How to Give Your eBook for Free Without Violating Amazon’s Terms and Maximizing Reviews
Many authors wonder if giving away their eBooks for free can help secure reviews on Kindle. Unfortunately, this strategy often backfires due to the natural human inclination to treat a free item with less value. Instead, consider other ways to attract paid readers or to offer your eBook for free in a way that complies with Amazon's terms of service.
Evaluating Paid Pricing for Reviews
While it's tempting to give away your eBook for free to get more readers and, consequently, reviews, research shows that readers are more likely to provide feedback when they've paid for a book. Selling your book at a low price, such as 99 cents, increases the chances of a reader providing a review, as they feel a stronger connection to the book. Additionally, readers might only have a few paid books on their Kindle, meaning more of their books paid for tend to get reviewed.
Strategies for Free eBooks
There are alternative methods to share your eBook without violating Amazon's terms of service and still attract valuable feedback.
1. Gift Your eBook: Amazon allows authors to gift free copies of their eBooks through their KDP platform. This can be done personally to specific readers who are willing to share their honest opinion about your book. Provide these readers with a personal Amazon coupon for a free book, but avoid obligating them to leave a review. Instead, inform them that they can leave a review voluntarily if they choose to do so.
2. Use Freebie Sites: Utilize platforms like Instafreebie and Foornote to distribute your eBook. These sites provide a link where reviewers can download your book for free. Authors are encouraged to use these platforms to find a wider audience, but emphasize that participation in the giveaway is entirely voluntary and that reviews are also voluntary, even if they thank the author for the book.
Understanding the KDP Select Program
Amazon's KDP Select Program is a unique opportunity for authors to increase their book's visibility. To participate in this program, you must exclusively offer your book for sale on Amazon for 90 days. During this period, you can designate up to five days where your book is featured as a freebie, which can help generate initial interest and reviews. After this 90-day period, your book will be available for purchase on Amazon at a price of your choosing.
Preparing Your eBook for Upload
To prepare your eBook for upload and increase its chances of success on Amazon, follow these critical steps:
Book Cover: Ensure your cover matches the genre of your book. A visually appealing cover can make a lasting impression on potential readers. Book Description: Write a compelling blurb that entices readers to download and read your sample. A well-crafted blurb can significantly increase your book's appeal. Editing: Get your book professionally edited to ensure there are no obvious typos, spelling issues, or grammatical errors. Clean, professional writing is crucial for reader engagement and review quality.Once your book is ready, follow these steps for a successful upload:
Go to your Amazon's KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) dashboard. Follow the instructions for preparing your book, which are available in free ebook guides (search Amazon for “Kindle Direct Publishing guide”). Upload your cover, blurb, and book file (in Mobi or PDF format). Review all the details and submit your book for review. After approval, Amazon will send you the direct URL to your book's product page. Share this URL with your reviewers so they can easily access and read your book.By following these strategies and ensuring you comply with Amazon's terms of service, you can maximize your eBook's visibility and acquisition of valuable reviews.
Keywords: free eBook, Kindle reviews, KDP Select Program