The internet has a plethora of sites that offer free or deeply discounted e-books to members.
They get their product from authors who are enticed by the opportunity to have a promo template of their book sent free to the site’s membership in hopes that some members will download it, read and review it.
The free offer is a teaser to encourage you to pay for their enhanced list - more members and prolonged exposure.
They also offer a free author interview template. Answer the questions, add your picture and they’ll post it for free.
I discounted Local Rag to 99¢ and submitted it to the four sites listed below, taking advantage of free option only. I work hard to write and produce a decent book and I won't pay to give it away for free.
Like so many things that are free, and I suppose that goes for most free e-books, you get what you pay for. I didn’t see a whiff of interest.
I’ve researched a few authors who have documented how much they spent versus how much they made in sales using this approach. They claim to have broke even, but I have my doubts. I’m reminded of my friend who makes frequent trips to Las Vegas. When he wins, I hear about it. When he loses, well, he’s back talking about the time he won.
The other thing I noticed is that their book sales were not sustained. There may have been a blip, but there was not enough reviews, word of mouth, or buzz, in general, to elevate their book from self-publishing oblivion.
Stay calm, be brave, watch for the signs
Discount book sites
My Amazon Book Page in case you want to purchase Local Rag for 99¢ until the end of August
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003DS6LEU