This was not actually meant to be my first blog post. Although we'd already started posting in my blog on Goodreads, my daughter and I have been agonizing for months about what exactly we should post here, and when we should start.
It has been daunting enough to be a first-time author, but then to face the annoying reality of having your work misappropriated and pirated - but that is exactly what has happened!
Gone are the days when only famous authors had to worry about their works being pirated. I've read an interesting article today by award-winning author, Nicholas C. Rossis on the very subject. Indie Authors are finding themselves on the other end of the pirates' scopes, as they seek new content to bend to their fiendish will.
We made some quick research today online that we are putting into action. Step one involves informing all of you about these potentially malicious and fraudulent websites on a public website that appears in a Google search.
So here are the websites which have raised our suspicions so far, as they have not been authorized by me or my publisher to distribute my book in any form. In addition, they may contain malicious programs with computer viruses:
http://slander76grumbling.booksengulf.org/pat/s/sammy-ringtail-s-adventure-to-the-big-city_cdkzkif.pdf
http://snfactor.com/content/free-sammy-ringtails-adventure-big-city-get-jennetta-younge-natasha-younge-electronic-book
http://ebookspdffreedownload.net/downloadebookfree2702.php
WARNING! DO NOT VISIT THOSE LINKS, as I can not guarantee the safety of those sites.
We are in the process of reporting them to appropriate organizations and, if necessary, authorities.
You can still purchase our book safely directly from our publisher on Friesen Press. There are many other legitimate websites selling our book in hard copy and e-book format, including Amazon and GooglePlay. In fact, here are some of our Five-Star Amazon Reviews!
If you see any other sites using the language "free" or "give-away" in relation to my book without any connection to myself or my publisher, or that looks suspicious, please use the comments below to bring it to our attention.
We appreciate your help in keeping our readers and customers safe from nasty pirates! Thank you!
Sources:
"Har! How to Deal with Book Piracy" http://nicholasrossis.me/2015/07/26/har-how-to-deal-with-book-piracy/ (Nicholas C. Rossis, July 26, 2015)
"Tell Google About Scam Rip Off Sites?" http://subtractme.com/tell-google-about-scam-rip-off-sites/ (subtractme.com)
copyright 2015 Jennetta Younge
