Who did Sai Baba say was the true author of the stories, and what role did the devotee play?

According to chapter 2, when the devotee was granted permission to compile the stories, Sai Baba clarified the true dynamic of authorship. Sai Baba stated, "He is merely a pretext; I myself shall write my own story!" This means Sai Baba Himself is the true author, who intended to fulfill the devotee's wish by telling His own story. The devotee's role was to be a mere instrument or pretext, which was conditional on him dissolving his ego and surrendering it at Sai Baba's feet.