Who benefits from free eBooks?

Starmy · Post by **Starmy** » 28 Aug 2013, 11:47

I think this new medium allows unheard of authors to be seen...and read! Before, you had to go out there and buy the book. Now, you can scroll through a list of free eBooks and could find some hidden gems that you wouldn't have considered before.

AnonymousPen · Post by **AnonymousPen** » 28 Aug 2013, 14:21

Readers benefit the most. And that's only if they read the freebie. There are some readers who are hoarders, downloading all the free ebooks they can with the intention to read them, but can't find the time. I know, with me, I'd read an ebook I paid for before one I downloaded for free (not unless I agreed to write a review on it, that title jumps to the front).

Now if the reader reads the book, enjoys it and wishes to support the author further, then the author wins. Unfortunately, giving away freebies will often train readers to expect to get ebooks for free--especially from that author.

I try to do my best to read the free ebooks I download, and, if I like it, purchase more titles from the author. I'll also post a review and share the title through my social media networks (it only takes a click or two to do that). I'll keep it in mind when giving out book recommendations to friends, too.

AngelaH · Post by **AngelaH** » 28 Aug 2013, 20:39

I read several Ebooks a week. I am always picking up free books, so that it gives be a sense of what the author writes like. Most of the time the free books are the first in a series that has been written. If I can't get into the first book I probably wont spend the money on the rest of the series. But if I get into the book, I will always buy the rest of the series and then look into other books by that author.

nan m · Post by **nan m** » 12 Sep 2013, 13:40

I always used to think about this. There are so many "free and good" books available that not everyone would want to pay for other books.

jack2006 · Post by **jack2006** » 20 Sep 2013, 00:16

Thanks. additional, i think they use also ebooks for additional income by selling it online

Age777 · Post by **Age777** » 24 Sep 2013, 22:32

When searching for books I often come across an author with many books who promotes one out of a series as free (usually somewhere in the middle) to get exposure. Once it's read and people discover the gem that author really is they will go out and find the rest of the books. Usually they are at full price or close to it. It's smart promotion really.

Not saying that is the case all the time but if a new author promotes their work free for a limited time, and their work is good, word of mouth will promote the book and make the sales (once the promotion is over) skyrocket. It's also good promotion.

Now sometimes if a book is just given away FREE there may be a hidden motive that we don't see on the outside looking in.

I'm sure it can be detrimental to sales but it can be the flip side just as easily.

AbsolutelyKate · Post by **AbsolutelyKate** » 09 Oct 2013, 00:37

Oh Joe, you already know ~

The reader gets first benefit . . . the author reaps uptick in Amazonian potential reviews . . . but as Sinatra would sing, 'more -- much more than this' there are new cross-current ripples of awareness of a WHO and her/his STYLE and how THOSE WORDS SYNC in hearts and minds inclined to feel the appeal.

~ Absolutely*Kate, author believing in believers
and the shadows of noir

LyndseyM84 · Post by **LyndseyM84** » 09 Oct 2013, 14:21

I think that free ebooks are great for authors that have a series of books to sell and they use the first free one to gain interest to sell the rest. I also think that they are a good way for new authors to break into the market. Obviously it is great for readers to get free books to but you could say that it devalues the industry somewhat.

feyindie60 · Post by **feyindie60** » 11 Oct 2013, 19:45

I feel we all benefit with free ebooks. The readers get mountains of material, the authors get exposure. Money is made through the usual outlets with other products. Yes, there are some aspects to this process that some find distasteful. But,some,like James Patterson have parlayed their writing to new heights with his internet and teen writings. Other writers are exclusively writing online. For some, it's not about the money at all, it's about writing. Just about any platform will do, in that case.

melissastone9711 · Post by **melissastone9711** » 12 Oct 2013, 19:28

I love my free books I usually get the first one of a series and then buy the rest. Facebook has a free ebook romance novel page...try it out!

m_buckner · Post by **m_buckner** » 14 Oct 2013, 11:27

Free ebooks give me a chance to find new authors without impacting my budget. Also, if I like the author’s style, I will look for other titles and usually end up purchasing them.

mishy · Post by **mishy** » 14 Oct 2013, 12:56

Everyone if the book was good and another book from the author is purchased. I also disagree that a free book isn't worth it because it gives exposure for the author and may encourage future purchases so its not like the author doesn't value their work.

Linkhorn · Post by **Linkhorn** » 15 Oct 2013, 08:02

Cory Doctorow writes about this well, he has made all his books freely available as ecopy. The basic thought is that the worst thing that can happen to an author is not to be read, money isn't the prime motivation. However, if many people who like an author will buy their works in hard copy to patronize them (in the sponsorship meaning), which directly benefits them.

Additionally, giving away ebooks can raise your profile and prestige, which helps in opening opportunities in the job market, lecture circuit, and tv or other media appearances - many of which are also paid.

I am a strong believer that hard copy should be accompanied with ecopy and vice versa, or at least, with the dual option available at cost (ie, buy the hard copy, get the ebook for free, or buy the ebook and get the option of a hard copy for printing/delivery costs alone).

urica · Post by **urica** » 15 Oct 2013, 09:25

Free ebooks are beneficial to both writers and readers. It gives the writer a chance to let readers know what he can offer. The reader gets the chance to find writers that would be able to satisfy their reading cravings. Free ebooks opens the possibility for writers to gain loyal patrons of their work.

marybethkwilliams · Post by **marybethkwilliams** » 15 Oct 2013, 10:13

As an avid reader who is a retiree on a limited income, I personally benefit from the multitude of free ebooks available from Barnes and Noble and Book Bub.