I am not sure of the etiquette of this. One of the main authors I cite in my thesis has contributed a chapter to a book which has just come out and I want to read it. I can't find it in any library or online and it is way out of budget (over £100) to buy. Can I email him and ask to see a copy or is this a no-no?

Worth a try - I've had an author send me an entire (not final) copy of his book!

Me too, I asked to buy an old book, and the author just sent it to me for free!