How to get my (and other writers') books for nothing

Or very cheaply

Aug 15, 2023

This bulletin is chock full of useful information, so grab a coffee, put your feet up, light a scented candle, breathe deeply and exhale.

Ready?

First, let’s be clear, there are few things writers appreciate more than when readers buy their books, and I’m certainly no exception.

However, times are tough, and the things we do for pleasure are getting pushed farther and farther down the shopping list. Also, if you’re trying a new writer it’s nice to have a free taster before becoming a loyal fan, right?

So here are some ideas about how to read my and other writers’ books without spending a penny, or perhaps only 99 of them.

READER MAGNETS

Reader magnets are books that writers give away in return for signing up for their mailing list. They might be prequels, book ones in a series, short stories, additional scenes or other books, often not available to the general public.

You can find my reader magnets at the ship’s store. They include the prequels to Space Colony One, Shadows of the Void, and Star Mage Saga.

Here are some more:

FREE SCI-FI & FANTASY BOOKS

LIBRARIES

Did you know you can often borrow ebooks from your local library? Through services such as Overdrive/Libby, Cloud Library, Borrowbox, Hoopla, and others, you can download and read many of your favourite authors.

Here are my books on Overdrive and Hoopla.

You can make a request over the counter or send an email like this one:

Subject: Ebook Request
I’d like to request the ebook (insert title of book here) by J.J. Green. I noticed that the ebook is on Overdrive but our library currently doesn’t carry it. I’ve posted the link below. Thank you for your consideration.
https://www.overdrive.com/search?q=J.J.+Green&f-formatClassification=

FREE ANTHOLOGIES & COLLECTIONS

Writers sometimes club together to create free anthologies, sharing books on a theme they think their readers might like, or they may make the first book or box set in the series free. Here are some examples. Click on the cover images.

REVIEW CREW

The Review Crew receives my latest releases a few weeks before publication and leaves reviews on the books. You don’t have to leave a review on Amazon. I’m happy to see reviews on other bookstores and at Goodreads and Bookbub.

If you would like to join the crew, write to me at jenny@jjgreenauthor.com and include a link to a review you’ve already written on one of my books.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Maybe you’ve heard of Kindle Unlimited? Scribd and KoboPlus are similar subscription services and both have 30-day free trials. Check them out here: KoboPlus Scribd.com.

YOUTUBE

I mentioned libraries, where you can also download and listen to free audiobooks, or you could go to Youtube. Three of my series are already up, with more to follow.

SHIP’S BULLETIN

If you’ve been receiving the ship’s bulletin for a while, you’ll know I always discount my latest releases to 99c or 99p, and I only tell you guys (mostly). I appreciate your loyalty and want to give something back.

The bulletin is also where you’ll find out about any special offers or promotions going on, as well as fascinating details about life aboard the starship!

That’s all I’ve got for now. Have you found another (legal) way to get free books or audiobooks? Let other shipmates know in the comments.

Thanks for reading this far. As a reward, check out the photo of London I took this week from the Sky Garden, 35 floors up.

Take care and enjoy your books.