When
books are challenged, restricted, removed, or banned, an
atmosphere of suppression exists. The author may make
revisions, less for artistic reasons than to avoid
controversy. The editor and publisher may alter text or
elect not to publish for economic and marketing reasons.
Staff in bookstores and libraries may find published
works too controversial and, fearing reprisals, will
choose not to purchase those materials.

The fear of the
consequences of censorship is as damaging as, or perhaps
more damaging than, the actual censorship attempt. After
all, when a published work is banned, it can usually be
found elsewhere. Unexpressed ideas, unpublished works,
unpurchased books are lost forever.
–1999 Resource Guide.