Tuesday, Carrie Harris wrote about a phenomenon I didn't even realize was out there. We've all heard about pirated movies and music, but books are feeling it now too.
Make sure to head over to Saundra Mitchell's blog and read what she has to say about her personal experiences with book pirating.
Okay, I know I'm posting Right of Succession for free right now, but I have my own reasons for doing so. I'm still getting something out of the deal. It was my decision to do so, so it's all good. Not every author wants to take the route I decided on, and even then, should the same happen to my stuff, it would hurt like heck.
It takes years. Yes, years folks, to get a book from idea to the bookshelf, especially first books. Those downloads don't count toward the author's sales numbers. They don't see a penny for them. Worse, each successive lowers the chance the author will be able to sell their next book because it cuts into the number of sold copies, which is the only number their employers, the publishing companies look at. I mean, why should they care how many times it's downloaded? Do they see anything from the downloads? So, the pirates are gleefully hacking off their peg legs without realizing it.
It takes years. Yes, years folks, to get a book from idea to the bookshelf, especially first books. Those downloads don't count toward the author's sales numbers. They don't see a penny for them. Worse, each successive lowers the chance the author will be able to sell their next book because it cuts into the number of sold copies, which is the only number their employers, the publishing companies look at. I mean, why should they care how many times it's downloaded? Do they see anything from the downloads? So, the pirates are gleefully hacking off their peg legs without realizing it.
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into something for a year or five, then to wake up one morning to find people happily stealing from you and stomping all over your career while smiling and waving, all while there's very little you can do to stop them. Kinda makes you sick to your stomach, doesn't it?
What can you do?
First, don't join in. Ms. Mitchell gives directions on how to get your hands on a book in ways which aren't detrimental to your favorite author even if the book isn't currently available in your area, or you can't afford to buy it.
Second, spread the word. Like Ms. Mitchell says, "Free" books aren't free. You're getting it at the expense of the author whose work you want to read and making it less likely you'll ever see anything else of theirs available.
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