[ownedbycats]

Originally Posted by Byrdie

Had I bought the book instead of borrowing it I'd have been disappointed because frankly, it did not work as well with the serial numbers filed off as they say.

You're not alone:
https://fanlore.org/wiki/Filing_Off_The_Serial_Numbers

In recent years, fewer fans are supportive of these pro publishing activities. Ironically, this comes at a time where fans are finding it much easier to self-publish their fanfic or work through smaller, non-traditional presses. Fans may not appreciate having a beloved, or worse, unfinished WIP suddenly disappear so an author can publish it. Other fans have expressed dissatisfaction at buying a professional gay romance novel, only to discover they've already read the story in its earlier Slash fanfic guise.