What do you think of free series openers?

[afv011]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You do have to wait months for the next season to appear.

Unless it's cancelled of course

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by crossi

...an author should have confidence, even if misplaced, in their product. If you don't think your books are good enough to encourage other sales, you need another occupation.

On the other hand, an author should think their work is worth something.

What's the difference between no sale at all and a freeby that is never read? In paper it would make a difference, the publisher has actually lost something material that he could have sold to someone else. In ebooks not so much.

I get what you are saying. But over time I've come to the view that free books are more likely to be schlocky. It feels like a novice move.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

On the other hand, an author should think their work is worth something.



I get what you are saying. But over time I've come to the view that free books are more likely to be schlocky. It feels like a novice move.

yes, $1, 99c, 88p 99p etc maybe better than free.

[graycyn]

I think it's a good strategy. More than once, I've snagged a free series opener, then wanted to read on and purchased the rest of the series.

However, if that first read isn't good, I'll probably never bother with the author again.

[afv011]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

I get what you are saying. But over time I've come to the view that free books are more likely to be schlocky. It feels like a novice move.

If you are a famous author, you could say so, but for somebody getting started, it may be a good way to get your name out.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by afv011

If you are a famous author, you could say so, but for somebody getting started, it may be a good way to get your name out.

So just to make sure I understand what you are saying:

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

It feels like a novice move.

Would that sum it up?

[fduniho]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

So, what are your thoughts on these? Do you have any you'd particularly recommend?

I certainly don't read a lot of them, but it was through a free first book in a series that I discovered Moira Katson, Sarina Dorie, and Charlie N. Holmberg. The books in question were Shadowborn by Moira Katson, Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells by Sarina Dorie, and The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg. With Katson and Holmberg, I didn't get around to reading the book for a long time, but each one interested me in reading more once I did read it. As far as I'm aware, none are free now, though they may be read for free through Kindle Unlimited.