Just in the last 24 hours I’ve seen three articles about authors giving away their books for free or encouraging their buyers to freely share their book with others. This model–straight out of Chris Anderson’s latest book– seems to be spreading faster than the H1N1 virus, but in a good way.

Sure,  Cory Doctorow was specifically referring to ebooks, but the “free ebook” premise–and challenge–extends into print as well, and he knows it. I run into authors every day that are unwilling to give their ebooks away–even during their blog tours, yet in all my years working with new authors I’ve never seen data indicating that free ebook distribution (as a promotion or as a long-term activity) cannibalizes physical book sales. In fact, my experience demonstrates that free book promotions increase print book sales by exposing your work quickly and more efficiently to your new audience.

But it’s not just Cory that’s examining these new alternative business models. Author Stephen Elliot, in an article at The Huffington Post, has established a “lending program” that includes giving away free advance copies of his new book to readers–as long as they then share the book with another reader. He states that this activity has brought a lot of attention to his book and has helped him better attract and interact with his audience.

Then, I read in an article yesterday where Tom Pope, a self-published author in Manchester, Vermont, is approaching his marketing plan with a mix of the above. He’s encouraging his audience to buy his book (or ebook) for $5 and then share his book with others. He’s hoping that these new readers will then pay the $5 through his author-reader “honor system.” Who’s to say he’s wrong?

The publishing world is quickly changing, and authors need to embrace new, non-traditional marketing approaches with an open mind. Free book “give-aways” might just help jump-start your book’s overall success, and authors–especially first-time authors–should strongly consider a free book approach as part of their book’s marketing and PR plan.

Then there are those authors who are dead-set against even releasing their book as an ebook. I’m not sure what the future holds for them, but I’m growing more concerned every day.

Until next time, keep publishing!

Henry Hutton
PublishandSell.com
PublishingNewsUpdate.com

Tags: author marketing, book giveaway, book lending program, book marketing, book publishing, Cory Doctorow With a Little Help, ebook marketing, ebook publishing, free ebooks, Henry Hutton, Publish and Sell, Publishandsell.com, self-publishing