They are sitting on out - of - print (and
professionally edited) novels that
readers want to read - maybe even want to reread on ebook, having lost the hard
copy - and it is not a lot of work to put up the files on self - publishing websites.
To build on what JSB said, I think in the modern online world of selling,
copy or a good cover blurb, cover art and sampling are all critical to getting new
readers interested, and quality storytelling and
professionally edited work will get them to return.