Over 50+ Sites to Promote Your Free & Discounted Books
- By Prasenjeet
- July 26, 2015
- 15 Comments
There are hundreds of sites promising to promote your books. Their business model is obviously not very robust, because I keep on finding them dropping “dead” at the drop of a hat. Pixel of Ink is a recent example. Another warning. Some of these sites switch from being a Free Advertising space to becoming paid. So check very carefully before filling up their forms.
To be on the safe side, you could start with Author Marketing Club which in any case is a great place for indie authors to learn about book marketing. Their basic membership is FREE and you can register with them to use their site.
I have also done a review of Author Marketing Club’s Premium Membership. There is no need to spend money immediately but if you are interested in learning more, you could go to:
http://www.publishwithprasen.com/author-marketing-club-premium-membership/
Author Marketing Club features a good list of sites that will accept your books when you are running a free or discounted promotion.
You could check them out (without registering) at:
http://authormarketingclub.com/members/submit-your-book/
The sites featured here that can be tried out for your FREE books are:
* Freebooksy: for PERMAFREE too
* It’s Write Now
* Bookpraiser: for PERMAFREE too
* Free&discountedbooks: for PERMAFREE too: Need to register first.
* Kindle Book Promos
* Indie Book of the day:
* eReader Girls
* Ignite your Book
* OHFB
* Book Circle
* Ebook Stamp: Every time you wish to promote, it asks you to “update your profile!”
* The Reading Sofa
Here are a few more sites that I have compiled which you can use. Just remember to post to these sites at least 14 days in advance; otherwise many may not accept your request. Most of these sites also have a paid option but I suggest sticking to the free one. There is no need to waste money.
More Sites to Promote FREE BOOKS and PERMA FREE BOOKS
Read Freely:
http://www.readfree.ly/submityourfreebook/
Hot Zippy:
http://support.hotzippy.net/?page_id=585
Just Kindle Books:
http://www.justkindlebooks.com/submit-your-book/
Independent Author Network:
http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/free-ebooks.html
Choosy Book Worm:
Free Books Hub:
http://www.freebookshub.com/authors/
Note: This site almost immediately asks you to take their paid option! So you can avoid them.
E-Reader Utopia:
Note: Your books always remain on this site, so for future promotions you need to just update the period of your offer.
Awesome Gang:
http://awesomegang.com/submit-your-book/
Zoeys Online Books:
http://www.zoeysonlinebooks.com/free-promo/
E-Reader Perks:
http://www.ereaderperks.com/authors/
Book Canyon:
http://bookcanyon.com/submitbook/
Frugal Freebies:
http://www.frugal-freebies.com/p/submit-freebie.html
Daily Cheap Reads:
http://www.dailycheapreads.com/your-two-cents-worth
Note: You will need to send them a message! My message, for example was:
“Amazon #1 bestseller author Prasenjeet Kumar’s “Quiet Phoenix: An Introvert’s Guide to Rising in Career & Life” (Book Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KZK0N9S) is going FREE (regular price $3.99) only for five days from March 05 to 09, 2015.
In a first-of-its-kind tell-all memoir on the inside working of a top Indian law firm, corporate lawyer turned author Prasenjeet Kumar, shares his experiences in as candid and no-holds-barred manner as never disclosed in this genre before.
Like the legendary Phoenix bird rising from the ashes, “Quiet Phoenix” is a self-help manual specifically meant to encourage all introverts or Quiet persons to lift them up literally from the bootstraps, by constantly reminding them that introversion is NOT a handicap to be ashamed of. In fact, Introverts are supposed to have amazing powers of concentration, engaged listening, and an ability to foster deep relationships with friends and clients.
Over all, “Quiet Phoenix” is an incredible career change story that Prasenjeet Kumar shares, with wit and charm, of the journey from being a Corporate Lawyer to becoming a Full Time Author-Entrepreneur using his introversion as strength to overcome all obstacles”.
The Digital Ink Spot:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dC1PcUFvVlZiV25lcjYtZzhtNzNQQnc6MQ
Free Books Blog:
http://www.freeebooksblog.com/contact/
Note: You will need to send them a message.
Indie House Books:
http://indiehousebooks.com/about-3/#contact-form-456
Note: You will need to send them a message: They need at least one week notice prior to the free promotion date. Send them an email at staff@indiehousebooks.com with “Free eBook” in the subject line. Be sure to include the book description, the title, a link to the listing, and the date(s) of the promotion. The promotions are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Book Angel:
http://bookangel.co.uk/submit-your-book/
Note: This is a British website. Send them your Amazon.co.uk book link therefore!
Click Reading:
http://clickreading.com/contact/
Note: You will need to send them a message.
Feed Your Reader:
http://www.feedyourreader.com/submit-your-book-2/
E-Free Books.org:
http://efreebooks.org/contact-us/
Note: You will need to send them a message.
Deal Seeking Mom:
http://dealseekingmom.com/about/contact/
Note: You will need to send them a message.
Penny Pinching Mom:
http://www.pennypinchinmom.com/share-your-deals-with-me/
Note: Need to send a message to tracie@pennypinchinmom.com.
Free Stuff Times:
http://www.freestufftimes.com/about-the-site
Note: Need to send a message.
Free Books For Me:
http://www.freeebooksforme.com/authors-page/
Free Books Blog:
http://www.freeebooksblog.com/contact/
I Love Ebooks:
http://www.iloveebooks.com/for-authors.html
Sites for FREE AND PERMA FREE BOOKS but with conditions
You can once again start with the Author Marketing Club at:
http://authormarketingclub.com/members/submit-your-book/& click on:
Orangeberry Free Me:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L82zYr8sJBTchnUni79XcT8MH2Aw-SyBTUPmOxrPeig/viewform
Note: They will promote you only once in 90 days.
Digital Book Today:
Note: Minimum guidelines for listing free books are 18+ reviews and a rating of 4.0+ stars. If your book does not meet these guidelines, you have to pay.
The Ereader Cafe:
http://www.theereadercafe.com/p/bargain-submissions.html
Note: Needs minimum 3 reviews; for PERMAFREE too.
EBL (ebooklister.net):
Note: Needs minimum 5 reviews above 3.8
Buck Books:
http://buckbooks.net/buck-books-promotions/
Note: Needs you to promote their books as Affiliate! So you can avoid them.
Reading Deals:
http://readingdeals.com/submit-ebook/free
Note: Needs 5 reviews above 4 star; you will also need to enter a code received on email.
Your Daily Ebooks:
http://www.yourdailyebooks.com/sample-page/
Note: You will need to register and send a message to contact@YourDailyEbooks.com. They are for fiction only.
Book Preview Club:
Note: Needs you to upload preview chapters.
Sites outside the Author Marketing Club but with conditions
Read Cheaply:
http://readcheaply.com/submit/
Note: May reject if:
* At least one of your books has been listed within the last 30 days.
* The book submitted has been listed within the last 120 days.
* Your book does not have enough good reviews from verified purchases.
* Your book is not professionally edited.
* Your book is not professionally formatted.
* Your cover graphic-design quality is sub-par.
* You used an Amazon Look-inside image instead of a clean high-res image.
* The cover image you provided is poor quality, low-resolution or not at least 400px in height.
* You provided a full cover image instead of just the front cover (does not apply to boxed sets).
* You have provided non-functioning or non-US buy URLs for your book.
* The URLs you provided are shortened using Bit.ly or another URL shortner, or contain affiliate codes.
* The short description you provided is not at least 200 characters, or is poorly written, or lacks appeal.
* The category you have selected is not appropriate for your book.
Fussy Librarian:
http://www.thefussylibrarian.com/for-authors/
Note: In order to be considered, your ebook must have 10 reviews and a 4.0 rating on Amazon OR Barnes and Noble. If you have 10 reviews split between Amazon’s various stores — like US and UK — your book is eligible. The eBook should also be priced at $5.99 or less.
If you have a new release or pre-order, it can be accepted it if you have a previously published book with more than 50 Kindle or 50 Nook reviews and a 4.0 average. The 50 reviews need to be for a single book.
Addicted to E-Books:
http://addictedtoebooks.com/content/free-advertising
Note: Needs 5 reviews.
Daily Book Worm:
http://thedailybookworm.com/submit-free-books/
Note: Needs four reviews with 3.5 or above
Great books Great Deals:
https://greatbooksgreatdeals.wufoo.com/forms/gbgd-authors/
Note: Needs 20 reviews with 4 stars!
Book Lovers Heaven:
http://bookloversheaven.com/author-information-form/
Note: Needs 10 reviews over 4 stars.
Story Finds:
https://storyfinds.com/promotions-for-authors
Note: Appears to be for fiction only; you will need to register and create an author’s page.
Midlist:
https://www.themidlist.com/submit
Note: Appears to be for fiction only; Needs 20 for discounted and 30 for FREE books. Reviews must be above 4 stars.
Kindle Book Review:
http://www.jotformpro.com/form/21078469493969
Note: Needs 14 days notice and 3.5 star reviews
Mom Junky:
http://www.momjunky.com/submissions-for-free-kindle-books/
Note: This site is only for genres relating to parenting, babies, recipes, etc.
Sites Where You Can Submit $0.99 and Discounted Books
You can again do well to start with the Author Marketing Club at:
http://authormarketingclub.com/members/submit-your-book/& click on:
* Bargainbooksy
* Bookpraiser
* Free&discountedbooks
* Kindle Book Promos
* Book Goodies
* OHFB
Sites outside the Author Marketing Club
Click Reading:
http://clickreading.com/contact/
Deal Seeking Mom:
http://dealseekingmom.com/about/contact/
Read Freely:
http://www.readfree.ly/submityourfreebook/
Hot Zippy:
http://support.hotzippy.net/?page_id=585
Independent Author Network:
http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/free-ebooks.html
Choosy Bookworm:
http://authors.choosybookworm.com/newsletter-and-website-feature/
Ereader Utopia:
Note: Your books always remain on this site, so for future promotions you can just update the period of your offer.
BK Nights on Fiverr.com:
Note: This is paid advertising and costs $5. I am mentioning it because these guys are very ethical and promptly refund your money on their own if you did not get enough sales to recover the cost of $5. There is no harm in trying them out, therefore.
Here is the link:
Sites to Promote Your $0.99 Books BUT With Conditions
You can again do well to start with the Author Marketing Club at
http://authormarketingclub.com/members/submit-your-book/& click on:
Ereader Cafe:
http://www.theereadercafe.com/p/bargain-submissions.html
Note: Needs minimum 3 reviews
EBL (ebooklister.net):
Note: They email a confirmation link; needs minimum 5 reviews above 3.8.
Just Kindle Ebooks:
http://www.justkindlebooks.com/submit-your-book/
Note: Needs a unique 50+ word description that appears nowhere online.
Orangeberry Free Me:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OVJSChrZ9g2JCoZigGk018hYNb-R2OgNRVgez_eKvEQ/viewform
Note: Needs minimum 4 reviews; and allows only one FREE submission per author in 90 days.
Sites outside the Author Marketing Club BUT with conditions
Read Cheaply:
http://readcheaply.com/submit/
May reject if:
* At least one of your books has been listed within the last 30 days.
* The book submitted has been listed within the last 120 days.
* Your book does not have enough good reviews from verified purchases.
* Your book is not professionally edited.
* Your book is not professionally formatted.
* Your cover graphic-design quality is sub-par.
* You used an Amazon Look-inside image instead of a clean high-res image.
* The cover image you provided is poor quality, low-resolution or not at least 400px in height.
* You provided a full cover image instead of just the front cover (does not apply to boxed sets).
* You have provided non-functioning or non-US buy URLs for your book.
* The URLs you provided are shortened using Bit.ly or another URL shortner, or contain affiliate codes.
* The short description you provided is not at least 200 characters, or is poorly written, or lacks appeal.
* The category you have selected is not appropriate for your book.
Fussy Librarian:
http://www.thefussylibrarian.com/for-authors/
Note: In order to be considered, your ebook must have 10 reviews and a 4.0 rating on Amazon OR on Barnes and Noble. If you have 10 reviews split between Amazon’s various stores — like US and UK — your book is eligible. The eBook should also be priced at $5.99 or less.
If you have a new release or pre-order, it can be accepted it if you have a previously published book with more than 50 Kindle or 50 Nook reviews and a 4.0 average. The 50 reviews need to be for a single book.
Great Books Great Deals:
https://greatbooksgreatdeals.wufoo.com/forms/gbgd-authors/
Note: Needs 20 reviews with 4 stars!
Book Lovers Heaven:
http://bookloversheaven.com/author-information-form/
Note: Needs 10 reviews over 4 stars
Story Finds:
https://storyfinds.com/promotions-for-authors
Note: Appears to be for fiction only; you will need to register and create an author’s page.
Mid List:
https://www.themidlist.com/submit
Note: Needs 20 reviews for discounted books.
I hope you find the list useful. Feel free to give more suggestions. And don’t forget to bookmark the page for future reference. 🙂
Wow! So much info, thanks.
I’ve been trying to promote my book and have spent almost $159 which hasn’t resulted in as much sales as I had expected. I will try the websites you mentioned.
I wish there was a TRUSTED and PROVEN company or someone who could help me market my book, without costing so much (I’m a new Indie author), so I can concentrate on writing more books.
There are so many sites clamming to market e-books, but how can we verify if they are effective?
Goodluck on your books.
Julia
Hi Julia. Yes, it is a good idea to start with free advertising and not to spend too much money on websites that do not yield any positive results for you. There are many ways in which you can evaluate the effectiveness of an advertising site. 1) Traffic: There is a website called http://www.alexa.com where you can check which website has good traffic. If the Alexa rank is below 100,000 for the US then they have good traffic but it also depends upon the price of advertising. The higher the price, the lower should be the Alexa rank. For example Book Bub charges $700 for a .99 cent promotion and has an Alexa rank of 2,000 in the US which is pretty high (Not to mention that Book Bub is too picky and way too expensive when you are starting out). If you come across a site which charges the earth (anywhere between $30-$100) and has an Alexa rank above 100, 000 then obviously they are not worthy to be used. 2) The bigger the email list, the better: BookBub claims to have a million subscribers and others like Book Gorilla and ENT somewhere between 70,000 to 300,000. Don’t use website that promote your books on twitter and facebook, they are clearly not worth it. 3) Reputation: Check Kindle boards or just google the site you want to use for advertising. If you don’t find favourable reviews from Authors then don’t use the site. I hope this helps. 🙂
Hi Prasenjeet,
Thank you for creating your list of promotion sites.
We’re Books Butterfly and we do $0.99 book and free book promotions to our email lists of 125,000+ email subscribers. We have 128,888+ daily active readers. We offer a prorated refund in case a promotion does not hit the specified targets.
We’d really appreciate it if you’d add our site to your lists of useful resources.
Our Page for Paid Book Promotions
http://www.booksbutterfly.com/order/paidbookslots/?tag=op250_lists_2_publishwithprasen
Our Page for Free Book Promotions http://www.booksbutterfly.com/order/?tag=op250_free_lists_2_publishwithprasen
Books Butterfly
Where we promote: http://www.booksbutterfly.com/order/wherepromote/
Hi Books Butterfly.
This post is about advertising sites that are Free. Yours is obviously NOT free so it can’t come here. Thanks for your interest, nonetheless. 🙂
Here is an interesting new approach to ebook promotion I would like to share. We list your book on content rich pages and share it through our large and constantly growing social media following.
It is super simply to submit an ebook and always free:
http://guymcbryde.com/?page_id=2351
Think of it as Pay-Per-Click advertising without having to pay per each click!
Your Ebook does not have to be free, and once we list it, it stays live on our pages for as long as the Ebook is available for download.
Thanks. Really appreciate it!
Here’s another site for free and 99c ebook promotions:
http://ebooksforfreeinc.com/
Hi Brandon. Thanks for posting. But this website charges money for submission. Right?
Hi Prasenjeet
Similar to several other sites, there is a free submission option, but not for guaranteed listing. The guaranteed listing is $12.
Thank you
Brandon
Are reviews by customers who download free ebooks considered “verified purchase reviews?”
Thanks!
Yes, Connie. They are. If you sent a pdf version or a word document or a mobi/epub format, then it won’t appear as a “verified purchase.” I hope that helps! 🙂
Here’s another place where you can promote your book for free https://kindlerella.wordpress.com/promote-your-ebook-for-free/
I see your first choice in: More Sites to Promote FREE BOOKS and PERMA FREE BOOKS: Is Read Freely: http://www.readfree.ly/submityourfreebook/
I must say I agree with you and being a nominee in: The 50 Best Indie Books of 2018 which I placed in and am so proud to recommend http://Readfree.ly and of the work they do for Indie authors.
Hi Prasenjeet,
I really like your blog, So thanks a lot for these great information and keep the good work shared as usual.
Thanks,
Sanjeev Kumar
Hi Prasenjeet,
Thanks for sharing blog for ebook promotion site list
Thanks,
Rakesh Kumar