It is said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. I was reminded of this much used (and abused) saying when I discovered that someone has (without my permission) uploaded a segment of the audio version of my book, “The Writer’s Pen and Other Poems” to Youtube. This is, of course a clear violation of my copyright and I have, therefore reported the matter to Youtube. (Anyone who finds that their work is appearing, without their permission on Youtube can report copyright violation here, https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2807622?hl=en-GB. Please note, I have not given the URL containing the infringing material as I do not wish to drive traffic to the infringer’s Youtube channel.
“The Writer’s Pen” was published in September 2018, and the audio edition (narrated by Alex Lee, and available from Audible here https://www.audible.com/pd/B07KPN5FCH in November of that same year. As all users of Audible will be aware, anyone considering purchasing a book can, prior to purchasing, listen to a sample of the work in question. In the case of the illegal upload of my copyrighted work, the person uploading “The Writer’s Pen” indicates that the whole book is available (for free). However he (or she) has, in fact uploaded the sample segment of my book and stated that the whole work can be obtained at a site offering audio books. In fact the uploader eroneously names a website (other than Audible), and on investigating the site in question no search results are returned for “The Writer’s Pen”.
As stated at the start of this post, my copyright in “The Writer’s Pen” has been infringed and this issue has been raised with Youtube. I am, however puzzled as to the motives of the uploader. Why should they name an incorrect site as the source for the audio version of my book? Are they, perhaps seeking to drive traffic to that other site in the hope that people will purchase downloads there? I don’t know. However I suspect that this may well be the case.
I also wonder why only the sample segment from Audible was uploaded. In this instance, I suspect the answer is that the uploader did not wish to purchase my book, which they would need to do where they to have uploaded it in it’s entirety. The sample is, however free to access and is, therefore an easy target for anyone wishing to infringe copyright.
I will update this blog when I hear back from Youtube.
Kevin
K Morris - Poet 
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Authors – now YouTube needs to be checked for copyright infringement of your books…
Many thanks for sharing this, Chris.
Welcome, Kevin
have you reported them to audible too? there are a lot of clear warnings on audible books about not doing that sort of thing…
Thanks for your comment. I have reported it to Audible via ACX who (as you probably know) are the organisation through whom authors upload their work etc. Best – Kevin
brilliant 😀
More worries and things to watch out for! It’s never-ending. I don’t have any audio books out, but I’m glad to read your warning. Thanks.
I am pleased you found my post useful. Best wishes – Kevin
These are scam sites. They don’t have your book. I’ve found several offering free downloads of a film I haven’t actually started principle photography on yet.
Thanks for your comment, Jaq. You are correct that the site linked to from Youtube does not have my book. However the uploading of a segment of my work to Youtube, as an enticement to check out the scam site, is something which I needed to address. People seeing the video might falsely construe that it was I who uploaded it as an enticement/advertisement to download my work, and (not finding the book there) blame me, the author thereby damaging my reputation. Hence I requested (and achieved) a takedown by Youtube.
I am sorry that you also have had this problem.
Best – Kevin
Yes, I’m glad they took it down for you. Wish it was that easy to track down all the scammers and shut them up!
Yes, it would be wonderful if all scammers could be shut down so easily!