trying to sell me her services.
At this point I thought it would be irresponsible not to introduce everybody.
So, for posterity, here is the correspondence in full.
A couple of housekeeping points before we begin:
I've removed all the links from the email footers on Dan's emails. I never clicked them but you might get tempted.
The real authors and publishing professionals whose names have been used have absolutely nothing to do with this. Email addresses have been redacted because, while I am apparently willing to spend an unreasonable amount of my own time annoying scammers, i can't encourage anyone else to contact them... and I was advised to remove the email addresses before posting.
Please don't go looking for them, although it probably won't take you long to figure it out if you're also procrastinating on writing your next masterpiece. Anyway even if you do find them, they're obviously busy. Dan is currently refusing to answer my emails, Helena appears to have disappeared, Charlotte has declined to network, and George has excused himself from proceedings by apparently ceasing to have an email address. I hope he's ok. Anyway. It began on Sunday 27th September 2026, when Dan Brown emailed me about Demeter.
From: info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@
Date: Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 17:10
To: philippa-robinson@live.co.uk <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>
Subject: When the match you buried comes back for you
Hi Philippa,
I recently came across Demeter: Silent Systems, and the premise immediately pulled me in. There is something particularly compelling about a woman who has spent six years believing she escaped an unwanted future, only to have that forgotten match suddenly return and carry her across the galaxy.
Taro Brooke’s situation caught my attention because her journey begins with something so human. She was humiliated when the summons to Demeter never came, eventually rebuilt her life, and buried the entire experience. Then, just when she has moved beyond it, she is asked to confront the very future she thought she had left behind.
Cole Serros makes that situation even more complicated. He has spent years ignoring the match himself, built a position of power on Demeter, and is already promised to someone else. That makes his decision to call for Taro feel loaded with questions. Why now? What changed? And what does he know about Demeter that she does not?
I especially liked the idea that Taro initially feels more like a prisoner than a bride. The endless dunes and corporate silence give the planet an atmosphere of isolation, while the secret beneath Demeter adds another layer of danger to an already complicated relationship.
The forced proximity between Taro and Cole seems particularly effective because the danger is not simply external. He is secretive and controlling, yet the longer she remains near him, the harder it becomes for her to understand what she actually wants. That question at the heart of the premise, whether she wants to escape Demeter or him, feels like a great expression of the emotional tension you are building.
I also appreciate that the romance is described as a slow burn. With dangerous secrets, an uncertain power dynamic, and two people who have spent years resisting the connection between them, it sounds like the relationship has plenty of room to develop through suspicion, frustration, attraction, and reluctant trust.
I’m not reaching out with a pitch or anything transactional. I simply enjoy discovering stories where the science fiction setting creates more than scenery and actually intensifies the emotional relationships at the center of the book, and Demeter: Silent Systemsstood out to me for exactly that reason.
I’d love to stay connected and hear what you’re working on next.
--
Dan Brown
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Deception Point
A pulse-pounding thriller of science, conspiracy & deception
View Book | Amazon Author Page
SCIENCE • HISTORY • MYSTERY • CONSPIRACY
On Mon, Sep 28, 2026 at 1:43 PM Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk> wrote:
Hi Dan,
Well, this wasn't on my author bingo card for today.
Thank you so much for reaching out. I'm delighted Demeter: Silent Systems caught your attention… and slightly concerned that you've understood Cole's red flags this well and still seem to like him, but that's a problem for another day.
You've actually picked up on quite a few things that become important later in the series, so I'm going to have to be careful what I say before I accidentally spoil my own books to Dan Brown.
I'm currently working on the third book, where I'm once again putting attractive people in space and making increasingly questionable things happen to them. Apparently, I have a brand now.
I do have to ask though: how on earth did you come across Demeter? I'm fascinated by the chain of events that has led from The Da Vinci Code to my inbox.
Best,Philippa
P.S. Outlook put you in Junk. I defended you.
From: info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@
Date: Monday, 28 September 2026 at 13:25
To: Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>
Subject: Re: When the match you buried comes back for you
I have to admit, “I defended you” may be my favourite part of your email. Thank you for rescuing me from Outlook’s Junk folder.
I came across Demeter while looking for newer authors writing in the science-fiction/romance space, and the premise genuinely stood out to me. The fact that you’re already working on book three makes me even more curious.
I won’t risk making you spoil anything, but I’d love to know, are you able to share anything about what you’re working on with the third book?
On Mon, Sep 28, 2026 at 3:16 PM Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk> wrote:
Hi Dan,
I'm glad I rescued you. Outlook remains unconvinced, but I'm starting to think that's between the two of you.
I can share a little! Book three is called The Janus. It follows around 300 people who board a ship for an three-month journey in cryogenic sleep, which I'm sure you'll be shocked to learn does not proceed according to schedule.
The main characters are Orion, a former soldier with a somewhat complicated past, and Eve, who has boarded under a false identity. Neither trusts the other, both have their own reasons for being on the ship, and there's an increasingly significant question around exactly why these 300 people were chosen in the first place.
So far, it contains conspiracy, human experimentation, corporate corruption, several deeply unethical decisions and sexual tension in an enclosed environment.
You know…. romance.
I'm trying not to say too much more publicly while I'm drafting it. I'm sure you understand. I don't know how much you were telling random women on Hotmail about The Da Vinci Code while you were writing it.
What about you? What are you working on at the moment? And please feel free to be vague, I wouldn't want you jeopardising a future international publishing deal just to maintain our increasingly unlikely correspondence.
Best,
Philippa
P.S. Outlook asked me whether I wanted to mark you as “Not Spam” again. I said you've got to earn it.
From: info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 00:15
To: Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>
Subject: Re: When the match you buried comes back for you
Hi Philippa,
You’re making it increasingly difficult to defend myself against Outlook.
The Janus sounds like a wonderfully dangerous combination. Three hundred people, cryogenic sleep, false identities, and the question of why they were chosen in the first place—there’s plenty there to keep a reader suspicious.
As for what I’m working on, I’ll take your advice and be deliberately vague. I’ve got a few things developing, but I’ve learned that some stories are better kept quiet until they’re ready to leave the room.
And for the record, I’m taking the “Not Spam” approval as a challenge.
I’ll let you get back to making increasingly questionable decisions for Orion and Eve.
Best,Dan
From: Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 11:23
To: George R. R. Martin <authorgeorgerichard@>; info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@>
Subject: Re: When the match you buried comes back for you
Hi Dan,
I’m pleased you’re taking the Outlook challenge seriously. It’s important to have goals.
On the subject of increasingly unlikely correspondence, I’ve just remembered that George R. R. Martin emailed me a few months ago too.
I never really got to the bottom of that one, so I’ve copied him in. It seemed silly to keep conducting separate correspondence with internationally bestselling authors when you could all just meet here.
George, this is Dan Brown. Dan, George R. R. Martin.
I assume you’re aware of each other’s work.
George, Dan found me while apparently looking for newer authors writing science-fiction/romance.
Dan, George got here first.
I’ll leave you two to establish whether you’ve met.
In the meantime, I’m going to carry on with The Janus and try not to let this sudden influx of literary giants go to my head.
If either of you happens to know Stephen King, please don’t give him my email address. I’d like to see if he can find it himself.
Best,
Philippa
P.S. Dan remains in Junk, although he is appealing the decision. George, I can’t remember where Outlook put you, but given recent developments I’m reviewing everybody’s status.
From: info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 14:55
To: Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>
Subject: Re: When the match you buried comes back for you
Hi Philippa,
Well, this has escalated rather beautifully.
I think you’ve officially turned Outlook’s junk folder into a literary networking event. I’ll leave George to decide whether we’ve “met,” but I’m enjoying the chaos you’ve created.
Some mysteries are better left unsolved.
More seriously, The Janus sounds fascinating. I’ll be interested to hear how it develops once you’re ready to share more. For now, I’ll let you get back to putting those 300 poor people through increasingly questionable circumstances.
Best,Dan
From: Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 15:10
To: info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@>
Subject: Re: When the match you buried comes back for you
Hi Dan,
I agree, it really has escalated. I must admit I’m slightly disappointed you and George haven't taken this opportunity to catch up, but perhaps you're both shy.
I won't bore you with any more about The Janus. You've been incredibly generous with your interest already and, frankly, I'm becoming concerned that I'm monopolising the conversation.
Let's talk about you.
You mentioned that you have “a few things developing”, but were understandably reluctant to say too much. I completely respect that. So instead, perhaps you could tell me something less sensitive. How's Tom Hanks?
Best,
Philippa
P.S. Outlook remains unmoved by your charm offensive.
From: Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>
Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 13:18
To: info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@>; helena.gonda.canongate@<helena.gonda.canongate@>
Subject: FW: When the match you buried comes back for you
Hi Dan,
You haven't replied since yesterday, which I'm choosing not to take personally. I am slightly concerned, however, that our literary networking event has lost momentum. More troublingly, my email to George bounced back. It appears his email account no longer exists. I hope he's okay.
Either way, we're a man down. So, I've brought in a publisher.
Helena, lovely to speak again.
We corresponded back in June when you contacted me in your capacity as Editorial Director at Canongate Books regarding Demeter and its potential for screen adaptation. Unfortunately, our conversation rather fizzled out after I suggested calling you through Canongate's main switchboard. There were some technical difficulties at the time and the entirety of Canongate was unable to take phone calls that day. I do hope they've managed to get that fixed.
Since then, I've apparently attracted the attention of Dan Brown. George R. R. Martin also briefly joined us, although, as mentioned, George is currently experiencing difficulties of his own.
Helena, this is Dan Brown.
Dan, this is Helena from Canongate.
I'm sure there are all sorts of exciting synergies here.
Helena, perhaps you could update us on those screen opportunities you had in mind for Demeter? Dan has taken quite an interest in the series, so this feels wonderfully serendipitous.
I'll leave you both to network.
Best,
Philippa
P.S. Dan remains in Junk. George is missing, presumed deactivated. Helena, given our previous correspondence, Outlook has advised me not to comment on an ongoing investigation.
From: Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk>Date: 1 October 2026 at 3:07:27 pm BSTTo: info danbrown <info.authordanbrown@>, helena.gonda.canongate@, Charlotte Neumann <help.charlotteneuman@>Subject: Re: When the match you buried comes back for you
Hi Dan and Helena, Neither of you has replied, so I've given this some thought and I think I've identified what's missing from our little publishing group: Marketing. Fortunately, I know someone. Charlotte, lovely to reconnect. For everybody else's benefit, Charlotte and I have a slightly unusual history. She first contacted me after conducting an impressively thorough assessment of my books, website, social media presence, Amazon reviews, Goodreads visibility, marketing strategy and, somewhat unexpectedly, my likely financial circumstances.I know this because she accidentally sent me the entire internal research report. Apparently, I was a “Good prospect” with a “Budget likelihood: Moderate.”I've tried not to let it go to my head.Charlotte also diagnosed several problems with my publishing career and concluded that while I was “doing the right things instinctively”, what I lacked was “platform-specific infrastructure”. Fortunately, quite a lot has happened since Charlotte's assessment. Most notably, Dan Brown has found me.Helena Gonda, Editorial Director at Canongate Books, has also expressed interest in developing Demeter for screen. George R. R. Martin briefly joined us, although unfortunately his email address subsequently ceased to exist. We continue to wish him well. So: Charlotte, this is Dan and Helena. Dan and Helena this is Charlotte, Readers' Community Architect. I thought Charlotte might be particularly useful because her original report identified my lack of visibility as a serious concern. Obviously, Dan finding me does rather complicate that analysis, but I'm sure we can work around it. I'll leave you all to network. Best, Philippa P.S. Charlotte, you'll be pleased to know that since your original assessment, I've released another book, so you may wish to revise my budget likelihood accordingly. P.P.S. Outlook has declined further involvement.
On 5 Oct 2026, at 13:15, Philippa Robinson <philippa-robinson@live.co.uk> wrote:
Hi everyone,
Just bumping this to the top of your inboxes in case my previous email got buried.
Dan - don’t worry, I appreciate the irony.
It's been a few days now and nobody has replied, which has left me wondering whether perhaps everyone is waiting for someone else to go first.
So, let's make this easier.
Dan - are you still interested in the Janus?
Helena - are you still interested in adapting Demeter for the screen?
Charlotte - am I still a ‘good prospect’ with a ‘budget likelihood: moderate’?
You can simply reply YES or NO to your respective question. No need for anything lengthy.
George, obviously, is excused.
If it helps break the ice, I’ll go first:
Philippa - are you still committed to make this professional relationship work?
YES
Hopefully that gets us moving again.
For administrative purposes, responses by 5pm today would be appreciated.
Best,
Philippa
P.S. If I receive no responses, I may have to escalate the issue.
P.P.S Would it help everyone feel more comfortable if I also pretended to be someone I’m not?
WHERE THINGS CURRENTLY STAND
And that brings us up to date.
At the time of writing, Dan, Helena, and Charlotte have until 5pm to confirm whether they remain committed to this professional relationship.
George, as previously established, is excused.
I remain cautiously optimistic that somebody will eventually remember that they emailed me first.
In the meantime, there has been one slightly troubling development: I haven't receievd a single new unsolicited author marketing email for several days.
This is unusual.
I'm beginning to wonder whether i've been put on some kind of list.
Which would be particularly upsetting, because apparently i was once a Good Prospect with a Budget Likelihood: Moderate, and i'd hate to think i've damaged my professional reputation.
I'll update this page if anybody responds.
Or if another internationally bestselling author finds me.
Whichever happens first.
Last updated: 5th October 2026
Status: Outlook remains unconvinced.
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