Obviously authors should get paid for their work. If we can’t afford a computer or are stressing about how to pay rent, we’re not going to be able to write. But giving away the first book in a series for free, either as a limited-time sale or a permanent promotion, is a tried-and-true method of finding new readers.
For readers, it’s a great risk-free way to try out new authors. Read the first book for free and then buy the rest of the series if you’re hooked or move on to something else if not. But where can you find free books?
All over the place if you know where to look.
Directly on Storefronts
Kobo has a dedicated free ebook page that updates regularly, and both Apple Books and Amazon have free lists in bestselling genres. It’s definitely worth searching wherever you buy ebooks from—clicking that download button is extra easy when you don’t have to worry about cost.
I tend to download free ebooks in batches. I’ll browse through the lists, stock up on about ten or so for my ereader, and then read through those at my leisure. Then a few months later I’ll repeat the cycle.
Promotional Newsletters and Websites
Searching through storefronts can be time-consuming, so sometimes it’s nice to have a curated list of free books delivered straight to your inbox.
BookBub is probably the biggest name in the game, but there are plenty of other websites like Freebooksy, Fussy Librarian, and the new Hello Books that offer daily deals in all the popular genres.
Social Media
Authors have to pay to get their books listed on most promotional newsletters, though, so social media is a free alternative for many. Readers can browse hashtags like #FreeRead or #FreeBooks on Twitter, and some blogs feature free ebooks every week. Keep your eyes open, and you can find some gems.
Libraries
While searching online is great, don’t forget about your local library! They’re a win-win situation, because while the books are free to the reader, the author still gets paid by the library.
Request your favorite book if your library doesn’t have it. If your library uses Overdrive, Bibliotheca, or Hoopla, you can ask your librarian to order any of my ebooks. (Hint, hint. 😉)
Where do you find free books? Share your book-hunting secrets in the comments below!
And now’s as good a time as any to remind you that my superhero novel, Hero Status, is free on Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
Kristen Brand 