A Publisher’s Conversation with Authors: Are Free Books Really Worth It?
It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.
This week we discuss free books. Are they worth it?
Let’s talk about the word “free.” It’s seductive, isn’t it? BookBub swears by it. So do Freebooksy, Written Word Media, Goodreads, and a host of platforms that thrive on zero-cost promotions. They say free books are your best sales tool. And they’re not wrong—if your goal is downloads.
But here’s the rub: downloads aren’t sales. And they certainly aren’t readers.
The Psychology of Free: Why It Works (Sort Of)
According to Written Word Media, “free” triggers a powerful emotional response. It lights up the brain, bypasses risk aversion, and creates urgency through FOMO (fear of missing out). Readers grab free books like Costco samples—because they can. And because they might miss out.
That’s great for visibility. But visibility without conversion is just noise.
Our Experience: Hundreds of Downloads, Zero Sales
We’ve run free promotions. We’ve seen the spike—hundreds of downloads in a single day. But what followed? Crickets. No reviews. No sales of the next book. No measurable bump in newsletter signups or long-term engagement.
If those were print books, the cost would be staggering. Even with ebooks, the ROI is often negative when you factor in time, platform fees, and lost revenue.
What the Data Says
A recent analysis of reader engagement post-promotion found that while free books increase visibility, they rarely lead to sustained readership unless paired with a strong funnel strategy. That means:
- A compelling series with book one as the free hook
- A well-placed upsell (book two at a discount)
- A robust email capture strategy
- A clear brand that readers can recognize and return to
Without these, free books are just free books. Not marketing tools. Not sales drivers.
Who Really Benefits?
Platforms like BookBub and Goodreads benefit enormously from free promotions. They attract readers, boost engagement metrics, and monetize the traffic—while authors absorb the cost. BookBub charges for placement and builds its subscriber base with every free download. Goodreads gains shelf adds, reviews, and user data that feed its recommendation engine and advertising model. For them, “free” is a growth strategy. For authors? It’s often a gamble.
When Free Is Strategic: Reviews, Not Revenue
There are moments when “free” isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a trade. Offering a free book in exchange for a thoughtful review can be a smart move, especially for early-stage authors or niche titles. Reviews build credibility, improve algorithmic visibility, and help readers make informed choices. But even here, the strategy matters. Cold outreach rarely works. Targeted offers to engaged readers—those already in your newsletter list or part of your community—are far more likely to yield meaningful feedback. Think of it as seeding your garden, not scattering wildflower mix on concrete.
The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 22 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.
See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.
Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.
To purchase copies of any MSI Press book at 25% discount,
use code FF25 at MSI Press webstore.
Want to read an MSI Press book and not have to pay for it?
(1) Ask your local library to purchase and shelve it.
(2) Ask us for a review copy; we love to have our books reviewed.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL OUR AUTHORS AND TITLES.
(recent releases, sales/discounts, awards, reviews, Amazon top 100 list, author advice, and more -- stay up to date)Check out recent issues.
Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC?
Turn your manuscript into a book!
Check out information on how to submit a proposal.
We help writers become award-winning published authors. One writer at a time. We are a family, not a factory. Do you have a future with us?
Turned away by other publishers because you are a first-time author and/or do not have a strong platform yet? If you have a strong manuscript, San Juan Books, our hybrid publishing division, may be able to help.
Planning on self-publishing and don't know where to start? Our author au pair services will mentor you through the process.
Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book in exchange for reviewing a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com.
Want an author-signed copy of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.
Want to communicate with one of our authors? You can! Find their contact information on our Authors' Pages.Steven Greenebaum, author of award-winning books, An Afternoon's Discussion and One Family: Indivisible, talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Gilroy, California.MSI Press is ranked among the top publishers in California.
Check out our rankings -- and more -- HERE.
Comments
Post a Comment