I have been told many times over that the ebook industry, much like the music industry, is fraught with Piracy! How will I ever make any money from my novels with all these pirates on the digital seas, stealing and whatnot!?And why would pirates be interested in my novel? Should I really be worried about piracy?
Pirates only highjack novels that are marketable, novels that sell. Why waste time and effort pirating unsaleable trash novels in the seedy digital black market? Pirates only steal what's worth stealing.
Whats the real issue I face as an Indie author trying to spread the word about my novels?
Obscurity is my enemy, not piracy.
To be pirated is a complement, I have succeeded in catching the pirate's attention. He wouldn't steal my ebook if it wasn't valuable. At least he knows I exist.
Perhaps he even read my novel ... that would make me happy :)
http://www.twluedke.com/
http://www.wattpad.com/story/1785055-the-shepherd
https://twitter.com/TWLuedke
Yes! I had the same thought myself. I'd be so flattered to find my books on a share file site!
ReplyDeleteRecently, I was rather pissed off to find my book on a file-share site. Your slant gives me a new perspective. I've been noticed! I planned to file a complaint. Don't think I will now. Thanks Travis!
ReplyDeleteFor Indie authors, pirates provide a way to reach a larger audience. Chances are, someone who reads one of your pirated novels will become a fan, and they may seek out your other works. They may tell their friends about you.
ReplyDeleteExpansion of readership is our concern as Indie authors. We don't have the benefit of a publishing house distribution whizbang.
And many of those pirating are not making any money by providing access to torrents for your books. However if you do find a site hosting a link to a torrent you could take a leaf out of the book ( so to speak ) of the guys at Indiegame the Movie; they left a comment saying they were delighted people were discovering their film but would be better supported if some payments were made direct to their project and went as far as to make it easy for people to contribute.
ReplyDeletewhilst there is plenty of anecodotal data about the affect of piracy on individuals and 'some' actual data what rarely gets highlighted is the point that you , and Cory Doctorow and Charles Stross raise. Without access to free distribution mechanisms you are locked outside the gates of publishers and agents who would want to control to flow of creative ides according to their marketing needs.
one more thing ; your book is not available in the UK kindle store; I was about to purchase it. I guess if I can find a torrent I can get a download and work out how to send you cash directly ( circumventing amazons agency fee as well )
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou make a valid point that's worthy of further investigation. there probably is a way to make pirate distribution work more directly in your favor.
ReplyDeleteand by the way "The Nightlife New York" is available in the UK:
www.amazon.co.uk/The-Nightlife-York-Series-ebook/dp/B0090P1MIU/
thanks for link ; consider it bought and consider Amazon kicked a little for not making the link between your US store on your widget and the need for me to buy in the UK ( something suggests you wont get the affiliate points for that ) Look out for a pingback from my other site where I will be talking about you post and pointing people to your book. Keep on writing.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure you get a copy of the 2nd edition that's coming out next week. (Free of course).
ReplyDeleteThanks ;)
Ahoy mateys...you and yer landlubbin' buckos be most welcome t' download me books. Save yer doubloons for drimkin' rum.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/106449871/BOOK-MERAH-Download-Schedule-Update
Ahoy Stephen Black, the Blackest pirate o the seven digital seas. Free downloads = new readership. Methinks yer black heart ha grasped the point o the whole bloody blog post!
ReplyDeleteNice one, TW! Couldn't agree more! The more people know about my my books and want to read them, the better, can't stand all this 'sniff sniff, you're cheating me out of my £1.20 royalty" stuff! :)
ReplyDeleteThe first time I heard about this concept was an interview with Neil Gaiman who deliberately puts his stuff out for free. Watch here. Brilliant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qkyt1wXNlI
ReplyDelete