Quote:
Originally Posted by tompe
What do you mean we can't know? What about doing empirical studies? What about looking at the studies that have been done?
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On an individual basis, that person cannot know if it will result in a sale or future sales. They may believe it, but it does not change the fact that unless they follow up with the person, they cannot know. And so it is the same thing if I were to claim "every shared book is a lost sale for me." The truth is, every shared book is probably not a lost sale. And every shared book is probably not a new fan/new sale.
So we have the argument that goes round and round. And all I can state that for me personally, as an author, I ask people not to share. Feel free to review, lend via lendleme type sites or Amazon or B&N, tell people about the book, blog it, ask your library to buy it, etc. Please don't share it by way of copying and "giving" my books away. My attitude may be keeping me from getting new fans. I'll take my chances.
If people want to try my work for free, there are numerous chances at my blog store via free short stories by myself and other writers who have chosen to make their short stories available there. There is sampling available at all the retailers. If a reviewer wants a review copy, they only need to ask/show intent to honestly review.
Both my series are available in print at around 6 libraries. Request an Interlibrary loan.
There are many ways to get legal copies.