Overlap between readers of freebies and readers who buy

[Karen]

I've been working on a free story set in the same afterlife as Wander Home. I'm also planning to make my previous novel, Twin-Bred, free wherever I can once the sequel comes out this spring, in a new edition including the beginning of the sequel's first chapter. The idea was to lure readers from the freebies to the still-cheap-as-dirt :-) ebooks. I'm wondering, though: do more than a tiny percentage of those who download free books spend any money, ever, to buy books? Thoughts, experiences?

[Cameo]

Hi Karen. A lot of times I'll download a free, then buy something from the same author if I like their style.

[Charles]

Hey Karen.. Charles Wells here. About a year ago Mark Coker (owns smashwords) suggested that authors with 3 or more books in a series make book one seriously reduced or even free. I have 9 books (total of 15) in my Whispering Pines Series (http://www.wellstonpublishing.com) and I made Book 1 The Beginning a FREE download everywhere except Amz.. (they force me to keep it at .99¢ since I am NOT KDP select. My results are showing that having a free book (and 4 others free as well in various Genres) is pulling readers on to the rest of the series. I"m guessing 70% who read the free one, buy at least one of the others in the series. (no order needed.. just pick and go from book 2-9) Strangely enough, my best sales are at Sony and B&N.. Amazon sales stumble along but nothing like Barnes or Sony (free book ranked #49 site wide at Sony at this writing..)

So I agree with going to a free book if you have more than 3 in a series.. hope that helps you in the decision processes.

Chas Wells
Georgia USA

[Abigail]

I don't have a book out yet, but I agree with having a sufficient backlist before making anything free.

[Alexes]

If I find a great author through a freebie, I will buy her or his other books.

Offering book one or a short story in the same world for free is a proven strategy for indie authors. It works.

[Charles]

Alexes wrote: "If I find a great author through a freebie, I will buy her or his other books.

Offering book one or a short story in the same world for free is a proven strategy for indie authors. It works."

Keyword being "Great"... I get so disheartened digging through the slush piles and yard sales at times I could just scream.. whew..