To Be Free or Not To Be
There's a lot of controversy surrounding whether a writer (or any artist for that matter) should offer their work for free.
Up until recently, for me, the answer to the question would have been a resounding, 'No way Jose!' But I've caved.
Writers are already faced with massive competition from the leisure industry and getting their books in front of the buying public isn't easy. A lot of people spend their time in front of the television or other screen, surfing the net or gaming and it seems that reading a book is taking a back seat.
With so many forms of entertainment at our fingertips that are free, it's not surprising that some writers want and need to entice consumers away from their screens for a bit of a read every now and again.
So that does, sadly, mean that a carrot is needed. To me it naturally follows that as a new and independent writer, I need to do something drastic for people to know I'm here, that I write and I'd love for you to read me. There's an extraordinarily high volume of books on sale, of which many will never be seen. Very upsetting when you think of that book you spent years writing, which made you forget when you last mowed the lawn, cost you your relationship - or at least several episodes of Eastenders - is out there waiting to be read by somebody - anybody? please?
Not only have I made one of my books perma free, I've decided to offer my latest novel, Natalie's Getting Married for free to download on Kindle over the coming Bank Holiday Weekend. (Well it's a Bank Holiday in the UK, 27th to 30th May 2016).
I'm hoping it will encourage people who would never have known I exist, to notice me. Maybe they will become interested in what I write and might look out for my future books. Maybe they will Like me on Facebook - who knows? It's worth a try, right?
How it works out for me I'll only know after this weekend so I'll keep you posted.
Writers - Have you ever offered a book for free? If so, how did it work out, if at all?
Readers - What's your favourite pastime and how many books could you read over a month?
Up until recently, for me, the answer to the question would have been a resounding, 'No way Jose!' But I've caved.
Writers are already faced with massive competition from the leisure industry and getting their books in front of the buying public isn't easy. A lot of people spend their time in front of the television or other screen, surfing the net or gaming and it seems that reading a book is taking a back seat.
With so many forms of entertainment at our fingertips that are free, it's not surprising that some writers want and need to entice consumers away from their screens for a bit of a read every now and again.
So that does, sadly, mean that a carrot is needed. To me it naturally follows that as a new and independent writer, I need to do something drastic for people to know I'm here, that I write and I'd love for you to read me. There's an extraordinarily high volume of books on sale, of which many will never be seen. Very upsetting when you think of that book you spent years writing, which made you forget when you last mowed the lawn, cost you your relationship - or at least several episodes of Eastenders - is out there waiting to be read by somebody - anybody? please?
Not only have I made one of my books perma free, I've decided to offer my latest novel, Natalie's Getting Married for free to download on Kindle over the coming Bank Holiday Weekend. (Well it's a Bank Holiday in the UK, 27th to 30th May 2016).I'm hoping it will encourage people who would never have known I exist, to notice me. Maybe they will become interested in what I write and might look out for my future books. Maybe they will Like me on Facebook - who knows? It's worth a try, right?
How it works out for me I'll only know after this weekend so I'll keep you posted.
Writers - Have you ever offered a book for free? If so, how did it work out, if at all?
Readers - What's your favourite pastime and how many books could you read over a month?
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