Comments on: Why you shouldn’t give your book away

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:14:42 +0000

In reply to Johnson Maganja Grace. Thanks, Johnson! Many of us give books away to people who influence our readers or to get reviews. Is that what you're doing? Sandy

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:10:29 +0000

In reply to Kimberly Sullivan.

Thanks, Kimberly. If I had a series with at least 5 books, I’d consider making the first perma-free as a way to introduce my audience to the series. (I’d CONSIDER it — not sure if I’d do it!) I can also see how a nonfiction author with a coaching program or online course might offer a related book for free as a way of establishing credibility and offering a sample of what’s to come in a more in-depth and expensive product/service. Too many times the reason for permafree is “everyone’s doing it” or “I saw online that’s what you’re supposed to do.” There always needs to be a strategy and a goal behind giveaways, whether they’re for a couple of days or forever, right?

Sandy

By: Johnson Maganja Grace

Johnson Maganja Grace — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:45:56 +0000

I disagree with Rhonda Penders opinion! I have given out several copies of my story book for children and in one way or another i hear someone who has read it comment about it. I believe it’s one way of getting publicity for ones work. Imagine boarding public transport and you’re seated next to someone reading your book How would you feel? I can compare giving away a book to sowing seeds in a garden. Some will germinate while other won’t germinate. But in the end one will get a harvest.

By: Kimberly Sullivan

Kimberly Sullivan — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:29:06 +0000

Great post – and absolutely agree. I do not write series, however, but I do have friends who do and swear by the first book in a series being perma-free to attract readers. Personally, I think I’d feel more comfortable with a deep discount, but I do agree that this proliferation of free books weakens the whole industry.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:51:59 +0000

In reply to CLEVELAND W. GIBSON.

Thanks, Cleveland. I’ll be the first to admit that I have many free books on my Kindle that I haven’t read yet. I’m sure I’m not alone.

Sandy

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:49:22 +0000

In reply to Sonia M Frontera. How frustrating, Sonia! A workbook should be an upsell, not an enticement. Sell them on the book, then sell them on the companion workbook. Lesson learned, I know! Sandy

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:48:18 +0000

In reply to CINDY SAMPLE.

This works for you, Cindy, because there’s a strategy behind your temporary giveaway. That’s smart, and in my opinion, you’re doing it the right way and for the right reasons.

As for readers getting books free from libraries, it’s important to note that the library pays for those books even if readers don’t.

Sandy

By: CINDY SAMPLE

CINDY SAMPLE — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:45:55 +0000

Readers get books for free from libraries all the time. It’s one of the least expensive tools for promoting a long series. I agree that it doesn’t make sense if you only have a couple of published books. I alternate offering one of the books in my series for free for 2 to 3 days every few months. People will then purchase the remaining 7 books in the series or download them through Kindle Unlimited so I get paid for page reads. I’ve been gratified to see that readers will read through the entire series after I’ve run a promotion.

By: Sonia M Frontera

Sonia M Frontera — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:32:34 +0000

I fell for that trap by offering a workbook for my first book, Solve the Divorce Dilemma, hoping it would attract readers to buy the main book. Instead, the freebie cannibalized my sales. People thought the workbook was a substitute for the real thing. Never again.

By: CLEVELAND W. GIBSON

CLEVELAND W. GIBSON — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 15:26:56 +0000

Sandra I agree completely with the writer of the article. I had a kindle and bought books and picked out a few free books about writing because I had an interest in students learning English and needed to check out any that I might suggest of use to them. I also know something about the writing/publishing industry in which writers giving their work away for free does not add up at all. There is much fuel to keep a beacon burning,the latest being kindle books bought by Tic Tock readers can be returned for a full refund.That does not help the writer at all. Better to unite and publish with one or two other writers, share the cost and the chatter. A topic like this needs to be known on more websites. The biggest turn off for me is a writer who says their work is good, excellent and the rest and why. A lot of industries set standards but that of a writer has gone down hill if all the work on a book turns out to be a give a way. For 2 pages in a Tourist book I earned £50 so why should I give away a kindle type book. There are standards to be observed.