How to Remove a Pirate Site from a Google Search

www removing a pirate site from searchI recently wrote a post instructing how and where to send a Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice when you find your work has been pirated. My experience has been that this is usually all that’s needed to ensure the offending site removes your content.

Usually, but not always. Some sites, particularly sites based in countries that don’t recognize U.S. Copyright law, may refuse to respond, or in some cases (as once happened with me), may respond to inform you that they don’t have to obey no stinkin’ law. Continue reading “How to Remove a Pirate Site from a Google Search”

My Book Is Being Pirated! What Can I Do?

DMCA TakedownYou’ve published your book, and as many authors do, you Google it periodically to see where it might pop up. Is it on Barnes and Noble yet? How about Kobo? As you scan the search results an unfamiliar site stands out. We’ll call it IStealBooks.com. (At the time of this writing, that wasn’t a real website. Let’s hope it’s still not.)

A quick search of the site shows your book is indeed listed, complete with a big, red, FREE DOWNLOAD button. Someone is giving your hard work away for free! Panic sets in. What should you do now? Continue reading “My Book Is Being Pirated! What Can I Do?”

Canva for Free eBook Covers (and more)

Canva LogoCanva, an online graphic design site for do-it-yourselfers, offers hundreds of free design options for writers. You can create your own Facebook covers, YouTube channel covers, business cards, twitter headers, posters, flyers, menus, invitations, album covers, and, most importantly, eBook covers.

Let’s make an eBook cover right now. Continue reading “Canva for Free eBook Covers (and more)”

Using the “Ask the Author” Feature on Goodreads

goodreads logoIndies Unlimited has run several posts on marketing strategies for authors on Goodreads, such as this one for beginners,  but the more recently-added “Ask the Author” feature presents even more opportunities for authors.

To find it, visit your Goodreads Author Dashboard. Scroll down past your books to the Ask the Author section. Continue reading “Using the “Ask the Author” Feature on Goodreads”