I Don’t Want Your Free Book
I got started holding contests and giveaways when I first started writing. It’s a fun way to get people excited and I like doing things that are a bit off the beaten path. If you don’t believe me, check out MANday, my murder mystery and event videos, or my Kindle Fire contest.
Earlier this year I signed up for the KDP Select program at Amazon and starting giving away e-books. I was stunned when my first title was downloaded 65,000 times in two weeks. About 63,000 of those were free books.
I was so excited that I enrolled all my books and started giving them away with abandon. In two months I gave away about 120,000 e-books. It takes time for readers to get around to all those free books and some people have so many they can’t possibly read them all. But the hope is the freebies will get more people hooked on my work.
Yes, I’m marketing like a crack dealer, but books are good for you.
My message today begins with a free book but that isn’t what it’s really about.
Last week I offered a free book to someone and she said, “I love your work, but I don’t want a free book. I want to pay for it.” She actually waited for the book to go back on sale so she could buy it.
I’ve heard this before. Many people have purchased books out of my trunk at a steep discount. Several have told me they want to pay more and have even tried giving me an extra five bucks thinking I wouldn’t notice.
These people want me to make a living. They want me to succeed so I’ll keep writing. They know I need to earn something and they are willing to give more than necessary. I’m really touched by this today.
Writers create books and blogs and posts online but we never truly know how much we touch people. Lots of people lurk. They read and enjoy what we have to say, but we don’t often hear from them.
Today is my birthday and my Facebook page is flooded with messages. I’m really grateful for the outpouring of support. And just for fun I want to share some great images friends sent me today.
This one made me smile!
What a perfect cake for me!
How thoughtful!
This is actually on my diet!
Working alone (and being single), my online friends are a huge part of my community and I want to thank you all for making me part of your life’s journey. On days like today I realize how blessed I am.
I’ve planned a birthday party on May 23 to coincide with the release of a short story. Several author friends are lining up to give away e-books. I hope you’ll join me for a fun celebration.
A very special thanks today to all of you who join in, reach out, and become part of my world.
