Last year, I made a mistake, one that has cost me a great deal of emotional distress and money.
Last year, I stayed silent.
When it came to my attention that Zoey Ellis’ book infringed on my copyright of Born to be Bound, I kept silent on social media, did not engage with the author, and remained professional.
I stayed silent as Zoey Ellis accused me of blackmail, of slander, of harassment—without a shred of evidence.
What made this abuse of my character particularly egregious was that this very same author was one I had previously both encouraged and promoted.
Still, I stayed silent.
With #copypastecris drawing attention to the horrendous issue of plagiarism, and what authors can do to defend themselves, I feel compelled to tell you that I have experienced the dark side of privately standing up for one’s hard work while trying to shield readers and friends from the ugliness behind the scenes.
After I had promoted her book and her brand, it was my readers who let me know what a grave error I had made. It was readers that I was protecting so that the individual could not turn around and attack them as well.
So, I stayed silent.
My publisher filed DMCA notices listing examples of infringement to remove this person’s infringing works from publication.
Still, I stayed silent.
The theft of my work was devastating, but I was determined to focus on my writing in hope that my publisher would eventually succeed in protecting my copyright.
Unfortunately, I am now facing retaliation for doing what I am legally allowed to do, which is to try and prevent unauthorized uses of my works.
In September of 2018, claims were filed against me personally and my publisher in federal court alleging DMCA abuse—an almost 200 page complaint filled with accusations of author bullying, of review manipulation, of ongoing relentless harassment. It contained every horrible lie one could think of to say about me. There was just one problem—it didn’t prove any of the accusations against me. Nothing. Not a single Facebook post showing harassment. Not a single email threatening blackmail. Not a single statement from any author supposedly bullied by me. Nothing. Why? Because I have never harassed, threatened, or otherwise bullied anyone in any forum.
Still, I stayed silent.
And trusted justice would prevail.
Can you imagine, just for a moment, the horror of having to hire an attorney to defend yourself in an out of state lawsuit over DMCAs sent by your publisher? Can you imagine the emotional distress? The impact on your work? The financial burden? I’ve already lost tens of thousands of dollars to this fight for both my reputation and my work.
Then, finally, after months of this upheaval, the lawsuit against me was dismissed.
But it isn’t over. The individual continues to pursue claims against my publisher. These claims and accusations also contain no evidence in support.
And now I have been served with an overly broad subpoena directing me to turn over private Facebook messages from readers, posts, tweets, notes on my writing, research for my book that she infringed, emails—the list goes on. So, once more, I must incur additional hefty legal fees, because I’m not going to back down. This kind of abuse cannot be tolerated.
My fight is also yours. We cannot allow one bad player to change the rules of the game. We must stand as a community and refute the idea that one author can bully and manipulate another author over DMCAs sent by their publisher.
It sets a dangerous precedent for the next author who is just trying to protect their work and their livelihoods. Just think about all those DMCAs authors are sending to stop Travis McCrea’s pirate website… can you imagine if he chose to drag you into court over just one of them? Unfortunately, I can.
I will no longer keep silent. It is now time to #GetLoud.
My friends wanted to support me in this, and have put together a GoFundMe to help me cover the legal expenses. If you’d like to help, please click here.
Addison, OH MY GOD!! I just can’t believe this! What a terrible thing to go through after so much hard work and tears to do what you do. You have my love and support if you need anything, please tell me. I am heartbroken for you and can’t believe something like this can happen.
Ms. Cain, thank you so much for speaking out about this. I am so, so sorry you are having to fight this fight, but you are absolutely right. We must fight. I applaud your strength and courage.
I am an avid reader and reviewer. I appreciate all of the time and talent that it takes to be an author.I am sorry you are having to fight to keep something that is yours. My heart goes out to you. Stay strong and fight the fight . It will be worth it in the long run.
I’m so sorry this is happening to you. You have loyal fans behind you. If you need anything, emotional support, financial support, midnight snack run, let us know. Bless your beautiful, filthy brain. You deserve better than this. I hope the law is able to ass duck this person, like, no lube, not even spit. Lol.
Are you ok with me sharing this? I hate that you’re going through this because I know how much effort and time goes into the amazing writing you do and couldn’t imagine such an experience. I truly wish you the best and pray that justice prevails.
I am so sorry this has happened to you. I am horrified as a reader that adores the bound series sm as a.n author I find it beyond frightening.
It is sad that someone has so little shame that they are able to plagiarize in the first place but to follow that CRIME up with defamation of character is so heinous I lack words.
I admire your grace and perseverance under fire you are an example to us all.
You are one of my favorite authors! I am greatly upset by this. You better believe I will not be supporting any of that other author’s work! Ever! Thank you for speaking up!
I can’t believe that once again another BRILLIANT author is facing legal challenges from authorlandia from a fellow author who should be cheering you, not trying to pull you down. I know they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but to stoop so low as to plagiarize and then file legal claims when you’ve been caught out, this is SO wrong and not something that readers or fellow authors will take lying down. I’m proud of you Addison for trying to protect us, your loyal readers and friends but the time to keep quiet is over now and it’s time to #Get Loud so that you can take strength from those around you who support and love you. It seems you have traveled the tough road without us for sometime but know that we are with you now, helping to carry you when things get tough. You are AMAZING and never lose hope that you are doing what is right and good. Thank you, for your silence, professionalism and protection, but thank you more for allowing us to show you just how loved you are and how proud we are that you are fighting the good fight.