6 Ways to Get Books for Free

by Keira G on November 10, 2010 · 6 comments

in About

freebooksFree books is always good. They're great on book budgets and in general make you feel warm and fuzzy all the way down to your toes. I've compiled a list of what I think are the top six ways to get (nearly) free books. If you have a good idea please leave a comment and help your fellow readers out!

6. Go to Your Local Library.

Most obvious, I know, but true. Libraries are a great source for free entertainment. Not only can you get books, but you access movies, wi-fi, lectures, music, and more. Just be sure to keep track of your due dates or you'll owe some [minor] fees. Heck, I bet you can access your library online too! I know I can with mine! How easy is that to find and hold books right from home?

5. Borrow From Friends.

Just be sure when you borrow you don't forget you borrowed the book or misplace it, because your friend will not be happy. I lend books out all the time and yes I have lost a few by doing this, but I'm okay with that. It's a small price to share books I love with others.

4. Google Books.

You can read partial (limited access) and whole versions of books for free here. Granted book availability is far less than going to a [large] library or buying from Amazon, but for those like to read online it's a great opportunity to locate and devour books. There are books for every genre.

3. Check Out Paperback Swap.

Free up room on your overcrowded shelves by exchanging books with other members. List 10 books and get 2 free right off the bat. Recommend PBS to new members and get 1 free book when they post 10 books. My username is reviewromancenovel! Hint hint. The only charges you'll incur are shipping (just sending out, you are not asked to pay for shipping on books you are receiving.)

2. Check Out Blogs for Giveaways and Contests.

Many blogs host giveaways and contests. This is a great way for authors to get word out on their books to concentrated niches and a great way for you to potentially score some free merchandise. I got to read Beyond Heaving Bosoms before it was released because I participated in a giveaway contest at Smart Bitches Trashy Books. In fact, Love Romance Passion hosts a lot of contests and giveaways thanks to some very wonderful publishers and authors. Stick around and you could pick up a book or two.

1. Host a Book Review Blog.

I have had so many opportunities to read books I would have most likely not heard of, seen on the shelves at bookstores, or picked up and tried out for myself by writing Love Romance Passion. Hosting a book review blog takes a lot of work and requires a commitment on your part. It's not for the fainthearted. You're not simply reading for pleasure anymore, you have to be aware of your reactions and record them.

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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Susan S. August 26, 2009 at 7:43 PM

Here’s another way to get free books for Kindle owners. Read the Kindle blog daily! I’ve downloaded lots of free books from authors & publishers that way. I actually have their blog on my favorites. All part of the blog hopping mania thing. LOL

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2 Susan S. November 3, 2009 at 6:13 AM

Some publishers also have wonderful giveaways e.g. Samhain Publishing, and Hachette Book Group.

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3 Keira November 3, 2009 at 11:03 AM

Good tips Susan! See now we have 8 ways to get books for free (or nearly so). :D

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4 Jane November 3, 2009 at 4:12 PM

I’m going to have to check out Paperback Swap.

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5 heidenkind November 10, 2009 at 11:18 PM

Free books are always good. For free audiobooks, I’m addicted to Librivox. And you can get free book downloads at Goodreads every week.

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6 Britty May 1, 2010 at 8:58 PM

I’ve found many free giveaways by following book publishers and book bloggers on their Twitter feeds as well.

I really appreciate that you posted going to the library as your number one point! The world would be a better place if more people went more often….or at least a quieter one. Shhh!

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