Quote:
Originally Posted by PuxyYunm
There are several methods of obtaining books that leave the author uncompensated such as stealing them (including illegal downloads), borrowing from friends or libraries, and buying them second-hand.
But if one reads and enjoys a book obtained without any channel of recompense between the reader himself and the author, it would be nice to be able to make some sort of direct compensation to the author.
Would authors who made a PayPal account available for donations, for instance, be likely to be compensated by readers who have come across their books through "non-standard" channels?
Are there other kinds of compensation authors would welcome from those who can't afford the sometimes appalling prices charged for new books and who must choose between "alternate" sources or not reading the author at all?
I'd welcome the opportunity to put something directly in the author's pocket, even if it were just a chance to thank him personally.
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In my case I'd take money from anyone who wanted to donate, but I'm greedy that way.
Seriously, though, I'm in a book club on another forum where about half the readers are Library and used-book buyers only (nothing wrong with that). However, they are also the loudest complainers when a publisher drops an author. I mean that. They go on and on griping about the publisher dropping the author...even though several of us (non authors too) have pointed out that, gee, if you really love an author, you have to support them by BUYING new. They just don't see it that way. And I'm not judging anyone or libraries (which I love.)
But the fact remains: If you have a favorite author, buy the book. If you want to support them after that purchase, gift the book by buying a second copy. If you don't want to spend additional money or can't--talk about the book and tell people you LOVE the book (if you really do. I am not suggesting you need to become a shoe salesman.)
Write a heart-felt review. Don't want to write something public?
Write the author a note. Trust me--some days--and we have those days--a simple note that says, "I loved your book" is enough to make an author do a BIG happy dance. Because some days it doesn't seem worth writing another single word.
Compensation is not made of money alone.