Novels, Fame, and Pirates? Oh my!
Posted on February 1st, 2012 by Lakisha SpletzerI never thought I’d ever have to write a post like this, but I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, though I would have preferred later.
I have recently had the pleasant *lol* and surprising experience of having my novels Werelove Midnight Revelations and Werelove Dusk Conspiracy pirated. Yep, you heard me, pirated.
Before this happened to me, I didn’t really give much thought to the whole thing. I mean, I’m an indie author in a sea of indie authors. Who in the world would want to take my novels? I know right now that my friends and confidants are all pitching a fit about my opinion on my writing worth, but I was content to be a small fish in a big pond.
However, that does not mean that I will allow myself to be eaten by pirates fishing for things to grab. It’s not like my ebooks are so outrageously high. 99 cents is the cheapest at that any of the major ebook distributors will let you get away with, pricing -wise. I don’t include free because that doesn’t count because you’re giving it away.
Imagine my surprise when I followed the google alert (Authors you should set them up HERE) to Scribd, who I use to post excerpts of my work and that’s it. A user had not only uploaded Werelove Midnight Revelations, but fourteen other novels by YA novels, many of them indie but some from major publishing houses.
My initial reaction was surprise. Seriously, someone thought me worthy of a steal to give away for free. I wasn’t even going to make a fuss either because, I’ll admit a vain moment. I mean, really, I always equated pirates of ebooks to those with success, bestsellers, etc. It never occurred to me to be in that category.
But, after talking with several authors who pointed out the financial downside to the piracy I had to adjust my thinking. I’m a single parent who is writing 1) because I absolutely do love it and 2) to get a little income in to be able to give my kids something besides, “sorry, we’re poor, and you can’t have that.” I hated hearing that when I was growing up and I so don’t want to do that to my two wild ones.
But, I digress. Back to the topic. I went through Scribd’s process and got it removed. I also let the other authors know what had happened. What they did, I have no idea, but at least my conscience was clear.
Which brings us to the latest bit of piracy that was discovered by my editor. A website, Epub Bud, had Werelove Dusk Conspiracy uploaded. I filled out the copyright infringement complaint form and I’m waiting to hear back. If I don’t hear something by Monday, I’m going to get a little bit aggressive.
Because of these two incidents, I’m now going to be applying DRM to my books which I really, really didn’t want to do but I was taught that stealing is wrong and I’m not going to condone it.
If you want my books, keep visiting this blog. I’m doing so many blog hops, giveaways and more that there are more than enough chances to snag something.
Which brings me to my last question, now that I’ve been pirated twice, does that make me famous? Just wondering.
