Well, it happened. Handsome Devil has cropped up on pirating websites.
It isn’t surprising. Most people who release an ebook—or any creative work—on the internet can expect it to be stolen eventually. But it’s that “eventually” that sticks in my craw. After all, if someone cares enough to steal it, that means I’ve made it, right?
But I know my own numbers, and that just isn’t the case. The flip side is that if people aren’t really searching for it, anyone hosting illegal copies is doing so on their own dime with little to no gain. That’s my little consolation prize.
It’s funny—compared to some other creators, I have a pretty lenient attitude toward piracy. I understand that money can be tight and entertainment is often one of the first luxuries to go. But art and entertainment are essential for staying sane. Living under capitalism is tough enough without losing these small comforts.
However, creators face these same financial pressures. We need money to survive and to justify continued creation. While some authors may be big enough not to notice sales lost to piracy, most indies aren’t. So I guess I’m okay with piracy the same way I’m fine with shoplifting from Loblaws—but don’t pull that shit at a locally owned corner store.
Lastly, for the love of god, don’t donate to piracy websites. If you can afford to donate to them, you can afford to support the authors whose stolen works they’re profiting from.
At the end of the day, please don’t download stolen books. And if you’re here because you read and enjoyed a pirated version of Handsome Devil, please at least leave a review and sign up for the newsletter.
Until next time, travelers. Gael
P.S. The extra insult is that the listing doesn’t even have it categorized under the right genres. If you’re going to peddle my stolen wares, at least get the audience right.