So, I got to do something really cool this morning.
I was interviewed on TV! My friend and fellow author, James Peercy and I appeared on Denison’s Channel KTEN to promote our Authorfest event next weekend! I was so starstruck and nervous! I’m used to being behind the camera, not in front of it! But I think I did okay and didn’t stammer to much. I tried to speak slowly and smile and articulate and all that good stuff. Best of all, I got to talk about my books!
In less exciting news, last night, I discovered that someone had uploaded my books to a pirating website. Technically, they were on separate websites, but in order to read or download the books, you had to sign up for another website. All the sites led back to that one website. I have fired off two Cease and Desist emails to them and have yet to hear back. But here’s the gist…
I have just found my new Young Adult novel, Boy Band, on one of your websites, which claims to be an open library where readers may download my book for free or read it online. When I clicked on the registration tab, it relocated me to your site. A separate website, featured my first book, Cemetery Tours, and again, led me back to you. Unless you have somehow paid for the rights to my books or I am getting paid for every read or download you recieve, you do not have my permission to use my books on any of your websites, and I politely request that you take them down. If this is beyond your power, I ask that you give me the contact information to the person whom I may contact to address this issue.
I will be checking back.
Thank you for your time,
Jacqueline E. Smith
(I included links in the original email, but chose to delete them from this post.)
Here’s the deal. I’m not stupid. I know books are going to get pirated. I know movies and songs and games are going to get pirated. It shouldn’t happen, but it does. I’m thankful, however, that most readers understand how much work and love that authors, especially indie authors, pour into their books. It’s our trade. It’s our profession. I’d love to live in a world where money doesn’t matter, where people could just read my books for free and be happy. But the sad truth is money is necessary if we are to continue on writing. Moreso, authors deserve to paid for their craft, just like any other artist. I wish I didn’t need money, but I also wish websites like this didn’t try to take advantage of people who work hard and sacrifice trying to make a living doing what they love.
Have a good weekend, y’all!
A Platform of Sorts 