Experiment Part 2: Pay for the Book Only If You Like It

Last week, I talked about how I was going to experiment with "All The Creatures Were Stirring", the novel I wrote as the prequel to "Flesh Wound", by making it available on this website for direct purchase as an e-book.  It would be available either in its entirety ($8.99) or by groups of four chapters at a time ($0.99 per group).

I've changed my mind.  I am going to take the experiment further.  I am going to put "Creatures" out on this website by chapter groups for free!!! That's right, you can download Chapters 2-5, and then if you like those, you can download Chapters 6-9, etc., etc., until you've read the entire book.  Free.  No Charge.  Nada.

What I'm going to ask is this:  Any reader who likes what they've read come back and use the handy "Donate" button I'm going to add to right beneath the file downloads to make a donation to me, Jon Say, for whatever you thought your reading experience was worth.

This is an unconventional way of getting content to readers, no doubt.  I am certain that some readers will read the book, hopefully like it, and not donate a cent.  That's not my preference, obviously, but I can live with it.  I still like this method of getting "Creatures" out there and here's why.

"Creatures" gets in front of readers who would not otherwise read it.  The more people who read my writing, the better.  Maybe someone who reads "Creatures" will take a look at "Flesh Wound" and buy it, who knows?
"Creatures" gets in front of people quickly.  The download is immediate, and so the reader can begin reading immediately.  Don't have to wait months for production, don't have to wait days for shipping, or pay for it, either.  One click, and you're reading.
I don't spend the next three months figuring out how to program my personal iTunes sort of page where people can pay and download my writing with one click.  I'm a writer, not a programmer.  For a reason.  For several reasons, actually, and they all have to do with my personal competencies.  Or lack thereof.
I get to start writing the sequel to "Flesh Wound" by October 1, which is my personal deadline.  I'm very antsy to start writing the sequel, and the sooner I can get to it, the happier I'll be.

Another potential upside for me?  "Creatures" gets read by lots of people who then donate $$$ that helps keep me afloat financially while I write the sequel to "Flesh Wound".

What are the downsides of this approach for me?  Well, I suppose lots of people could read "Creatures" and I wouldn't make any money from it.  If that happens, I wouldn't be any worse off than I am now, and more people would have read my writing.  That isn't a bad downside.

So here we go!  By no later than September 30, and hopefully sooner, I will be posting the chapters from "All The Creatures Were Stirring" on this website for free, with the "Donate" button beneath them.

Tell me what you think of this approach!  I'm curious.  Look for more fun things to happen here as I begin writing the sequel to "Flesh Wound".  I plan on taking you through the process of writing a novel.  Then, the process of sending it out to agents and publishers.  And hopefully, what it's like to get a book deal.  Or who knows?  Maybe I'll just post it here for you to read for free. 

Have a terrific day, and I'll be talking to you soon!  In the meantime, read Chapter 1 of "Creatures" and get ready for more!  -Jon