We all love to read. We love to read even more when we don’t have to pay for the books. I have 4 ways to get free books to make your book lover heart very happy!
1. Get a Library Card
Every few months, I make a public declaration that having a library card is so critical for any book lover. Not only do you have access to your local library, but you are able to access online libraries as well. I personally use Libby and Hoopla. On both platforms, you get access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and music (Hoopla). These apps give you online access to your local libraries online databases. So it’s important to know that you will be sharing these resources. While Libby often has wait times for weeks on end, if the book is available on Hoopla, you can read it instantly.
2. Book Swap
You may have a fellow book lover, or lovers, in your orbit. In this case, you can schedule designated book swaps. During these times, you can make a complete event out of. Grab some wine, a nice charcuterie board, and a book, or books, that you enjoyed but want to share with others. At the beginning of shelter-in-place, I participated in a virtual book swap. I was given the mailing address of complete strangers and I shipped off my book, Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward, and I even got a couple of books sent to me. I truly enjoyed it and ended up with a title that I have yet to read, but I know people love, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
3. Use Amazon Prime
Amazon has us all in a chokehold! Since we are already obsessed with Amazon Prime, we might as well be able to get free books from it. With your Amazon Prime account, you also get access to Prime Reading. Prime Reading gives you access to thousands of books, magazines, comics, and more. You don’t need a Kindle to access Prime Reading but you will need the Kindle app.
I also pay an additional $9.99 for Kindle Unlimited. Kindle Unlimited gives you additional access to even more titles than Prime Reading.
4. Become a Book Reviewer
Whenever you finish a book, candidly share your opinions about the book on a public forum. I use Goodreads. I also use Youtube. Publishers and PR teams love to hear your opinions and value what you have to say. They will begin to reach out to get your honest feedback about their book. I have gotten a few books mailed to me directly from simply having a public profile sharing my opinions.
With all reviews, I think it’s important to be honest. If you don’t like it, then say that! If you love it, scream it from the mountain top. By making yourself more visible, you will gain attention from the right people to get you those books for free!
Mystery Tip: Get a Netgalley Account
One way that I have been able to get free books, but also advanced reader copies (ARCs), is by joining Netgalley. When I initially made my Netgalley account, I was a classroom teacher and used my account as an educator. Since leaving the profession, I have changed my profile to fall in line with being a Book Influencer. I have been able to get so many advanced copies of books through Netgalley. It is a great way to support my journey as a book influencer.
The purpose of Netgalley is to gather sentiments about upcoming titles. Therefore, you are expected to review books and share your opinions. It is important to review the books you read to help improve your rating, which aids in getting access to the more popular books.
*I am not sure how likely the average person can get a Netgalley account, but it’s worth a try.
Go Read A Book Merch
Check out my other book reviews here.
