What If Books Were Free?

What if books were free? I admit, I would like a free book about a topic I’m only mildly interested in. It’s much easier to get a free copy of a book these days. You can press download, and viola! you have a free ebook to enjoy.

Here’s another perspective. An author can spend months or years to write a book. That’s hundreds and thousands of hours put into a piece of writing.

Recently, an author was horrified to find her book could be downloaded for free on a website. She asked for help to prevent this from happening.

Imagine working for thousands of hours for no pay. I know the feeling. I’ve worked as a book editor with authors who spend two years on a book and don’t finish it. I’ve also worked with authors who patiently work through several drafts, rewriting the same chapters until perfection.

It’s horrifying to see thousands of hours of hard work given away for nothing. What would you do if you came across a free book?

And on another note for book lovers, I’ll leave you with this handy guide for buying books.

image credit: bethanyfiction.com

Comments

22 responses to “What If Books Were Free?”

  1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar

    Even if it was free, not many would care about it
    They need free wifi instead

    However, if educational books were free in India, it could help millions of poor children, who can’t afford.

    Rn, I am reading 4-5 books, and I don’t have time for anything else.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar

      Wow, that’s amazing that you’re reading that many books. I don’t have time to read books anymore, other than for work (as a book editor).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar

        I give time in early morning and before sleeping at night
        No phone

        I’m reading A thousand splendid suns

        And many other magazines simultaneously

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Belladonna Avatar

    I’ve read a few books that I wish had been free, they were awful!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar

      I’ve had that happen. I ended up donating them to the library after I bought and read them.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Belladonna Avatar

        I’ve done the same!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Pooja G Avatar

    Lol, love that image. I wish books were free, I would do a lot more reading. Sometimes I see a book I may like but if I’m not sure I’ll like it I don’t buy it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar

      That’s happened to me as well. I’ve checked out the page previews and remained undecided about buying or not.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Pooja G Avatar

        Yeah, I think free books would really help with those situations.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar

        Definitely. Particularly if I like the author; then I might buy the next book to support the author.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Pooja G Avatar

        True, I do that for authors I like too.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar

        One time I was at a writer’s convention. I had forgotten to bring my copy of the author’s book. So I bought one at the convention for her to sign. Now I have the copy I read and the copy she signed for a total of two copies of her book.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Pooja G Avatar

        I see, haha well now you have one regular copy and one copy to remember her by.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar

        Yes. Readers supporting authors. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  4. shredbobted Avatar

    Check out tedsdeskof1000voices for a free fantasy series of mine It’s taken me at least ten years to write it, and I’ve got to say, it doesn’t suck. I’ve found that trying to monetize it just makes me feel bad, but getting people to read it makes me feel really good. Please pass it on!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Deepak Sharma Avatar

    Its like working the while month and not getting paid or your salary going to someone else. Agree on the points you raised.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. equipsblog Avatar

    My type of present, Vanya.

    Liked by 2 people

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