Book piracy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real and often disheartening challenge for self-published authors. In an industry where many of us rely on direct online sales to make a living, piracy can feel like both a financial and emotional blow. But with the right knowledge and strategies, you can minimize its impact and protect your work while maintaining your focus on growth.
What Is Book Piracy?
Book piracy is the unauthorized copying, distribution, or sale of written works. In the digital age, this usually takes the form of illegal downloads, unauthorized PDFs posted online, or eBook files shared on torrent sites. For self-published authors, piracy not only represents lost income but also risks devaluing your brand and compromising your visibility on legitimate platforms.
I do want to stop and make the distinction here– PIRACY is when someone is representing your book as their work. This is completely different from DROPSHIPPING, which is when other people are selling your book (like on your Amazon listing). It is a very (VERY) common first-time author mistake to confuse the two and think someone is pirating your book when they are actually just a third-party selling it. Dropshipping is an actual legitimate business model, and those people are actually buying the book from you (through a distributor), so eventually you are going to get those royalties.
Let me explain a little more about this so you know the difference. Here is the listing for my book “Funny You Should Ask: How to Make a Website.”
As you can see, you can buy this book for $8.99 from Amazon and it will be shipped to you by the weekend.
By the way, I’m not trying to get you to buy the book (which is why it’s not linked), I’m just trying to show you what dropshippers are because people ask me this all the time, thinking that their books are being pirated. In fact, if you scroll down a little bit, you’ll see this:
ok, you think– no big deal, who cares. But, check out these other sellers who appear to be selling my book!
Right, so– this is dropshippers selling my book. I don’t get their pricing and I’m not sure who would buy one of my paperbacks for $21.80 if they could get the book for $8.99, but this is DROPSHIPPING, not PIRACY. Eventually I am going to get the money for my book that “BigNameBooks” is selling for $21.80.
I’m not talking about this. I’m talking about another author taking your book and publishing it as their own. That’s not what this is. I hope that makes sense. Dropshipping is legal, piracy is not.
ok, back to our regularly scheduled informative article about piracy and how to avoid it.
Why Should Self-Published Authors Be Concerned?
- Loss of Revenue: Every pirated copy could represent a missed sale—or several if the file is widely shared. Although, if the pirates are lazy and don’t edit your content and you have your reader magnet and email list signup set up properly, you’ll probably still pick up some new subscribers. Just looking on the bright side!
- Brand Devaluation: Poorly formatted pirated copies can tarnish your professional image among readers.
- Security Concerns: Some pirate sites distribute malware alongside stolen content, potentially associating your name with harmful downloads.
- Emotional Toll: Discovering your hard work stolen can be deeply discouraging, leaving many authors feeling violated. This has happened to me before and I can verify that it super, super sucks to spend a long time writing something only to have someone else pass it off as their own work.
How Does Book Piracy Happen?
Book piracy happens in several ways:
- File-Sharing and Torrent Sites: Once a legitimate eBook copy (in EPUB, MOBI, or PDF format) is obtained, it can be uploaded and shared illegally.
- Unauthorized Scans: Physical copies of books may be scanned and converted into digital formats for distribution.
- Private Sharing: Some readers share files via email or messaging apps.
- Hacked Platforms: In rare cases, hackers gain access to an author’s accounts or retailer platforms to redistribute their entire catalog.
Strategies to Reduce Piracy Risks
While there’s no foolproof method to stop piracy entirely, there are effective strategies to reduce its likelihood and impact:
1. Use Digital Rights Management (DRM)
DRM technology limits file sharing and copying, making it harder for casual users to pirate your work. Retailers like Amazon Kindle and Apple Books offer DRM options, but note that some readers dislike DRM due to device restrictions. I’m on the fence about this one. I generally think pirates are too lazy to steal a book from a reader. I think most piracy happens from un-watermarked pdfs floating around out there (although I could be totally wrong about this, and you should turn on DRM if you want to and if it makes you feel more secure!).
2. Publish on Reputable Platforms
Platforms such as Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Kobo Writing Life offer tools to track piracy and legal teams to issue takedown notices. Publishing through these platforms can provide additional security. If you’re going to sell direct (like from your website), you’ll need to use BookFunnel for delivery so you aren’t just selling pdf files and hoping for the best.
Which brings me to my next point (ok, it’s a rant), which is:
3. NEVER release pdfs of your work. I’m talking never. Not to a friend, not to an editor, never never never ever. I will only release a finalized version of a manuscript on BookFunnel, with watermarking. This is especially true if you haven’t published the book yet, because if you haven’t published it yet, you don’t have a copyright and it’s going to be hard to prove it belongs to you and that you wrote it first. I have an author client who this actually happened to (through one of the ARC services that I am not supposed to mention), so I cannot caution you against this enough. DO NOT upload a pdf into any service, ever ever ever!
4. Use Unique Watermarks
Embed unique identifiers in each sold copy. Watermarks can help trace the source of a pirated file. BookFunnel can do this for you.
5. Control Review Copies
Only provide ARCs (Advance Review Copies) to trusted reviewers. Services like BookFunnel allow you to limit downloads and track file access.
6. Monitor Metadata
Ensure your book’s title, keywords, and author name are correctly and uniquely registered to reduce confusion and accidental infringement.
How to Respond to Piracy
- DMCA Takedown Notices
Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, you can issue a takedown notice to sites hosting your pirated content. Check the site’s copyright policy for instructions on filing. - Enlist Specialized Services
Anti-piracy tools like Blasty and MUSO monitor the web for pirated copies and file takedown notices automatically. Evaluate whether their subscription cost fits your needs. - Alert Legitimate Retailers
If pirated copies appear alongside your official listings, notify the retailer’s support team. They’ll often act quickly to remove unauthorized listings. - Make Public Statements (With Care)
If piracy becomes widespread, a professional and calm social media post can raise awareness without alienating readers.
Balancing Piracy Concerns with Marketing
While protecting your work is important, it’s essential not to alienate your audience in the process. Heavy DRM or strict anti-piracy measures can frustrate legitimate readers, while fair pricing and accessibility can reduce piracy incentives. Focus on engaging fans and building loyalty—they’re more likely to report piracy and support you by purchasing legitimate copies.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Register Your Copyright: Strengthen your legal standing by registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office.
- Set Search Alerts: Tools like Google Alerts can notify you if your book is mentioned or shared online.
- Educate Readers: Inform your audience about piracy’s impact on indie authors and direct them to legitimate purchasing channels.
- Focus on Growth: While addressing piracy, don’t let it overshadow your main goals—keep writing, marketing, and connecting with your audience.
Final Thoughts
Book piracy is a frustrating reality of the digital marketplace, but it doesn’t have to derail your self-publishing journey. By taking proactive steps, monitoring your content, and focusing on building a loyal readership, you can minimize the impact of piracy and continue to thrive as an author. When in doubt, consult an intellectual property attorney to navigate complex legal situations.
Protect your work, stay vigilant, and most importantly—keep creating.
