In celebration of my return to my paranormal roots, I’m offering a free short-short story. Skyclad Whispers introduces the village of Whispering Valley, a quaint, timeless place where the inhabitants aren’t always what they appear to be. If you enjoy the read, post a comment and let me know!
This is a subject I hate to have to write about, but it’s a growing trend that could mean the end of the line for many authors. Which means the books you enjoy won’t be written.
Ebook piracy is taking off like it did in the music industry a decade ago. When bands discovered their sales were dropping, many had to go back to live tours to make a living. Authors can’t do that. I mean, seriously, how many people would really pay to go hear La Nora read her latest novel? It’d be great at first, but how long does it take most of us to read a novel? Could you sit and listen to someone read that long?
But I’m jumping ahead. Ebook piracy isn’t only affecting the new releases published in ebook format. Pirates are scanning copies of print books and offering them for free. Or better yet, some are SELLING collections of ebooks. Some publishers are refusing to release their books as ebooks. J.K. Rowling insisted that Harry Potter not be made available in e-format. Yet it’s out there, thanks to the efforts of some scum.
Already there are authors who have ended certain series because of the number of prior books circulating for free. They’re focusing on print publishers instead.
There are those who insist that copyright is taking rights away from them. Huh? I will never understand that one. What I understand is they can do their 9-5 job and get paid for the work they did, without question. But we authors are expected to do our job for free. Cool, set me up mortgage free, with a working car, groceries, utilities, and all, and I’ll work for free. As it is, I work two (or three) jobs to be able to keep a roof over my head while my writing backlist grows. Those hours away from my computer mean stories that will never be written.
Another argument is that authors can afford to lose some sales. Or, the pirates would never have bought the book to begin with. Or, if they like the free book they’ll go buy it, or the rest of an authors books.
Get real, people. Does your grocer let you eat a steak before deciding if you’ll buy it? If you’re concerned, look for excerpts and reviews before buying a book.
Back to contests. The latest thing to do is surf the Internet, Twitter and other social networking sites, and join the author loops to try and win free ebooks. Then offer them up on a file-sharing site so others can read it, too. It’s a game to them. They do it because they can.
Big name authors and publishers are getting involved, though, so prosecution and fines will finally be handed down. Sure, some ebook pirates will just go deeper underground, but a majority are like the woman who recently got fined in the six-figures for downloading files illegally.
Most importantly, authors are discovering that giving away ebooks hurts their sales more than helps it, because of pirates. They’ll give away print copies or items other than books instead.
I apologize to those who enter contests for the right reasons, and tell their friends about the books they enjoy, without sending the ebook to all of them. You are the reason we still write, and why we fight to keep the pirates at bay. We’re spending more hours sending take-down notices and filing complaints than we should, but maybe one day we’ll be able to use that time as we should: to write MORE BOOKS!
Have you entered the contest at Raven’s Happy Hour? Among the prizes are a Sony Ereader and a $50 prepaid Visa!
It’s easy to enter, instructions are at the link above. Just find the Sony ereader icon on each of the participating authors’ websites. (Hint: Mine is on the page for my newest release.) Send the list to the address supplied and you are entered!
Good luck to all who enter!
I listed all the names from comments, the Ari Thatcher Fans Yahoo Group and the Facebook fan group, and with the help if Random.org, came up with my three winners!
1st Prize goes to Kay Ficken
2nd Prize goes to Rebecca Berg Grimaldi
3rd Prize goes to Jennifer Mackin
Congrats to all the winners, and thanks to those of you who took the time to read and comment.
Kyle’s Redemption has been out for one day and I’m already hearing great reviews. It’s so heartwarming to know your words connected with someone.
Don’t forget, my contest runs until Sunday night, 11/22. Comment here, or read the original announcement for more chances to win!
My next novella, Kyle’s Redemption, releases on 11/18 at Ellora’s Cave! TO celebrate, I’m holding a week-long book tour and contest.
Prizes:
1. Spa basket with an autographed copy of Ellora’s Cavemen: Flavors of Ecstasy II
2. Autographed copy of Ellora’s Cavemen: Flavors of Ecstasy II
3. Free ebook of Kyle’s Redemption
To enter:
1. Join Ari Thatcher Fans news loop – all members are automatically entered in all my contests!
2. Comment on any of the blogs I post on during the week of 11/16/09 – 11/22/09. Check here each day for a link to my current stop.
3. If you’re on Twitter, tell your friends about the contest. Just include @arithatcher in your tweet sending people to this blog post and you’ll get another entry. Retweeting someone else’s tweet about the blog with also counts!
4. Post the contest link on Myspace or your own blog, then email me a link to your post.
5. Join my fan page on Facebook. All members are automatically entered in my contests!
See how easy that is? So what are you waiting for? Enter now!
Unleashed Temptation – Available Now from Ellora’s Cave
After finding out her boyfriend has been cheating on her with her boss, Carly decides her life needs a makeover. She trades in her winter coat for a bikini and heads south to Miami, Florida. Almost as soon as she arrives, she falls in lust with the sexiest man she’s ever laid eyes on. Too bad he’s her new boss.
Alpha werewolf Nick gave up hope of finding his mate a century ago. When sexy redhead Carly comes to work for him, she disrupts his entire world. Although he desperately wants to come clean about what he is, he keeps running into problems. Like the fact that an ancient enemy has set his sights on Carly. Nick discovers he’ll go to any lengths to keep her safe. Even if it means losing her in the process.
Read excerpt here.
Purchase digital version here.
For more titles from Savannah Stuart, click here.
For a chance to win a copy of Unleashed Temptation, visit Sarai J’s Blog here.
I’ve decided to have a contest this weekend for those of you who, like me, are not at Romanticon. I’m finally setting up my
newsletter. Everyone who joins this weekend will be entered into a drawing for a free ebook from me!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arithatchersfans
Just join the email loop before 6pm Pacific time Sunday and you’ll be entered in the drawing. I’ll notify the winner Sunday after 9pm PT.
Good luck!
Join me this week for the launch of a group blog featuring up and coming romance authors of different sub-genres. Be sure to enter Michelle Holman’s contest to win a copy of her new release from HarperCollins, KNOTTED.
Hurry, the contest ends October 8!
Let’s make that “are”! I decided to award all three of the commenters for taking the time to visit my blog. Cathy M, Connie and Annalise, I’ll email you each directly to find out which of my books you want. I hope you enjoy!
