I recently decided to offer my book, ChatGPT for Better Business Communication, for free.
The concept of offering a book for free might seem counterintuitive, especially when it’s something you’ve poured your heart and soul into. However, the strategy of giving away your book for free can have numerous benefits, especially for authors looking to expand their reach and potentially increase their income. Let’s dive into this strategy and its advantages.
The Experiment: From 99¢ to Free
A few years ago, I decided to experiment with the pricing of my book, “Write Your Book on the Side.” One day in August, I sold a single copy at 99¢. The very next day, when I offered the book for free, I saw a whopping 224 downloads. That’s over 200 times more downloads just by dropping the price to zero.
The Background: A Journey of a Bestselling Book
A few years ago, I launched “Write Your Book on the Side,” a guide on how to pen your first non-fiction book while juggling a full-time job. The book did well, hitting Amazon’s bestseller list in several categories. However, over time, I noticed a decrease in sales. After some research, I concluded that the book was getting lost in the competitive marketplace of writing and publishing guides. And after I researched what other authors did with their free strategy, I decided to list it for free as well.
The Benefits of Offering Your Book for Free
- Increased Sales of Other Formats: Even if your eBook is free, readers might still purchase the paperback or audiobook versions. Different readers have different preferences, and some might want a physical copy or an audio version for their commutes. Since publishing my ebook version for free, I’ve seen an increase in sales of my paperback and audiobook versions.
- Boost Sales of Other Books: If you’ve written multiple books, offering one for free can serve as an introduction to your work. If readers enjoy your free book, they’re more likely to check out your other titles.
- Offer Related Services: If your book is on a specialized topic, readers might reach out for related services, such as consulting, training, or speaking engagements. These can be more lucrative than book sales.
Making the Most of the “Free” Strategy
To maximize the benefits of offering your book for free, consider the following:
- Update Your Book: Before offering it for free, ensure your book is up-to-date. This might mean updating references or adding new content.
- Promote Other Works: Within your free book, mention your other titles or related services you offer.
- Collect Email Addresses: Offer a bonus or additional content in exchange for readers’ email addresses. This allows you to build a relationship with them and introduce them to your other works or services.
In Conclusion
Offering your book for free might seem like a loss at first, but the potential benefits in terms of branding, reach, and indirect income can be substantial.