In this episode, Richard Parry (yep, that indie author with the back catalogue and the bruised dignity) unpacks the tangled mess of modern book piracy: why it happens, who actually benefits from it (hint: not the authors), and how Amazon is secretly clapping from the sidelines.

What starts as a rant about finding his books on LibGen turns into a deeper exploration of digital ownership, DRM nonsense, and why the system seems determined to punish both writers and readers. Expect spicy metaphors, sad stats, and a Facebook group that somehow managed to both pirate his work and ban him.

It’s funny. It’s furious. It’s painfully honest.

🔍 In This Episode:

• The crushing realisation of earning less than minimum wage for full-time creativity• Why “being pirated” isn’t flattering... it’s exhausting• Cory Doctorow’s take on piracy, and why it doesn’t hold up for indie authors• Valve’s “piracy is a service problem” theory and what books can learn from gaming• How Amazon benefits from piracy (and quietly encourages it)• The 18-copy launch that killed a career• Why LibGen isn’t the villain (but it sure ain’t Robin Hood either)

🧠 Key Quote:

“Maybe (just maybe) piracy isn’t the disease we need to cure. It’s the symptom we need to finally take seriously.”

📚 Mentioned:

• Valve Software’s approach to piracy• Cory Doctorow’s writing and philosophy• LibGen (Library Genesis)• Amazon’s DRM practices• The Empire’s Rogues from the Tyche series• That cursed Facebook warez group

👋 Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode and want indie authors to keep creating, the best way to help is buy a book, leave a review, or recommend it to a friend. Pirates can sail the high seas, but readers keep the ship afloat.

You can find Richard’s books (legally!) at https://www.parrydox.com (or ask for them at your library!).

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollfornarrative.parrydox.com