"Freak" by Rodman Philbrick is a young adult novel about two boys, Max and Kevin, who form an unlikely friendship. Max is a large, slow-witted boy who is often teased by his peers, while Kevin is a brilliant, physically disabled boy with a rare form of dwarfism. Together, they navigate the challenges of middle school and form a deep bond as they support each other through their personal struggles. The book explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the power of looking beyond appearances to see the true person within. **

If you are looking for good German authors, I recommend checking out works by Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann, and Hermann Hesse. Kafka's surreal and thought-provoking stories, Mann's complex and richly detailed novels, and Hesse's philosophical and introspective writing are all highly regarded in the literary world. These authors have made significant contributions to German literature and are definitely worth exploring. **

Some English books list "Editor" instead of "Author" for the author when the person responsible for the content of the book is not the original creator of the work. This can happen in cases where the book is a collection of writings by different authors, and the editor's role is to curate and organize the content rather than to create it. In these instances, the editor is credited as the primary contributor to the book, and their name is listed as the author. **

Yes, author or writer is considered a profession. Authors and writers create written content for a variety of purposes, such as books, articles, scripts, and more. They often work on a freelance basis or as employees of publishing companies, media organizations, or other businesses. Many authors and writers earn a living from their work and consider it their primary occupation. **

When an author is dead, the earnings from their books typically go to their estate or heirs. The estate is responsible for managing the author's intellectual property rights and distributing the earnings according to the author's will or the laws of inheritance. In some cases, the earnings may also go to a designated beneficiary or organization as specified by the author. **

To become an author or writer, one should start by honing their writing skills through practice and study. This can involve taking writing courses, attending workshops, and reading extensively in the genre they are interested in. Building a strong portfolio of writing samples is also important to showcase their talent to potential publishers or clients. Networking with other writers, editors, and literary agents can also help in getting one's work noticed and published. Lastly, perseverance and dedication are key traits for aspiring authors and writers to succeed in the competitive field of writing. **

The cost for an author to purchase their own books varies depending on the publisher and the specific terms of the publishing agreement. In some cases, authors may be able to purchase their own books at a discounted rate, often referred to as an author discount. However, the cost can also depend on factors such as the format of the book (e.g. hardcover, paperback, ebook) and the quantity being purchased. Ultimately, the cost for an author to purchase their own books will depend on the specific arrangements made with their publisher. **

While reading books can certainly help aspiring authors develop their writing skills and understand different styles and techniques, it is not impossible to become an author without reading books. Some individuals may have a natural talent for storytelling and writing, and they may draw inspiration from their own experiences, imagination, and observations of the world around them. However, reading can provide valuable insights and knowledge that can enhance an author's writing abilities, so it is often recommended for aspiring writers to read widely in their genre of interest. **