Hey, can I get a free copy of your book?

Wow, psychic guy! I *just* finished a (very short) article for Writer's Digest on this topic.

I don't get that question a lot, but I do get it sometimes, and it's awkward. I mostly just explain that I don't get many free copies, and I've already given them to my family. I think people often assume that authors get free neverending supplies of their own books.

I wonder why someone would expect this of an author...

How odd.

The worst was my family; always bugging me about prereading the galleys and pushing to add things to the content. But the most over the top is my wife, who is dauntless in wanting a copy of my books when they come out. Imagine that. Greedy little thing.

John Serra

Oh, yeah, BTW, yes I do. Frequently. JPS

I would'nt know how to answer that,..but I would just probably stand there and look dumbfounded wishing I had the nerve to turn the tables and say " sure and I'd like to get a free pizza from your company or yes, and how about some new software from your computer store?" I honestly think that sometimes these people don't do it intentionally. kimmi

I don't know that I would have the guts to ask this of an author- except for one, and she knows who she is... but that's a different story for another time.

I'm not a published author -yet- but, I have read a few books written by authors here on AW. I've bought every one of them. Heck you all are wonderful, why shouldn't I support that?

And, if I were in just the right mood to be snarky, I might answer: "Well, my brother works at [insert name of electronics store here], would you like me to have him get you one of those big plasma screen HD TV's for free? I'll pass it along with the book."

The one work I've ever had published was through a non-legitimate company. I received two author copies for free, and more than two requests for free copies from other people. When I told them they would have to pay for their copies, they were fairly good about it, although there was the occasional "But I'm family" line. I had a terrible time explaining that I only had two free copies, and one was for my own use. Not a fun situation, and somewhat intimidating. At least the majority of those asking responded well to my refusal.

i wouldn't know how to respond to that. even if the person who asked that didn't intentionally mean any harm, my gut feeling is that this person is being disrespectful. writing is your livelihood for chrissakes.

Get this--I've had people contact me asking if I have (or can get for them) copies of other books from publishers I've worked with. Just last week someone e-mailed me a list of titles they'd like to have but can't find anywhere. What the heck???

Just because I've worked with certain publishers does not mean that I automatically get copies of everything they publish--or that I would even know what all they've published! I can't even figure out how anyone would arrive at that conclusion.

I know, I know!

Someone else posted this on a similar AW thread months ago, so I'm paraphrasing someone else's wit.

"I wish I could, but I'm still just one of the little fish and don't get very many free copies to pass around. Since I'm trying to make a living at this writing thing, every book bought increases my sales and a chance of more free copies of the next book. I'll keep you in mind for that one."

Whether or not you actually keep them in mind is up to you.

Part of the problem is people assume writers make tons of money and can easily afford to give away.

I tell people, "I give my copies to family, friends and people who might be able to invest in the movie version. So if you weren't offered a book and you want a book you better be interested in investing in the movie."

Ironically, I run into the opposite problem a lot, people I give books to want to pay me for the books.

Actually, yeah, my dad gets about 20 extra copies from his editor, and he hands them out to anyone who wants one. Usually he makes this big deal of signing them. Lol.

What the...?

I have a couple of final-draft or close-to-fial-draft novels by other people on my hard drive, because I've volunteered to proofread. I would never assume that knowing the people (and having the copy) entitled me to not buy the book.

I've been given a free copy of a book (by the author) once. The book is "Where Mathematics Comes From" by George Lakoff and Rafael Nunez, and man, I earned that one. Went over several different early drafts fixing stuff, spent hours on corrections that the publishers then utterly messed up, and then hours again, graded for the class based on it... I was still not expecting to get a free copy, and had in fact already bought one.

Bartholomew said:

I wonder why someone would expect this of an author...

How odd.

Click to expand...

No it isn't. It happens in almost every field. You work retail and a friend asks if you can get a discount for her. You work at a car dealer and a cousin asks for a discount or free accessories. Realestate agents get asked to halve or drop their fees for 'your cousin's ex's son'. And the popular..."Since you're in the band can't you get me in ...free?"

Two years ago I was invited to a party (April 14). The host handed me a beer, then introduced me to his 'friend' who had not yet done her taxes. (Shorten long story)
I printed out 3 extension forms and informed my dear host that next year I'm sending a bill.

I have a friend who writes comedy for TV and film. He once met someone at a party who said to him, "I hear you're a comedy writer. Tell me a joke!"

My friend answered, "No problem. Tell me, what do you do?"

"I work for British Steel," replied the irritating party guest.

"Go weld me a f***ing girder, and then I'll tell you a joke."

I thought it was hilarious.

I usually receive 3-4 copies from the publisher - one of these is my "party book" - the anthology I take with me for the editors and all the other authors to sign as a keepsake. The others go to my family, if they want them. I *buy* copies for gifts for friends - and refer almost everyone else to a bookstore. Except the one guy who wrote me such a nice fan letter that I sent him all 3 books gratis. I liked his letter to me.

I really liked his amazed follow-up letter - some things are worth a few bucks! He made *my* day!

Kate Thornton said:

I usually receive 3-4 copies from the publisher - one of these is my "party book" - the anthology I take with me for the editors and all the other authors to sign as a keepsake. The others go to my family, if they want them. I *buy* copies for gifts for friends - and refer almost everyone else to a bookstore. Except the one guy who wrote me such a nice fan letter that I sent him all 3 books gratis. I liked his letter to me.

I really liked his amazed follow-up letter - some things are worth a few bucks! He made *my* day!

Click to expand...

Cool story Kate. I admire your generosity and I'm glad you enjoyed the "pay-off". Thanks for sharing.

I don't know--it's rude, but in this businessm word-of-mouth is so important, I must be willing to fork one over.

It *is* rude, and I tell them that I've already used all my author copies to send to reviewers.

Family will even ask for me to print them out a manuscript copy so they won't have to get the book themselves.

Some friends of the family are construction workers and mechanics. We've had lots of house repairs and engine work done for no charge; well, maybe we had to buy them dinner or a drink while they were working. Thinking of these people, it would be hard for me to say "No" to anybody asking for a free book.

But, understanding that when that glorious day comes that my novel is in print I will have limited free copies and this is an easily-abused privilege, I would find a tactful way to say no. Probably with the truth:

"I'm sorry. I only received a few author's copies and those went to family and close friends. If I get any more freebies, I'll keep you in mind. In the meantime, if you would like to buy one using my author's discount, I'll order one for you if you can zip the cash my way. And yes, it will be signed."

Exceptions would be kids, preachers, librarians, educators, and attractive women. I would fight tooth and nail for extra free copies in their case.

Drat. Here I thought this thread was going to tell me how to get my free copy of an underthecity book.

Thanks for getting my hopes up.

At least you've only had them ask for a book. I work in a crime lab, and I've been asked if I could get them a skull.

Cool. Skulls. Wish I knew someone in a crime lab.