Reading is a wonderful pastime, but it can sometimes be a costly one. In this blog post, we’ll explore budget-friendly ways to reignite your love for books. Let’s dive into the affordable options to get your hands on free books and discover new authors without breaking the bank.
“When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes
Desiderius Erasmus
Are you a bookworm on a budget? Or perhaps just someone who loves getting lost in a good story without breaking the bank? Look no further, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret – free books are just a click away! Whether you’re into classic literature, contemporary fiction, self-help books, or anything in between, there are numerous ways to access free books online.
Who doesn’t love a free book? The joy of discovering a new story, the satisfaction of finishing a captivating novel, and the pride of displaying your literary accomplishments are all priceless experiences. However, the cost of books can sometimes be a barrier to our reading adventures. In this article, we will explore the secret world of free books, specifically through the use of library cards and alternative options for those who may not have access to a physical library.
It’s surprising that I didn’t consider getting a library card sooner, but I’ve managed to save approximately $60 since I finally acquired one last month in April. Currently, I am engrossed in reading the From Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, which I was pleasantly surprised to find available at our local small town libraries.
I hesitated to get a library card because I enjoy keeping books as mementos/ trophies to be display after reading them as well as my assumption that the library might not have the latest trending or popular books. However, I was mistaken.
Prior to getting my library card, I conducted thorough research to ensure that the library had books that piqued my interest, despite the fact that the card itself is free. I wanted to ensure that there was a worthwhile selection of books available before proceeding, as simply being free did not justify obtaining a library card in my eyes.
A library card is a free pass to a world of literary treasures. Not only does it provide access to a wide range of books, but it also offers a variety of other resources, such as audiobooks, e-books, and even DVDs. Furthermore, libraries often host events and workshops, providing opportunities for community engagement and learning.
For those who are not into visiting the library or do not have one nearby, there is still hope for obtaining free books.
“The more that you read, the more things your will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go
Dr. Seuss
In the book community, you may come across the term ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) used by authors who invite people to join their ARC team or book tours. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, an ARC is simply an advance copy of the author’s book that readers receive before its official release. The catch is that authors and book tours expect readers to provide honest reviews of the book, which helps generate excitement and awareness for its release. Rest assured, participating in this process won’t cost you anything except for your time.
To join an Arc Team, there are various approaches you can take. Personally, I began by following independent authors on Instagram who caught my interest. Little did I know that this would lead to an opportunity to apply for an ARC. I discovered that effective communication plays a crucial role in this process. I signed up for multiple ARCs across different genres, including books outside of my comfort zone and ones I never expected to enjoy. In some cases, and some I didn’t even finish certain ARC books. This is where communication comes into play. I would email the author, their PA, or whoever is responsible for managing the ARCs and reviews, politely explaining that the book wasn’t a good fit for me. Open and honest communication is key. It’s perfectly fine if a book you signed up for isn’t your cup of tea; what matters is that you made the effort to try.
Joining an Arc Team can be approached in various ways. In my experience, I started by following indie authors on Instagram who caught my attention. Little did I know that this would eventually lead to the opportunity to apply for an ARC. I quickly learned the importance of effective communication. I signed up for multiple ARCs across different genres, including books that pushed me out of my comfort zone and ones I never thought I would enjoy. There were even instances where I decided not to finish certain ARC books. This is where communication played a vital role. I would send an email to the author, their PA, or whoever was responsible for managing the ARCs and reviews, politely expressing that the book wasn’t a good fit for me. The key is to communicate openly and honestly. It’s completely acceptable if a book you signed up for doesn’t resonate with you; what truly matters is that you made the effort to explore new reads
Leaving an Honest Review for an ARC
Here are some valuable insights and strategies I have acquired throughout my journey of applying and writing reviews. If I anticipate giving a book a rating of 3 stars or lower, I make it a point to delay posting or publishing my review until 2-3 weeks after the release day Additionally, I ensure to inform the author in advance about my intention to share the review a few weeks later. In the case of books that I couldn’t finish reading, I once again communicate with the person or author responsible for the ARC team, expressing my regret that the book didn’t resonate with me. However, I still make it a priority to create a release day post to generate excitement for the book, even if it wasn’t personally my cup of tea.
A book tour is often seen as a typical promotional tour where authors visit stores to promote their books. However, indie authors have another option to spread the word about their books through ARC book tours. These tours involve assembling an ARC team or a Street Team, who may not have read the book but are enthusiastic about promoting it. Additionally, companies may provide graphics for posting and other promotional materials.
Each one is different in their own way with how they promote, the genres they tour, new authors, etc.. It’s a great way for indie authors to not spend a crazy amount of money to promote their books.
Participating in an ARC tour allows me to choose the specific day to share my review, with a window of time for other participants to do the same. Additionally, there is typically a review form provided to inform the tour company of completion.
Many book tour companies outline potential consequences in their ARC forms for failing to review or communicate dissatisfaction with the book.
Another platform I have come across is called NetGalley. It is the same idea as book tours, request the book you want to read and leave a review all in one place. It is free to become a member, and they work with some known publishing companies such as Sourcebooks, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, and Independent Book Publishers Association
ARCs Not Your Cup of Tea
If none of the options interest you, Goodreads has a list of free online books. I personally have not used the list, as I have acquired so many from ARCs. Oh and one more thing.
A couple times out of the year there is Stuff Your Kindle Day. Usually Stuff Your Kindle Days are for certain genres at a time. One day might be romantasy, the other could be about paranormal creatures and so on. So keep a lookout for Stuff Your Kindle Day
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