JANUARY GRAY REVIEWS

99 PENNIES

One of my biggest peeves lately that I’ve noticed in the Indie Author world, are readers asking for free copies.

Yeah, yeah, I know…this comes from a Blogger who gets books for free.

but wait…

I also purchase from these Authors, because it is only fair. Yes, I am receiving a free copy in exchange for my time to read, review, and promote their book, but honestly…their prices range from 99 cents to 4.99 at most that I’ve seen.

But I digress…

It seems many readers lack respect for Indie Authors.

Do they understand how brutal the publishing world is?

As a freelance writer, I’ve had many of my colleagues tell me that Publishers aren’t even giving manuscripts from new writers a second glance unless they can see a future movie and action figures.

I had a ‘friend’ recently say this to me:

“Just write the book, send it off and there you go.”

That was an EXACT quote.

But this is the same friend who told me it must be nice to be a Freelance writer because “they tell you what to write.”

The trend I am seeing, is readers returning books that show they have read 100% of!

They are also reaching out to Indie Authors for free books, because “they are poor and can’t afford books.”

Why is writing not appreciated as work?

Has the world romanticized writing?

I think many readers see Authors waking up slowly and gently in the morning, walking into the kitchen and feeding the cat while they wait for coffee to brew.

Then the Author goes to their front porch (wraparound with an amazing view of a lake of course, and let’s add some pretty flowers, singing birds…oh, and a weeping willow tree.)

And, after the first cup of coffee, the Author wanders to their desk and magically writes a book!

What many readers do not see:

Overslept, late for work (perhaps trying to get Children out the door?)

Traffic jams, bad day at work (because so far writing isn’t paying the bills.)

Grocery shopping, paying bills, housework, laundry, oops time to cook dinner.

Help the kids with homework? What kind of math are they teaching them?

Get things ready for the next day, and MAYBE find a few minutes to write…

and…

that ‘great idea’ you had while in your car, has somehow disappeared!

Would readers contact their favorite best-selling Author, tell them they are poor and ask the author for their books?

Unfortunately, I think some of them would.

Writing is blood, sweat and tears. Many, many tears.

It is frustration, disappointment and all sorts of negative things.

But writing chooses us, we don’t choose writing.

It can be both a gift and a curse.

But oh what a calling and a gift it truly is, even on the worst of writing days!

I just wish more readers would appreciate it for what it truly is.

Hard work.

Good luck, and keep writing!

January Gray