Third-Party Free Sites... Undermining Authors Sales?

I just discovered a site where my book has made available for free downloads. Interestingly enough, I didn't sign up or authorize this. And it appears that there are many other books being made public for others to pick up free.

I understand if I set up my book to be available in a public library then I might gain readers but lose out on sales. That's my choosing. But to find it out there in some scab site for anyone to grab leaves me feeling cold. I don't expect to roll in cash with each book nor do I expect to top the charts, break records or fill the world with my particular brand of wisdom. I just have stories to tell and feel damned blessed that there are people out there who enjoy them. I am trying to make this my career and help support my family. Watching the book slip out for free undermines that respect of my new goal in life. It's a little hard to swallow, even with a stout cup of black coffee.

Not sure if this is a reportable issue or something I will have to learn to deal with as I put my work out on the internet. This may be just another hurdle other authors have dealt with and now it's my turn. Or maybe I should take it as a compliment that someone thought it was good enough to share with everyone.

Not sure which way to go. Guess I should look at it as an opportunity to gain and grow from it.

Comments

  1. This is going to be an ongoing battle for as long as the internet exists. About the best you can do is send a cease and desist letter to the offenders telling them to remove your book from their site. The bad thing is, as soon as one of these sites get shut down, they just set up under another url.

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    Replies
    1. This seems to be the prevailing thought. I appreciate the insight.

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