The story behind Free Book Friday:

I’ve met many authors and readers during my time marketing, cross-promoting, and blogging. I think writers have a responsibility to inform readers about all the indie authors out there in the very crowded world of book publishing. You can’t do it alone, and why would you when you have a supportive group available?

Readers don’t just read one author – they stick with their favorite genres. There lies the power in cross-promotion. If one of my readers buys a book from an author I promote, then chances are there will be a reciprocal effect, or so is the hope. Do I want to boost sales? Of course I do. Do I want to boost other’s sales? Why not. It’s called karma.

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There are many reasons to give away your product for free. The “try before you buy” is a time tested method to entice new customers. The free sample table at the supermarket is a great example. It was also a way for me and my college roommate to eat a free meal. Hint: Turn your jacket inside out and wear a hat for the second time round of the potstickers.

As an author, it’s the same, but without the free potstickers. Free books, either sample chapters or the first book in a series, are no risk for the reader—don’t like it? No sweat.

I try to read the works of the authors I promote. Some I like, some . . . not so much. But since every reader’s taste is different, I don’t often offer my opinion—I’m very picky on what I enjoy reading—so I let the reader decide. It’s free. No risk. I don’t like to do reviews either, for that very same reason. I do appreciate the authors who have taken the time to review my works.

My only criteria for not promoting a book is that it doesn’t contain any disturbing content. What do I consider disturbing? It’s different for every reader, so that’s moot.

I sent out review requests for my newest book to my newsletter subscribers and have had 35 downloads. Will that translate to 35 reviews? That’s the hope, but some readers will not, and that’s the risk of handing out your book for free. I send out an email to everyone who clicked on the download link, outlining the time expectations and giving them the links to post their reviews.

So now I wait. But two keeners have already weighed in on The View from Here:

“I did like the world build, how the inside cave was explained and explored. Also this is the kind of situation any sci-fi fan dreams off, to find a way of travel to another place/time, a place where the rules that make our world work do not apply at least not in the same way.”

“This is a really lovely story! I did thoroughly enjoy this, it was a truly captivating gentle sci fi adventure that took me on a journey along side the characters in the book. Really great ideas & storyline, I felt a little sad it was over…”

I just received conformation that my paperback copies are on the way, so Mom, you can stop clicking on the download link, I have a special copy just for you and Dad.

-Leon

Discover New Authors: BookFunnel and StoryOrigin Promos

Featured Author: Shane Shepard

Shane Shepherd was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. At a young age he developed an interest in space exploration. That led him to major in aerospace engineering at UCLA. During his time there, he developed a passion for writing and decided to become an author instead of pursuing a career in his field of study. Now he currently writes science fiction focusing on steampunk and space opera.

Shane is offering Book 1 for free!

Free Books

Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.

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