Mark Dawson, a well-known figure in the self-publishing world and creator of the Self Publishing Formula, has been recently embroiled in allegations of plagiarism. The accusations first surfaced on Reddit, where a user compiled a growing list of passages from Dawson’s novels that seem to closely mirror excerpts from works by other authors, including Stephen Hunter and William Boyd. These similarities raised concerns that Dawson may have lifted phrases and descriptions from these authors without proper attribution.
While plagiarism in the literary world is not uncommon, the extent of the claims against Dawson has shocked many within the self-publishing community. The allegations highlight several examples of nearly identical text from other published works, leading critics to question Dawson’s creative integrity. Despite Dawson’s significant success in the self-publishing realm, where he reportedly earned over $1 million in 2021, these allegations have cast a shadow on his reputation.
Dawson, who has yet to make a formal public statement addressing the claims, is facing increasing scrutiny as the Reddit investigation gains momentum. The broader concern is how this might affect his influence over aspiring authors who follow his guidance through the Self Publishing Formula courses and podcast. With more details continuing to emerge, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Dawson’s future in the self-publishing industry.