TV and Pirates

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!