I have recently published my first book. I have some really great friends who have allowed me to share the ad for my book on their Facebook page. Some of these friends are leaders of different Christian single groups and they have allowed me to share the ad to their group page. Collectively, due to the kindness of my friends, the ad for my book, The Shattered Vase, has now been able to reach several thousand people. That is massive!

In addition to this, at the different parties and meetings we hold, they do not raise their eyebrows when I slip another Christian single a promotional card. I was a bit hesitant to ask some of them.  I know that two of the leaders had books that they were working on. Yet they have been so supportive of my novel, The Shattered Vase.

I just had one friend who refused me permission to post an ad on his Facebook. He demanded that I give him a free copy of my book.

I refused and I feel as if I need to explain to you why I am not giving The Shattered Vase away for free.

#1. This book took eighteen years to process. I wrote one book over ten years and God told me it was too dark, so I pulled that one from production and trashed it. I started all over again and completely rewrote the plot and gave it a different title. This time the book took only eight years to write. How would you like to work eighteen years on a project and then have people expect to get it for free?

#2. I researched why some people give their books away for free on Amazon. They do it to play the ranking game. One of the articles I read stated that you could only charge money for a book if it was worth reading. Considering I have close to 20,000 followers for this blog and my first review on Amazon is a 5 star rating, I can assure you that my book is worth reading and buying.

#3. This is now my occupation. This is not a hobby. This is not a charity either. It is my job and I take it very seriously. I spend most of my days; 10-12 hours per day working on my marketing, writing my next book or thinking about what I am going to write. In addition to this, I also blog as much as I can. Soon I will be developing another website to start promoting my second book.

#4. I spent several thousand dollars getting my book published. I didn’t ask my publisher to format, edit or print my book for free. They would have refused!

So why on earth do people think that writers can give their books away for free and continue to write?

#5. Amazon does not provide free advertising for any of their products. Nor do they give any of their products away for free. I think they are an exceptional company in many ways but they are not generous nor charitable.

Why?

Because they are a business and they are focused on profit. Why should I view my business in a different light than what they do?

#6. I believe that my writing is fulfilling God’s calling on my life. It is my passion, my desire and my obsession. I know without a doubt that God wants me to make a fabulous income with this and I can not do that by giving books away for free.

So, if you are looking for a freebie, my suggestion is to look elsewhere. My book is worth reading and worth the price I charge. I am hoping it will change the world and make it a kinder place to live.

BTW, thank you for letting me rant.