Quinn
asked
Eloisa James:
Do authors generally mind when their books are bought secondhand or borrowed from libraries? I am not in the position to buy books new, and I always feel like I am cheating authors out of profit when I use alternate methods to read their work. Thoughts?
Eloisa James
Hi Quinn! Well, I don't. Here's the thing: when I was a grad student (and before), I couldn't afford any books. So I either went to the library or a used bookstore. As an author, I feel that those books were originally bought, so I had a profit. After that, the more people who read my books, the happier I am--I'm definitely not spending all this time working for an elite few. The only alternate method that really hurts is when people pirate books. I never know quite what to say when a reader bounces up to me and says, "I can't afford your books so I have to read the free ones on-line." That feels like theft to me because I work so hard on the books. But when it comes to libraries and used bookstores, I was paid when the book first sold so no worries! I'm so happy you enjoy my books ~ Eloisa
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