No Free Copies

I love the story of the little red hen, who bakes a loaf of bread without any help from her friends, and then won't give them any, because they didn't do any of the work.

When I tell people I am writing a novel, there are a couple of different reactions they might have. Oddly, the most common response by far, at least from people who think they know me, is for them to ask/demand a free copy once it is published. They may do it with a joking tone, or they may not.

Why would you assume that you get fee stuff just because an acquaintance has 'made' it?

And further, the author only benefits from copies sold. I'm no expert on the topic, but I was fairly sure that the number of copies of the printed book the author receives is actually worked into the contract, and not really free, as the cost of them is deducted from royalties.

So, it's like the other animals wanting the bread the little red hen worked so hard to bake, having done nothing to help her, even when she asked. People who have never helped with research, or character development, not even helped with the odd word of encouragement really should not be putting in thier order of free book whenever I happen to get it published. It is just so irritating!